Sorry, it took long but here is the next update... Sorry for all the typos and other mistakes... Enjoy this long chapter as apology for making you wait for so Long ;) 

The song is Thorn Love by 4men (Empress Ki OST), Ah how I miss my most favourite actress *.*

******************************

Today, a very rare event took place in the grand woman palace, something that shocked not only the servants but also the high officials who heard about the visit. Even the animals who heard about it and sensed tension in the chill air, were restless in their territory. The Emperor, Kongpob, visited his late father's wife, the Empress dowager in her grand palace. It was a rare event that occured only one a year. Even now, everyone wondered if a fight would break out between them. Whenever the fierce Emperor and the Empress dowager met, they only ended up disagreeing and fighting to show who the master of the palace was. Surely, another fight to show their power would take place today too with neither one of them giving up.

Kongpob and the older woman were in her resting room, sitting across each other and looking at each other first instead of beginning their talk. There was each a cup filled with steamed tea in front of them, a claypot filled with tea in the middle of the table. Kongpob didn't drink his tea but mustered the elder woman sipping her hot, flavoured tea calmly as if there wasn't any tension between them in the atmosphere. Since no lowly servant was allowed in the room, the Emperor only brought the respected Tew, one of his biggest ally to witness the conversation.

„I'm honoured to have the grand Emperor visit me, a humble Empress dowager", there was a certain mockery in her voice and choice of word. She didn't try to hide her hatred toward him but displayed it directly in his face, revealing that she didn't fear him even if he was the ruler of her country. Because she was the respected and protected Empress dowager who shouldn't be touched so easily, she always abused her status to stand up to him and ruin his reputation. Of course, every habitants with high status in Siam knew that she didn't recognize the young man as the Emperor of Siam yet. Only if one of her sons, most likely the eldest son Pitcher ascended to the throne, would she give peace to her step-son.

Kongpob chuckled, her mockery sounded too sweet, „You're aging, Empress dowager. Your mockery and threats doesn't have any impact on me anymore... What happened to you? A cat got your tongue? Or it's because of your never ending aging that is showing through the many wrinkles in your face. Nice try to hid your wrinkles with such heavy coloured chalks", it was the young man's turn to mock her now, he didn't hold back to insult her. Kongpob always called make up chalk since he didn't have use for this kind of colours. He sipped on his hot tea, acting innocent as effectively as possible. He was satisfied with the flavour in the tea.

The Empress dowager felt insulted by that insolent bastard to call her aging. Her wrinkles and old age were her weakness anyway. Even if she stil looked beautiful in appearance, she would never be able to stop her rapid aging. However, Kong meant something else with her wrinkles in her face, he was pointing at her evilness and wickedness that stained her beautiful look.

The late Emperor's wife didn't fail to understand Kong's word play so she was burning with madness inside, clenching her hands in fist when thinking that the young brat still didn't have respect toward her. Even though the older woman was on the verge of exploding and had to contain herself back, the young ruler continued insulting her with so much calmness that even the wind was restless with his calm demeanour. Whenever Kong was quiet, it always meant that a storm was brewing inside of him. He was mad inside but tried to keep quiet. Whenever he was silent, it also meant that he had a wicked idea that would be difficult to fight against.

Tew who was behind them, had a hard time containing himself, and holding back his laughter. He was enjoying the power display between the both of them, he cheered inwardly everytime Kongpob lashed at her, raised her anger and made her speechless. The Empress dowager had another ace up in her sleeve. The Emperor's weakness and also strength: The male concubine!

„How is your male concubine? I heard that he encountered someone malicious on his way", she deposed the empty cup in an elegant way that even Kongpob looked badly mannered with his reaction to her question. „I hope he's fine...", she said with a bright smile on her face. The smile seemed so innocent that the crows flying around above her chamber were chased away with her lie that made her look as if she was concerned about the male concubine's health.

The young man hold the cup half full with tea in his mouth, in that moment he was inable to drink the tea anymore. He clenched his hand holding the cup so tight that the object broke in his palm due to the strong pressure, the hot tea spilling and scalding his hand. The shads of the cup injured his hand but he remained quiet. Tew's eyes widened in shock, he dashed to the Emperor and offered him his soft, silky handkerchief. Kongpob accepted it and wipped off the blood from his hand then gave it back to his aide. No servants dared to enter the room upon hearing the commotion that broke out due to the shattered cup. Because the Empress warned the servants not to disturb them no matter the circumstance, they didn't move form their spot.

He reached out his hand to Tew, his substitute for political matter in case of his absence, took a rolled up paper out of his sleeve and handed it to the ruler. Kongpob placed the paper roll on the table in front of him then shoved it calmly toward his step-mother. She narowed the script first then stared at the Emperor curiously, one eye raised to display her distrust towards him. Since Kongpob didn't mention aynthing, her curiosity raised so she rolled the small paper to read its content. Her eyes widened in shock when she read the content of the script.

„It's really interesting to find out how much a criminal know about the royal family!"

„What...", she glared at him, shoting deathly looks in his direction. She slammed her hand against the table while standing up, „How dare you, Kongpob!"

The servants outside the chamber gasped in shock upon hearing the way their master called the ruler of Siam. Not only was she really rude, she was disrespectful and mockingly toward everyone's grand master, the Emperor. There would be an aftermath for her rudeness later.

„Another crime added to the list", he said, this sentence was directed at Tew. There was a law that mentioned that no human being was allowed to address the Emperor with his name. The person breaking this law will be punished severly, meaning with death. A imperial family wouldn't be punished with death when calling the Emperor by his name but would be held in custody for offending their ruler. This time, the Empress dowager crossed the limit and would have her punishment soon.

She ignored his last words since there was another, bigger and insane threat toward her. Her voice raised, „How dare you summon me, the Empress dowager, the late Emperor's Empress and the grandmother of this country in the court!". She was fumming in anger, slamming her fist on the table so hard that the shads of cup shattered around as soon as she used too much force.

„I can't ignore such heavy accusation even if it came from a lowly servant. Everyone has the right of court if he raised such grave complain toward a royal family. If he's lying then he will be punished according to the law", Kongpob mentioned. Actually, a severe law like this didn't exit until 2 hours ago. After meeting Ashin Wunna, he came to the idea to use this opportunity to originate another law: Calling a court if a heavy accusation laid upon a royalty! The higher officials were against such law at first after they received a summoning letter that they should appear in court and discuss about an urgent matter. The officials weren't aware of the reason why such law should exist but they could imagine that he was beginning to strike. Attack the Empress dowager! His enemies were against it and raised a petition that he should reconsider. However, the smart and sly Kong used some tricks against the higher officials to force them to agree with his decision. Whenever Kongpob had to force his servants, he would awalys use the information he knew about each one's illegal action in the dark like make more money, abuse innocents women and men also plot treason against him. Because everyone feared to lose their properties, they selfishly agreed to his decision without knowing that they were agreeing to their own downfall. They fell once the strong wall of Empress dowager fell.

„Since when did the law allow to summon and convict royalties?", the older woman roared in despair. It was her only change to stop such absurd summoning.

Kongpob said calmly at first, „Ever since you dared to make me your enemy!", he stood up to be equal to her, no it wasn't even equal because he was many inches taller than her. He just wanted to look down at her from above, showing her who the master of this grand palace was. Even if she managed the women court, he was still above her and would destroy her and her allies one by one. „The day you touched my man, was the day you woke up the beast in me. I don't show any mercy if someone dares to hurt my Oon!". A wicked smile darkened his face, „You may have allies but everyone of them is selfish and fighting for himself. They promply agreed to summon you as I explained it closely to them.", it was half a big lie that the higher officials helped him. They only agreed to change the law and gave their seals on the script but they didn't know why he insisted of making such law. Kongpob was using this simple fact to stir trouble between them so no one would trust each other again. He retired himsef to leave some inches of distance between the dowager and him, „You're awaited in the court before lunch! And don't forget to be punctual!"

The Empress was speechless to find out the reason that he attacked her with such absurd law was because of a lowly male concubine but she was more surprised that her allies even agreed to help their nemesis Kongpob to get rid of her. The Emperor approached the entrance of the chamber with Tew closely behind him. She stared at the broken pieces of the tea cup while holding him back with her question.

„Who dared to raise such complain against me?"

The young Emperor emitted such dark aura and power around him, he smirked, „The famous slave hunters' master, Ashin Wunna!", he gave her a simple answer. It was a simple reply but it would leave a deep impact on the Empress dowager.

Like Kongpob suggested that she would be shocked and leave in fear when knowing the man complaining about her. The Empress dowager's eyes widened in shock. Her wrinkled hands were shaking in fear. How... how could such mistake happen... Ashin Wunna didn't die? No, it can't be... I saw him being slashed in front of me!

Kongpob was out of her hearing range whereupon she yelled at her female guards to appear in her resting room immediately. Four strong and tall women went to one knee. The two female fighters who killed Ashin Wunna's double that time, were before her too. The older dowager walked to them and slapped one of them so hard across the cheek that the latter was bleeding out of her mouth. The injured young guard who was the general of the female guards, kept her head low, staring at the ground.

„You incapable worms... How could you let Ashin Wunna alive!", she screamed, blaming them for the bad situation she was in. According to her, they didn't do a good job so they put her in this danger.

The bleeding woman's eyes widened, she didn't believe that the man she killed was still alive. Out of bad habit, she raised her head to look up at the dowager, „It can't be...", she lowered her head as she noticed anger raising in her master's eyes. „I killed him with my own hands!"

The elderly woman slapped across her face at the same spot, the general of the guards fell on the side on the ground. The Empress dowager stepped on her many times. Her beautiful also young face, chest, back and stomach were scathed with many bruises, she was still bleeding out of her already swollen mouth. The other guards had pity on her but they weren't in any position to step out for her to help her. They would have the same fate if they went between them so they remained kneeled on the ground while begging inside that their master would have mercy on them. After making sure that she crippled her by stepping on her many time, she gave her order to them.

She pointed at the woman in the middle, „You're temporarly appointed as the next general of my guards. Take her out and throw her in a dump", she looked fiercely at the new appointed general, „Search for Ashin Wunna and make sure that he won't spill any word about me to the Emperor! Make sure that you don't disappoint me like she did or else..", it was a warning she shouldn't ignore if she didn't want to end up as the other. The injured one was like her older sister, they entered the palace to work for the empress dowager at the same time and were protecting her and doing illegal activities behind the shadow for 5 years now. But those 5 years seemed like nothing as their master stripped her sworn sister down from her status in a few seconds.

Two women dragged the injured former general away and disappeared out of the chamber. The Empress dowager read the paper roll for the second time, „Here I, the Emperor of Siam, are summoning you to appear in the court. You're being accused of plotting against one of my concubine. If you don't appear in front of me to defend yourself then I will regard it as you're pleading guilty. You'll be punished severly by stripped down from your title!"

She stared at every seals put on the letter and recognized her allies and also enemies' seal on the script. Out of anger, she ripped the summoning letter in pieces. Never will you be able to strip me down from my title and send me out of my palace, Kongpob. She nibbled against her fingernails, searching for scapegoat to blame her or him to take her place. 

****

Meanwhile Kongpob and his guards didn't take the way straight to the court but took another direction, his destination the flower palace. There was someone lovely waiting there for him. Someone so pure and innocent that the person would cleanse him from so much evilness and wickedness that swirled in and around him in the palace. As soon as the Emperor entered the flower palace, the male concubine's maids and guards fell to their knees to show their respect toward the ruler. The pure Oon, crouching down in front of the many beautiful and dazzling flowers, was ingulged in his own world that consisted of Kongpob, him and their baby. He didn't notice Kongpob behind him yet.

Arthit smiled while stroking on his bump as he spoke with the flowers that he could feel his baby in his womb. He wondered why it was suddenly silent behind so he turned back only to realize Kongpob standing behind him. The sun protected its warm light to shine behind Oon, dazzling and beautifully, showing sparkles behind the shorter man that could warm and melt Kong's icy heart. He even swore that he could see a faint helo above Arthit's head. The latter looked like an angel in his white, long gown with the flower pattern he was wearing.

Arthit's lips curved up, revealing a dimpled smile on his face. Kong couldn't resist this bright addictive, smile, he smiled automatically too. Whenever he saw his beloved Oon, he would always calm down and have courage to keep fighting. There was an important reason why he was fighting against the odds even though his enemy had more allies than him. It was for their futures. Arthit's, their babie's and his future! Arthit was the first to approach him and fell in his arms to embrace him tightly. Kong's fear and coldness faded away, they were taken away with the blowing wind. Kongpob took Arthit in a tight hug too without putting pressure in the hug to hurt their baby. The shorter one leaned his head against his shoulder, feeling hot. His face turned red, he was clearly blushing. Now that he was in his strong man's arms, he could smile again. Although he always smiled even if he didn't have Kongpob beside him. He could keep himself busy with his servants and do wicked games to laugh and smile all the time. But if he explained to Kongpob that he wouldn't miss him much if he didn't see him in few hours, the latter would be mad and punish his servants for stealing Arthit and his attention from him. The jealous Emperor would sulk and ignore him for few days for not missing him but it would be a disadvantage for Arthit because he would miss him after some hours of playing with the maid. Fact was that both of them just needed a daily doses of each other!

Love was in the air whenever the Emperor and the male concubine met. The servants turned away to leave them privacy. Kongpob broke the hug, mustered Arthit to see if he was fine or not. When he made sure that he wasn't physically neither mentally instable, he caressed at his silky cheek to feel more of his warmth. Arthit smiled again but his smile dropped down as he realized blood dripping from his man's palm.

Oon grabbed at Kongpob's hand and took it in his palms, „What happened?", he failed to hid worry in his voice and eyes. He was in high alert after meeting the taller man injured again.

„Nothing much... I was angry at one of my subordinate and ended up breaking a cup...", he didn't want to tell him the whole truth. If Arthit found out that he was against the dowager, he would be worried and advise him against it. He would want to wait till they gathered enough allies to go against her together. However, Kong couldn't wait any longer. They weren't only fighting against the Empress dowager but also against time. Arthit's womb was getting bigger without considering the danger both Arthit and the baby would be if someone spotted about his pregnancy. He had to try to get rid of their enemies if he found the slightest opportunity.

Arthit mustered the cut wound clearly then grabbed at the handherchief out of his sleeve and wrapped it around Kong's wounded hand to cover the small cuts. He looked just like a famous physician while taking care of his small injuries. Kong had a bright grin on his face, his whole attention on Arthit who was his only world. After covering the wound, he mustered at it to see if he did a good work like he learned the first time Kongpob was injured while protecting him from assassins back in Burma. The dressing of the injuries wasn't done by an experienced physician but the deeply touched Emperor was more than happy to be taken care of by Arthit. The essential was that his man loved him, cared for him and would do everything for him to make him feel better.

„Arthit, I am about to do something dangerous but I don't have any courage to do it... I need your courage to keep fighting...", the ruler pouted. It was so like him whenever he was asking something from Arthit. The Emperor was powerful in front of his people but weak against his man Arthit. If he intended to have something sweet from him the man he loved, he would sulk sometime to have his way. He could be childish sometime but only toward the love of his life.

Arthit giggled, he couldn't resist a childish and sulking Kongpob. He knew what he meant with giving him strength but he intended to make it more interesting. He crossed his arms around the taller man's neck. „How can I give you courage?", he mumbled in a sexy way, arousing him with his sexy but soft voice.

Kongpob came close to his ear, whispering with a surpringly soft voice, „A kiss or a qui...", he was interrupted with Oon covering his mouth with his hands before he could say the word. He licked at Arthit's hand to arouse him too. Perfect! Both of them were horny now. Just too perfect!

Arthit couldn't help as yelp a soft moan as soon as the wet and warm tongue grazed against his fingers covering Kong's mouth. He quickly took his hands away to cover his own lewd mouth that let out this humiliating sound. The hell I just did! How embarrassing. He blushed in embarrassment, hoping that no one heard his moan. But he was wrong, everyone in the proximity heard him moaning but didn't knew what just happened since they had their back turned at them. Some even blushed even though they were kept in the dark. Arthit mumbled some insults at the Emperor, calling him pervert, sly and dirty but Kongpob was enjoying the little display between them. He could feel his lust emerging whenever Arthit was speechless, weak or too shy or even angry. One coud say that he could feel horny whenever mood Arthit was. Everything about Arthit was just sexy, addictive, tempting and seductive. If he wasn't busy and they were observed, he would take him here and now. Unfortunately he had to hold back his libido but he would take care of their pleasure if he came back from the court.

Instead of the quickie Kongpob wanted from him, he covered the taller man's lips again then gave him a kiss on his own hands above the latter's lips. It was an indirect kiss as punishment for making him moan just now.

„Again...", Kongpob sulked, pointing at his lips that was still sealed with Arthit's hands.

Arthit intended to kiss his hands again but he failed to see the sly smile in Kongpob's eyes, the young Emperor reacted fast, grabbed at Oon's wrists then forced his hands out of his way. Arthit ended up kissing Kong directly on the lips. Of course, the sly Kong would grab at the chance to conjure more intimacy and steal more kisses from Arthit. He leaned one arm around Oon's waist then pulled him gently closer to his body and kissed him. Their kiss deepened, it was brief but lovely enough to raise the feeling of love in the air. Arthit moaned louder, he needed to breath but didn't break the kiss. He, too, was enjoying this rough but lovely kiss. Sometime, he loved it to be taken roughly by his cold Emperor. The ruler's coldness would arouse him and make him want him even more in him but of course, he would never admit it or he would wake up the sleepy beast in him. To save his chrysanthemum and prevent hinself from heavy backaches, he had to keep his inner sexual tension and wishes from Kongpob.

Arthit grabbed at Kong's shoulder and tried to free himself by pulling him back many time but he failed to get rid of the persistent man glued on him. As Kongpob was satisfied and gathered finally his courage that never wavered, he took his lips from him. Before he went away from Arthit, he gave the concubine a brief peck on the lips. He gradually enjoyed the frustration in Arthit's face, the shorter man was sulking at him for playing with him like that. The Emperor took his direction away from him after promising him to come back at night. He whispered in Oon's ear while licking on his lip. I await a sweet night today. Arthit was left flushed again, he felt hot from head to toes so he waved cold wind to his face with his hand. Kong laughed when he walked pass the servants and approached the entrance.

The servants were tense and trembling upon listening to the ruler laughing. It sounded like an evil laughter since it was the first time they heard it anyway. Something that was terrifying for them, was music for someone else. This someone was the male concubine Arthit Rojnapat. He loved to hear the very rare laughter of Kongpob. It sounded peaceful, sweet and lovely in his mind. The maids were murmuring if he was blind to fail to see the darkness in his laughter.

As soon as Kongpob disappeared from his sight, Arthit found his guards lined up in front of him, reaching out for their weapon. Arthit was confused but he was curious to see the source of the commotion so he went to the front. Even though Prem and Bright warned him not to come out, he still approached the source of them grabbing at their swords. There was a person wearing complete black laying on the ground few inches away from his palace. Since he was prohibited from stepping out of his palace, he ordered Bright and Maprang to bring the man or maybe woman in the palace, ignoring Prem's warning. Maprang treated the stranger roughly, grabbing at the person and dragging him on the ground together with Bright. They let him fall on the ground. Arthit was slightly shocked at Maprang's rough treatment but he couldn't say anything since he knew that she was in high alert because of him. If she didn't want him to be harmed from Ashin Wunna like last time, she had to be cold, expressionless, merciless and dangerous. Ever since she failed her duty to protect Arthit and lost her sister Two few weeks ago, she changed and menaced everyone approaching Arthit as if they were all threats. She was like his watch dog instead of his best friend. He blamed himself that he made her like she was now. If he didn't make her regret her decision to leave him in Wunna's hands then she wouldn't had changed so much.

Arthit kneeled down to the injured stranger and carefully turned the person to face him. It was a young woman but she looked like a fighter. He finally recognized her young face he saw somewhere once but he couldn't remember where he saw her.

„She's one of the Empress dowager's fighter... The general of the female guard in fact", Prem said through gritted teeth, his look so serious like never before. His hand was close to his sword so he would react quickly in case of her being a spy and sent to kill their master.

Only now did Arthit recognize her. He saw her at the night he witnessed the Empress dowager selling him to Ashin Wunna. She was one of the guards who accompanied the dowager during that time. But what happened to her? The woman was covered in bruises and seemed to had broken some bones.

„Bring her in the spare room to take care of her wounds!", it was Arthit's order for now. 

****

Two assassins, wearing complete black to hid their identities, had a black scarf covering their face but left only their eyes not covered to see clearly. They had already killed the four guards who were supposed to protect Ashin Wunna outside of the dungeon. After making sure that they weren't discovered yet, they moved quietly in the dungeon, searching for their target in every cells. Since the Emperor kept most of his prisoners in the dungeon, they intended to attack here first and find Ashin to silence him forever. Loud cheers echoed in the cells as soon as the prisoners spotted the two assassins, they chanted their most beloved sentence: We are innocent, please save us innocent souls out of this hell.

The two assassins searched in every cells for Ashin Wunna, one of them kicked a crazy man who dared to touch them on the leg to beg them for mercy. There was one cell deep hidden in the foul reeking dungeon. There he was! They kicked the bars open and approached their target to kill him and satisfy their master.

Both of them exchanged a look then pointed their swords at him. „There you are!", one of the roared.

They charged at him with their, the older man opened his eyes and stared at them with no emotions hidden in his eyes. 

****

The Emperor who insisted of convening an urgent meeting in the court, was the last person to enter the court from aside. He arrived just shortly before the emergency meeting began, four guards were behind their master and ensured for his safety. Kongpob took place on the golden seat in front of all those leechs of higher officials and dowager, catching everyone's attention.

His enemies were trying to hide their hatred toward the Emperor but he could read their facial expressions. They wished he would leave the throne to Pitcher and die painfully to give them more peace to do their illegal activities. The meeting started with an older announcer stating the reason why they had to meet in the court, one man was drawing the scenes on the left side while the other was protocolling the meeting on the right side. Those two men were witnesses to this emergency occurance. The higher officials gasped in shock, some halted their breath to assimilate the shocking news after listening to the announcer. They were here to discuss the matter concerning an unknown person complaining about the Empress dowager's conspiracy. According to the claimant, she plotted to get rid of one of the Emperor's concubine and also wished to maintain a healthy relationship with their enemy country Burma by sending the captured concubine as gift to Burma's new appointed Emperor. Another gasp echoed in the air, murmur raised among the elderly men. Kongpob's serious and cold face, forced them to shut up and listen to him. He faced his step-mother who was in front of them, still keeping her head high. Kong sensed that she had another trump card but he remained calm like always.

„I want to hear the dowager's answer to this complain. Defend yourself, Empress dowager, to prove your innocence", the ruler spoke first to open the debate.

She bowed her head slighty to show her respect toward the most powerful man in Siam, „First I demand from the Emperor to state the name of the concubine and the person who dared to distribute such grave lie about me!"

Nice try, dowager! Kongpob smirked even though it would be his disadvantage to reveal their names but he had to do it if he didn't want to lose trust in his allies. „I managed to capture the head of the slave hunters, Ashin Wunna..."

Another murmur resounded in the air. Some were amazed that their strong Emperor captured the man who put their whole country in fear but the rest of them were hating the fact that the young Emperor did another great deed and was gaining more popularity through his victories.

However, Kongpob ignored them and continued, „The person who should be used as gift was the male concubine...", he said while maintaining a calm demeanour.

„How dare such lowly life lied against our innocent Empress dowager...", many elderly men protested against him.

Of course, they wouldn't trust the like of Ashin Wunna. Surely, some of them were aware of the dowager's conspiracy or could guess that the accusation was valid but they would never dare to raise against the dowager. She was one of their biggest hope to get rid of the Emperor and place a puppet on the throne. Besides, they were already on her bad side since they put their seals on the summoning letter.

„Where is the evidence... I want you to show me the evidence against me and show me the lowly life who accused me of conspicary!", she ordered while raising her voice, her head still high up to display her power. She revealed that she was the empress dowager also the late's Emperor's choosen Empress who ruled this country for many decades before that insolent Kongpob's birth.

A smirk displayed on Kongpob's face, his handsome face darkened all the sudden. The dark expression taught his enemies some fear, they were trembling in shock upon seing their ruler dark side. Even the Empress was restless now because she knew that it was always bad news whenever the young man looked at her with so much confidence.

The Emperor raised his hand whereupon the door of the court opened, everyone in the room expect Kongpob turned behind to face the surprise awaiting them. Ashin Wunna! The head of the slave hunters was standing some metres away from them, two bulky guards behind him to protect him from any danger. Dangers like the dowager's spies and killers aiming at him. The old woman's eyes went wide in shock, her whole body trembling when she saw the man who could mean her downfall being still alive. It can't be! I sent assassins to finish him off but how could he be still alive? He tricked death twice?

Ashin Wunna had many cuts and bruises on his face, surely on his whole body too. He looked pale and exhausted too, he had a pitiful appearance that even his strongest enemies would take pity on him when they spotted him like that. He just resembled a wounded and scared animal. The two bulky guards grabbed each at Ashin's arm und brought him in the court, they waited between the Emperor and the higher officials, everyone's eyes followed them till they were in front of them. Kong looked down at him, his powerful aura emerging in the air, intimidating the opponents and suffocating them on purpose. He loved to see his fiends being tortured and succumb to him. It was a feast for his sharp eyes.

„This is the evidence that I mentioned about... Ashin Wunna...", Kongpob spoke, he stood up and walked over to the older man. He ordered, „Repeat the same accusation you revealed to me before!"

The latter went to his knees to show his respect. He trembled first before stating the fact. It seemed like he was afraid of both the dowager and the Emperor but his fear toward the ruler was more effective. He admitted that the former Empress could emit a powerful aura too but the ruler was more aggressiv and frightening the moment someone touched his man. Now that he made the biggest mistake of his life by touching the Emperor's man, he got to learn about his temper and gruesome torture methode. Pain crawled on his body when thinking about the torture he went through after being captured. It was unforgetable, it would leave a bitter taste in his memory forever. It was a lesson he learned. According to him, the Emperor was a pure devil hiding in the young, handsome man's shell to deceive his people. It felt like a wolf in a sheep's clothes. He wondered how could such timid and innocent looking boy like the male concubine fell in love with such frightening man and even managed to tame him by making him addictive to him. „Due to my respect Emperor, I had an encounter with a mysterious lady someday just shortly after I captured the male concubine... She gave me many golds under the condition that I bring the male concubine as gift to Burma's Emperor to maintain their good relationship". He stuttred at the important reply, „Now that I see her clearly, I am sure that the mysterious lady was the Empress dowager!"

„You're lyging!", she roared angrily like a lion toward its prey. She went to Ashin Wunna and slapped him across his face. „Did you see her face correctly?"

Ashin Wunna shook hard, not only due to the pain shooting through his body but he had to admit that he didn't see her face to identify her that night. He only recognized her voice but how could his help the Emperor now. He kneeled up again, „I may not see her face because she covered it with a black veil but I can recognize her voice... Beside, I sneaked at her that time and heard one of her guards calling her something like Empress... It was...", before he could end the sentence, a scary sounding voice interrupted him.

„Are you sure that you heard the Empress dowager or someone else?", the dowager asked with a gloomy expression.

The prime minister clenched his hands in fists, already guessing her idea. Kongpob guessed right, she indented to use someone else as scapegoat to save herself from all those accusation but he wouldn't let her have her way today. Like always, he had another hidden trump card. A single wave from Kongpob, brought the heavy door of the court to open again. Every one in the court turned behind to face the second surprise. There were four men and women waiting there. Two badly injured women, wearing complete black, were followed by 2 other guards. They forced the assassins to walk forward. The dowager was paler as usually, her face looked older than she actually was. Only did the dowager come to the conclusion that she didn't hear anything from her assassins till now. If they failed to kill Ashin Wunna then it meant that they were captured. Like she suggested, those two assassins she sent were the two captured spies marching pass her. The captured assassins were forced down to kneel in front of the Emperor. Not only the dowager was in shock but also the prime minister. His friends he always plotted with saw in his direction, already murmuring about him. The reason why a huge commotion emerged in the court? Very simple! The two assassins weren't the dowager's guards as they expected but they were working under another powerful woman. Empress Kaofang!

„Please, have mercy on...", the assassins began to beg but they were cut off mercilessly.

„Enough!", Kongpob's deep, serious voice ordered them, sending shudder down their spine. He stared at them malicously, „My men captured those assassins infiltrating the dungeon with the intention to silence Ashin Wunna!"

The assassins bit their tongue, hating their dumb-as-bucket-of-shrimp-brain for failing to help them. They were stupid enough to not notice sooner that they had set up a trap for them in the dungeon. No wonder it was silent in the dungeon that was poorly guarded. Apparantly, Kong already had guessed that the dowager would want to kill Ashin Wunna before the emergency meeting took place so he had placed many guards in the dungeon to play prisoners to protect Ashin Wunna. Besides, the man they thought was their target, ended up being the general of the Emperor's guards who was disguised as Ashin Wunna. The real target was brought into a safer place, only known to the Emperor's trusted men. The two miserably fell in Kong's trap!

„Who sent you to kill Ashin Wunna?"

The young women couldn't answer yet but looked aside, thinking for another idea. They even failed to kill themselves as they realized that it was a trap to capture them. Before they could swallow the poison hiding under their tongue to commit suicide and shut themselves forever, they were knocked down unconsciously. They were two strong assassins but were played by the Emperor as if they were nothing as crocroach for him. To fail an assignment, should mean death to them. However, they couldn't even manage to kill themselves. It hurted like hell to tarnish their family's name upon failing to kill themselves to protect their dignity, mission and master. One thing was sure, they could never reveal their true master's name. She would kill their whole family as punishment for betraying her.

Just like kongpob expected, they mumbled, „The Empress..."

This time, a louder commotion raised in the court. Kongpob shooting a death glare at them, forced them to be brave and listen to them first. The Emperor ordered them to speak louder if they didn't want to receive their punishment now.

„The Empress!", both of them yelled at the same time.

„It's not true... It's a conspiracy against my daughter", the prime minister raised his voice. He pointed at the dowager, glaring at her, „It's her! She plotted against the Empress to save herself!". He run to the injured women at kicked at them for lying.

One bulky man grabbed at him and pulled him away from the assassins who were laying at the ground, writhing in pain. The prime minister still kicked and struggled here and there to free himself but it wasn't easy to run away from that strong man holding him.

„Enough you insolent fool!", Kongpob roared at the prime minister, managing to tune down the turmoil and calm down the agitated higher officials.

Since the emergency meeting didn't end yet, the officials brought their attention to the young but smart and experienced Emperor who approached his step mother. He smiled innocently to cover for his evil face, hiding the dark plan swirling in his mind. „I realized from your tense reaction that you knew the culprit but was covering for her. The Empress is the person you're trying to cover for, right?". Of course, it was a lie but he had to tag along. Since the dowager choose to play this game, he would follow her lead. But there was a good reason to play along with her. He knew that she, the late Emperor's wife, shouldn't be touched easily according to the law. Even his own people would advice against the idea to kill her but he would take her allies one by one. He would cut off her limbs one by one till only her torso remained intact. After he ripped the heart out of her chest and she ceased to function forever, would he let her in peace. Only after she died cruely, would he live a happy life. Arthit and their baby would be out of danger with her death!

No... I wasn't covering for anyone but for myself! This should be the right answer but she would never be able to utter the truth. The moment the truth escaped her mouth, would be the say she would lose everything. Not only her life but also her wealth, her children, her title and everything she fought for ever since she set foot in the palace. No, she couldn't let a man like Kongpob take everything from her. Even if it meant to sacrife a big ally. She glared at him as if he was a parasit she would like to trample on till it die, she noticed the 2 choises Kongpob threw at her like an owner throwing food to its dog. Betray her biggest ally, the prime minister by making his daughter, the Empress, taking her place or tell him the truth that she conspired against the male concubine. She clenched her hands so hard that he fingernails scratched her skin. You'll regret it later, Kongpob. She screamed painfully inside but had to gulp down her hate and conspiracy to save herself. She answered through gritting teeth, „Yeah, I'm covering for the Empress..."

„I see... Do you recognize those two assassins?"

It was the first time that she regretted her decision for sending the Empress's guards for such simple mission. Because she didn't want to be suspected if the two were captured, she used someone else's guard but the plan ended up backfiring at her. Kongpob used the opportunity to make the prime minister lose his trust in her. She continued without letting a single emotion be seen in her eyes, „Yes... They're the Empress's guards..."

The young Emperor turned to face Ashin Wunna, „So it's the Empress who paid you to sell the male concubine, right?"

Ashin Wunna was confused at first but he finally understood the ruler's plan. Kongpob was a hell of a demon. He never intended to attack the dowager but he meant to destroy the prime minister and Kaofang. He knew that he didn't saw her face during their meeting but he still called for the meeting to get rid of Kaofang and her powerful father. The old man wanted to laugh at his own idiocy for not noticing his plan sooner. Even he, the smart Ashin Wunna, fell in such young man's trap. Emperor Jay had gained another strong and daring opponent. He shouldn't underestimate Siam's Emperor Kongpob Suthiluck at all or he would lose his head without even knowing how he fell in his trap. „Yeah... That time, I heard them calling her the Empress", he lied too. Actually he was just a prisoner who was trying to survive at first but he ended up acknowledging the Emperor's intelligence and power.

„Now that we finally came to know the truth, I free the dowager from every charges against her. However, I can't say the same to the Empress", Kongpob said first then faced every one of his nemesis in the hall. „Even if she is the mother of this country, it's stated in the law that the Empress isn't allowed to abuse her power and harm the Emperor. Not only did she plot with my enemy against my back but she also intended to kill one of my concubine... Hereby, she will be punished severely."

The prime minister fell to his knees, he crawled on the ground to grab at the ruler's leg and beg him to have mercy on his daughter. He screamed that she was the Empress and Oon only a male concubine without an important title. Instead of sucking up to him, he made the matter worse by calling Arthit a lowlife.

However, Kongpob remained cold toward her, „He may be a concubine but he's the man I acknowledge as my man, love and make love with almost every night. Only I am allowed to touch him! Your daughter dared to try to stain him by selling him off", his voice so cold like never before.

His guards pulled the prime minister away from the ruler, the former still begging for mercy.

„Hereby, I order the law to strip her down from her title this same night before the sun went down!", the decision finally fell. Kongpob sounded emotionless when punishing an innocent young woman like that but he was enjoying the show. He loved the end of the meeting, it was even better as he expected. He looked at the dowager, „The Empress dowager will be locked in palace her for hiding the conspiracy from me to protect a criminal! She even dared to call me by my birth name! Untill I give the order to give her her freedom back, she will stay in her palace without any contact from outside! Every one breaking this order, will be punished!", with this, he taught more fear toward his enemies.

As he finished uttering the punishment, Kong gazed at his opponents one by one who were holding back their displeasure. Even if they were against such rash punishment, they couldn't raise a single petition against it because they did the biggest mistake by sealing the script that contained the lowercase that a royalty like the dowager should be punished too. That cunning bastard, many were insulting him inside but would never dare to utter such words in front of them. Somehow, it seemed that the Emperor who never cared about them before, was holding his sword against their throats to threaten him. Something triggered the beast in him to fight against them but what triggered it? What actually happened to him?

Kongpob turned to look as the prime minister, groaning at the latter. „And concerning you... Get out of my sight and never set foot in my court again! From today on, you're not the prime minister anymore!", another punishment escaped his mouth. This time, it was directed at the pitiful Empress's father.

Everyone fell quiet, no one dared to raise and break the awkward silence. The victorious and satisfied Emperor was the first one to leave the court hall, taking a direction to his chamber to do his duty as the Emperor. The prisoners were taken away and brought in a secret dungeon that didn't exist on the surface but its location only known to the Emperor and his very trusted aides. The degraded prime minister was dragged away against his will, he was cursing at the dowager and vowing to take his revenge. The other higher officials and the dowager remained there, the officials were talking behind the old woman's back, calling her not trustworthy or a betrayer. Slowly, her allies were losing their trust in her since they witnessed how powerless she was against the Emperor. Besides, she was cunning enough to betray the prime minister and his only daughter, something the family would never forgive her for. Her strong wall was beginning to fall apart one by one. It would finaly crumble down after losing its strength! 

****

At the same day, some maids with important status gathered in at the Empress's palace. The Emperor was in front of them with the Empress before him. The announcer who was the head of eunuch, Oak, read the law from the paper roll. Today was finally the day Empress Kaofang will be stripped down from her title as the Empress, more like the mother of this country. She had her shining time but now her light was turned off, she lost everything she fought for until now just because of the Empress dowager's betrayal. Of course, she would take her revenge for this humiliation later.

Two maids took her crown down and her imperial gown with the Siam's royal crest as pattern on it down then folded the gown neatly in a very careful manner. From today on, she will be sent as a monk in the mountain since she wasn't allowed to marry another man and let herself be stained after being in the Emperor's harem. Curse, that damn law. I didn't even get to taste the fruit of the handsome Emperor but now I am being punished to never taste a man's body again? I should not be embraced by a man even though I am still a virgin? My fate is so cruel.

Some of her loyal servants were crying upon seeing their master throwing out of the palace after being found guilty of conspiracy. The head of the Empress's maids had to accompany her too. Few guards followed them to ensure their safety. Kaofang acted strong in front of her maids to stay strong but she fell weak the longer she distanced from the palace. She stole a last look from the palace that was everyone's dream. She remembered her too short life in the palace, beginning with the selection of the Empress's election down with her being selected as the Empress and her having an enviable and carefree life in the palace. Her tears kept rolling down out of her eyes nonstop, they were warm on her cheeks. Thanksfully, it was so dark that her former servants didn't notice her breaking down.

As soon as the big gate of the palace closed behind and Kaofang slowly distanced from them, Kongpob just disapperead in a direction without glacing at her again. Like he always said, any person would be punished if he dared to hurt Arthit. He had to be cruel towards her since she dared to raise her hand against his love Arthit twice. That time, her actions didn't have any consenquence but he waited for the right moment to punish her. Just like everyone found out in the court today, Kongpob didn't show mercy toward his enemies if they lay a finger on the male concubine. The punishment wasn't only harsh but it would affect someone physically and mentally too. Rather keep their hands to themselves and hide in the dark instead of touching the male concubine!

Kongpob finally arrived in the flower palace, he went directly in Arthit's chamber. The latter was sitting on the bed, his head kept down while staring at the ground. He looked amazingly cute! A relieved and genuine smile brightened Kong's face. As Arthit looked up and noticed his man in front of him, he smiled brightly. A smile that got rid of every darkness in the air and in Kongpob's mind. He went to the shorter man then hugged him tightly, Oon wrapping his arms around him too. Both of them were enjoying their privacy and togetherness.

After the long battle, the only thing Kong always fell happy about was to fall in Arthit's arms, embrace him and lie down with him on the bed. It would be good to have intercourse but he had to admit that just lie down beside him and enjoy the silence, was good too. Arthit was his only joy and strength he would always protect to keep beside him.

Kongpob pulled Arthit toward the bed then threw himself on the bed while pulling the shorter man toward him. The Emperor laid on his back the bed while Arthit was in top of him facing him, his hands leaning against the taller man's chest. Arthit closed his eyes, both of them not having the intention to break the silence. Arthit didn't ask him about his day but he only heard about the emergency meeting and the dowager also the Empress's punishment from his noisy maids. Kongpob did everything to protect him and their baby so he was grateful toward him. He just hoped that his game wouldn't have an aftermatch later.

******************************

And your opinion about this chapter or more like Kongpob's bad side? Arthit can be cunning too but Kongpob was far worse than him. He was the pure devil hiding in a handsome man's Shell :D He is more bad than that but he won't Show everything at once ;)

Hm, am I the only one who didn't get a vibe about Love by Chance and My Tee the series? But waiting for Together with me the next chapter *.*