A royal banquet was held to welcome Ren to the court although, non truly welcomed him.
The royal banquet hall glittered like a thousand small suns as crystals hung from chandeliers, polished marble reflected the golden candlelight, and music from a soft quartet filled the air, sweet, poised, and utterly false.
Ren stood at the edge of it all, his hand resting lightly on a glass of pale wine he had no intention of drinking.
He watched as omegas in silk gowns fluttered about like petals, nobles laughed too loudly, and Kael sat at the head of the long table like a still figure in a sea of noise.
Ren could feel his gaze even across the room, heavy and unblinking.
"Lord Ren Verren," someone purred beside him.
A Beta noblewoman, Lady Nirel, famous for her gossip and her tongue sharper her than wit. "I hear the King has taken quite the liking to you." she said in sarcasm.
Ren smiled, polite and distant. "You flatter me. His Majesty is kind to everyone who serves the court."
She laughed, tapping her fan against her chin. "Kind? Perhaps. But selective still. Tell me, how does a young omega earn such favor so quickly?" she asked with hidden meaning.
"I read," Ren replied simply ignoring the hidden meaning.
Her fan paused in confusion. "Read?" she asked.
"Yes read. Maps, ledgers, and even... people." He tilted his head, eyes glinting faintly as he stared deep into her eyes. "They all reveal something when you look closely enough." he added.
She faltered, unsure if she was being complimented or insulted but Ren paid no heed to her as he smiled sweetly, rescuing her dignity with a bow before drifting away, just enough to let whispers begin.
***********************
Ren weaved through the crowd effortlessly, his expression serene while his mind catalogued every exchange.
The Duke of Havel, too much perfume, means he's hiding nerves.
Lord Eren, flushed cheeks, over drinking to mask fear.
Lady Vea, her eyes dart toward the northern councilors.
And there, in the corner of the hall, two nobles were locked in a quiet conversation, one of them the same minister he humiliated days ago.
Ren approached them with a soft smile on his lips.
"My lords," he greeted, his voice was as smooth as honey. "Forgive my intrusion."
"Ah, the court's newest ornament," one sneered, raising his glass. "I hope the King doesn't expect you to handle numbers again. We wouldn't want another embarrassment."
Ren's lashes lowered. "You're right," he said gently. "Numbers can be… dangerous. Especially when they lead to certain transactions in the eastern mines being questioned."
The man froze, while tthe other noble's head snapped toward him. "Eastern mines?" he questioned.
Ren blinked innocently. "Oh, I must have misspoken. Please, forgive me. It was something I overheard in the archives about trade routes, ore shortages, missing shipments…"
He turned his head and trailed off gracefully, like he just realized what he said sipping his wine as confusion and suspicion rippled between the two men.
When he stepped away moments later, they were already arguing in low, furious voices.
*************************
Across the hall, Kael watched it unfold, and Theo, standing beside him, noticed too, his eyes narrowing.
"Your Majesty, he's stirring conflict among your nobles." Theo said.
Kael didn't look away. "His not, rather he is uncovering it. There's a difference Theo."
Theo frowned. "Even so, such manipulation..."
"...keeps them honest," Kael said softly as his gaze lingered on Ren, who now stood by the balcony, bathed in moonlight.
"He reminds me that intelligence can be as dangerous as a blade. Perhaps more."
Theo's jaw tightened. "Dangerous things should be contained, your majesty."
Kael turned to him, voice quiet but iron-hard. "And if I prefer to understand them instead?" he asked.
Theo fell silent, knowing Kael was not expecting an answer from him.
*************************
When the banquet ended, the King rose from his seat and turned towards the crowd. "The council will convene again tomorrow," he announced, his voice echoing through the hall. "Let tonight be a reminder that the court's strength lies not in pride, but perception."
Every noble bowed although has something to say kept quiet and bowed.
Ren's heart thrummed quietly, as he knew the words were meant for him.
As the guests dispersed, Kael approached him, stepping gracefully on the marble floor. "You enjoy chaos," he said, stopping beside him.
Ren looked up, eyes wide with mock innocence. "I only spoke truths that others ignored."
Kael's lips twitched, half amusement, half warning. "You're walking on glass, Ren."
"Then I'll learn to dance on it," Ren murmured.
For a moment, Kael said nothing. Then, softer: "You're bold for an omega."
Ren smiled faintly. "Boldness is often the only weapon left to us, Your Majesty."
Their gazes held for a moment, a charged silence neither dared to break.
*****************************
Later, when Ren returned to his quarters, Lian's reply to his latter awaited him, a small sealed envelope bearing their secret mark.
Dear Ren,
You sound far too pleased with yourself again, don't let curiosity become a blade aimed at your own heart.
Kael may look like he listens, but kings are built to command, not to yield.
Still, if you truly see something in him worth risking yourself for, then I'll trust you as I always have.
Just remember, even the cleverest spider can be caught in its own web.
Yours only
Lian
Ren read the letter twice before setting it aside.
He stared at the candlelight for a long time, the faintest smile ghosting across his lips.
"Caught in my own web?" he murmured. "Well, not yet."
Outside, the moon hung low, heavy, bright, and watching.