Mute Mate: The Alpha's Obsession
Chapter 50: Reins and Revelations

Chapter 50: Reins and Revelations

Ariana took a slow, steady step toward the horse. With each movement, the air seemed to shift—its presence growing heavier, thicker.

How could a horse have such an intimidating aura?

She blinked, the tension prickling at her skin. It almost felt like the animal had inherited Zavren’s energy.

’Hmm... it really seems my husband’s been quite the bad influence,’ she mused inwardly, the corners of her lips tugging into a smile despite the tension.

She took another step, smiling lightly at the horse, whose head tilted slightly—as if beckoning her closer. She reached out her hand, half-expecting it to pull away—but to her surprise, it didn’t. It simply stared at her quietly. Her smile widened.

Gently, she stepped closer and caressed its neck.

’Good horsey. Unlike some chickens,’ she said to herself, grinning. The horse let out a soft sound, and her eyes flickered with curiosity. Do horses read minds? She was certain this was exactly what Snow had done the day before.

She stroked it again, admiring the way its black coat shimmered like diamonds under the light. It had an aura—calm, strong, majestic. No wonder it belonged to Zavren himself.

"Do you want to climb on it?"

Zavren’s deep voice startled her slightly, and a slow smile curled on her lips. She gave a small nod.

Moving closer, she placed her foot in the stirrup. Just as she was about to swing her leg over, her breath caught—his hand slid to her waist, steadying her as he lifted her gently up.

Her cheeks flushed. Only then did she notice—they weren’t alone.

But then again, her shameless husband had no definition of shame in his dictionary.

She adjusted herself carefully to balance on the horse. Oh my... This horse was big—tall and broad compared to Snow, who was more feminine and dainty. This one? It could unlock a whole new fear of heights.

Thank goodness Zavren was riding too. She couldn’t imagine being the only one on this beast, pulling the pedal like before.

"You don’t have to worry, sweetheart. Ryly is well-trained... he knows better than to be foolish," Zavren said casually.

The horse shifted slightly, and Ariana blinked. Did it just respond? It was almost like it understood what Zavren had said.

Ariana shot Zavren a pointed look that clearly said, Be nice.

Just then, Leah approached, her head bowed.

"Queen Ariana," she said respectfully. "Tutor Johnson has left. He will be arriving tomorrow—an urgent matter came up that required his attention. It is something personal... relating to him."

Ariana raised a brow, then gave a small nod. Leah bowed once more and left as quietly as she’d come.

The moment she was gone, Ariana snapped her gaze to Zavren, who was busy checking the buckles on the horse.

Her arms folded across her chest, asking the question without words. Did you have anything to do with this?

"What’s with the angry stare, Snowflake?" Zavren asked, glancing at her amusedly.

"It’s... sad news, but what can I say?" he continued with a calm shrug. "Sometimes, nature removes nuisances."

Ariana’s eyes widened. Nuisance?

She had a feeling... no, a very strong feeling... that Zavren was behind this. Tutor Johnson had been perfectly fine earlier.

"Let’s begin," he said smoothly, ignoring her glare. "Much better that it’s both of us."

He climbed up behind her, settling in place. Just as she felt his body press against hers, she instinctively looked around, trying to focus on anything other than him. Probably nature.

’Wow. The weather is pretty nice today,’ she told herself firmly, as if that would help.

"Hold the buckles like this," Zavren’s voice came low and close to her ear. His hands gently covered hers, guiding her. Ariana’s heart locked up; she’d momentarily forgotten why he was guiding her in the first place. The heat creeping up her neck said enough.

"Snowflake... stop daydreaming."

Zavren’s voice jolted her back to the present.

She turned to him slowly, side-eyeing him with a quiet glare.

His lips twitched into a knowing grin as he teased, "Just because it’s daytime doesn’t mean you should daydream."

Ariana pursed her lips. This man...

Then his expression turned serious, his hands wrapping more firmly around her as he moved them both. To Ariana’s surprise, the horse let out a soft sound and began to move. Her eyes widened slightly in awe—it was walking. Slow, but steady. Surprisingly satisfying.

Her gaze wandered. Where was Snow?

As if reading her mind, Zavren answered, "Your horse has been moved to her stable. I’m guessing today’s her day off."

Ariana nodded with a smile—only for her eyes to widen again when Zavren leaned slightly and spoke close to her ear.

"Don’t worry. Just focus. You wouldn’t want fear to win, would you?"

His voice was cool, almost bored, like the motivational talk had been forced out of him. And if that was his version of encouragement... Ariana wasn’t signing up for that class.

"Go on. As I said."

Her brows furrowed. She pulled one hand from the buckle and slowly placed it over where his hands were resting on her waist.

To Zavren’s surprise—pinch.

She pinched him. Hard.

A victorious smile curled on Ariana’s lips.

But it didn’t last long.

Zavren’s smirk deepened, and suddenly, the horse jerked into speed.

Ariana gasped as her eyes widened. She turned toward him in panic—but instead of help, Zavren made the horse move faster.

She clung tightly to the buckle. How was he controlling it so easily? Yes, it was his horse, but still—

Her heart leapt as the horse took a sharp turn. The rhythm echoed in her ears:

PUCOP. PUCOP. PUCOP.

The sound thudded like a heartbeat.

"Will you do that again?" Zavren asked, a grin playing on his face.

But the fear in her body had already melted into something else—excitement. His brows rose slightly. Was that how fast her mood changed?

The same girl who turned to him in panic moments ago was now... actually enjoying the ride?

He couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.

And here he had thought he was giving her punishment for pinching him. Her hair flew as a sweet smile curled her lips, excitement settling in. She had been scared—until she realized Zavren was with her. And then... she let loose.

But her excitement did not last long.

The horse slowed into a gentle stop.

"That would be all for today," he spoke quietly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Her face turned to his. Ariana didn’t even know how long she had strained her neck just to look at him.

A slow, deliberate smile curled up Zavren’s lips—but his eyes held no light.

Ariana bit the inside of her cheek softly, trying to calm herself. This man really wanted to vex her today.

They had not even ridden for long.

’Very annoying’

Zavren climbed down from the horse first. As Ariana moved to do the same, his hand slid to her waist, gently guiding her down. The moment her foot touched the ground, she turned to him with a small smile.

Zavren studied her face.

Ariana held back the irritation threatening to show. Instead, she slowly curtsied.

Just like a queen... act like one, she reminded herself.

Zavren’s lips tugged upward faintly as she turned and began to walk away. She could easily start another list today without—Things Zavren does that test my patience. It was almost as if watching her struggle brought him joy.

"Y... Your Majesty," a voice called hesitantly.

"There have been several reports—" the man began, but his voice was cut short as Zavren’s eyes narrowed—not at him, but at something else entirely.

Zavren’s gaze was fixed on a figure in the distance—Ariana walking into the castle.

"And why did you decide to hoard that information?" Zavren asked coolly, still watching the approaching figure. His voice dropped lower, colder. "It seems I’ve been far too lenient."

Raven flinched. "N–No, I apologize, Your Majesty. You hadn’t asked—"

"You’ve been by my side far too long to wait for me to ask, haven’t you?"

"Very true, Your Majesty." Raven bowed deeply, his face tense. He knew that. He always tried to pick the best time to report—when Zavren was least unapproachable. And right now? Right now had seemed like the perfect time.

But clearly... it wasn’t.

"There has been a significant change in the castle’s arrangement," Raven said cautiously.

Zavren’s gaze remained fixed where it had been—even though the figure he’d been watching had vanished, his eyes didn’t move from the spot.

"And who made such an arrangement?" he asked quietly, his voice calm... too calm.

"Without my knowledge?" he added, a spark flashing in his eyes—replacing the usual boredom with something sharper.

"It was the Queen," Raven replied carefully.

At that, Zavren’s eyes finally shifted, landing on Raven.

"Go on."

"She handled the case of the royal guard and the maid," Raven continued.

Zavren’s eyes glinted with something unreadable. "Is that so? Tell me, Raven—why would you keep such an interesting report from your Alpha?"

His voice was low, laced with a dangerous edge. "Your dumbness is getting... surplus. I see."

Raven’s eyes widened—not because of the insult. He was used to those. But because—just for a second—the Alpha King’s lips had moved ever so slightly.

A smile. Barely there. Barely noticeable. But unmistakably real.

"The King of Suk, King Jude, will be arriving soon for a meeting with you, My King," Raven added quickly.

Zavren’s face turned cold in an instant.

Raven scratched the back of his head. Great. Should’ve led with that.

"What would Jude want now, hmm?" Zavren muttered, eyes narrowing as they drifted away in thought.

"There’s also a letter," Raven said with a slight bow. He pulled out a folded piece of paper. It wasn’t royal-looking—far from it. It had the appearance of something hastily stuffed away, then forgotten.

"Decline it."

Zavren’s voice was like ice.

But Raven face paled as he it was important he decided to risk it. His head.

"Your Majesty... you had said earlier we should investigate more about Mr. Fredrick. This letter was found in his room. Hidden under the bed—with several other boxes."

Zavren’s eyes lit up—darkly.

"Read it," he said, voice smooth and low, a hint of satisfaction glimmering in his gaze.

He wanted to know what kind of letter the Queen’s dead ex-husband had been writing.