Finally I can update the chapter... Like you wished, I left it as a long chapter instead of deviding it into 2 parts. Let me warn you: It's reeeeeally long but I hope you'll enjoy it.

The song is Become each other's tears by Hyolyn (Hwarang: The Beginning OST)

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In the middle of the flower palace, there was a round patio surrounded by many cherry trees, the beautiful cherry blossoms falling onto the ground of the patio, some following the blowing wind and flying and dancing around a young man who sat on the chair around a table. There were three more chairs around the person but he was by himself. He felt lonely although many maids surrounded him, taking care of his every needs. They were his servants but they kept their distance from him just like it was written in the palace's law they had to follow it they didn't want to lose their lives for breaking the law.

According to the palace's law, only the Emperor should be the only man touching his Empress and his consorts. Even if a physician was needed to treat an Emperor's wife, the latter needed a permission before touching his wives. Even if permission was granted, there would be a curtain separating them so the latter wouldn't see the Empress's face. There shouldn't be any man inside the Emperor's wives's palace either but there weren't only women surrounding the young man. Actually there was a man among the maids, the eunuch Toota whom the Emperor allowed to serve his concubine since the eunuch lost his manhood anyway and wasn't a danger to his rightful wife.

Arthit, the sweet young man's beauty could be a potential competitor to the beautiful cherry but his beauty didn't shine today. He looked lost, sad, lonely and forsaked from the world. He lost his parents so he hated himself for leaving his dear family behind without even thinking of taking revenge on his cousin who took his parents away from him. Not only himself did he hate but also his Kongpob... No, it was a lie. He wished to hate Kongpob but he couldn't. His feelings for him prevented him from loathing the taller man.

Even if his love didn't allow him to hate Siam's Emperor, he couldn't get rid of a question swirling in his mind, not letting him rest for a moment. Why did Kongpob return shortly after his parents were slaughtered in front of him? The latter went to search for the antidote for the posion Arthit was fighting with after escaping the palace but got impoisened on the way to his freedom. Was the taller man aware of the treason on them? Did he let his parents die, only saving him because he loved and only cared about him? The shorter man wanted to know the answer to his questions, would like to ask him but he couldn't since he was afraid of being hurt by his answers.

The young man looked at the clear view of the sky, a little smile appeared on his face. The smile was so faint that none of his servants noticed it. He was exhausted, would like to be somewhere different and calm, far away from jealous wives around him, hateful eyes staring on him, curious maids slandering on him about his identity and him luring their Emperor to take him as his concubine. Somewhere he wouldn't have to live with such pain but a place where he could close his eyes forever. But whenever he decided not to eat and starve and die in peace, he would be plagued by hunger. There was somehting fighting against his hunger strike, forcing him to eat to stay alive. It wasn't his will but something stronger. Even though he would threw up everything, he would end up eating anyway.

Beside he craved more for his home's food. The food his maids prepared for him but he would complain about for its awful taste. The street food he loved more than the palace's food. The saleswomen who would sell him their products expensive due to his noble look. The busy, colourful street and market of Burma. He missed everything but he would never taste the awful palace's food, the tasty market's food nor see his people again. He was stucked here in Siam, bound to live with his enemy Kongpob who was Siam's Emperor.

Not only did Arthit hate himself but he pitied his currently poor situation and condition too. He lost his status as Burma's crown prince, got a demotion as another country's Emperor's concubine and was even being mocked by servants who wasn't any different than him. The busybody maids were whispering behind him, telling the fateful story of Burma they heard about. They even called his beloved country dirty, saying how dare they accused their beloved Emperor as tyrant for killing their royal family. Another maid asked if their Emperor really assassinated Burma's imperial family since he was known as merciless and was capable of killing his enemies in secret. The maid reaped some angry looks for accusing their strong Emperor as a tyrant. It seemed like they feared Kongpob but admired him for his strength, power, braveness and maybe for his looks too.

Life wasn't surely easy for Arthit. Another little smile appeared on his face, this time it was a smile filled with sadness, insecurity and fear. His eunuch Toota didn't fail to notice the soft but sad smile on his face. Arthit ready himself to leave for his chamber but suddenly froze on the spot when another rumor came around his ear. The servants were gossiping about his family again. But this time not about dead persons but a living person.

„Did you hear that the last survivor of Burma's imperial family is getting killed?", another maid whispered to the other, she spoke so faint that Arthit shouldn't had actually heard her but since his family was mentioned, he caugth them talking about Youn.

The shorter man stomped to them, standing in front of the gossiping maid, asking her which last suvivor she was talking about. Arthit knew it must be his eldest sister Youn but he wanted to assure himself first because they could had meant him. Maybe prince Jay found out that the dead young man they though was the crown prince, wasn't Arthit but his eunuch Ko Thiha. The young woman trembled, went to her knees immediately, apologizing for her rudeness to disturb him during his break. Something was odd, she seemed to hold back for an unknown reason. Yet he was curious more than before. He lost his temper and patience when she kept trembling in fear, letting the fierce crown prince come out and raising his voice.

Her voice stuttered many times. „The... The Emperor... prohibited us to talk about Siam...", she kept her eyes staring at the ground, didin't dare to look at the new male concubine's eyes nobody knew his character about. Was he evil and merciless just like the Empress dowager or the Empress?

The servants had to know his personality first before trusting him and sharing their experience they gathered in the woman's palace with him. But Arthit's losing his temper a few weeks after his arrival, showed that he wasn't just a normal concubine they were sure about to not know about the palace's law yet. For them Arthit raising his commanding voice, showed them that he wasn't completely oblivious to the law nor his surroundings. Arthit was from Burma and didn't know much about Siam but most of the palace's law were actually the same. No wonder Kongpob was aware of the royal's law since he himself was an Emperor, someone with a higher title than him.

The maid finally gave him an answer, telling him that they caught Burma's eldest Princess Youn for planing treason, wanting to impoison her father-in-law, Philippines's Emperor. She was currently in a dungeon but would get her punishment in four weeks by taking poison. Beside there were rumours flying around that she was innocent and prince Jay suggested the imperial family of Philippines to get rid of the last former princess to avoid unnecessary feud.

The young servant didn't even get to finish her request to not ask the Emperor but Arthit left his flower palace, taking the way to the grand palace. She hit on her big mouth for being too loud and busybody, her friends surrounded her, suggesting her to accept any punishment since the Emperor wouldn't let her off for talking about Burma although he clearly prohibited them not to lose a word about it.

However Arthit entered the grand palace, was closely followed by his maids and his eunuch who refused to leave his side even though he ordered them not to chase after him. He came across an elderly woman but just passed beside her without greeting her nor even bowing head down to her. Yeah, Arthit wasn't aware of the woman's palace intrigue yet because his servants didn't confide him about it yet. The elderly woman waited on the spot, not moving nor turning back to look at the young, rude man who passed beside her without showing his respect to her, ignoring her as if she wasn't there at all. Arthit's servant were sweating sweat of fear, bowing down respectfully, moving aside to give her way before continuing running after the new concubine.

Toota tried to hold Arthit back to tell him about the woman he just ignored but Arthit refused to listen to him since he only had Kongpob in his mind right now. The woman he disrespected just now turned out to be Emperess dowager who found the new concubine a thorn in her eyes. She clenched her hands into fists, gritting his teeth, flames of anger burning in her eyes. Her lips curved up into a evil, mischievous smile. It was official: The Empress dowager hated the new concubine the Emperor brought in the palace. The male concunbine was her new foe she would swallow whole only to chew him into wrecked pieces. She couldn't wait to destroy him, using him as the Emperor's weakness.

Arthit didn't even stop in front of the Emperor's chamber but wanted to enter the room only to be hold back from his intention. The guards blocked his way with their spears across the entrance. The shorter man, not thinking of returning to his palace without talking to Kongpob first, struggled, screaming at them to let him go see Kongpob right now. It was really noisy outside of the ruler's chamber, the guards were about to throw him outside as eunuch Toota annouced Arthit as the Emperor's new concubine. There was a dead silence in the corridor, shock was written over the soldiers's faces. They immediately let him go, trembling in fear, going to their knees, asking for firgiveness for touching their master's wife with their filthy hands. The curtains of the entrance went aside, revealing the young powerful Emperor in front of them. His gaze on the guards who handled his Arthit roughly was enough for the guards to fear for their lives. They asked to be severly punished since they touched his wife without his permission.

Kongpob's expression turned soft when his eyes laid on the shorter man. He grabbed at his wrist, pulling him gently in his chamber. They remained in his bedroom. Apparantly the taller man wasn't delighted about Arthit revealing himself in front of his servants. He wasn't angry at him for throwing a tantrum but for leaving his safe palace only to set foot in the evil's big palace and be seen by dangerous people who targeted him. Kongpob didn't want to expose Arthit to any dangers.

„I told you not to leave your chamber..."

„I don't care about your orders or your restrictment on me... Tell me the truth, Kongpob! Did they capture my eldest sister Youn, accusing her of treason?"

Kongpob froze on the spot, it seemed like he wasn't keen to answer his question he didn't expect. A worrysome sight escaped his mouth, he scratched at his forehead, turning around to avoid gazing at Arthit. However the shorter didn't even take his eyes from him for a moment.

The taller man turned back to face him. „Where did you hear it from?"

„Does it matter who told me about it? The fact that you tried to hide matters about my family is hurting me... Why didn't you tell me about it?", he clenched his hands into fists, yelling at the most powerful man of Siam without being scared of getting any punishment. „Why did you want to hide it from me?"

„Because I knew you would react like that?", Kongpob raised his voice at him too. „You can't control your temper nor your patience. I knew you would want to go there to save her", were the reason why the taller man didn't want him to find out about Youn.

„Don't act like you know everything about me... Who are you to decide for me?", Arthit asked, glaring at him.

The taller man was flabbergasted, somehow hurt by the shorter man's harsh words towards him. He just wanted to protect him but Arthit took it wrong and was now attacking him. The shorter man realized how harsh he was towards him. He knew he hurted him but he ignored the hurtful look in Kongpob's eyes, forcing himself to not take back his words.

He continued with his accusation, „I can decide for myself and don't need your help or your protection. You want me to wait here and let my only sister to die?". He lowered his voice, looking sad at him, „She's my sole family..."

„I'm here for y...", Kongpob wanted to touch him but Arthit pulled his wrist out his grip, shoving him back to let some distance between them. His friendly expression disappeared when Arthit suggested to leave right now for Philippines and save his sister. As the shorter man was about to leave for outside, Kongpob grabbed at his hand, yanking him back to face him.

„Do you know what will happen to you if someone recognized you in the Philippines?"

„I don't care whether they recognized me or killed me as long as I can rescue my sister Youn. They're intending to assassinate her while carrying her child. It's her only child. My nephew! The Rojnapat's sole heir!" there was something like hope shining in his eyes. Arthit really hoped that the unborn child would take Philippines's throne and take back their country Burma someday. It was his only hope right now. Beside it was the only heir to restore their family's honour. Why he wasn't a hope to continue their family's lineage? He couldn't marry a woman to impregnant her with his child even if he was forced to. He was too deeply involved with Kongpob. His feelings for him wouldn't allow him to sleep with a woman. Sometime he hated himself for falling in love with a man and not with a woman. Everything would be easier if his love was for a woman. Arthit remained dead serious, „If you don't want to see me dead then let me go to her!", it wasn't a request but an order Arthit gave him. No, it was more like an ultimation Kongpob should choose between the two options. If he confined him here and prevent him from rescuing Youn, he would lose him forever. If he didn't want him to hate him then he should let him go.

Kong gave up, didn't want to discuss with him anymore since it would to be in vain. „You're right, Arthit... You don't need my help or my protection but I won't let you have your way either and put yourself in danger. As long as you're in my palace, you're abbided by my law", he tightened the grip he was holding him when Arthit refused to listen to him.

The shorter man with didn't let himself be controlled by any man either. He was struggling, fighting against him, trying to yank his hand out of his grip only to fail many times. Now gis grip hurted his hand, he tried to hit Kong on his face but the taller man reacted fast, holding his fist. The Emperor pulled him over, turning him over only to lean Arthit's own arms behind his back and pinning his hands behind. Arthit was aware of Kongpob's strength. He knew the Emperor was too strong for him but he still tried his luck to fight him. The taller man covered Arthit's nose with his other hand, pressing on it to prevent him from breathing. Because he didn't want to make him unconscious by hurting him, he choose to block his breathing. Arthit was struggling more, pulling at Kongpob's hand, scratching at his arms. It didn't take long for the shorter man to lose his consciouness, falling into Kongpob's arms.

„Guards!", Siam's ruler called for his men.

Two men entered the chamber upon hearing their master calling their names, they went on their knees, waiting for his further orders. Kongpob gave them the order to take Arthit away but they were reluctant to touch the concubine. As the ruler yelled at them to take Arthit away and never leave his side so the latter wouldn't run away again, they immediately accepted the order. The bulkier man of them carefull took Arthit in his arms, carrying him back in his palace. Toota was surprised at the emperor's rough treatment towards his new concubine he actually treated with so much care in the last weeks.

Unfortunately the eunuch didn't knew of their relationship that began long time ago in Burma. He wasn't aware of the real reason why Kong had to treat Arthit so harsh. It was necessary because the supposedly fallen Burma's crown prince wasn't anything like innocent either. His appearance, his innocent big round eyes and his beauty were only deceiving. He never cared about any law and he would even break them if he needed to, having his way every time. The only option to calm him down was to show him his place just like his father did sometimes. Kongpob didn't like the harsh way he treated him either but everything was for his sake. If he didn't want to lose Arthit, he had to be fierce towards him sometimes.

****

Arthit looked around himself to see if someone recognized him, was carefull to not stand out too much, following the guards behind who were supposed to guard the palace from assassins. Curious about what happened? One hour ago he woke up from his deep sleep, thinking for a plan how to escape. Since he was a masterplaner for escaping palaces, he managed to fool a soldier when he called for the man over in his chamber. He hit the strong man unconscious, stealing and wearing his uniforms. What happened to his concubine's gown? He forced it on the guard, switching their identity. Because it was night and his eunuch Toota went to fetch water for him, he couldn't be recognized by his maids in the dark night. Now he managed to escape for outside of his palace, mingling among the soldiers and remaining behind them.

The guards took another direction but Arthit remained behind, using the darkness to hide in a corner where he wouldn't be found. He sneaked away in the opposite direction when the court was less guarded from soldiers and noboby realized his leaving. Because of him not being familiar with Siam's palace, he asked a maid to help him, charming her with his good looks. The maid took him in the shedrow whereupon he found a white horse that resembled his old animal he loved so much. He caressed at the animal's back, whispering to it to help him out of here. The horse nodded as if understanding him, letting the shorter man taking off its leash and taking him out of the shedrow.

Arthit hide the horse on an alley, walking over to two soldiers who were watching the gate. He talked to the older man among the soldiers, telling him that he was his substitute to release him from his night duty. The older guard was surprised, asking him why his substitute arrived so earlier and where his other colleague was. The shorter man lied that he came earlier since he was new and had to impress his seniors by releasing them from their duties sooner. The soldier was suspiscious about him at first but eventually gave in to his tiredness, nodding him to take over his post. As the man left them, Arthit quickly hit the second guard unconscious, opening the gate and whisteling to his horse. The animal galloped to him, he jumped on its back then rode out of the palace. He could hear a big uproar behind him, the guards searching for a concubine most of them didn't knew how he looked like. It was to his advantage that he was unknown to most of the soldiers so they didn't recognize him. His escape was easy thanks to Kongpob hiding him in the palace, holding him far away from danger.

Unfortunately he didn't get far away either, his way was blocked by 12 men standing on his way. Ten of them were sitting on their horses. Two more men were standing on the ground, waiting for his arrival. It was too dark to see their faces clearlier and find out more about their identities. How could he flee now? He was a stranger in this country, didn't know much about Siam nor about its people. His situation was indeed tricky and to his disavantage. The man in the front approached him, Arthit was scared, wanted to ride back to in another direction but the horse remained stubborn, refusing to move on the place. The stranger came to the light where the fullmoon shone more, revealing his face.

„Kong...pob?", Arthit called softly, was surprised to find the taller man outside instead in the palace. „How...", he couldn't finish the question due to Kongpob's gazing at him, anger reclecting in his eyes. Arthit gulped heavily. It was the moment he knew he screwed up. He made the Emperor angry and it wasn't a joke he should take lightly. An angered Kongpob was like an angered wild beast that was about to lose its patience.

Kongpob patted at the horse's head, whispering something in its ear whereupon the animal nodded its head, kneeling down. Now Arthit didn't have any choice as to descent from the animal since it wouldn't listen to him anyway. He was scared but acted though in front of the Emperor. Surely Kongpob would take him back in his flower palace and confine him there for more months. He caught me... My effort is in vain, huh?

„I'm not easily fooled, Arthit... You should've known that..."

„Please... Let me go save her...", this time Arthit didn't want to fight him anymore either. He was tired of having a quarrel everyday with him. It wouldn't help him either if he raised his voice because Kongpob wouldn't waver anyway if he used force. Maybe he should use the soft way to convince him.

The taller man laid his hand on his cheek, caressing his thumb over his pale skin. As soon as he touched Arthit, the latter's body temperature began to raise, his body feeling hot all the sudden. The shorter man felt more lighter, somehow released from his pain too. His restless calmed down too.

Kong went his thumb over Arthit's soft lips, „Can't you notice your own limit? Look at you? You're throwing up everyday and don't even have any strength. You won't come far even if I let you leave..."

Arthit wasn't stupid either. Of course he was weak but his will to rescue his sister was strong after all. It would let him come far. Kongpob shouldn't underestimate his love for his sister, his will to save her and his tiny hope to restore his family's throne that was raising every hour thanks to Youn's unborn child. The shorter man laid his palm over Kongpob's hand that was resting on his cheek, grabbing gently at him.

„I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier... You're my family too but Youn is my only sister. She's carrying a child. An innocent child. Would you let it die if it was your child too?"

Of course Kongpob would protect and save his child no matter the circumstance if he was in the same situation as Youn but since he wasn't going to be a father anyway, he didn't have to think about it nor answer to this question.

Arthit continued pleading, „Please, let me rescue her."

„Sweettalking me wouldn't help you either, Arthit", Kongpob didn't let himself be fooled by Arthit's sweet face or soft voice. Of course Arthit didn't lie about him thinking of Kongpob as his family but the taller man didn't believe him, thinking he was trying to convince him with his sweettalks. „Did you really think that I would let you go to Philippines and expose you to danger?", a little smile appeared. It wasn't a friendly smile but a smile filed with sadness.

The shorter felt hurt for not being taken serious. He admitted that he was unbearable this past few weeks but Kong should be understandable towards him since he lost his family recently. Life was hard for him, it was difficult to breath because he had the feeling something hard was stuck in his throat everyday, not wanting to be gulped down. His heart thumped in pain when knowing that his lover didn't trust him to love him anymore. Even if Kongpob didn't believe him, one thing was clear for him. He would always love his Kongpob no matter the circumstance. Even if he found out that the latter knew about the coup d'etat on his parents but didn't warn him sooner, he woudn't hate him either. So deep was he in love with him. But it didn't matter if the man he loved didn't believe in his love for him. It hurted but he didn't want to let his feelings for him to be shown either. Nothing mattered anyway.

He gulped hard, accepting the current heavy tension around them and the problems in their relationship for now. Maybe nothing would go back to how it used to be. They would never turn to the lovely couple they urse to be before. Kongpob turned away from him, whisteling all the sudden. A dark horse galloped from aside to them, it turned out to be Kong's private horse Ma. The animal licked on Arthit. Somehow the shorter man felt happy to see the dark horse again, he missed it too. All the sudden Kongpob jumped on his horse, facing Arthit. He stretched out his arm to him, offering him his warm hand. Arthit was surprised and confused, couldn't understand why the taller man wanted him to hold onto his hand.

A little smile cracked in Kongpob's face, showing his badass side. „You didn't think that I'll let you go there alone, right?"

Arthit's eyes widened in surprise, something he didn't expect happened. His heart calmed down for a moment only to skip a beat again for Siam's emperor who was supposed to be his enemy. His love for him reached a new higher level, finally he admitted that he would never hate him. They loved each other too much to hate each other. The shorter man blushed while laying his hand in Kongpob's strong palm, the taller man grabbed at him, pulling him over so the latter would land behind him on the horse. Arthit automatically wrapped his weak arms gently around the Emperor's stomach. His heart pondering hard the closer he sat to Kong.

The second man standing before them walked over to them, he was revealed to be a young handsome man too. Kongpob introduced him as the Emperor's substitute Dew, one of his loyal servant he trusted. Dew wished the ruler a safe journey, assuring him that he would take care of the palace in his absence and he shouldn't worry over his throne either. After bidding their farewell, the Emperor's substitute jumped on the white horse Arthit stole before leaving the palace, waiting till the Emperor, his concubine and his strongest, most loyal soldiers bent in another corner, disappearing from his sight. He took the way back to the palace. Another man rode from aside to them, riding far away behind them, it was Kongpob's shadow Aim.

On their way to Philippines, Arthit felt tired suddenly. He slided closer to Kongpob, leaning his head on his back to support himself. It felt comfortable to sit behind him and hold strongly onto him, it was far better than laying on the bed. It didn't last long till his tiredness overtook Arthit, making him fall asleep in a second. A soft snore escaped his mouth, sounding faintly in the quiet, dark street of Siam. Because of him falling in the dreamland, his arms around the taller man weakened, his grip went loose. Kongpob grabbed at his hands with one hand before they could fall down, pinning them together, ensuring that the shorter man's arms remained strongly around his own stomach. His lips curved up into a little smile filled with happiness. The light of fullmoon enlightened the darkness away, allowing them to see their path clearlier. It allowed them to advance towards a bighter future.

****

More than 20 days later, Arthit, Kongpob, Aim and the ten soldiers arrived in the Philippines, they didn't even have much break time during the journey since Arthit always persuaded them to depart soon so they would arrive there timely to save Youn. It was daytime as they arrived there but they couldn't move freely in braod daylight in a stranger's country if they didn't want to be recognized for being Siam's people. Only as it was nighttime did they finally made their move. 5 men remained in their hideout in the darkest deep forest, the five other guards, the Emperor, his concubine and his shadow could enter the palace of Philippines with the help of their spies they send years ago to search information about Philippines. Kongpob, Siam's young Emperor was a whicked ruler many Emperors feared and didn't want to have as their enemy. Not only was he smart and moved secretly but he didn't trust his enemies either. He placed many spies in other countries surrounding him to react fast in case of wars.

Upon seeing how many spies he sent in Philippines, Arthit was sure that there were many Siam's spies in Burma too. It couldn't be that he didn't knew about prince's Jay and the court officials's treason towards the imperial family. Surely Kongpob was aware of it but he didn't feel the need to warn him. Why? Why did you hide the assassination from me? Arthit looked sad, his heart tightened in pain the more he found out about Siam's Emperor. Now that he confirmed about his assumption, he turned weak and lost his will to fight for their love. Now he just wanted to save his sister Youn and make it up to his dead parents, apologizing to them later for bringing a devil in their palace that allowed their family to be murdered mercilessly. I'm sorry...

They sneaked in the grand palace, following the female spy who was disguised as a beautiful maid. She brought them in the direction of the dungeon, they avoided the most crowded place to not be seen by any soldier. Not only did they use the pure darkness to hide their identities but they covered a black scarf on their faces to not get exposed that they were from Siam. They came in front of the dungeon. The two Philippine's guards left their post as they realized the nine persons approaching them. Apparantly they were paid by the maid to leave their post when she came with some strangers.

Before they entered the prison, she kneeled down, wishing the young Emperor to be careful and having a long life to rule her beloved country. She told them it was a honour for her to serve her ruler and she would continue supporting him as long as he needed her. Beside she assured them that the two guards wouldn't betray her because they were deaf and mute so their secrets were safe by them. When she confirmed them about the two guards, Kongpob and Arthit entered the dungeon alone. The other guards remained in front of the door, making sure that their master would leave unscathed in case of an attack on them.

The taller man and his concubine went deeper in the dungeon. The grand prison was filled in than the one in Burma. Not only were severe criminals like betrayers, murderers and corrupt people captured here but there were some criminals starving to bones in their jail cell too. The foul smell of rotten fleshes took over the air, letting the disgusting smell be smelt everywhere. Arthit, still unaware about his pregnancy, almost puked on the ground since he was sensitive to smell. He had to cover his nose to keep going down in the basement. The air smelt bad and tasted awful. Kong recognized some of the captives as assassins. The prisoners immediately begged them to release them because they were innocent, calling the two strangers as Sirs.

They finally spotted a young, beautiful woman sitting on the cold ground, staring at the dark ceiling, any sign of life disappearing from her eyes. She stood out the most for her beauty and her calmness. Beside she looked out of place, surely she didn't belong among the many dirty criminals. Her long hairs weren't combed either but dirty, she looked somehow exhausted and paler than usually. She wore a long white dress that was actually her night gown. Apparantly she was captured during the night as she was sleeping peacefully.

Arthit's knees gave up as he saw her in this pitiful state, he almost tripped due to fatigue but the taller man caught him, preventing him from hitting on the hard ground. Kongpob laid his strong arm around him. With Kongpob's support, he staggered forwards. They remained in front of her. Youn's eyes went wide as she recognized Kongpob and her younger brother in front of her. She couldn't believe those 2 men to stand before her so she was sure they were ghost she didn't expect to meet. To make sure that she wasn't imagining them or dreaming about them, she reached her arm out to her brother, her arm trembling the closer she got to them. She touched Arthit's cheek, rubbing her thumb against his skin, finally realizing that she wasn't dreaming but they were really there. Arthit's eyes filled with tears the moment Youn touched him, laying his palm on her hand, holding her weak hand.

„My poor sister... I'm sorry for letting you suffer", were the first words towards her. Arthit pitied his eldest sister. Beside he hated himself for being weak and imcompetent to get her out of here sooner.

She shook her head, telling him that he shouldn't blame himself for her poor state. According to herself, he wasn't the one who framed her of committing treason. Beside Arthit had many problemes to take care of first too. „Arthit... You had suffered a lot...", her quievering voice called his name, warm tears streaming down her cheeks. It felt good and relieved to see and caress the only suvivor of the assassination attempt on the Rojnapat's family. She cried but didn't let any sound escape her mouth. Her grief over her dead family could mend a little bit upon seing Arthit standing in front of her. „Kongpob wrote me a letter about you being alive a but I couldn't believe him... Thank's for being alive, my little brother".

Arthit was speechless, didn't expect his fierce lover to let his sister know about his survival. Even if he was disappointed in him for hiding the treason from him, he was still grateful for him noting Youn about him being alive. It would had lessen her pain if she did know that her brother survived. Because he didn't want to hurt her than she already was, he hide the fact that Jay planed the whole assassination with the higher officials. He wanted to protect her and her unborn child.

She turned her attention to Kong, „Thank you for saving him... Thank you for always being there for him... I knew it that you would always protect him", a little smile brightened her face while thanking the taller man for always supporting Arthit. „You're Siam's Emperor, right? I realized it when I saw Siam's Emperor's seal on the letter". Apparantly she already found out Kongpob's identity so she could explain his strange behaviour towards her and him refusing to bow down to Burma's royality as she met him the first time. She slightly bowed her head to him as sign of a respect towards a man with a higher and powerful title than hers.

Kongpob slightly bowed down his head too, acknowledging her as his sister-in-law. He could feel the sadness filling in the atmosphere, the air was suffocating, it was hard to breath under such heavy condition. He gave her a little smile, a smile that reflected his sadness then went aside to let brother and sister have some privacy to enjoy their little reunion.

„I'm sorry for not protecting our parents and... our sisters... Everyone died... They died and I couldn't do anything as running away to save myself... I'm a coward, eldest sister. A weak prince. I don't deserve the title as Burma's crown prince'", the shorter man cried, his sobbing filled the air, letting everyone feeling his grief, his guilt and his pain. One would be heartless if he didn't sense the negative emotions laying in the air.

Youn felt weak inside and outside but she forced herself to stay awake and speak more with her little brother. She shook her head, „Please, don't blame yourself for their deaths either... You did well for staying alive. Because staying alive is more important than blindly following your anger and trying to avenge them only to fail miserably at the end. You surviving would be a big blow to the person who murdered our family. I'm sure our parents would be proud of you and of themselves for protecting you till the end..."

Finally the heavy stone on Arthit's shoulder could be lifted up with her sweet voice and her effort to calm him down. His guilt didn't completely disappear but it felt less painful and suffocated. Now he only had to take her out of here. He would be able to survive if he took her back to Siam and lead a quiet life with her. „I'll bring you out of here...", he turned back to face Kongpob but the latter's expression made him lost for words.

Kongpob looked sad all the sudden, staring at the ground, avoiding the crown prince's face.

Youn smiled at him, „He didn't tell you about my reply, right?", she took his hands in her palms, caressing her thumbs over his soft skin. „I won't go anywhere... I don't want to be saved, Arthit..."

„Wh... Why?", Arthit stuttered, failed to hide the shock that made chil running down his spine.

„They would wage war with Philippines if I don't die. They'll kill my husband if I don't die", the talk was about the secret letter she received from Burma a few days ago. It contained Burma's Emperor's seal so she knew it was from her cousin Jay. Arthit didn't want her to find out about Jay murdering and trying to get rid of the whole family but she already knew about him. She wasn't blind nor dumb either. More tears filled her eyes, „I have to save him."

„You want to save the bastard who can't even save his own wife? He's letting you suffer and die by yourself..."

„Don't call him like that, Arthit. He's suffering due to my captivity too. Beside he resisted when they accused me and wanted to take me away but I calmed him down to not do anything for me."

Arthit ceased to call Philippines's crown prince imcompetent when she told him about his intention to save her from the soldiers. But he couldn't let his only sister to give up her life just to save her husband. „You can't let your child die because of him."

A smile appeared on her face but it was a smile filled with sadness and insecurity and fear. she took his hand, placed it on her cold womb. „I'm in the eighteenth week. The baby should begin to move but I feel nothing. It's not moving at all. I can't feel my child, Arthit", she cried, sobbing in silence while grippen tighter on his hands.

Finally the shorter man understood the reason why Youn didn't want to stay alive anymore. Her unborn child died! He shook his head in denial, refusing to accept the cruel reality. His last hope to continue their family's lineage died. Moreover his sister lost her beloved child. The child everyone waited for and anticipated. The heir their parents were proud about. The grandchild they could use against his parents to let him leave the palace with Kongpob. Now everything and everyone were gone. Arthit couldn't shed a tear either, he was frozen on the spot, shocked, surprised and speechless. The world seemed to stop moving, he could only hear Youn crying and her tears dripping on the ground.

„Still, I can't let you die for your husband", was his reason why he should save her no matter the circumstances. He was just shocked a moment ago but he forced himself to think rational. He didn't care about the restoration of his family anymore but only about his eldest sister. She had to stay alive because she deserved to lead a happy life somewhere calm without anyone targetting her life. He would even follow her there, giving her the happy ending she deserved but couldn't find here. Even if he had to sacrifice his happiness with Kongpob, he would give up on his Kongpob to follow her in a quieter place without any assassins chasing after them. Right now only his sister mattered to him.

„Don't talk like you don't understand me. You'll do the same for Kongpob if you were in my situation too..."

Arthit was lost for words. Somehow he couldn't reply to her assumption too. No, he didn't want to answer her because he didn't want to redicule himself than he already did by loving a man. He didn't want to reveal that he still loved the man who could had save his family but didn't for an unknown reason. How should I meet my parents in the afterlife if I admit that I would sacrifice myself to save Kongpob? I can't even face my ancestors after I die...

As the shorter man wanted to lie about him not giving up his life to rescue Kongpob, Youn interrupted. „Don't lie to me, Arthit... I can read your mind if it concerns him... You loved him deeply", she looked at the taller man turning away, heaving a heavy sight. „I don't know what happened between you two but talk more with each other. I'm sure you can clear the misunderstanding if...", the talk was interferred by many loud voices coming from outside.

There was another commotion outside of the prison. One of Kongpob's soldier ran in the dungeon, going down on his knees, apologizing for his rude intrusion but they had to leave immediately since Philippine's soldiers are coming towards them. Kong approached Arthit but the shorter clenched on his sister's hands, refusing to leave her here in the cold, awful dungeon. Even though the taller man urged him to escape, he still didn't want to lose his sister too so he screamed, begging Kongpob to save her. The Emperor apologized to him before giving the order to take Arthit away. His soldier swung Arthit around, with a single move he managed to swung him on his shoulder, running with him out of the dungeon. Arthit bit on the man's back, hitting him hard to be left down. Before Kongpob could leave the prison, Youn grabbed at his hand, making him promise her one thing.

„He would want to witness my death but please, don't let him see me dying...", it sounded like a plead but it was a request too. Although Kongpob promised her to prevent her brother from witnessing her death, she didn't let go of him yet. „And please, protect him... Don't let him go back to Burma... Don't let him avenge our family's death", were her last request Kongpob had to promise to her.

He nodded, „Don't worry about him. I will protect him", all the sudden he hugged her tightly, surprising her with the embrace she didn't expect. He whispered in her ear, „I'm sorry for not protecting and saving you... I'm indeed an incompetent husband... I love you, my princess Youn", it was the secret message the crown prince wanted Kongpob to deliver her as he met him before coming to the dungeon.

Her tears kept dripping nonstop when she noticed that the message was from her beloved husband. Before he left the dungeon, he apologized in behalf of Siam's half for not being able to save her. After he promised her to always protect her younger brother, he followed his guards outside, running away to survive.

The moment Kongpob ran out of the cold prison, she began crying, sobbing loud since she couldn't hold back her tears, her sadness and her grief. Right now she had to vent her feeling if she wanted to withstand her pitiful situation. Everything was too much to gulp down and to assimilate down but she had to hold on if she wanted to save her husband. She didn't want to die but she would gladly give up her life for her dear husband she loved so much. More warm tears rolled down her eyes. Her lips curved up into a little smile. Wait for me, my child. I'll follow you soon. The reunion with her dead child and her saving her husband were the only reason why she didn't lose her mind yet. To see her brother alive, gave her the strength to die in peace without having fear to leave him behind. She didn't regret her decision too.

****

Arthit, Kongpob and the five soldiers managed to escape the enemies's soldiers. They came outside of the palace but there was a loud sound echoing in the air. It was Arthit's hand that slapped across Kongpob's face. The Emperor's face turned red, so hard was the blow on his handsome face. His guards gasped in shock but they didn't try to attack the shorter man since they would be punished instead if they touched the shorter man.

„Everything is your fault. You knew about them plotting against us, right?"

„What?", the taller man asked for more explaination to understand the meaning behind his accusation.

„Why did you come back sooner although you departed for Siam to seach for the anditode for me? You came back the right moment to take me away after my parents died. You knew about the treason but didn't warn me about them!". He stepped back as the emperor wanted to touch him. His voice raised, „Don't touch me!", his expression remained dead serious.

Kongpob tried to calm him down but he yelled at him not to touch nor follow him if he didn't want him to hurt himself. Since the taller man didn't want to make a mistake, he let him take nother direction. Arthit waited in front of a tree, leaning on the tree, sliding down to sit on the ground, bending up his legs. He fell deep in thought, felt lonely in this cold night. Somehow every people dear to him died, leaving him alone in the dark world. It wasn't fair, this cruel wasn't meant for him. Why bother living if everyone is dying and leaving me behind? I'm sure Kongpob would leave me someday too. The thought of losing Kongpob really scared him. If the taller man gave up on him, he would lose his will to live too. Tears filled his eyes but he hold them back. There was a dark presence in front of him, he looked up to the person. Aim walked over to him, suddenly going to his knees.

„The Emperor wasn't aware of prince Jay plotting to assassinate your parents. He found out about it on the way back to Siam but he turned back to save you when."

There was the answer he wanted to have to his question. Now that he knew that he was wrong with accusing Kongpob, he felt insecure and dirty. How should he make it up to the taller man again? Arthit felt relieved that he was wrong about Kongpob but he couldn't get rid of the guilty feelings torturing him. He still hated himself for accusing him without any evidence.

„I told the Emperor's substitute about the treason but he didn't allow me to tell the Emperor about it since he feared him to return to save you... We just didn't want him to get in danger just for saving me... But I felt guilty and sad towards him and your family so I told him the truth. He didn't waver to save your family and you...", Aim added, finally revealing the truth.

The shorter man laid his head on his lap, closing his eyes. He had to stay strong if he didn't want to lose his sanity. He lost his parents but he couldn't even save his only remaining sister. His life was really sad. Why me? Why was I born as a crown prince? This moment was the moment Arthit hated his royal title and his weakness the most. Because of him being a prince, didn't he get a peaceful day ever since he was born. Why wasn't I born as a peasant's son?

****

The next day didn't wait long to arrive. Today was the day where crown princess's Youn should receive her punishment for plotting treason against the Emperor of Philippines. Youn was standing at the edge of a cliff, turning her back to the restless sea down the cliff. The head of her maids and four other soldiers were standing in front of her, making sure that she took the poision that should end her quickly without any pain.

The head of the maids gave Youn a bowl half filled with brown poison, tears rolling down her cheeks for her master who would lose her life soon. Youn turned back, facing the sea in front of her. Waves formed in the sea, fishes jumped up and down in the water. She looked aside to the opposite direction. There was another cliff down there before her, she spotted some people standing down there. There were 12 men sitting on their horses, ten of them were soldiers, she met one of them yesterday night, it was the man who took Arthit away. Kong and Arthit were among them, the taller man sitting on his dark horse Ma with the shorter man sitting in front of him, sleeping since the latter gave him sleeping medicine to prevent him from witnessing his sister's death. Because of the promise he made to her yesterday, he shouldn't let him see her die.

As she spotted her younger brother sleeping peacefully, she smiled in happiness, slightly bowing down her head to Kongpob, mumbling a thanks for protecting Arthit. Even though they were seperated, the Emperor read her lips to know the words she was uttering to him. She took a last look of her brother, smiling to him then drinking the bitter poison. It didn't take long for the poison to release its effect. Youn had a strong stomachache, blood dripping down her mouth. She puked more blood, going down to her knees, wrapping his arms around her womb as if protecting her already dead child, lessen the pain. Her lips turned blue, her eyes red due to the poison mixing in her blood's sytem. Her breath was shallow, she fell to the ground, slowly closing her eyes till the light of light went off. She ceased to breath. Death!

The moment she met her demise, was the moment Philippine's crown prince took the same poison to kill himself in his chamber, following his wife and his child to knock on death's door. This was how the love story between Burma's eldest princess and Philippine's crown prince ended. It was sad but the couple wouldn't find it sad or happy. They lost their lives but they would reunite soon at the place where souls would gather after dying. Surely they would meet in their second lives but they wouldn't have such a sad ending again.

****

Back to Siam. After spending one day in Philippines, witnessing Burma's eldest princess's death, they returned to Siam. Kongpob and Arthit didn't speak during the whole journey, the shorter man still being angry at him for taking the last moment he could spend with his sister away from him by giving him a sleeping medicine. He couldn't witness her death nor bidding farewell with her, something he wouldn't forgive the taller man for.

Now both of them were in the flower palace, the shorter man standing on the patio, facing the cherry tree, its beautiful blosssoms falling on the ground, some flying around. A soft breeze blew over them, letting chill running down their spines. Their servants were ordered to stay outside of the palace since the Emperor wanted to spend time more with his new concubine. More than ten minutes passed by but Arthit didn't turn back to face Kongpob nor threw him a sidelook. Somehow he didn't want to talk to him since he couldn't forgive him for not saving Youn. Kongpob, standing behind him, approached him, touching him on the shoulder to avert his attention to him but Arthit didn't even waver, his red eyes were still fixed on the large tree in front of him.

„Please look at me, Arthit", Kongpob's soft voice begged him, craving for more attention.

Arthit remained stubborn, he didn't even move an inch to the taller man's direction. It hurted Kongpob to know that Arthit was so close to him but far away too, beyond his reach. How did their sweet relationship end up like that? He could understand his anger towards him but he couldn't let him see his sister die in front of him, unable to rescue her. Her last painful picture of suffering till her end due to the strong poison would remain glued in his memory, refusing to be forgotten. Never would he forgive himself for his own incompetency although he was a crown prince. He didn't want Arthit to have such experience like him. He didn't want him to hate himself, feel miserable and suffer forever just because he saw his sister dying painfully.

Beside Kongpob wanted to save her, mentioning in the latter about his spies taking her out of philippines and letting her reuinite with her brother but she rejected his help, writting him that she would commit suicide if he saved her. She was determined to die to save her husband. Unfortunately her efforts were in vain because her husband committed suicide too.

Kongpob admitted that he would lose Arthit if he was persistent, forcing him to forgive him. He should give him more time to be alone, thinking for himself and only speaking to him if he wanted to. „Fine, I'll let you be...", were his last words towards her before taking a direction, coming towards the entrance of the palace.

Finally there was a movement from Arthit, his hands itched from curiosity, he missed the taller man so he couldn't let him leave without clearing the understandings between them. He needed him in such sad situation. Only Kongpob would be able to make him forget his past, ease his pain and give him happiness. He turned back, facing him. His face looked exhausted, his eyes red from too much thinking, his lips blue from lack of oxygen, his skin paler than usually. He reached out his arm to him, wanted to call him but something wet dripped down between his legs, dropping on the ground. His white long gown was stained, it was the colour red. The strong smell of metal could be smelt in the air. A strong stomachache prevented him from calling out Kongpob's name. His arms wrapped around his belly, he fell down to his knees, moaning in pain. It felt like his whole belly was being torn apart.

Maprang, hiding behind the entrance and witnessing the whole conversation between his Highness and Siam's Emperor, was the first to realize Arthit's critical conditon. Unfortunately she wasn't allowed to be seen by Arthit as long as she wasn't fully healed. Kongpob wanted her to be in a good shape and condition before revealing herself to him since he would blame himself if he found her severly injured just like Kongpob found her a few weeks ago. This time she couldn't hide anymore so she ran to Arthit, passing beside the taller man. Kongpob turned back only to notice Arthit kneeling down, falling aside, hitting his head against the ground. He finally realized the red colour staining the former crown prince's gown. Blood? His eyes widened in shock, he rushed to them, kneeling down in front of Arthit. Maprang was crying, apologizing to his Highness for not revealing herself and the secret sooner, repeating the same words over and over again. Kongpob screamed his eunuch's name, telling him to call his own physician right now.

The Emperor's eunuch Oak and eunuch Toota, also the maids entered the palace when they heard the ruler yelled their names. They were shocked at first, freezing on the spot instead of moving to call the physician. When the taller man ordered them to immediately move, the head of the eunuch Oak took the direction to the Emperor's physician. Kongpob laid an arm around Arthit's back, the other arm under his legs then lifted him up, carefully carrying him in his safe arms. He left for the concubine's chamber, was closely followed by Maprang. She was in pain for moving around too much but she couldn't ignore Arthit's condition and take care of herself first. While approaching the chamber, the shorter man lost his strength, falling unconscious, his arms falling down.

Kongpob laid Arthit gently on the bed, Maprang fell down to her knees, mumbling something like he shouldn't lose the baby. Kongpob ignored her for the time being, only focused on his lover, touching him on his cheek, caressing his soft skin. Arthit felt hot, his body temperature raising. Maprang touched, the Emperor's warm hand, tears rolling down nonstop.

„Please, save the child...", she mumbled. She worked as a maid for Burma's physician before so she was aware of the consequence when a woman lost much blood during her pregnancy. It meant she had a miscarriage. But no, his Highness shouldn't lose his child. Not the only heir to the royal's family. Not Kongpob's own flesh and blood. „His Highness... His Highness is pregnant with your child...", finally she revealed the secret everyone wanted to keep a secret.

„What", Kongpob stand up, confused and surprised too. He repeated his question. „What do you mean Arthit is pregnant with my child?"

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

What do you think of this long chapter? Youn is dead :( I know I'm awful and cruel for killing off the only fujoshi in this story. She was the only one who supported their relationship and helped them but her death won't be in vain. Her husband killed himself too. Arthit is going to lose the child? And finally Kongpob found out about their child but... Let's find out more about it in the next chapter ;)

Don't kill me for always writting sad stories, I can't stop it myself. It's like an addiction I can't get rid off. Just like my obsession for SOTUS  (It will take long to write the next chapter since I didn't devide the chapter in two)