The next morning, the palace hummed with gossip as servants whispered in corners, ministers walked faster than usual, and by the time Ren entered the council hall, every gaze was drawn to him, the young omega who had corrected a minister before the King.
Ren smiled faintly, pretending not to notice. Attention was dangerous, but silence was more fatal.
Theo was already in the hall, standing behind Kael's chair, his eyes sharp as knives.
"Your Majesty," Theo said quietly, "the council has prepared the revised trade map."
Kael gestured toward the table with a bored sign. "Proceed."
Ren stood off to the side again, hands folded neatly in front of him, as he studied every expression, every twitch of annoyance, every exchange of glances. Politics wasn't about words, it was about the pauses between them.
The map was unrolled, and the same minister from yesterday cleared his throat. "The adjustment to the river route has been made, as advised." His tone carried a polite venom.
Ren could feel Kael watching him from his peripheral vision.
"The toll collectors have agreed to lower fees," Theo added. "No conflicts are expected."
"Good," Kael said simply. Then, his voice softened just enough to be heard by those nearby. "Ren, any further observations?"
Upon hearing this, the minister stiffened. Even Theo's hand twitched.
Ren approached slowly, every movement deliberate. "Only one," he said. His finger traced the edge of the river drawn in blue ink. "If the floods come early this season, this section will be underwater. If we add a secondary path through the stone fields, the traders won't be stranded."
Theo's brows furrowed. "That would double the work."
"But save three months of lost time," Ren replied gently. "And time, Commander, is the one thing even kings can't reclaim." he added with a slight smile
A hush fell.
Kael's lips curved with amusement and admiration all in one. "Noted again. I think I'll make it a habit to hear your thoughts, Ren."
Theo's jaw clenched hearing this.
Ren bowed. "Your Majesty honors me too much."
**************************
When the meeting ended, Theo caught up to Ren in the corridor.
"You think you can play court games without consequence?" he said quietly.
Ren blinked innocently. "I don't play games, Commander. I just see what others overlook."
"You're manipulating him." Theo says.
Ren's smile didn't reach his eyes. "If intelligence looks like manipulation to you, perhaps you should worry less about me and more about keeping up."
Theo's hand twitched as if to grab him, then he stopped himself, realizing what scene that would cause if seen by others. His eyes narrowed, "Stay in your place, Omega."
Ren's voice softened dangerously. "My place is wherever I choose to make it." He walked away before Theo could respond, leaving the faint scent of lavender and quiet defiance behind.
**************************
That evening, Ren was given access to the palace archives under Kael's personal permission, "for education," Kael had said. The truth was, it was a test.
The room was vast, filled with scrolls, sealed documents, and old ledgers. A lesser court scholar stood by awkwardly, unsure whether to guide or watch him.
Ren dismissed the man politely and began reading through records, trade disputes, military campaigns, noble donations. Every detail mattered, every number told a story.
Hours passed unnoticed until Kael appeared in the doorway.
"You work late," Kael said, his deep voice breaking the silence.
Ren looked up, surprised but unflustered. "Curiosity keeps poor time, Your Majesty."
Kael stepped closer. "You remind me of someone. My mentor, perhaps. He had that same… relentless focus."
"Then I hope I don't end like him," Ren murmured, returning his gaze to the documents.
Kael chuckled. "You don't fear me, do you?"
Ren's quill paused. "Would you prefer that I did?"
"Most people do."
"Then I suppose I'm not most people."
Their eyes met across the desk — and for a fleeting second, the air between them seemed to hum. Kael broke the moment first, turning toward the door.
"Get some rest," he said. "The court will test you harder tomorrow."
Ren smiled faintly once Kael left. "I was counting on that."
************************
Later that night, Ren's quill danced again across a parchment, another letter to Lian.
Lian,
I've seen the King's temper, it's quieter than I expected, it's not a storm, but emits the stillness before one.
Commander Theo despises me very much and even confronted me today. I know he hates that an omega meldles with court affair and he hides it behind duty, but it bleeds through every word.
I'll need to tread carefully, though I admit… I like being underestimated.
They call this place the Lion's Den, but even lions can be led if you tug the right string.
Sleep well,
Ren.
He sealed the letter, leaned back, and closed his eyes as the palace bells rang in the distance, following a rhythm almost like a heartbeat.