The moment his sleep cleared, eyes opened, he shook Arthit gently. " Wake up..."

" Why ? " Arthit whined. " It's holiday. Let me sleep."

" No, wake up..." Kong said, adamant.

On other days, Kong would be understanding since Arthit has to wake up before 5 every morning for his physical training. But, it was first time since he could remember, his father have gone in to heat and nothing short of a natural calamity will stop him from bringing him a basket of sweets and his favourite snacks.
This is least he could do for his por (father).
He has always wanted to do this for his por whenever he accompanied Arthit to visit Luna ( his mother) .

" Wake up ," Kong whined, shaking Arthit. " We have to bring sweets for por..."

" Oh..." Arthit was awake in an instant
" Sorry, I forgot " he smiled sheepishly, rubbing sleep out of his eyes.

" It's okay." Kong smiled " Come on..."

They hurriedly brushed their teeth, washed their faces and ran to royal kitchen in their pajams.
..........

Even in his sleep, he could feel something heavy settling on his chest, Raegar wiggled to shake the weight off. But the weight didn't budge at all, instead a cool weight settle at his throat. His eyes jerked open, instantly staring in to the frozen depth of black pools staring at him in disdain.

" Since when are you a heat assistant alpha Raegar? " Kiet said, eyes staring straight down his soul, he knew Kiet was raging inside, but his voice was most levelled. only thing that his fury was the knife pressing in to his throat. " Give me one reason to not gut you ..."

Raegar looked at the raging omega, hairs adorably sticking in all directions, eyes trained at him like a predator on his prey. It somehow edged his stupid wolf,making it seem like a challenge, a foreplay - a chase. His wolf didn't care about the silver knife digging at his throat, it had this strange faith that kiet won't go with his threat.

" Give me one reason, you should hurt me ..." Raegar Said, adjusting Kiet sitting right above his lungs, since it was suddenly being hard for him to breathe.

" You - "

" Yes, me ? "

" Are you proud of yourself Raegar! "

Raegar smirked " I am physically and mentally fit, saergant at just 30. I may go on to become chief at arms. What's not there to be proud of ? "

" Are you proud of taking advantage of my vulnerability? "

" You have a silver knife trained at my throat, while you are helping yourself to me." Raegar smirked " Who is truly vulnerable here, my dear omega ? "

" I am not helping myself to you- "

Raegar raised a brow " really? Then why are you on top of me phi? Naked at that... "

Kiet instantly scurried off him " I am not naked, I have boxers on ! "

" Exactly " Raegar looked down, avoiding to see Kiet's body accidently displayed like this. " If we would have done what you think we did phi Kiet " Raegar stared in his eyes " It would have been a miracle if you were left with energy to walk...much less jump like that. " Raegar offered a robe to Kiet " and by some miracle if you would have enerygy left enough to move, it wouldn't have been your silver knife kissing my throat- " Raegar's eyes dipped to Kiet's lips.

" You - " Kiet gnashed his teeth in frustration , he snatched the robe from Raegar's hand.

" are absolutely right. No alpha worth in his right minds will be sane after having omega like you...." Raegar provided, eyes closed so his gaze wouldn't dip below Kiet's lips.

" Oh..." Kiet chuckled mirthlessly seeing Raegar's closed eyes. " That is why you can't even look at that omega..."

Raegar snapped his eyes open " You think I'm closing my eyes because I don't want to look at you ? "

" Not your fault , there's nothing worth looking at, Alpha Raegar. What I want to point out is, you don't need to lie - " Kiet tied the sash of the robe " I don't know what your reason is, just be honest. "

Raegar covered the distance he has put between them, in three impressive long strides. Intertwining his hand in Kiet's, he dragged him infront of the wall length mirror in Kiet's room. Him, standing behind Kiet, his torso glue to Kiet's back. " You want me to praise you? Or you want to test me phi? "

With a quick tug, Raegar pulled the sashes, making the robe part like a curtain.
Kiet tried to twist out of Raegar's hold
" What are you doing...? "

Kiet slid his hands under both flaps and pulled the robe down Kiet's shoulder " Tell me what is not worth looking at ? " He asked, his hands caressing down his unruly mane of hair.

" Your hairs? Like cascading flow of water - that I want to play with ? "

" Rae- "

" Your eyes that have me captured since I learnt to say your name? "

" Your lips that make my day by just uttering my name? "

" Your face that is first and last thought of my day ? " Raegar's wandering hand settled around Kiet's throat " or your throat that I am dying to wrap my hands around? "

" Your hands that have done my first braiding? Taught me how to weild my first sword. Tell me what is there to nor look at, phi.. "

Kiet couldnt stand anymore. Not the desperate rone of Raegar's voice, not his body heat seeping through the thin robe on his back- warming his insides, not the penetrating gaze threatening to lay his soul bare in the open.

" I don't know what you see... but let me tell you what I see phi..." Raegar gently ran his fingers up Kiet's side " I see an omega strong enough to stand against the storms of life, against betrayal, jeering, heartbreak. " his wandering hands settled over Kiet's heart " I see a fragmented heart - stronger than most whole ones. I see the ocean of care and love. I see a passionate omega who knows his worth, who does not need anyone to protect or provide for him. "

" enough- "

" Too much negatives -" Raegar flipped Kiet in a second, while making him take steps back, his back stuck to mirror.

His hands slid just under Kiet's boxer clads buttock and lifted him, leaving Kiet no other option than to find leverage of his shoulder to balance himself. " What are you doing Kiet, put me down..."

Kiet's struggles quietened as Raegar's lips descended on him -tentative, hesitating , asking - yet insistent and firm. Just like Raegar in real life - determined yet unexperienced.

" I want this omega to be mine, " Raegar breathed against his lips " i want his legs wrapped around me just like this as I tell him just how much I long for every inch of him - his soul, his body. Only reason I do not ravage him as i wish to is because he is not mine. Only reason I held myself back last night is because I did not want to disrespect him.... "

" What ? Really, Nothing happened ... not even a kiss . Petting-"

Raegar raised his brow " If you want a kiss
..you just have to say- "

" Be serious,Raegar! "

" You were writhing with pain, derilius and unable to consent . How could you think , I would take adavantage- "

" I was naked except boxers - "

" I had to give you ice bath to being your temperature down. "

" I'm sorry, okay..."

" Just know phi... when we do mate- you will remember every second of it. "

" Raegar! "

Raegar chuckled. " I close my eyes because I respect you. You are not a thing for me to have possession of. And second reason is that I do not trust myself around you. "

" Stop Rae- "

" Why? You wanted honesty, right? "

"Shut up..."

Raegar chuckled looking at flustered Kiet.

" Dress up...I hear your son approaching. Let me bring you sustenance while you talk - "
........

With a basket overflowing from all kind of snacks, they hurried to Kiet's rooms. Unknown to the fact that their innocent zeal and thoughtfulness had also resulted in to broadcasting the news of Kiet's heat, that automatically fed fuel to gossip mill.

Before Kong could knock on the door, Raegar had heard their footseps and opened it for them.

" how is he? " Kong asked.

" Better than yesterday. " Raegar answered.
" This is for you..." Kong took a small basket out of the bigger one and handed it to Raegar " I didn't know what you liked so I brought little bit of everything. "

Raegar was stunned. " for me ? "

" Yeah...Thank you for taking care of my por. "
Raegar ruffled Kongpob's hair " It's my honor, Nong. "

Kongpob's eyes brightened. " Can I call you Phi? "

Raegar nodded .
" Can I call you Phi too? " Arthit instantly chirped.

Raegar shook his head " No. "

" Why? " Arthit whined. "Kong can call but not me... Isn't this partiality?

" I am your trainer." Reagar replied " It will be partiality if I allow you." Arthit pouted but his puppy dog eyes had no effect on Raegar. After five failed attempts, Arthit gave up and stomped to Kongpob's side, beside Arthit's bed.

........

" Por" Kong held his hand gently, Kiet's hand was still a bit warm but all the tinge of bitterness from his scent were gone. In fact, he smelled all content and peaceful, like roses and nightshade.
Kong could go as far as to say, Kiet's scent and Luna's scent after heat were very similar and that meant his por was free of pain and happy.

" How are you? " Kong asked.

" I'm fine, Kongpob. A bit exhausted but fine. Raegar says you had nightmare last night - "

" Yeah. I came to you-"

" I'm sorry baby- " Kiet opened his arms, Kong eagerly leapt upon bed, settling in to his por's hug " I'm sorry , I wasn't there for you-"

"No... I'm sorry, I'm not old enough that you can share your burden with me por . " Kong instantly became teary. " I promise, I will grow up soon."

" What ? Who told you that? " Kiet wiped his eyes "Look at you, so thoughtful... bringing food and medication without even being asked ... such maturity at your age. You already do lots for your por, my son..."

" Not enough ..." Kong mumbled.

" More than enough " Kiet pressed, kissing Kong's hair " You are best son in the world."

............

Half an hour had passed but Raegar didn't come back. Kong noticed Kiet's eyes scanning the door again and again.

" Are you waiting for Alpha Raegar? " Kong asked.

" Do you need him uncle Kiet? " Arthit instantly jumped to his feet " I will go and bring him back "

" What? " Kiet looked at the kids , horror struck. " No...I am not waiting for him, why would I ? " He panicked, looking anywhere but at the door or the kids.

" To take care of you.." Kong replied. " Arthit told me everything about heat. "

" What ? " Kiet's eyes were ready to fall off the sockets " Who told you about Heat Khun Nu? "

" Por, ofcourse" Arthit said proudly " I was taught some things in my lessons too."

Kiet paled " I need to talk to the King. What are they teaching Kids these days? "

" Ofcourse we need to know" Kong said " If you have told me about it earlier like King did to Thit, I would have known not to disturb you. Also, I could have brought Alpha Raegar to you myself - "

" Excuse me young man... why would I need alpha Raegar- "

" To take care of you ofcourse! " Both Arthit and Kong replied in duh tone.

" What the actual hell? They told you that !"
Kiet bursted.

" Yeah..." Kong looked stubbornly at Kiet " I know everything. because omegas exhaust themselves taking care of pack, every month or so you get fever and you are not able to walk by yourself. So, omegas need plenty of rest and an adult to take care of them and keep watch so omega don't exhaust himself more. -"

" Fever? "

" Yeah. And extreme weakness and dizzy spell too,"

" Oh ..." Kiet chuckled nervously.

Kong gazed suspiciously at his por . " Is it not heat? Did the King lie to Arthit? "

" No...ofcourse not " Kiet hurriedly said. " That's heat ofcourse... its named heat because of extreme temperature raise due to fever."

" Oh...I didn't realise that. " Kong nodded thoughtfully " It makes sense."

" Exactly...now let's talk about something else... were you able to sleep last night? "

Kong nodded " I had a good sleep."

" Are you lying? "

" No, Uncle kiet. Kong is telling truth." Arthit puffed his chest proudly. " I doubted Kong would get repeat nightmare so I didn't let Kong sleep alone. "

Kongpob narrowed his eyes at Arthit " He is lying por. I had to sleep with him because he was afraid he would get nightmares."

" I said that because you would not have slept with me , otherwise. " Arthit looked at Kiet " He thinks, asking for help makes one weak. "

" Kong -" Kiet looked at Kong in disapproval.

" Isn't it true por? Omegas are considered weak because they need help of alphas for everything - protection, happiness, money. I don't want anyone's help...."

" Who told you that? Am I weak in your eyes? " Kiet asked.

" No... You are most strong person. I learnt this from seeing you ..." Kong advocated his cause passionately " And I don't see you taking any alpha's help. You are both my alpha and omega por. You do a job, raise me alone, you even denied the idea of mating again - "

" Kongpob! It's not because I don't need anyone or I deny alpha's help. I am doing this all alone because I must. " Kiet took a deep breath, this whole conversation was going askew..." Nong, there is no man or wolf in this world who does not benefit from help or who can live without help. Stereotypical views does show Alpha bearing the larger portion of relationship burden because their contribution were of more visible nature.
Omegas nurtured and provided emotional balance and stability to the pack. An alpha without an omega is at higher risk of losing himself to lunacy than an omega without alpha. "

" They are both equal, " Arthit commented.

Kiet nodded. " Being independent is very good but bonds are not bad if its bond of friendship and love, camardire and humanity. It keeps us humane. "

" See...I told you it's not weak to have help." Arthit grinned at Kong who just pouted at being throughly wrong.

Kiet's gaze again went at door.
Raegar had been long gone. Is he giving him privacy with the kids?

" Get well soon, papa" Kong kissed kiet's cheek." We will find alpha Raegar and send him to you.."

" What ? WHY? "

Kong had already jumped down the bed and dragged Arthit to door with him. He turned hearing kiet's voice.

"You looked at door 41 times since we were here. Its obvious you need alpha Raegar..."

" I told you ...I don't need alpha- "

" You just told us por, it's not weak to take help- "

" Why would I need Alpha Raegar's help- "

" To do adult business ofcourse! " Kong replied utterly confused.

" What ? " Kiet was down the bed in an instant " Who told you that? What adult business? "

" i told you already ,Arthit told me, it was in his lecture. How would I know what adult business? I am not an adult- "

Raegar has returned till then " Go...." he patted kong's head, chuckling " Don't give your por heart attack early in the morning. Okay? "

" Okay." Kong fist bumped with the alpha, while threatening him " Take good care of my por alpha, or you know - "

" What adult business ? " Kiet shrieked.
Raegar closed the door and smirked
" Oh...you don't know phi Kiet. Would you like theory or practical on it ? "

" Shut up - "

.......

" Here " Kong handed Arthit a glass vial with clear liquid " Your por wants me to mentally knock you out tonight. You will be normal outwards but not enough clear in mind to transform."

" Why does everybody wants to knock me out? "

Kong smiled ruefully " I am bound Thit, direct orders. I will just say, drink this right now" he tapped the clear glass vial " and drink any soup or liquid item you are served in moderation, no matter how tasty it is. "

Arthit made a face " You are enjoying this too much."

Kong chuckled " Nope."

" Don't lie "

" just a little " Kong couldn't help but laugh out loud at the pouting faces Arthit was making. "It smells" Arthit complained after sniffing the vial of antidote.

Kong held a big bar of KitKat infront of him, Arthit instantly gulped the whole vial down. His face scrunched as bitterness exploded on his tongue.

Kong tore the wrapper and stuffed the chocolate inside Arthit's mouth.

" Come on ...let's go" he dragged Arthit out who obediently obeyed as soon as two more chocolate bars were placed in his hand.

They walked through the maze of the halls to enter the main banquet where dining arrangements were being made.

Wolves were working on every small detail from placing the napkins to placing the cutleries, even small statins and specks were being meticulously clean under expert guidance of Kiet. While Raegar lurked ten steps behind Kiet, brooding.

" Change your shoes" Kiet guided an intern " They are making noise. And Bee please be a little faster ...." he guided another. " Raeng , keep your hands steady while pouring the wine..."

Arthit was always amazed to see Kiet running around so silently like he had cushions for feet .

" Don't get any ideas " Kong hissed in his ears. " I aspire to be most noisy and temperamental butler ever."

Arthit just threw Kong a blank look. " from where do you even get these ideas? " Arthit asked .

" There have been butlers before my Por. Tell me four names. " Arthit thought a lot but couldn't remember.

" See..." Kong smirked " They were silent like air. People didn't notice them until they were really absent. What is the fun is that? "

" But you said, you wanted to be Butler because they are silent but unreplacable. "

Kong tapped his chin " I have realised the folly in my ways..."

" ....."

.......

As predicted, the kitchen staff served them with delicious platters upon platters of dishes but they couldnt eat it since King and queen had not arrived yet.

Arthit's dishes smelt just a bit extra sweet and a hint of tangy.

Kong elbowed Arthit, whispered in his ear
" Smells delicious isn't it ? " He wiggled his brow at the dishes. Arthit got the hint.
" Yeah sweet and tangy."

Kong smirked " That's how extra delicious food smells. "

Arthit noted the slight differences between the smell of food served to Kong and him and memorized it as Kong wanted him to.

After the servers left, Kong leaned in and whispered to Arthit. " Note the undertones, most poisons smell delicious, extra sweet but synthetic. There is no rawness, naturalnes or wildness to it. "

" Got it."

" Don't just get it, remember it. I have heard from por, that in initial years, there is many poisoning attempts on crown heirs. He instructed me to taste your food half an hour before giving to you."

"Then you should do it " Arthit playfully pushed his plate towards Kong " Listen to your por"

Kong glared " You know I didn't drink the antidote. "

Arthit just laughed. " Or you would have tasted it ? "

" I do it everyday, stupid Khun Arak."

"We will be back in a minute " Arthit announced and dragged Kong towards the loo.

"I forgot to mention. I accidently heard about this when i was visiting phi Guss. With uncle Kiet's heat and your nightmare, I forgot to ask you about this. "

" What? "

" Tasting food for poison. Why do you do that? " Arthit was horrified " Why would you taste it knowing it could contain poison ? "

" Why does Alphas enter battlefield knowing they might never come back alive? Why do they face loupe gurus knowing they can be miamed or infected? "

" Pack safety is important."

" To have pack safety, heir safety is important."

" As your Khun Arak, I prohibit you from tasting my food for poison. "

" Then as your charge, I denounce you as my Khun Arak."

" Kongpob! "

" Arthit! "

" I don't want you to get poisoned"

" Same here. And that is why I am saying remember the smell and etch it in your brain. if you dare ever ingest poison laced food, I will revive you back to just kill you myself."

" What if it doesn't have any smell..."

" Even if a poison itself doesn't have any smell, it changes the original smell of food." Kong explained. " Now that Prince Guss soon will turn 14, the assasiation attempts will start with his transformation."

Perhaps that was also the reason, the King wanted to hide the news of Arthit's transformation. As soon as a pup transforms, he is considered to have stepped in to adult world.

Also, as a wolf they have natural animalistic instinct and strength as well as mental link as added layer of protection. If Arthit's transformation becomes public , both crown heir will be at great danger simultaneously.

" Kong ...."

" Hmm..."

" I am scared..."

" Why ? You don't need to ...why do you think I am studying potions so diligently ? I promise, I will study more about it. "

" what if there is no antidote to poison. "

" I will make one..."

" And if you fail..."

" They say that no one knows who is behind this. A single person, a group of nobles or secret organization. I don't even care to be honest. But, if they harm you in any shape or manner, I will find them and I will make them Pay. I will personally poison them, no matter how severe Sira I will have to perform. I will literally burn the world down. "

Arthit just looked at Kong in horror " the people who say omegas are lovely, innocent and unharming creatures should meet you.."

Kong just shrugged.

" I was afraid for you, Kongpob. What if one day food is really laced with poison? I just want you to promise me you won't risk for your life for my sake."

" That is impossible. I have chosen you as my blood kin. "

" I refuse."

" Did you forget my dear prince, that for once, you have no say in it. Kins choose the prince. Prince doesn't choose the Kin."

" And did you forget that it happens once Duang wolves are really close to transforming? " Arthit turned to Kong in horror " Are you going to transform , Kong? Are you feeling that itch under your skin? Are your senses feeling sharper than ever? Are you feeling anxious? That is what feels before we want to transform... should we excuse ourselves "

" No, Arthit. But my wolf feels close. I know being your kin is perfect. As if I am meant to be."
As if he is meant to protect Arthit, share a bond like no other. Be closest to Arthit. Share his happiness and sorrows and God forbid if someone crosses Arthit ir harms him. It will be his sole and absolute right to avenge him- serve him in life and with death.
...............