They finally reached the northern territory by the time dawn of the second day had barely begun to lighten the sky. The butler of the estate immediately stepped forward to greet them, offering respectful bows to Rin and the unconscious Rhen. Not long after, Lucien and his wife arrived as well, both expressing relief that Rin had made it safely.
Rin didn't waste any time. "A room—please. And a physician to assist ," he said urgently. "My child needs treatment."
The servants rushed to prepare one, and soon Rhen was laid in bed while the physician examined him. Rin hovered anxiously over the boy, never letting go of his hand. He didn't even hear the footsteps at first—only when someone knocked lightly did he glance toward the door.
Lucien entered. "Rin… someone wishes to meet you."
Confused, Rin followed him to the study. As the door opened, Rin froze, his eyes widening. Standing there was his aunt—alive, unharmed.
"Aunt…" His voice broke as he rushed to her, embracing her tightly.
"My sweet child…" she whispered, holding him just as tightly. "What is happening? Someone barged into my house out of nowhere, told me to pack only necessities, shoved a cloak at me, and insisted I leave immediately. I was frightened—but I trusted that it was related to you. And the twins… Rin, where are the twins?"
Rin's expression darkened. His voice trembled as he explained everything—what happened in the shop, how Riven was taken, how Rhen was injured, and how close they all were to being killed.
His aunt paled, swayed—and fainted right into his arms.
Rin called for Lucien's wife, who helped bring his aunt to a guest room. After settling her, Rin forced himself back to the study, preparing to continue the discussion.
But the moment he stepped inside, he froze again.
Aleric was there.
The prince stood in the middle of the room, relief washing over his features the moment he saw Rin. "Rin—thank goodness. You're safe." He reached forward and pulled him into a tight embrace.
But Rin shoved him away—hard—and delivered a slap that echoed across the room.
Smack!
Lucien's wife gasped. The butler flinched. Even the guards stiffened. Lucien, however, simply hid a laugh behind his hand, clearly amused.
Aleric touched his cheek, stunned. "Rin—"
"Are you happy now?" Rin snapped, eyes burning. "The twins were hurt. I was nearly killed. My family was dragged into danger. Your people suffered. And you—what exactly are you doing? You're capable enough to end this, to crush them once and for all, but instead you drag this out and let them harm everyone around you!"
Someone from the strategy table opened their mouth. "With respect, it was necessary for the prince's plan. It isn't his fault—"
"Shut up," Rin cut sharply, not even looking at them. "I'm not talking to you."
He turned back to Aleric, voice low and trembling with anger. "I'm not speaking to you again until you fix this. All of it."
Aleric opened his mouth, desperate. "Rin, I—"
"Ahem." Lucien interrupted smoothly. "Perhaps it's time to explain why you're here in the North."
Rin glared at Aleric one last time, then looked toward Lucien.
"The consort is searching everywhere," Lucien said. "Every region under the capital's influence is compromised. But the North is different. Here, she cannot move recklessly."
"Why?" Rin asked.
Lucien smiled slightly. "Because if she touches the North, she touches the daughter of the Kingdom of Mirai. And once she harms their princess… they'll declare war."
Rin blinked. "Princess? You mean your wife…?"
"Yes," Lucien replied proudly. "My wife is the duchess—and a princess from another kingdom. The consort cannot act carelessly here."
"I see…"
Lucien continued, "You and the children may rest here until everything is resolved."
Rin bowed slightly. "Thank you for your hospitality."
Noticing that the discussion was shifting to more classified matters, Rin quietly excused himself and left to check on Rhen and his aunt.
Meanwhile, in Caelum's chambers, a new report arrived.
His aide knelt. "Your Highness, we investigated the woman you met in the orphanage. There are… interesting rumors. They say she is a recessive alpha from a fallen noble family. Long ago, she had a dominant omega lover. The omega became pregnant, but due to their status difference, the omega's father destroyed the alpha's family. They were separated—and the omega was forced into marriage. Some even say that omega is the queen consort."
The aide hesitated. "But surely they are only rumors…"
Caelum didn't answer. He was staring into space, remembering the woman—dark blue hair, yes, but it was her hazelnut eyes that struck him. Eyes that mirrored his own.
"Your Highness?" the aide asked again. "Where are you going?"
Caelum stood abruptly, jaw tense. "To my mother."
He clenched his fists.
"I need answers."