As Alpha Perawat was returning towards his hut, he found Knot and Prem with their hands folded over their respective chests, while their eyes narrowed at the prince.

" Where, the hell were you, your royal highness? " They asked.

" Morning run. " Perawat replied, grinning
" I needed my quota of fresh air. "

"Through chief's mouth ? " Prem fumed. " The day isn't far away when moon tribe will play drum on your ass, your royal foolishness. And I won't lift a finger to save you.  "
Knot snorted, didn't even try faking it as chuckle.

In an instant, Perawat had his kin by their scruffs " My intended will be given due respect — in presentia or absentia, commander "

Knot nodded while Prem's jaw fell open. 
" When ? "
" Just now..." he replied grinning " The omega accepted my courting offer. "

" That's brilliant brother ! " Prem and knot patted his back.
" still you can't be caught drenched in chief's smell like you rolled on him for hours, until formal mating "

" We had an argument ... resulted in to a chase. " Perawat answered.

"Let us know , before disappearing like that. " Knot said " I just got the message and We came to tell you, Toota has sent message that he will arrive with Bright today. And you weren't in your rooms.
We combed through the forest but couldn't find you— we were about to do something drastic when Prem caught your scent mingled with chief's. "

" But, we were in area right behind the house ! "

" Perhaps, it was chief's privilege.  He is untraceable when the land want him to give privacy. "

Perawat grinned " Now, that opens avenue for several possibilities ! "

Knot shook his head in disbelief at the stubborn prince while Prem glared at him.
" Why do you insist on making our lives hard?  "

Perawat shruged, smacking their shoulders " You doubt my good intentions, my friend. I'm just keeping you in shape. "

" Keeping in shape, my ass " Prem mumbled under his breath.

" Sveltons (sphinx species that perawat defeated in battle) aren't going sit on their asses for long. Put your focus in getting your former strength back, Prince.
Also chief had said your poisoning was inside job— we still haven't found who. I strongly suspect it has something to do with you getting very close to the truth. But what is the truth? We need to go back to the palace and report our findings to your father. "

Perawat nodded. " We will. When is Toota coming ? "

" Before this afternoon. "

Perawat nodded. " Bring him to me as soon as he arrives. "
..........

Prachaya looked at the hunted animal. It needs to be prepared to be cooked but he couldn't bring himself to peel it's skin, cut it and wash it to be used in cooking.

Clenching his teeth, he picked up the butchers knife , his fingers trembled violently, the knife fell with a clang— barely missing his toes.

Pracahaya clamped his ears with his palm as the cries of sveltons filled his ears. His own blood bathed wolf danced before his vision— making bile rush to his mouth. Prachaya ran out of the preparation room— trembling and dizzy. Squatting , he spat the acidic bile and guzzled the air , tearful.

I can't alpha. Your omega is weak .
He cried in his heart.

He couldn't even do such a simple task of preparing food for his alpha.

Since he had returned from Svelton captivity— his stomach turns seeing flesh and blood. His heart trembles— fearing his wolf will like the smell of blood too much, crave the rush of life leaving out of the bodies, the thrill of cries of helplessness while he butchered those alphas one by one.

Prachaya leaned against the wall — panting, trying to pull his mind back to present. Prachaya pulled his jade pin out of his hair and held to his heart. He felt a bit strong.
" Fall, rage, play, cry in my arms omega. I will have your back, I will keep you safe ..." Alpha's words came back to him. He let the tears fall freely. He cried and cried and cried until he couldn't anymore— all the while— the alpha's jade pin that he hugged to his heart , gave him strength— kept him warm.

When he had no tears left, he stood up , took the water from pot kept outside the room and cleaned his mouth of bitter acidic taste — he washed his face, tucked the jade back in to his hair and marched to the room in determination.

His alpha needs proper, nutritious and delicious food to gain his muscle mass back and he would be damned if he couldn't provide him that.
.......

" Whoa! Chief ! " Lek gasped  looking at thr roes and rows of pots in the kitchen " What are we celebrating today?"

" Nothing " Prachaya smiled " Alpha can eat regular food now. I just thought to make him something special, since he has been enduring boiled food for so long.  "

" Why are you so thoughtful phi? " Lek whined dramatically " Why aren't you an alpha? I would have married you! "

Prachaya chuckled " You were saying that to Sai yesterday when he offered to trade your toddler duty."

Lek sighed " Does anything escape you ever? "

" Nope. And it should never. I am responsible for our tribe. "

" speaking of responsibilities....where are today's kitchen duties? "

" I gave them a free day! "

" What ? You cooked all that by yourself ? Why? Why didn't you call me to help? "

" And risk food poisoining the alpha? " Prachaya teased .

" I'm not a bad cook. I made breakfast for yai, yesterday. " Lek announced proudly " and he finished every bit of it , didn't even leave anything for me. "

" Oh! That's why yai was asking me for a indigestion potion this morning..." Prachaya mused.

" What? " Lek exclaimed " He didn't tell me anything... if you guys don't tell me what's wrong with my food then how will I improve ? "

" Perhaps , if you don't sulk for days after that, people will start giving you real review"

" Phi..." Lek whined, making sad face.
Prachaya ruffled his hairs " You have years to learn... don't worry. "

" By the way Phi... alpha perawat gave you that flowers, didn't he? "

" Who told you? "

" You did Phi. You cooked all those meat dishes even when you haven't touched meat for past twelve years— just because alpha can eat meat after long .... Do I need more proof? "

Prachaya sighed in resignation and nodded his head a little.

" So he was the one. I knew it ! " Lek grinned, doing a little jump, he instantly hugged Prachaya " I'm so happy for you ! "

" Calm down, Lek " Prachaya patted his head. " Take 2-3 of kitchen duty and take this breakfast to alpha Perawat.."

Prachaya carefully put each and every dish in to smaller serving pots . " Prince likes to have mouth freshner after breakfast. Keep that handy..."

Why don't you come yourself ? "

" I need to make a round to healer's station" Prachaya said " Prince must not be kept waiting. "

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

" Alpha, chief has sent breakfast for you" Lek informed.

Perawat nodded, eyes already searching for his intended. He signalled Lek to bring it in. Lek along with Yai and few others entered his chamber and laid more than ten covered pots infront of him. Chief has gone all out today.

Did he send him boiled version of every vegetable and meat available in their region ?

Perawat kept looking at the door— waiting for the chief to enter. But chief was nowhere to be seen.
" Chief is busy today alpha... he can't join you for breakfast" Lek informed, as if reading his mind.

Perawat's sighed. He is fed up of eating bland, boiled things his healer had been feeding him in name of nutrition, since his arrival. Atleast, the taste was endurable in his beloved's presence. Now, there is ton of bland dishes to endure and no Prachaya to console and persuade him!

Lek smiled uncovering the pots. The delicious aroma wafted in air making alpha's eyes wide and mouth salivate.
" Phi Pracahaya had cooked you these delicious meals himself " Lek informed. " He said, you are allowed to eat spices from today onwards — but only in moderation. " he warned , exactly like his chief would – with narrowed eyes and knitted brows.

Prachaya's absence suddenly stung so much.
Perawat looked at the food .
These dishes were already looking and smelling good ... but , now they were ambrosia — he already can't get enough of it.

" Phi didn't know what you like so he cooked little bit of everything. " Lek chattered while picking a platter to serve King in.

His omega had taken time to cook a plethora of food especially for him! That was enough. He didn't have a preference — if the healer had served him raw fish — he would have savored it like most revered delicacy — just because his omega had served it.

" It smells like heaven here..." Toota (Perawat's cousin) quipped entering alpha's quarter with Bright (Alpha's kin).
Lek stood like statue? gaping like fish

"Ai Toot." Alpha jump stood and embraced his friend and cousin."When did you reach ? "

" Just now." Toota took a deep breath " all this delicious smell is already making me hungry.."

" Indeed " Bright beamed " Lek, serve me a platter too. "

" No, thank you " Perawat growled " It's mine. Go ask your omega to cook for you"

" It's so much... how can you eat everything? " Toota asked, surprised.

" I'm hungry. "

" But, it's so much food..." Toota reasoned.

" I'm very hungry..." Perawat retorted , glaring. " And if anyone dare to touch my food, will face me in challenge circle. " he glanced at Bright who's grin flattened quickly.

" Why is Bright whining over mindlink like a banshee. Give him Some...it's just food perawat ! " Knot mindlinked.

" Food my omega cooked for me. MIND YOU. THE MAN THAT WILL EAT IT WILL BE ONLY ME. " Alpha replied.

" Wait a minute ? Chief cooked you meat ? " Prem quipped in, uninvited. " But he does not eat meat . "

" Which is odd since his favourite food was meatballs when we were kids " Knot added " Lek tells me he fainted seeing someone preparing (deskining, cutting , preparing it to cook ) a pig for roast. Since then, he does not eat meat. Avoids place where hunt is being prepared to cook. "

Perawat took the information in. His omega prepared meat dishes for him when he couldn't stand seeing cutting and blood. He stood up, lifted the pots Lek had brought, and one by one placed them in semi circular pattern around his dining  seat . (They are sitting on ground to eat. With low rise tables like in Asian movies. ) and stood before them, guarding it.

Whoever will try to touch this food especially made for him by his selfless omega, will regret being born!
Saeng totally agreed with him.
..........

" Chief ! HELP! I dont know what to do! "
Lek mindlinked the chief in total panic
" Prince is hoarding food like he has never seen a plate of food in this lifetime. He isn't ready to let me serve his friend or kin from the pots i brought. It is more than 10 person's food and he is sitting over them like hen protect her egg. He is saying he will be eating all that!"

" Let him be. He will be eating seasoned food after so long! He must feel overwhelmed. I will cook more if needed! "

" But, You spent hours cooking that food. "

" Alpha perawat spent his life since pubescent years on borders — guarding our lives — least we can do is provide him food of his choice and in quantity he needs. "

That shut Lek up pretty quickly.
" I'm bringing more food. In the mean time, see if our royal guests need anything. "

" Yes, chief "
...............

" Don't be greedy perawat " Bright teased, eyeing the covered pots " We are kin."

Perawat was about to retort but he got distracted by new entrants in his room.
Another set of platters were brought in by tribe members he hadn't yet formally been introduced.

Perawat stared star stricken as Prachaya entered — in his signature bottle green robe of healer and braids adorned with his jade pin and flowers of his choice, a pleasant smell lingered around him, he was beautiful as ever yet different than before.
His eyes looked sharp — Perawat rejoiced observing the omega had lined them with Kohl. His lips too were subtly pained — in softest of pink — nothing too overt — just enough to be creating illusion of fuller, plump pair — just right to be suckled on forever.

" Okay..." Toota's laughter rang in his head
" Is that your hair pin along with lavender blossom and eagle mate's feathers ?  "

Perawat proudly hummed in agreement.

Toota snickered " Just how did you make him wear a marriage proposal on his head ? Poor omega... "

" I will kill you if you dare tease him about it" Perawat warned " And rest of you too..." he warned for a precautionary measure.
" He doesn't know the meaning. "

" We don't have custom of giving hair pins as marriage proposal or locks of hair to our mate in mating ceremony. " Knot informed " He doesn't know the significance or proper way to respond to it. " The last line was added softly— almost sympathetically.

" It looks good on him" Perawat concluded.

" That I agree " Toota seconded. "He is beautiful. I'm already jealous perawat! "

If Prachaya would have been  given same combination as an omega in main land — the omega would have understood the unasked question. He would have gave one feather back to him if he agreed. Gave both feathers, lavender and jade pin back if he rejected the mating proposal.  Kept them , until he reached to a decision. He wou

In their mating ceremony , omega's guardian (parents ) would have cut a lock of his hair and keep it to them as memoir.As symbol of giving away their rights on the omega.

They believed hair and skin were first to loose shine and beauty if a person is not taken care of. Therefore parents prides in their omega's beautiful, shiny hairs— a symbol that they have taken good care of their ward for all these years.

They would have cut a front lock of alpha's hair and woven it in omega's shortened lock — symbolizing that alpha would now be provider of omega. He will now be responsible for omega's happiness and well being.
Prachaya would have worn the jade pin on their mating . As part of acceptance of his new role as leader and home maker of alpha's household.

He likes seeing his pin in Prachaya's hair. Like a part of him has claim on omega, like he was always with his yord rak(most beloved) — a fantom extension of him.

His soliloquy was cut by Prachaya's melodious voice.

" Welcome to the moon tribe, Prince Thuanthong (Toota) " Prachaya bowed, greeting the prince.

" Thank you for having me , chief Suthiluck...call me Toota. "
Prachaya nodded and turned to the alpha.

" Good morning Prince Perawat." Prachaya greeted him as any chief of tribe would " How do you feel today? Any pain ? " He asked, resolutely avoiding directly gazing at the alpha . He didn't know if he could keep his voice stable of cheeks from blushing if he met Prince's gaze.

" Good morning chief " Perawat replied cheerfully " I was experencing little ache in my heart just earlier , but now I am all fine."

That did it. Prachaya was by his side in an instant. " What kind of pain, alpha" he asked, worry creasing his forehead.

" Stabbing kind " Perawat replied, shamelessly giving him his best pained expression. His friends snickered in mind link.

" Just how is this omega so innocent ? " Toota tinkering laugh resonated over mindlink.

" He is your future prince. Respect " Perawat mind linked sternly.

" I insist you let me check what is wrong, alpha. Sone amount of toxin may have remained in system. Or you may have taxed your body too much. It could have had the effect  — " Prachaya abruptly stopped and turned to Lek " Bring the anti— venom and strength potion too. And absynthe to test toxicity..."

" Not the strength potion chief" Alpha whined " ...it tastes like shit — the smelliest one at that ! "

Prachaya chuckled " I am amused as to how you know how feaces taste like, alpha"

Toota openly snickered. " I am happy you know how to handle his whinings — he is known as horror patient in the healing circles. "

" Are you a healer too ? Prince ? " Prachaya asked curiously.

" No " Toota replied " only few people are blessed with healing hands, chief Sutthiluck. I am a great cook though, if I many say so myself. "

" Yeah... he put tons of sugar in bittergourd so it would taste less bitter . " Perawat quipped.

" That was one time Perawat! " Toota thundered " I was ten! "

" You made me eat that thing! I am allowed to bring it up time to time. "

" You bring it up each and every time we meet! Who asked you to eat it anyways? "

" fat tears in your eyes made me do it  " Perawat retorted " You were a cry baby. "

" Admit it Perawat. You just love me too much " Toota replied, haughty.

Instead of retorting, Perawat's eyes snapped to Pracahya who's eyes flashed blue.
Did his chief just got jealous?
Adorable!
He was about to assure the omega that he has no reason to be jealous but Toota's angry voice distracted him.

" You are embarrassing me infront of all the tribe asshole! " Toota mindlinked.

" My omega had cooked meal after a long time. And you go announcing you are accomplished chef! " Perawat chided " You  are making him insecure and self conscious ! You deserved the embarrasment !"

" You are whipped Perawat ! "

...........

" Alpha, " Prachaya said somberly " I insist you let me test your blood for toxins and administer medicine before breakfast. "

" Sure. " Perawat stood and followed the healer in to bedroom. Lek and two other apprentices trailed behind him.

All three apprentices stood a step behind the chief healer— their gazed stuck at prince.

" loose your robe, alpha. " Prachaya instructed, pouring a greenish substance in to the bowl. The potion needed to be left for wome time— till it stand still like a lake surface.

Prachaya focussed his attention at the prince, now bare chested, looking at him with his signature —piercing gaze.

Prachaya quickly averted his eyes from Prince's torso— looking like an expertly carved marble statue— albeit a living, breathing one.
Biting inside of his lip, he summoned the courage, willing his heart to stop rampaging like a wild elephant. 

" As you see, Prince's body had lost all the blue and green hue— the abrasions on skin has also disappeared" he addressed his apprentices.

" This is a good sign — the toxin for most of the part has been expelled by the body" he lifted a finger, which shook slightly from all the nervousness he was suddenly experiencing. " Now, we must check for abnormal rise or drop in both body temperature and sweating. " he placed his palm flat on Prince's forehead " No sweating,  normal temperature. " Prachaya lowered his hand, unconsciously tracing the claw mark he left on Prince's neck this morning.

The prince slightly shivered. Prachaya traced a descending path, from column of his throat to collar bones and down to the pectorals and right over his heart. He could feel Prince's heart beat speeding up under his tips — as if alpha's heart was trying to rose to skin, to meet the omega. Prachaya's own heart matched the staccato rhythm of alpha's heart, all the blood in his body rushed to his finger tip.
Goose bumps rose on Prince's skin—the little bumps on skin travelled like a ripple right before his eyes, spreading all over Prince's body. Prachaya felt his own cheeks warming, tingling sensation travelled from his skin to prachaya's finger tips, slowly spreading through him like tendrils of vines. Prachaya jerked his fingers back. It took him herculean efforts to keep his voice calm while dictating to his students
" No variation in body temperature or any change in skin texture"
" please turn, I need to see your back " Prachaya informed the prince who instantly turned his back towards him.

" The prince has goose bumps, perhaps he is feeling cold " Lek mused.

" That may not be linked with effects of poison— " Prachaya informed, tucking his shivering fingers in fold of his robes.
The prince snickered, Prachaya threw him a murderous gaze and the prince instantly started coughing.

" I think Lek is right, " one of the apprentices noted " The prince has cold— atleast early symptoms of it. "

" Poisoining is our main concern here" Prachaya told them sternly  before focusing on task at hand.
" You can see there's no change in skin colour or texture" He pointed to Prince's muscular back.
He had to clear his throat to drag his student's lingering eyes back from venus dimples at Prince's lower back. It seems they need a lesson at professionalism.

The prince does serve a fine distraction. His wolf mused.
Shut up. Prachaya chided his wolf spirit.
" You can dress now "  Prachaya informed.
The disappointed murmurs of his apprentices made him narrow his eyes at his apprentices.

Prachaya waited for the prince to tie the sash of his robe.
" I will need to one or two drop of your blood alpha "  he informed, the prince gave him his hand and turned his head away, eyes tightly closed.
" I think prince can't stomach the sight or smell of blood " Lek interjected.

" That's ridiculous " Another commented " Our Prince is a warrior"

" cease your observations please " Prachaya commanded while picking the needle up. The prince must be queasy because of needle not the blood.
He pricked alpha's finger with sterilized needle and let the drops of blood fall in to the bowl below. With tensed shoulders and bated breath, Prachay stirred the potion with a wooden stirrer.
The  potion didn't reveal even a tinge of blue— showing Prince was toxin free.
Pracahya sighed in relief. He turned at the Prince, beaming " Your body has expelled last traces of the poison— You are healed now alpha. I am so great full to moon goddess." he bowed to the ground, his forehead touching the soil. " Blessed be"

" Blessed be " the apprentices echoed.

" Blessed be " Perawat mumbled, smiling.

" Please take away these things. " Prachaya motioned his students.
They quickly followed his words, taking the bowl and every thing away except the strength potion.

" Are you still feeling pain? " Chief asked.

" I am better than ever , chief , it was a momentary pain. "

" What other symptoms did you experience, other than pain in heart alpha ?" Perawat asked curiously, already weighing and cancelling many diseases and causes in his mind.

"Other symptoms...."Perawat hummed " I was missing a certain someone , my eyes were stuck at door  and ears anticipated hearing the footsteps etched in my brain — my heart missed his tinkering laugh, melodious like jingles of moon bell."

" ...!..." Prachaya bowed his head, smiling to himself. This prince!

" Now, I'm all fine. "

" You can now enjoy your breakfast ! "
.........

" Sai ," Prachaya mind linked. "please seat Prince Thuanthong (Toota) to the left of The Prince, also kins of the alpha to the right of him. "

" Did you have breakfast, chief? " Perawat asked.

" I will have later alpha. "

" Lek, serve a plate for the chief too. "

" Come.." Alpha made him sit to the left of him, the place which is reserved for family and mate.

Prachaya was too stunned to speak.  To his left sat Prince Toota. Prachaya tried to exchange places, thinking it would be insult to Toota. But the omega prince assured him by placing palm on his shoulder " choice of seating beside you and this sour-face" Toota made a face at prince "Isn't a choice at all. You are hands down winner...."

With tensed shoulders Perawat sat while Lek served him and Prachaya from his reserved pots. He relaxed only after Lek moved to another set of pots to serve his kins (Knot, Prem , Bright) amd Toota.

Breakfast was a lively affair. With Toota taking full revenge on Perawat for telling bittergourd tale. He told them about every embarrassing story he could remember about the prince.
The alpha took the chance to silently sneak more food in to his omega's plate, who oblivious to Prince's mischief kept eating and even loudly wondered why food wasn't getting any less in his plate despite eating more than he normally does.

Prachaya silently observed the omega prince— he seems to be too close to the alpha. Like a sibling or a childhood lover...
..........

" Thank you for giving moon tribe a chance to serve the royal house , Prince " Prachaya bowed to both Toota and Perawat. " The tribe is exhilarated to hear news of Prince Toota's arrival and Prince Perawat's health. Would you be amenable to stay and celebrate this blue moon festival with moon tribe ? "

" I totally am..." Toota beamed " I have heard so much about your moon festival. "

" Thank you, Prince " Prachaya smiled.

" Thanks to you, chief for inviting me ...or I was gonna invite myself " Toota laughed " Why do you think I arrived just a day before blue moon ? "

The omega Prince's mischievousness made Prachaya laugh. He expectantly looked at the alpha.

" I have a condition chief ? "

" What condition alpha ? "

" I will be assigned tasks and chores like any regular moon tribes member would. "

" You are our guest Prince and the heir to the crown . How can we— "

Perawat pouted, " That means you don't want me to participate. "

" We do..."

" Then, I want chores.  "
Prachaya suddenly had vision of petulant kid Perawat he had met as 5 year old — who was adamant on gifting him rarest flower in the nation— the moon flower . And didn't budge until the King and queen ceded. 

" If it is what you want, Alpha. But, your kin must be accompanied to every task— your safety is surmount  importance to us. "

" one kin..."

" all three. "

" Fine.." Perawat made a face " They are no fun. You accompany me too..."

"...!..."

Prachaya chose to totally ignore him.

" Thank you, Prince" he again bowed to both toota and Perawat. " Moon tribe is grateful for having a chance to serve royal house. Festivities will begin this evening." He glanced at Perawat " In the mean time, Lek and Yai will keep you company. You can ask them for anything you need.  Mongkut and Sai will accompany Prince Toota for company and assistance.  "

Toota instantly took their leave and  turned to his new friends and asked them to show him his place to retire .

Prachaya too, took their leave and had just exited the door when Lek came running " Prince Perawat requests your presence. "

He promptly returned to the prince. The kins and toota were already gone.
Alpha looked at him innocently
" I just needed to see you. "

Prachaya shook his head at Prince's mischief " I need to prepare for the festival, alpha. "

" I need to assist you in preparing " Alpha promptly replied.

"You are a prince! "

" I order you — Give me some chores. "

" You can't order me on my land! "

" Then I beg you — "

" Please, prince ..understand the situation. You can't be seen doing menial work. And right now...I dont have any chore that will suit your status. "

" Any chore will do. "

"Why are you so adamant on it? "

Prince raised a brow " You really want to know the reason? "

" Y..es " Pracahaya hesitantly said.

" do you really? " Prince challenged, wiggling his eyebrows.

Pracahya sighed, giving up..." No, I don't . I already know, you will create more choas than discipline. "

" I won't...promise. " Prince instantly locked their pinkies.

" Fine...you will have your chores. Come..."

Alpha instantly jumped to his feet and trailed behind the chief like a lost puppy.

.....
A/N :
1.  Next update — 8-10 days.
We are reaching an important event in Perawat and Pracahya's past !

2. I will have to rewrite chapter 18...I have 2.8k draft but the final chapter had added scenes and 4.5k + words...I dont remember exact count. ..
Rewriting us harder than writing a chapter 😬
I am trying my best to reproduce exact version...🫣🤩