Finally the final chapter :D I know it took too Long but I apologize for the Long wait. I had my reasons and have to admit that I was a little bit lazy too... Now enough with the chat, have fun while reading the forelast chapter ;) 

The song is Singto Prachaya Ruangroj - Hai Ruk Bpragot Dtua (Let Love appear) cover ... (He's coming to me OST, he has a very stunning voice *.*)

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Flashback

Few days before Aim's betrayal

Kongpob sat on the egde of the big bed beside Arthit, his attention on the younger man next to him who was sleeping safe and soundly with his arm leaned around his bump. He loved Arthit so much that he could not take his eyes from the latter. A smile plastered on his lips, surely he was always mesmerized by his Burmese's charm, charisma, beauty, sympathy and innocent soul, everything about him was too lovely for him to resist him. He was also worried about his beloved man's health and safety. First, Arthit could die from this pregnancy anytime but there were two men who were working to prevent this tragedy to happen. Second, he feared that his enemies could plot any treason anytime to kill his beloved man and make him unable to reign over his country due to the loss of the love of his life. Even though he fought against the odds to protect Arthit and their baby, he was still scared that he wasn't strong or powerful enough to prevent his enemies to harm him someday.

One would assume that he, the Emperor of Siam who was choosen by the gods, was powerful enough to step over his opponents like they were nothing other than flies but reality was harsh and hard to accept. He was the Emperor and should have absolute power but the evil Empress Dowager had more allies on her side who were listening to her, meaning that she could get rid of him if he wasn't vigilent and cunning enough to see through her plans first before she even put them into action. Besides, there were too much political affairs that he had to take care of everyday so he wouldn't be always be there for Arthit in time of needs. His life was not easy, he had to protect Arthit, his subjects, his allies and himself and think of a way to put an end to everyone who was seeking for his downfall.

The Emperor had worry written over his handsome face, wrinkles formed on his temple. He couldn't ignore his insecurity. He would never admit it in front of Arthit neither his most loyal subject that he was plagued by insecurities too since he didn't want to scare them. Besides, no one would believe him that he, a ruler of a country, who never showed weakness, was worried over his love life. Sometimes, his people forgot that he, too, was a human being with feelings, dreams and a right to worry about something or someone.

He touched Arthit's forehead, feeling the latter's flawless, pale skin that gave him the warmth he needed to raise his own body temperature. It felt great and relieved to have such a cute man on his side. His lips curved up into a small smile, somehow he found more motivation to keep fighting the obstacles that had thrown stones on his path. He placed a brief but passionate kiss on Arthits's forehead then left the chamber to get some fresh air outside. There were none of his subjects outside since he had told them to give them more privacy and stand outside at the gate of the palace instead. He approached the big wisteria tree that was in the corner of the big courtyard, which some of its beautiful blue petals were scattered around on the ground. Some of the petals were flying around due to the slightly strong wind blowing softly by. He touched the tree, feeling more energy flowing through the tree into him. This wisteria tree was planted here over 140 years ago by one of his ancertor's concubine but now it served as a reminder of his late mother. This was the very place where his innocent mother who was accused wrongly had knelt down and was forced to drink the deadly poison as her punishment. This was the spot where she fell down and stared at her son till her last breath. It wasn't a pleasant memory but Kongpob always came here whenever he needed to be close to his mother. He didn't want his man to live here because it harboured only darkness and sadness but he knew that this palace was also safe for him. Nobody would dare to be near this palace because of the rumors that a ghost, a woman in white would lurk here at every night, waiting to take revenge on her killer. Second, no one would dare to step in here behind his back when knowing how he would react mercilessly toward someone who entered his mother's home.

Kongpob closed his eyes to suck in more energy and fresh air from this tree but he opened them slowly as he felt something moving behind him. However, he didn't prepare himself to defend himself in care of assassins infiltrating this place. There wasn't anything malicious but more like familiar aura around the person behind him.

„Can't the Emperor sleep tonight?", the person, behind him, asked with much respect in his voice and behaviour. He went to one knee, hit his one fist soundless on the ground and kept his head down to not look into his master's face. He felt that the Emperor seemed distracted this night so he decided to come out of his position and have a discussion with him.

The Emperor came out under the tree but he kept some distance from his shadow. „He gazed up in the sky, „Can you feel the eeriness in the sky?"

The shadow who never revealed his face but only to his master, looked up at the sky. There weren't any stars up there, somehow the dark clouds had covered them all. He knew that the Emperor meant something deeper with this question but he didn't want to question his master to have an answer. He was only his shadow who should know his place and only meddle in his affairs so he didn't say anything and looked down again. However, he, too, felt something ominous lurking in the air, surely another storm was brewing toward them.

Kongpob had a faint smile on his lips, „Say it... I know that you don't speak much but I can tell that you have something in mind..."

Aim dared to face the Emperor, „Is the Emperor talking about the ministers' gathering with the Dowager?"

The younger man turned away, facing his shadow with his back. He wrapped his arms around his back to maintain a calm posture. „It seems that the stars won't show up today...", he tried to ignore his shadow's question because he didn't want to talk about it and alert his opponents thats he had found out about their secret meeting that took place recently.

However, even if Kongpob didn't want to discuss about the possibility that the Dowager and her allies were plotting against Arthit and him, his shadow didn't want to let the opportunity to get rid of their enemies vanish without a fight. He stared at the back of his master. Even if Kongpob turned away to not have his shadow see his insecurities, Aim had worked for him to know that something was strange with the Emperor. For him, it was out of character that the ruler was absent minded, as if he had lost all hope after failing to find a solution to resolve all of his problems. Aim felt guilty and disappointed that he couldn't help his master like Kong had saved him from proverty years ago.

Aim wasn't talkative or he did care about the population's matter but his actions showed that he cared deeply for the Emperor. The Emperor was everything for him. Many condemned the work of a shadow as someone who wasn't free and could act according to his will but Aim had to admit that he gladly did his work as the Emperor's shadow. It was a honour for him to stay close to the most powerful man of Siam, give him service and share his life with him also see the deepest secrets that no one should know about. Aim would willingly give up his life to save the man he respected over his own family.

„If the Emperor is worrying about the crown prince of Burma's life then I ask for permission to allow me to take care of the matter with the Empress Dowager and her allies!", he sounded like he was pleading but he used a serious tone to emphasize the sincerity of his request.

Kongpob didn't answer him for a moment, he stared at the sky then. „It's my burden to take care of and not yours... You shouldn't involve yourself with my worries and hurt yourself in the process. I just want you to stay next to me, protect me and Arthit... There is nothing else I want from you...", he uttered the words softly. It was the first time that he used a calm voice to speak to his shadow. Actually, he never spoke faintly to him like today since he, the ruler, should never bow down to anyone but today, he just wished to have a discussion with a friend and not with a subordinate.

The shadow stood up without his master's permission, it was the first time that he acted on his own. He took his black scarf that was hiding half of his face off, revealing his face to the sole audience who was standing before him. His face looked serious as never before, his eyes were shining the determination he felt after having thought long for solutions to take the Emperor's worries away. He clenched his hands into fists, so tightly that his fingernails pierced through the skin of his palms, „They are plotting against the Emperor and Burma's crown prince. You and I know that the Empress Dowager won't just dethrone you but kill the man you love too. We have to...", he began to defy his master's order, something he never did before.

„No!", it was a clear rejection that Kong didn't want to reconsider. He knew his shadow too well that the latter's idea were nothing than dangerous and deadly but. „I won't listen to your plan if it concerns harming yourself!". Kongpob refused to listen to his shadow's idea because he knew which result the matter would take if he let him resolve the troubles the Dowager and her allies were causing him. Surely, it would end with Aim's death! He was protected by Aim many years to know that his shadow would do anything for him, even harm himself if he was asked to. He knew that a shadow's duty was to use his body as shield to protect his master but he didn't want him to expose himself to danger that he could avoid. As long as the matter did not concern assassins trying to seek for his life, he would never let his most loyal subject to die without a reason. Arthit was his man and he, alone, should protect him without involving innocent people.

Aim didn't intend to throw his plan away like the Emperor suggested. He felt strong desire to take his master's sorrows away and give him the life he should lead. Even if he died while in mission, he wouldn't regret losing his life as long as his master would lead a happy life with his beloved one Arthit. Besides, Burma's crown prince had suffered enough and he deserved a peaceful future, family and happiness. He shouldn't cross any obstacles anymore or he would not survive the pregnancy. However, Kongpob didn't let him discuss his plan with him but he just passed beside him, tapped on his shoulder then took the way back in the chamber to sleep beside Arthit. On the other hand, Aim was shocked and surprised at the Emperor's behaviour just now. It was the first that he had touched him, it was a honour for him.

Aim stared at the cold ground. He didn't want to disappoint him by putting his plan through action but he, also, didn't want the Dowager to assassinate the powerful man who meant the world for him. Kongpob intended to touch him to show him that he was important for him so he shouldn't jeopardize his life for him but his little touch did the oppossite with him. It didn't stop him from his plan but he was more determined than before now to protect the Emperor one last time against the upcoming storm. His plan could end up with his death but he would gladly give up his life for Kongpob and Arthit. Now, he only needed the important persons to act their roles. For that, he needed the royal physician! 

****

After the conversation with the Emperor, Aim went to the royal physician to seek a discussion with him. It was already nighttime and most of the servants were sleeping but Wad, the hard working one, refused to sleep and was working in his kitchen. He couldn't close his eyes and sleep peacefully while knowing that the male concubine could go into labor anytime. Because of this simple reason, he refused to take a rest and was searching for various kind of medicine that would lessen his pain.

There was only a dim light coming from the torch enlighten the dark kitchen, a frame of a thin but tall young man could be seen in the room, he was standing in front of the stove made out of strong metals. He added more small piece of woods to the fire. The fire was now burning strong, the green looking liquid that should be the medicine was steaming, the steams covered the entire kitchen and engulged the young figure within. The man was busy with his cooking that he didn't feel or hear the intruder approaching him. All the sudden he felt a dark presence behind him but he didn't scream neither showed any strange reaction that he was aware of the person behind him. He just acted nonchalant and get hold onto the knife that was on the table then clenched firmly onto it. Wad prepared himself to use the sharp weapon when the daring intruder was close enough to attack him.

However, the stranger was too smart and had already seen through him. He reached his hand out to touch him whereupon Wad wielded the knife to stab the person but the latter was faster, managed to grab it and yanked it out of the physician's grip. He threw it away and hold onto Wad's fists so he wouldn't be able to move freely. Wad saw the attacker for the first time, it was a man with sharp eyes, but he had covered his face with a black scarf. Apparantly, he was sure that the person was an assassin due to him wearing only black and hiding his identity.

„I won't do anything to you... I am an ally and here to seek for your assistance!"

„Huh?", Wad was perplexed also surprised that an assassin didn't try to kill him but to gain his trust through this lies. There were some assassin who had tried to lure him out before with this kind of method to buy his loyalty but he let them get killed without mercy. Of course, he didn't believe this one either that he was an ally. „And you think that I will believe your lies?"

„I know that you won't believe me easily but I will show you the evidence if you calm down and listen to me...", he promised not to hurt the royal phyiscian but he didn't release the latter from his grips either. It seemed that he knew that Wad would launch another attack on him if he released him so he jumped back to leave some distance between them for safety matters as soon as he let go of him.

Like the stranger had expected, Wad reached out for another weapon. This time it was a big pot that he had grabbed at and wanted to throw at him but the unknown man brought his royal tag made out of a piece of wood, the royal crest was craved on it. The light of the torch fell on the name tag, suddenly Wad stopped on his track as he recognized the piece of wood. This tag with the royal crest drawn on it, meant that the owner was close to the Emperor and had given every right one would desire to have. Only few were given this privilige to live with. Wad's lips were trembling, he realized that he had made a grave mistake by attempting to kill him.

It was a simple misunderstanding but Wad knew that he had to apologize if he didn't want his head to be chopped and hang on the market tomorrow morning. He went to his knees, bowed his head down and was about to apologize sincerely.

„Raise up! I'm not here for this but I need your help... It concerns the Emperor's and royal consort Oon's life!", the person uttered. He pulled his scarf down to speak clearlier, it was the Emperor's shadow Aim. He was careful enough to not reveal his identity due to him vowing to only expose his face to the ruler of Siam.

The royal physician raised his head but he didn't stand up since he didn't want to disrespect the man further than he had already done. Since Aim didn't have time to follow the courtesy, he just went closer to him and kneeled down on one knee to stand equal to the physician.

„The Emperor and the royal consort's lives are in great danger. The Empress Dowager and her allies are conspiring to attack the palace in few days, kill consort Oon and dethrone the Emperor... We have to stop their treason, royal physician!", this was a top secret information that they had received from their spy but Aim had to disclose it to Wad to make him trust and help him. He had to convince him first that there was a big battle coming up and that many innocents would lose their lives if they didn't join hands and prevent this political struggle to happen. Besides, their enemy countries would wait for this power struggle to happen and grab their opportunity to wage war after the casulaties caused by the political struggle.

Wad's raised his eyes wide in shock, he was already aware of the fact that the Dowager hated the current ruler of Siam and wanted him killed but he was not informed about the new threat coming toward them. He couldn't believe either that the Dowager would use military powers to kill the consort and dethrone their Emperor. Besides, he had doubt about his story since he seemed to come here on his own without the Emperor's permission. Why Wad was sure that Aim was acting on his own will? Because he didn't mention that this mission was assigned by the Emperor. Besides, why sent his subject if the emperor and the royal consort could ask for his visit and for his help themselves? For someone smart like Wad, something didn't add up with this unexpected visit deep in the night. However, he couldn't voice out his doubt like that in front of such a powerful person. Wad, too, was powerful as the Emperor's royal physician but he didn't have this special, gold tag with the crest that would allow him to act and handle like he wanted. To not sound disrecpectful toward the man before him, he had to act careful to not raise his suspicion that he didn't trust him wholeheartedly.

„May I ask for your identity first? And... And why me, a physician who was bound to save lives, is asked to be responsible for people's death? Did the Emperor sent you here?"

Now Aim was reluctant to answer. He knew that he was acting behind Kongpob's back and he could lose his life for disobeyance for handling on his own free will but he was doing it for Arthit, the unborn baby and the Emperor. Kongpob was aware of the new danger but he didn't have the rights to kill the Dowager, the grandmother of this country. If his master didn't have the right to kill this evil woman because she was the Empress Dowager then he would have to bring evidences that could lead her to lose her rights that she was using to stay alive despite the many wrongdoings she had done in the past. Only if she showed herself as a danger to the Emperor and the country Siam and was caught in the act then the people would demand for a petition to dethrone and exile her for hurting the Emperor. Not even her powerful allies would help her then since they would be too busy to defend themselves due to the heavy accusation of conspiracy. This time, they had to make sure that she would never stand up again after her downfall like last time as she fred herself by poisoning Kongpob and making the Empress let her free for the antidote. They had to take care of every chances she could use to turn the tide over and blame the accusation on someone else. However, to achieve that goal, they had to be discreet as possible, work together and deceive her to show her true colour. They had to act faster before the day of the treason arrive or they would lose every opportunity. Unfortunately the day of the treason was already approaching and they didn't even know the exact date to prepare for battle. They only knew that it would happen soon and once the military take over the palace, the royal consort would be the first to die to make the Emperor lose his sanity due to him losing the love of his life and their child. This would be their excuse for overthroning and executing him.

Aim remained serious and determined as never before. He needed Wad's help but he wouldn't hesitate to kill him if the latter refused his offer and search for another ally. Wad had to die in case of him denying his idea because he knew of his plan and could inform the Emperor about him. „I am one of the trusted shadow... I need your acknowledges to achieve my goal... And like you have expected, I'm here on my free will without the Emperor's request!"

The physician was flabbergasted again, he now guessed that this man here found out about the conspiracy due to him spending every day, every minute and every second by their Emperor's side while hiding in the darkness. However he would never imagine that a shadow which duty was to always follow the ruler's each step and protect him could leave his master's side and act on his own. Even if he had a reason for breaching the law, such disobeyance could lead to both's deaths since he sided with a criminal, something that he didn't appreaciate very much. Wad, a man who always abide to the law could not understand Aim's reasons no matter the circumstance but he decided to listen to this stranger's story first before thinking for a way how to save himself out of this situation.

„May I know what actually happened?", Wad tried to find information out of him. He didn't expect an answer from such a discreet man like a shadow but to his surprise, Aim replied.

„The Dowager and her allies had gathered to plot another conspiracy against the Emperor to put the oldest prince on the throne but the Emperor can't act on his own because the Dowager has her spies everywhere watching every of his steps. This time, she made sure that he would even notice the spies she had sent to observe him. I have to act on my own or the Emperor and his family will be in great danger if no one stand up against the Empress Dowager! Innocent people will lose their lives too", he made a sad expression. He didn't take his cover off for the physician standing before him to see his sad face but the latter was able to feel his sadness and could even see it reflecting in his sharp eyes. He lowered his voice even more, „Their unborn child don't deserve such cruel faith to die before being even born..."

The thin but tall man could understand why the shadow decided to put his plan in action as he realized that the Emperor was powerless against the Dowager. He knew that the shadow had worked behind the Emperor for years, went through thick and thin together with him and was the one who saw his emotional sides every day but he was reluctant first to accept his cry for help. However, the moment he mentioned their innocent baby, he couldn't deny the desire to protect the innocent baby whose fate was sealed at start by being born in between this power struggle. He didn't want to imagine how the Emperor would react if something happened to the royal consort Oon and his first child he loved so much. Surely, he would be devasted and broken hearted before he would die a painful death. I can't let a child die because of my fear to break the law... That child is our future ruler and needs to be protected...

Wad took a deep breath before exhaling it. „I will help you... Just tell me how I can assit you with my acknowledges..."

Aim didn't show any emotion but he was glad that the royal phyisician accepted to help him. He was also relieved that he wouldn't have to shed an innocent man's blood this night.

As soon as the physician agreed to help him, Aim began to share his plan with him. He needed Wad to prepare two medicines that would be useful and crucial for their upcoming battle. The first medicine should be the same they gave Burma's princess Youn and her husband to drink to deceive their death in everyone's presence. The second medicine Wad had to brew for him, would be an antidote for a special poison from Burma that he would use to poison someone in his favour so he could easily gain their enemies' trust.

„I will make the medicine for you but how will you gain the Dowager's trust? The Dowager don't trust anyone so easily. Besides, you're the Emperor's shadow and can't leave his side."

„I have another plan how to make her believe that I have choosen her side... I will betray the Emperor and make him give up on me in front of everyone... Only when the Emperor gives up on me, will I be able to have her believe me..."

Wad was surprised by Aim's wicked mind. He thought that shadow didn't have any free will and phantasy for themselves since they only acted as the Emperor's shadow but this shadow proved him that he was wrong the whole time. Shadows, too, are human with thought and concern for their master. He wasn't hole like everyone assumed.

However, sharing his plan with him wasn't the end of their discussion because he needed to give him more information. He hesitated first but he eventually told Wad some secrets about the male royal consort Oon's past, regarding his true identity as him being Burma's crown prince who was supposed to be dead. He knew that he shouldn't disclose this secret to anyone but Wad had to know the truth to avoid any unnecessary surprises. Only so would he be able to play his role as the physician who was convinced that the male royal consort had poisoned the Emperor as revenge for killing his family.

After listening to the secret Kongpob, Arthit and Aim were keeping for so long, Wad couldn't find the right words to describe his emotions right now. He had always believed that the royal consort Oon didn't look like an average young man without any status but more like someone who was hiding for his own safety. Besides, he was suspicious of him not being from Siam at the time as he could recognize the poison the Emperor was poisoned with. Now, he could say that he was right to be suspicious of him. The truth was a shock for him but it didn't prevent him from wanting to protect the former crown prince of Burma and his child.

Aim intended to tell Wad the truth about Youn's identity but he, suddenly, turned around and stared at the entrance. He sharpened his hearing sense and listened closer to the silence laying in the air, he heard soft footsteps approaching them, the person was literally floating on the air to not make any sound and alert them. Apparantly, whoever was coming, intended to make a surprise attack but a skillful shadow like Aim could recognize and smell any enemy from far away. He clenched his hands into fists and prepare himself to fight, „Someone is coming!", he whispered in the darkness then quickly covered the black scarf around his face like it was at the beginning.

„Really?", the taller man couldn't believe that someone would be awake at this time and find his way to him. He listened close to the eery darkness to detect any sound in the proximity but there was nothing than silence in the air. He didn't hear any noise but he trusted the shadow's judgment that someone was coming closer to them. A shadow had sharp senses after all so he should believe his instinct over his.

„I'll hide somewhere while you'll act normal like nothing happened...", Aim disappeared in the darkness before he could even finish his order.

Wad was speechles at the shadow's speed, he acted faster than he could talk. He was amazed but he quickly stood up, turned to face the stove and cooked his medicine. Only after Aim had hidden away, could he heard faint footspetps stomping softly on the ground. Now, he had the confirmation that they weren't alone right now. He wondered who that person would be to seek for his audience this late in the night.

The person was inside in front of the entrance, gazed around in the kitchen first and noticed the knife on the ground but he remained calm first. His eyes fell on the thin, young man who was busy cooking his medicine. However, this stranger knew that he wasn't cooking but was hiding something far interesting than the medicine he was brewing. He crossed his arms over his chest and smirked in the darkness, his smirk was creepy enough that it sent chill on Wad's spine even though he didn't face the person. „His Emperor was right about you two..."

Aim who was hiding behind the big door and was using the darkness to cover his presence, widened his eyes in shock when he recognized the person's voice. He just sighed then came out of his hideout and showed himself in front of him. Wad turned behind to face the stranger. There was a young man standing in front of him, it was the Emperor's substitute, Tew.

Tew sent them a friendly smile, „He told me where I will find you two and guess who I really found here...?", somehow he was sarcastic with his statement.

Aim and Wad didn't understand his question so he they choose not to answer to not offend the man before them. Aim and Wad were both the Emperor's subjects but Tew was different than them. He wasn't only from a powerful family but he was also Kongpob's only friend who was given the right to call the Emperor by his name in his childhood. Like Aim, Tew, too, had the name tag with the golden crest craved on it, meaning that he had the right to give orders, lead his own army and dispatch his soldiers according to the situation. He was more powerful than a shadow, meaning that Aim and Wad were from lower rank and they should respect him.

„Did the Emperor sent you?", Aim dared to raise a question because he didn't have anything to lose anymore. He knew that they were found out and he would receive a death punishment for disobeyance.

„Yes... Did you know already that our ruler could be cunning sometimes? ...Imagine what he did? Some times ago, I asked him why he won't do anything against the Dowager's treason and if he intends to let her kill royal consort Oon and dethrone him but you know what he did next...? He just bent over and whispered something in my ear... I should gather thousands of soldiers at the border and wait for further orders... Second, I should help you with your plan too..."

The clueless physician and shadow couldn't believe the words that just left Tew's mouth. The Emperor had given him the order to assist them in their plot against the Dowager! They were sure that he was against Aim's idea but little did these two know about his real intention while rejecting his offer.

„He realized earlier that he can't act on his own because the Dowager's spies were watching of his steps... That's why he sent me to gather his soldiers at the border and prepare them for a battle against the Dowager... I did as he told me but I also questioned his way of thinking. I knew that he won't attack the Dowager and the officials as long as he don't have evidences of conspiracy but only now did I find out his real intention behind his order that the soldiers and I should wait at the border for more orders... Do you know his replies to my question?". Tew shook his head while laughing softly. „He's really a master schemer who knows how and who to use for his benefit...". A small smile played around his lips, it was a creepy smile again but his eyes were reflecting the fear also respect he felt toward his best friend whose mind didn't work like normal people's. For him, Kong was a schemer who played his role as the helpless Emperor who had given up on hope very well. He managed to deceive even Aim, his shadow who had spent every day by his side and should have known about his cunning side and about his plan as well. „He told me that he don't need to act by himself and that he has a loyal and skillful fighter who will put his plan into action for him..."

Aim widened his eyes in shock. After listening to Tew's explanation, he was more than sure that the Emperor saw through him long time ago. He knew that he would act behind his back and try to find the physician for help so he let him go without mentioning a word. He acted like he was against his idea but it was a disguise to confuse the fiends and make them believe that he was powerless and desperate by doing nothing himself but only spend his time with Arthit. However, he didn't act himself but managed to attract the enemies's attention on him while letting Tew gather his soldiers outside and wait for further order. He also let the shadow acting on his own will too. Aim's lips curved up into a small smile, he felt honoured that the Emperor really trusted him that he wouldn't let him die so easily and would try to protect him in his own way. It showed how much the Emperor had his faith in Aim. However, he had to admit that his master was cunning and also a step ahead of him, like always. According to the three of them, Kongpob was worth the status of the Emperor, the ruler of Siam!

Tew rummaged in his sleeve then brought a piece of wood out, it looked like a name tag. He approached the royal physician then handed the piece of wood to him. The thin man accepted the name tag with gratitude but he gasped in shock as he noticed the unbelievable value of this piece of wood. It had his name written on it also the gold, royal crest craved on it, now he was given the same privilige that the shadow and the Emperor's substitute had. He was granted a higher rank!

Tew continued with his explanation, „He gave me this to deliver to you along with the orders to do anything in our power to stop the Empress Dowager's treason... But he insisted that we should come back alive!". He looked at Aim, „Here is your first order: The day the plan will be put into action will be the day the fullmoon shines above us in the sky!"

At the same time, the Emperor was sitting next to the sleeping Arthit on the edge of the bed and looking at his man's beautiful face that was shining under the dim light of the torches. I think Tew has delivered my orders... They will act soon... I'm sorry that I am acting behind your back but wait a little bit Arthit, everything will be over soon... A small smirk played on his lips, he leaned in then left a passionate kiss on his man's forehead. Just like Tew, Aim and Wad had found out today, he was a perfect schemer who was hiding his true intention behind his smiling face! 

****

The day Siam's Emperor Kongpob had mentioned to his three loyal subjects, Aim, Tew and Wad finally arrived. Today was fullmoon, Kong managed to sneak out of the palace and was strolling on the empty street of the market. Just a few moments ago, he had called his shadow and mercilessly slashed the man's chest with the latter's sword that he himself had given him. Kongpob had killed his own loyal shadow after finding out about his betrayal. According to rumour flying around among the maids in the palace, one of the Emperor's most trusted and loyal shadow had betrayed him and sold his secrets to his enemies. It was a rumour that Wad had told a story teller who spread it later in the market while telling stories. It didn't take long as some maids who were buying in the market found out about it. Just like they quickly found out about it, they didn't spare any time to run their lousy mouth wild and spread the rumour among the servants in the palace that it even reached the Dowager's, the higher officials' and the Emperor's ear. The court officials demanded the Emperor to take care of the matter before it became uncontrollable whereupon the young ruler took the matter in his own hand tonight.

Kongpob was holding the hilt of the sword while blood was dripping down the sharp blade of the golden sword. He kept his cold expression as if he wasn't able to feel any emotion while slashing his friend like an animal. Meanwhile Aim gave his best to play the severly wounded shadow who was too shocked to react and could not believe that his master tried to kill him without mercy. It was a lethal wound but it wasn't fatal enough for the strong shadow to kill him. Besides, Kongpob was careful enough to not hurt his organs but to only leave a wound that looked deep. However, this injury was nothing but a simple cut on his flesh for Aim, he was accustomed to injuries so that he was literally immune against such 'minor' injuries.

Kong and Aim made sure that this wound was inflicted on the broad street so that the spies of the Dowager would witness and inform her about it. Now they had achieved their first goal to make Aim look like a traitor who was killed by the Emperor. With this sad turn of event, the Empress Dowager would believe that he had taken his side and trust him with the assignment to kill the Emperor.

Aim desperately gasped for air but the injury made it impossible for him to breath easily, he could not stay kneeled on the ground anymore and fell laying aside on the ground. Kongpob waited and gazed at him till the latter didn't have any strength to stand up. His cold eyes were staring at the man who was battling for his life, he didn't feel any sympathy for the older man. Tears filled Aim's eyes, he looked pitiful like an injured puppy that was trying to bark and ask for a stranger's help to save him. The ruler of Siam left the severly injured Aim on the street to die alone. The taller man could only witness how the Emperor was distancing himself from him, leaving him there to brace his fate. He closed his eyes slowly till they closed completely. He took his last breath before he stopped breathing forever.

The night was too quiet that the silence was frightning for even the guards who were keeping watch in the area, were too scared to even close their eyes for a moment. However, something more scary happened at the place where a man was slashed by his most trusted friend and left to die in pain, in agony and in deep regret. The man was near to his death, his body remained motionsless for a long time till the man's finger moved. He managed to clench his hands into fists despite the lack of energy but his will to stay alive and to take his revenge gave him hope and strength to keep fighting. He turned over, forced himself to kneel on the ground, placed a hand on the wound to prevent more blood to come out. As he had gathered enough strength to stand up, he stood up and staggered forward in the opposite direction that he had come from. 

****

Just like expected, two spies were hiding in the proximity and observing the wounded Aim's every steps while the two other spies left after the Emperor. Aim walked the long distance to the Dowager's palace. As soon as he arrived closer to the Dowager's residence, some female fighters blocked his way there. He just played his role well, clenched on his name tag and fell on the ground, purposely let them see the name tag with the royal crest to draw their attention on him so that they would inform the Dowager about him. He lost much blood but he wasn't weak enough to lose his consciouness. However, he had to let himself fall and lay there on the ground to play the victim. Just like he wished, they took him in the dungeon and sent another guard to inform the Dowager about the unexpected visitor. Aim was thrown in the dungeon, a female physician followed, went in his cell and laid her equipments down on the ground. Her assistent helped the new prisoner to position him properly by laying him on his back on the ground. The physician tore his upper cloth apart, cleaned the wound with clean water then spread the herbal medicine on the long cut on his chest. She wrapped white fabric around his chest to cover and protect the wound from infection. Meanwhile Aim was forced to lay there unconscious even though he was feeling every prodecure his body was going through. He just waited for the perfect opportunity to wake up and this would be when the Dowager arrived. 

****

The main maid was speaking behind the slide door in the middle of the night, she apologized first for disturbing but she mentioned about the captain of the female guards who was seeking an audience with her. the Dowager was awake but she didn't allow the captain of the guard to enter but responded that she should talk. However, she warned her that she would be punished if the information didn't prove to be important. The captain gulped hard in fear, she gathered her courage before delivering the urgent message about a certain prisoner who was caught in the dungeon. According to her, the heavily injured man must be one of the Emperor's servants who was seeking refuge by them. A long break followed, the silence was suffocating for the servants outside of the slide door, they feared their master's temper.

The Dowager was spectical to believe the prisoner and raised one of her eyebrown after she had listened to the message. She was an evil woman who used her own people as pawn for her own benefit whenever she needed and would toss them as garbages as soon as she didn't have any need for them anymore. She was in her bed, had her eyes opened and was thinking about the possibility that the prisoner could be a spy. After a long break, a fierce voice echoed in the air and ordered the maids to dress her for a visit in the dungeon.

Aim opened his eyes as he heard a faint commotion outside of the dungeon. He realized that the target had arrived whereupon he sat up and leaned his back against the cold wall, hitting his head soflty against the wall but he closed his eyes again when he noticed that someone was approaching him. The other prisoners even woke up and slammed against the cell made out of wooden to attract the female guards' attention.

A guard opened the cell for the older woman to enter, she approached the unconscious person. The commander showed the piece of wood with the gold dragon to her, explaining that it was the man's. She gazed down upon the prisoner, covering her nose with a beautiful, purple piece of silk to prevent the filthy smell to enter her nose. She hated to be among those pieces of filth but she had to listen to the story of that man herself. When she bent down to gaze closer at the stranger, the prisoner opened his eyes at the moment, grabbed at her soft collar and pulled her down. The commander drew her sword out to slash the rude stranger for touching their master with his blood, stained hand but the Dowager remained calm. She stared deep into the man's eyes, more like into his dark soul. There was fire burning in the latters eyes, it seemed hot and dangerous like something no one should touch but she was eager to have him. All the sudden, she smiled. Finally, she had found someone with the same hatred and evilness she haboured.

„Who are you?", she kept her calm demeanor and her smile while asking for his identity.

„I am the person who will help you take the Emperor and crown prince Arthit down!", now that the Empress Dowager that he was searching for was in front of him, he had found his new hope whereupon his strength had returned. He was ready to disclose all of his former master's secrets, inclusive Arthit's just like planned.

Her eyes widened in surprise, it looked like her eyes were smiling too when hearing this few words. However, she was curious about the name he had called a second ago. That name did ring a bell but she wanted to make sure if she had heard him right. „Crown prince Arthit?"

„The lost Crown Prince Arthit of Burma... He is the man the Emperor is hiding here as... The male concubine..."

The Dowager's eyes went so wide that they almost popped out of its sockets. She had found the information that she could use to dethrone the Emperor and get rid of him and of his male concubine and that dirty baby at the same time. Meanwhile Aim had found his new power that he could use to take his revenge on the Emperor. they would put their plan into action as soon as Aim had recovered. The plan of revenge would begin with them finding a maid of Burma's origin to put the blame on Arthit. The storm that was brewing toward Aim was turned in the opposite direction, coming closer to Siam's ruler Kongpob and his loved one Arthit.

However, Aim was smart and didn't disclose more secrets as she needed and wanted to hear. He kept his calm demeanour and stared at her with his sharp eyes shining like a beast waiting for his prey. He tempted her like the devil preying on his victim to make her trust him only to devour her later. For the first time, someone dared to challenge her patience, the Dowager just laughed at the new challenge. Somehow, she was enjoying the little discussion between them. She knew that she needed him but she wouldn't let herself be played by this young man who was as young as her youngest son.

„Could it be... That you're the infamous shadow of the recent rumour spreading around...? The shadow who is selling the Emperor's secrets?", she had a mischievous smirk on her lips, showing that she wasn't an easy woman to play games with.

Aim smirked too, „Right... I am the shadow who had spent many years next to his Emperor's side and know his deepest secrets...". He came closer to her, „I want you to destroy him, kill his most beloved one in front of him and dethrone him! I'll help you in this conspiracy if you promise me to destroy him on the most merciless way!", this was the condition for him being her and assisting her in the treason.

Now the Dowager was more than interested in this bold, young man who was sitting before her and bargaining with her. „I won't only kill him but will let Arthit and the unborn child be devoured by animals in his presence!", it was a promise that she would make happen soon.

Aim nodded as agreed. He began telling her all the secrets he had known about the Emperor and Burma's crown prince called Arthit. He even shared his plan with her. First, they needed to find a maid here whose origin was from Burma, let her infiltrate Arthit's palace and work there as his maid then make her poison the Emperor slowly. Second, the maid would take the blame and convince the court officials that the male royal consort had given her poison from Burma with the order to kill the Emperor as revenge for killing his family. They would use Arthit's identity as Burma's to their advantage. He explained that Kongpob was wicked, could see through the servant's lie and realize that she approached him with the intention to poison him so she had to deceive him first that Arthit had cooked himself to give it the Emperor. He would believe the lie as long as Arthit was mentioned and drink the poison that would be fatal for him. If the Emperor died then they could finally get rid of Arthit and the baby who could cause a threat to them. A child of the former meant that he would herit the throne and be the next Emperor. Since they wanted to put her eldest son Pitcher on the throne then they had to kill the child as soon as possible.

After having shared his plan with his new accomplice, the Dowager sent some of her guards to search for a maid who came from Burma and explain her new assignment to her. Aim was calm but he had a sinister thought swirling in his mind. The fish has caught the bait...

End of Flashback

****

Present time

Back to the present, five guards were laying on the ground in front of the dungeon, they were holding steamed breads that they had already bitten some pieces of it in their hand, blood was dripping down their mouth. They were all dead, it looked like that they were poisoned by the person who had given the breads to them. It was almost daybreak but the palace was dead silent ever since everyone had heard of the death of their beloved Emperor. Unfornatunately, all the maids were mourning in their chamber so the deaths of these guards went unnoticed.

A person was standing before the entrance beside the deceased guards, he looked around then sneaked in the dungeon. He was careful to not alert the other prisoners. Some were awake and begged him to let them free but the assassin just ignored them and went straight to the two last cells. There, he found two women in the forelast cell, their hands were tied handcuffed with a handcuffs that was made out of woods. The two looked exhausted, these were Arthit's eldest sister Youn and his maid Maprang. Maprang's eyes widened, she seemed livid again as soon as she recognized the man in front of them. It was Kongpob's head of eunuch, Oak.

„Head eunuch...", Maprang stood up and approached him but she was too exhausted to walk properly and fell down to her knees.

Maprang's voice alerted the four men held captived in the last cell, these were Knott, Bright, Prem and Toota. They adverted their attention to the head of the eunuch. After he freed the two women, Oak went to the four men and released them from their misery too.

„How is the royal consort?", it was the first question Youn asked after being let out of the prison. She was held captive in this smelly prison but her own condition didn't matter to her. She only wanted to know about her only brother's situation before she would take the chance to run to their freedom. One could say that she was more worried about Arthit after the news about the death of the Emperor reached her ears yesterday night.

„You'll reuinite with him soon...", he assured her. He reached each their swords and made a serious expression before speaking, „However, I have an order to give to you. Go and protect royal consort Oon! Don't let anything happen to him untill the end of the battle!"

It was odd that a head eunuch gave them this order when seeing how bad the situation turned in after the Emperor's death but they didn't suspect him. The guards intended to protect Arthit anyway so they didn't think of the consequences before storming out of the dungeon. Oak did not let Youn follow the four guards but together with the two eunuchs, Oak and Toota, she was brought ouf of the palace through a secret passageway only known to the most trusted of the Emperor. They wanted to prevent her from getting in the battle that would happen as soon as the sun set. Meanwhile Maprang, Prem, Knott and Bright took their way to Arthit's palace, they were cautious to not get caught by the already awaken maids. 

****

Meanwhile the Empress Dowager couldn't wait for the Emperor's funeral and couldn't sleep because of excitement. She was in the grand palace, walking here and there in the Emperor's chamber while the Emperor's body was laid on the bed, positioned properly to make him look decent for the officials who would visit later and make their farewell with him. Actually, they didn't care about farewells but only wanted to make sure that he died and witness his funeral.

Just some hours after the ruler's death, the Dowager had gotten rid of the former's allies and guards to place her own people at the place. Aim was in the chamber too, he was standing few meters away from the Dowager near the slide door, kept his position and had his hand near his sword the whole time. The elderly woman had a victorious smile on her lips, couldn't contain her smile after the victory against her arrogant stepson. She even giggled in front of the ruler's body then apporached him and sat down on the egde of the bed.

„I gave you my words that I will take the throne away from you but you didn't believe me... Look at where we're now... You're dead and I... will give the throne to my son, the rightful successor of this throne!", she laughed, her crazy laugh echoed in the entire palace and scared the servants who were busy preparing the Emperor's funeral.

All the sudden a faint noise came from the Emperor, it sounded like a sight or breathing. The Dowager was susprised to hear such creepy sound coming from a dead body but she didn't think much about it. She just assumed that it must be the last air he still had in his lungs that needed to leave the body too.

She turned to face the shadow Aim, „Prepare for Burma's crown prince funeral too... He'll be burned alive with the Emperor!", her annoying voice resounded in the air. She despised Arthit and their innocent child so much that she preffered to see them being burned alive instead of killing them properly. Apparantly, she wanted to see him suffer in hell just like they tortured her when they confined her in her palace before.

„I don't think so...", a voice mumbled calmy behind her.

The older woman's eyes went wide in shock as the soft words reached her ear. That voice! It was a familiar voice but she refused to believe that that person was talking to her. She froze on the spot at first but she realized that something was odd as she stared at Aim's smile. Her partner in crime that she trusted more than her own son Pitcher had a bright smirk on his face. She knew that the situation didn't look good for her but she braved herself and turned around to look behind. There sat a tall, young man on the bed, he wasn't laying there like before but sat up and had one leg bent up, his eyes shining beautifully like those of a dangerous monster. There was something dangerous reflecting in his eyes, his body language stronger than before. The young man was emitting a dangerous aura which intimidated everyone near him, a deadly aura surrounded him and showed that he was in bad mood and could kill everyone who was in his way. The air around the new awaken threat was suffocating, it was hard to breath properly. His eyes were directed at the woman sitting before him, his lips curved up into a little smile. It was a soft smile that could break every woman's heart and let them scream in adoration. If the royal consort was here, he would jump at him and overwhelm him with deep love, admiration and devotion. Siam's handsome Emperor was alive, he didn't take his attention from the same woman who killed his mother, caused all of his sufferings, nearly killed him and tortured the man he loved. The Dowager trembled in fear and in shock, she took few steps back to escape harsh reality.

Kongpob sat there for a moment before he stood up and came closer to her. „You are found to be guilty of conspiracy against the Emperor and attempting to dispose of the first flesh and blood of the Emperor!", this was the verdict he wanted to read her long time ago ever since he met Arthit and found out that the latter was pregnant with his child.

The Dowager fell down on her knees, her body was shaking, her lips were trembling as if she wanted to mumble something but the words were stuck in her throat. It was impossible for her to let the words out in her shocked condition. She couldn't believe the bad situaion that was happening right now. It semeed like a painful nightmare she wanted to wake up from, just few moments ago she had won the battle and now a new battle had emerged and it looked like she will lose this battle. No, she had lost the battle from the very beginning on. Only now did she realize that the shadow called Aim never left the ruler's side and didn't even betray him. He had exposed Arthit's identity as Burma's crown prince and his pregnancy but it was to their favour since the truth prevented her from killing him immediately. The people involved in this fight had deceived her and forced her true colour out of her shell. Now that she had show her true intention to kill the Emperor's flesh and blood, she wouldn't be granted mercy anymore like before. It meant the end of her reign.

At the same moment a loud commotion coming from outside could be heard from where the 3 people were standing. Voices of the servants could be heard everywhere, they were screaming painfully. One could heard metal clashing against metal and sounds of arrows shooting in the air. The smell of death was lurking in the air too, a strong scents of blood and despair could be smell in the atmosphere. A tired female fighter, one of the Dowager's guards, came running to them while explaining the situation. She yelled her master's name while informing her that thousands of soldiers, led by the second-in-command Tew, had taken over the palace and she should escape from her. However, an unexpected situation awaited her when she arrived in the chamber. Her eyes almost popped out of its sockets as she noticed the Emperor standing safe and soundly before her instead of laying dead in the bed.

The guard fell down to her knee all the sudden, she didn't have to think long before realizing that the Emperor had deceived them and was alive the whole time. Now, she didn't have the courage to run around freely and disobey the ruler anymore. She apologized, stared at the cold ground and begged him for mercy.

„You're here for a reason... I want you to deliver the important message to her", Kong said.

The poor guard stuttered, „I... I...", she kowtowed immediately, hitting her forehead against the ground. She didn't dare to raise her head to look him in the face, she was too frightened.

Meanwhile Kongpob had a small smile on his lips, he sounded soft as never before. He didn't have to threaten her but he was scaring her with his calm demeanour. A handsome man with a calm attitude was far dangerous than a man who would manifest his hatred. „...What are you waiting for? Begin to deliver your message!"

The female guard took a long time to raise her head up, she stared in the Emperor's eyes but she looked away immediately and gazed at the Dowager instead. This old woman wasn't all too frightening like the handsome man right now. She stuttered, „I... The... unknown soldiers have taken over the palace... They are led by the second-in-command Tew... Another group of soldiers has just arrived along with many prisoners... Those are higher officials who were captured in their mansion... Few court officials have taken refuge here a moment ago but they were detained too with... with the assucation of committing... treason against the Emperor... They... They have surprised us, Dowager... We didn't expect them and couldn't do anything against them... I am the only survivor from the female guards...", she broke down in tears and begged for mercy.

The Dowager gasped in shock at the last words, her guards were all dead and the only one who survived was this coward of guards with a lower rank. However, she just cared about her own safety. She saw the opportunity to flee from here, screamed at her guard to protect her then tried to run away by passing by Aim. The female guard didn't have to listen to her but she accepted her order and prepared herself to die. Aim had seen through her plan already, he drew his sword out, slashed the guard's chest then pointed the sharp tip of his sword at the Dowager's neck as she tried to run pass him. She was welcomed by the sharp tip of the sword which she also recognized right away. There was only one of this kind, it was the only golden sword that was used by the Emperor only. She growled at Aim, the deep hatred she felt for that shadow was reflecting in her eyes.

„You piece of trash!", she screamed, her voice resounded in the atmosphere. She moved and intended to scratch her fingernails deep in Aim's face but the tip of the sword cut her skin lightly as soon as she moved. She froze on the spot to not move too much and hurt herself.

Kongpob took the time of his life, went to them then waited in front of the Dowager. „You'll have to wait for your punishment! I have to go somehwere first... My beloved man is waiting for me after all...", he said with a soft smile on his face. his heart skipped a beat by the simple mention of Arthit.

„Do you think that I will give up so easily? ...I have prepared a plan in case of something like that to happen and have sent assassins to kill your beloved Arthit and child!", she raised her voice, laughing crazily. She didn't feel like laughing in this sad situaion but she desired to make that arrogant man cry in pain after finding out that his man was killed.

Another chuckle came from Kongpob, „Do you think that I didn't think of this possibility? Of course, I thought of it and have sent my soldiers to protect him and kill your assassins before waking up from my deep sleep!". He made a serious expression, „Take her in the dungeon!"

Four soldiers from Kongpob's army entered the chamber, they bowed down to the Emperor then took the Dowager away. She was struggling in their arms and yelling that she was the Dowager and they shouldn't treat her like a criminal but the soldiers ignored her, something that made her more mad. Aim handed the sword over to Kongpob, the former took the guard's word instead. Kongpob and Aim left the chamber and met the exhausted Tew at the entrance. Tew was waiting for them, bowed down and greeted his best friend. Just like the female guard had said earlier, the court officials were detained outside of the palace, forced to kneel down and wait for their punishment. They trembled and gasped in fear the moment they detected the Emperor who was supposed to be dead standing alive in front of them. It was something they didn't expect at all. The Emperor looked powerful and stronger than ever before. The enemies had witnessed the Dowager being dragged away to the dungeon but they finally grasped the situation when they saw the ruler of Siam. They knew that their punishment would be severe since they had dared to hurt the Emperor's man and his unborn child.

The soldiers bowed down to greet their Emperor. Kongpob smiled, he looked around. There were piles of corpses on the ground, the soil was soaked with blood that painted the ground red. The corpses were the bodies of the enemies, the guards and the servants who had plotted against him. Together with Aim and some of his guards, he took the way to Arthit's palace. 

****

In the morning, the sun had already waken up. Arthit had fallen unconscious in the middle of the night but something forced him to regain his consciouness. It was the ray of lights shining on his face also the loud commotion thas was occuring outside of his palace. He woke up and managed to stand on his feet but he fell down since he didn't move his legs for house and they had fallen asleep. He looked forward but there weren't any sight of the two guards who were keeping guard anywhere. Loud screams could be heard from everywhere. This time the voices sounded different than the ones he had listened to yesterday night shortly after Emperor Kong had died. It sounded like painful and desperate screams alongside other noises like something sharp cutting and boring through flesh and muscles. The air was reeking of something rusty, the smell was so strong that Arthit had to cover his nose to not breath it in his lungs.

Arthit moved his feet forward and dared to leave his chamber. He walked forward through the long corridor that seemed endless. They weren't any guards. The closer he was coming to the entry, the stronger the light was shining and the stronger the smell of blood was in the air. His heart was skipping a beat the closer he got to the light, he finally came out of his palace but he had to gasp in shock as he saw the pictures in front of him. Hundred of bodies of royal guards and soldiers were laying everywhere on the ground, the soil was stained red with blood. Now he understood why he smelt blood in the air, a massacre had taken place in his palace. No, not only in his palace but on the whole palace. A man, wearing complete black, was standing in front of him, slashing and cutting everyone who dared to approach him. Arthit froze on the spot, couldn't grasp the situation anymore. Why? Why him?

Knott was protecting Arthit from the front, killing every assassin who came toward him. Prem was even standing in the corner and fighting some soldiers. The soldiers were wearing Siam's soldier's clothes but they were attacking other soldiers with the same outfit. Arthit spotted his guard Bright killing some fiends too. Maprang was among them and fighting too, she looked back at the prince then smiled at him. It was the first beautiful thing in this morning. Soon, he realized the second beautiful thing that he had seen as soon as he had gained his consciouness. More screams came outside of the palace, the first person who entered Arthit's palace was a handsome man wearing his clothes that was made for battles, armor protecting his chest and his gold sword slashing everyone who blocked his path. There was a golden dragon drawn on his armor, meaning the royalty of Siam. Behind him was... Aim? Arthit mustered the person wearing the battle clothes with the gold clothes from head to toes.

Arthit was lost for words, there weren't any word to describe his current emotions. He opened his mouth to say something but the words were stuck in his throat. Tears filled his eyes, they were about to drop down but he hold them back. Kongpob! He's alive... My Kongpob is alive....

Arthit saw his beloved Kong coming at him while slashing the enemies who were blocking his way to his man. He was frozen on the spot, his heart was skipping a beat the closer Kong was getting to him. His lips were shaking, he wanted to say a word but the words just refused to come out. The tears were persistent to come out but he fought them back. He wanted to run to him and take him in a passionate, tight embrace but he was too weak to move around so he waited there for his hero to come and save him. The taller man pierced his sword through the last enemy's heart, he finally arrived in front of his Arthit.

Kongpob wipped his bloody hand on his clothes, he smiled at Arthit. It was a sweet smile full of love, devotion and admiration. He looked down at the small bump, Arthit's arm was leaned around his bump to protect his child. The taller man touched the shorter one's pale cheek then carressed his thump over his flawless skin. It felt like a decade that Arthit felt Kong's lovely touch, his soft hand caressing his skin, burning his skin and raising his body temperature. The tears finally fell out of Arthit's eyes. Kong kept his hands on the younger man's cheeks, the sweet smile never disappeared from his face. The wind got a little bit stronger, a soft breeze flew over them, touching their skin and letting chill run down their spine. The lovely reuinion got rid of the sad atmosphere around them, love was in the air because of the two love birds.

„I have come to get you out of here, my love...", this statement was the first words he said to the man he was destined to fell in love with and be together with forever.

„I knew it that you won't leave me... I always knew that you won't die so easily and leave me alone...", Arthit mumbled in tears. He leaned his head on Kongpob's broad shoulder then closed his eyes slowly. „I can sleep peacefully now...", he uttered softly before falling asleep.

The Emperor just chuckled at his cute Arthit, wrapped his arms around him, lifted him up and carried him in his arms. He returned in his own palace while carrying Arthit in his strong arms. He was closely followed by Aim, Maprang, Prem, Bright and Knott. Youn, Oak and Toota had returned too, they were already waiting for them outside of the palace. They walked pass the detained officials, ignored them and entered the palace. 

****

At the same time, a young man was standing far away from the palace. There was a big ruckus in the market too, the vendors and the curious customers had heard of the news that the Dowager had commited treason and was captured in the dungeon. The young man listened to their conversation for a moment then turned his back from the palace and went away. Pitcher distanced himself from the capital city, the palace, the throne, his mother the Dowager, the Emperor who was his arch rival and Arthit who was his first love. Since he had expected this situation to happen, he left early this morning before the whole battle began. He left his life as Siam's eldest prince behind and intended to start a new life as a nobody somewhere far away from Siam. I wish you a life without pain, tortures and losses... Bring your child in this world and be happy with the love of your life, Arthit... I love you and will never forget you...

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

And your opinion about this chapter? Did you expect this plot to happen? Kongpob, Aim, Tew and Wad have tricked the Dowager and finally won against her :D Arthit is free, the Baby healthy and will be Born soon. But Pitcher left Siam for good... A happy ending for our couple after the long battle, sufferings and tears :)

Part 2 will be updated soon, I won't update for a while... and don't forget to vote for Krist and Singto for the daradaily Award8, especially for Krist ;)