The Rebel's Omega
Chapter 69: Permanent Mark?

Chapter 69: Chapter 69: Permanent Mark?

Qi Zhen snorted, crossing his arms. "I don’t like her. Why do you keep someone like that around? Mark my words, she’s going to cause trouble someday."

"Jade is not like that," Sheng Fei defended. "She just cares too much. And she’s invaluable. No one else has a network as vast as hers. How do you think I manage to have spies in the Emperor’s court?"

Qi Zhen groaned in frustration. "Still, if I were you, I’d keep a close eye on her. Something about her rubs me the wrong way."

Sheng Fei stood there for a moment, his gaze flicking to the empty corridor Jade had disappeared down. "I will," he murmured, though he didn’t take Qi Zhen’s words seriously for he believed Jade would never cause trouble for him.

********

Hua Ren and Rowan made their way through the quiet streets of the capital, the soft glow of lanterns lighting their path. Their investigation had been long and grueling, yet Rowan seemed anything but tired, his steps light as they approached the gates of Hua Ren’s home.

"You didn’t have to walk me all the way home, Prince Rowan," Hua Ren said, stopping at the gate.

"I know I didn’t need to," Rowan replied, stepping closer with an easy smile. "After all, you’re the Ivory Warlord. Even though you’re an omega, you can protect yourself just fine. I just... wanted to spend a little more time with you."

Hua Ren’s brows knitted slightly, not quite getting what Rowan meant. "You want to discuss more on the case?"

Rowan chuckled softly, gazing at Hua Ren for a moment. The general’s cluelessness sometimes amused him. "Sure," he shrugged, playing along. "The night is still young. I’d like to go over a couple of things."

Hua Ren nodded. "Then let’s discuss over a cup of tea." Although the Prince seemed quite sleazy, he liked his attitude towards work. Rowan did everything seriously and asked all the right questions. He felt he would have liked Rowan if they hadn’t met at a place where people were being auctioned.

Just as he reached for the gates, the rhythmic sound of hooves echoed behind them. A man on horseback approached, swiftly dismounted, and bowed deeply. "General, the Emperor seeks your presence."

Hua Ren frowned, his fingers halting on the gate’s latch. He had been hoping to delay the inevitable, using the investigation as a pretext to avoid the Emperor’s proposal. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

"My apologies, Prince Rowan," He said, his tone apologetic. "We’ll have to save the conversation for another time."

Rowan’s smile didn’t falter. "Oh, I understand. We can talk on our way to the Ironwall Kingdom tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at dawn."

Hua Ren inclined his head politely. "See you tomorrow."

In a flash, his form blurred and vanished. Within moments, he arrived at the Emperor’s palace, but he hesitated just beyond the gates for he felt extremely nervous. He was about to turn down the Emperor and there was no telling what would happen.

He reached deep into his robes, his fingers brushing a small whistle as he thought of Sheng Fei. He already knew it in his heart. There was no denying their connection. Sure it wasn’t like his feelings for the Emperor had completely disappeared but he couldn’t continue on that path knowing it wasn’t right. He couldn’t continue to deny his mate. Not after what happened earlier today. It just solidified his connection with Sheng Fei. Only Sheng Fei made him feel such a way and no matter how he denied it on the surface, deep down, he was happy to know that he could still function as a normal Omega.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he raised his hand and knocked firmly. The sound echoed through the quiet night, and moments later, the heavy gates creaked open, revealing two guards. They stepped aside, allowing Hua Ren to pass.

The moon hung full and radiant in the sky, its silver light spilling across the courtyard. Stars glittered like diamonds, adding to the serene beauty of the night. The paths in the courtyard were lined with lush peonies, delicate magnolias, and vibrant wintersweet blossoms. The wind carried their sweet, intoxicating fragrance, and Hua Ren couldn’t resist reaching out to touch one of the wintersweet’s golden flowers.

"Beautiful, aren’t they?"

The voice was smooth and deep, and Hua Ren’s head snapped up. Stepping out of his chambers, the Emperor stood dressed in elegant night garments. Tobes of rich black silk embroidered with silver cranes, a wide sash cinching his waist. His long dark hair was unbound, cascading like an inky waterfall down his back. His sharp, dark eyes landed on Hua Ren, a smile curving his lips.

"Good evening, Your Majesty," Hua Ren greeted, quickly bowing low.

The Emperor strode closer. "Rise."

Hua Ren did as he was commanded. Before, seeing the Emperor or just hearing him speak would send his heart racing and give him all those jittery feelings in his stomach but now, it only made him feel anxious. He didn’t want to be anywhere near the Emperor.

"You do not have to do such things when we are alone, Hua Ren," the Emperor murmured. He lifted a hand, his fingers brushing lightly against Hua Ren’s chin. "After all, we are to be wed."

Hua Ren stiffened from the Emperor’s touch. There it was again. The feeling of bugs crawling up his skin. His muscles tensed as he resisted the instinct to step back. "Your Majesty, about that—"

"Let’s speak inside," the Emperor interrupted smoothly, retracting his hand. He gestured toward the open doorway of his room. "You have been working all day. You must be tired. It’ll be better if we sit and talk. I had all your favourite snack prepared."

Though reluctant, Hua Ren nodded. "As you wish, Your Majesty." Better to go and get it over with. He didn’t know how things would turn out but he had the whistle Sheng Fei gave to him just in case. Not only that but he also noticed someone following him all the way to the Emperor’s palace earlier. He had a feeling Sheng Fei ordered someone to keep an eye on him.

If it were some weeks ago, he would have hated it but now, he was thankful for Sheng Fei’s thoughtfulness. At least, he would know if things go wrong.

The Emperor stepped aside, gesturing for Hua Ren to enter first. Hua Ren dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment and stepped into the room. The Emperor followed closely, sliding the door shut with a gentle thud.

The room was modest yet elegant, lit by the warm glow of paper lanterns. Delicate scrolls of ink-wash paintings adorned the walls, and a low lacquered table with intricately carved lrgs sat at the center, flanked by silk cushions. The faint aroma of sandalwood lingered in the air, calming yet imposing.