Finally the last chapter after so many weeks :D First, I want to thank everyone for following this Story so far for so many months... Thanks for not giving up on this story even though it took me long for the updates. The story continue from the part where Kongpob has carved his path to Arthit in the middle of the fight. I hope you'll like this final chapter :) Have fun reading it...

The song is an old song Taeyon - All with you 

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Kongpob hold onto the shortly fallen asleep Arthit in his arms, lifted him up and carried him on his arms. He didn't leave right away but was staring at him with love shining in his eyes. It was obvious for the subjects on the battlefield that their Emperor had only eyes for the shorter man and no other human being would ever catch his attention like Arthit did. Apparantly, the young ruler of Siam still didn't have enough of the beautiful man whom he loved over himself and wished to spend the little time with the love of his life instead of using them to care of his enemies instead. However, he knew that he, as the Emperor, had to put affairs of the country on first place before his desire. Even though he didn't arprove with the law that their politic and the people were far important than his love life, he still had the duty to carry out.

With a heavy sight escaping his mouth, Kongpob hold firmly onto his man and took the way back to his palace. Arthit's palace was tainted with the blood of the innocents subjects and the assassins who have lost their life during the battle so the taller man had to bring him in a safer place where he could rest. There was no place safer than his own grand palace. He passed by the many, captured traitors consisted of higher officials, soldiers and their servants who were kneeling on the ground while waiting for their punishment. The traitors were trembling in fear as soon as Kongpob entered the palace and apporached them, marched in front of them while emitting such immense strength and power that his enemies were fearing his whole existence while his allies were admiring him. He ignored the many eyes staring at him and entered his chamber then laid the sleeping Arthit on his big bed, giving him a kiss on the forehead before returning outside. When he came out, his subjects kept a serious appearance as respect but the traitors shivered, they were begging to have mercy on them.

Kongpob just gazed at the higher officials one by one, teaching them some fear to make them summit to him before his eyes rested on the prime minister who was standing aside among his allies that had gathered on the other side. There were only few of them, the only ones that had swore their loyalty to the Emperor. The prime minister bowed his head down, perhaps he was expressing his gratitude for being left alive despite betraying him as his daughter was still the Empress. The detained enemies were shooting deadly daggers through their eyes at the prime minister, swearing soundlessly at him that he had parcipate in the conspiracy and betray them at the end. None of them had realized that he was a spy working for their ruler, was gathering evidences and giving them to the Emperor to use for their detainment. If only they had noticed earlier that he was a traitor too then they could had prevented this failure to happen. It was too late now but they were regretting listening to the Empress Dowager and underestimating their fiend at first place. If they had taken him serious from the beginning then they wouldn't kneel here while waiting for their punishment.

Meanwhile Kongpob read the captured officials faces, he knew that they were imagining the worse punishment waiting for them but he decided to stay calm and observe the situation for a long moment. He intended to give them hope by prolonging his decision and let them live in uncertainty whether he would kill or have mercy on them before taking their hope away and killing them mercilessly. As the officials were screaming and begging to be let alive, a smirk played on Kong's lips. It was a creepy smile that sent shiver down everyone's spine, even the sun disappeared and clouds emerged in the sky and swallowed the bright day under his scary expression. His servants who admired him took each a step back, the maids admitted that he was a handsome man but he wasn't an opponent to be taken lightly either. His smirk showed how dangerous and fearful he could be if one forced the bad side out of him. One who didn't speak much was far dangerous than one who was more talkative, everyone realized that their biggest mistake was to underestimate and mistake him, his silence and calmness. He was far dangerous than the Empress Dowager but he had hide his intelligence and wickedness under his expressionless face.

One of the subject brought him a chair and placed it behind their ruler to sit down. Kongpob sat down then gave his order and raised his voice for everyone to hear him clearlier, „Behead them all in the flower palace!", his strong voice roared, sounding like thunder roaring.

Painful screams resounded in the air, the screams were followed by people begging for their life to be spared. The criminals knew that treason against the Emperor was punished by death of three generations but they didn't expect that the Emperor could be as heartless to order for the death of many officials. Such political struggle within the country could oppose danger to the people too. If a court lost more than the half of its officials then a desaster would occure later, meaning that money and supplies shortage also the neighboring countries trying to take advantage on the situation would be the aftermath. Kongpob knew of these aftermaths well but he decided to follow his instinct and kill them all because he was aware of his strength and power that he would not let any country take over Siam.

Why he choose the flower palace as their punishment place? Why the very first mansion that he had brought Arthit in to live? Simple! They had caused Arthit to suffer and live in misery everyday so he wanted them to be in the same house of misery, think of the misfortunes they brought upon Arthit and regret ever choosing him as their enemy before dying painfully. Like a wise man, he always thought of the conequences before he gave his order out.

The man who brought the chair for his master was about to take the chair and bring it in the flower palace but the young ruler explained that he wouldn't be present during the execution but had to be somewhere else. He dismissed his royal guards that he didn't need them for the time being because he would only take Aim with him. The former general of the guards said to him that he shouldn't move with only Aim around him at this dangerous time but Kongpob assured them that Aim was far skilled and stronger than the soldiers together. The rest of the guards were commanded to stay there and protect the male royal consort during his absence. Meanwhile all the servants waiting in front of Kong's chamber were to leave the palace and let Maprang, Bright, Prem also Knot to keep watch at the door of the chamber. His substitute Tew was given the task to take care of the execution of the criminals. As soon as his subjets began caring out the order, the Emperor and his most loyal shadow took the opposite direction which destination he didn't tell anyone. Because he needed to take care of that one important matter himself, he didn't let anyone expect Aim know about his next intention.

Aim was closely following his master behind but he kept a short distance between them to not push himself into the Emperor's personal space. He had his eyes on the young, handsome man before him the whole time but he too had his attention on their surrounding, preparing himself for any upcoming danger. They had captured all the court officials opposing their side but an assassin could hide somewhere and attack them anytime when they weren't careful enough so he was alarmed the whole time they were walking forward on their path. After they had left a long distance behind them and they seemed to had entered an unknown place that was hidden far away from the grand palace, they finally arrived at their destination. It was a small, secret dungeon hidden far away from the grand palace that was only known to the most loyal allies of the Emperor. 

Two men who were dressed as poor peasants were standing at the door, they didn't look like soldiers but their appearance was deceiving, there were two strong assassins whose duty was to guard and protect the criminal locked in there, either to prevent them from coming out or from anyone to enter. They only took orders from the Emperor. Besides, no one expect the ruler of Siam was allowed to approach them or set foot in there. If Kongpob wasn't in the front and they had recognized him then they would've killed Aim on the spot if he had dared to approach them further than allowed. These two men weren't holding any weapon but their weapons like daggers and deadly poison needles were hidden everywhere on their body. They went to their knees to greet their master respectfully.

No one had realized it earlier but these two assassins were among the other soldiers and had taken the most hated criminal in their custody as they were on the way to the normal dungeon. The other normal soldiers didn't know where they were taking that criminal but they let them take her away without ever asking for a question. The man on the right opened the door and accompanied the Emperor in there, however they blocked Aim when the latter wanted to enter too. Kongpob just nodded his head, telling him that he should wait there for him instead. The shadow didn't have any choice as to stay back and let the other assassin protect their master in his place.

Kongpob and one assassin walked forward, there wasn't any light in the dungeon, only pure darkness reigned. The reason why there wasn't any glimpse of light in here was to punish the criminal who was locked up there to fear the darkness, learn his or her lesson and to never see daylight again.

There was the main dungeon that was known to everyone in the imperial city but there were few secrets dungeons that were built just for the dangerous prisoners who had commited a big crime so that they had to be kept away from humanity, either for their country's or their own protection. This prison was far away from the palace, more dirty and without any light, it was an unfortunate place where none of the regular criminals caught for petty crimes would like to spent a night if they wanted to survive for many years. Everyone would avoid this place since the chance to survive was very low, every traitor that was locked up here ended up dying few nights later. It was also called the death dungeon due to this one reason. It was a prison for the most dangerous criminals like the one they were harbouring in one of the small, empty cells at this time. The sinner was a powerful person who had put the country in danger, seeked for the Emperor's, his lover's and his flesh and blood's life and threatened to kill his allies. Kongpob remained in front of the cell, the flames of the torch enlighted the darkness away. 

There was a woman sitting on the ground in the pure darkness. She raised her head, the dim light that was projected from the fire fell on her face, it exposed her charming beauty that was unfortunately tainted with dirt, sorrows, regret and hate. The Empress Dowager had maintained her beauty despite the harsh living condition she was forced in but her tiredness and anger were obvious to the whole audience. She was trying to play a strong woman, showing that she could survive through this punishment but she failed to hide the regret shining in her eyes. She regretted for not killing her stepson and the royal consort herself as she had the chance to. Now it was too late, Kongpob had captured her as a traitor, Burma's former crown prince was also safe with the child and they would form a family soon. Her breathing accelerated, she fumed in anger as she imagined the happy life Kong would live from now on.

„How is life living here?", it was a cruel question from the ruler's side. He was aware of the fact that living in this cell was worse than every punishment he went through. A punishment worse than death. However, he wanted to know her answers to this question to mock her and show her that she had make the biggest mistake for not taking him serious earlier.

„Do you think you have gained your victory just because you have locked me in here?", she said in a low voice. A smirk appeared on her lips, she stood up, approached him and waited in front of him. Her calm voice whispered to him, „Do you think that the people will let me, the Empress Dowager of this country get killed by their pathetic Emperor?". She raised her voice confidently about her own people to prevent her punishment, „None of this sin had occured before in any country!", she was sure of the population of Siam would protect her from the death sentence.

Kongpob kept his silence. It was truth that the people were devoted to the Empress Dowager. She was the grandmother of the country which everyone respected. The people would protest if he tried to kill her despite her involvement in the treason. Who would accept to have a frail elderly woman he highly regarded as his grandmother be killed? No one! They would despise him and call him a tyrant for killing an elderly woman who had raised him. It was impossible to give her a death sentence due to this one reason but this difficulty wouldn't prevent Kong from punishing her for conspiring against him. He could've lost Arthit and their baby if Tew, Aim and Wad weren't loyal enough to act in the darkness in his place. The Dowager had put him through worse and he would pay her with the same amout of pain.

There was only the wooden cell seperating them, Kongpob came so close to the Dowager that their head almost bumped against each other. He had a wicked smirk on his handsome face, it was the kind of creepy smile that could frighten children and make them running away while crying to their mother. He hold onto the cell, „I will not kill you for sure but I will make you regret for targetting the man I love and having me as your enemy... Neither will I let you live confined in your palace and have a fortunate life...", his lips curved up even more, the creepy smile turned bigger and scarier. „You will be exiled in the most deserted area!", this was the punishment he wanted to bestown upon her for making him suffer ever since his birth. Kong felt proud of himself for having his stepmother in the brink of death like he wanted her to be. She was now standing on the edge of cliff without any help. She was alone now.

The Dowager's eyes widened in shock, fear writtin in her face, her hands were shaking. There was only a deserted area in Siam with just one house built there. The mansion wasn't grand or luxurious but it was built with the sole purpose to confine a member of the royal family there if the latter had commited a grave sin and was banished from ever entering the imperial city again. Only a maid was allowed to accompany her there, meaning that she would to work and take care of herself with the help of one servant. It wasn't the luxurious life she should live as the Dowager. There was just one nightmare that she feared and wished to never happen to her. It was to have her power as the Empress Dowager and her fortunes taken away from her.

The older woman clinged firmly onto the wooden cell seperating them, wanted to grab at her stepson and scratch him but Kongpob caught her hands and hold strongly onto her. He gave her a smile that outshone her beauty then made a serious face.

„Did you think that I will let you live happily after you have hurt my Arthit and my child?", his eyes were gleaming a certain determination and hatred toward his stepmother. „I wouldn't have taken this decision if you didn't touch and tried to kill the man I love!", his voice echoed in the whole dungeon. He sounded even creepier when the words he whispered came back as an echo in that kind of scary place. „I won't forgive anyone who threaten Arthit because he is the one I love and want to have a future with. Not even if that person is one of the powerful in this country!", it was another declaration of war that she had already lost.

Kongpob pushed her away, she lost her balance and fell with her butt on the ground. It was a hard fall but she ignored the pain since she had another serious matter to worry about. She had enjoyed a life full of luxury and absolute power but now that she was demoted to take care of herself with only a maid by her side, she didn't know how to react to the change. She crawled on the ground and intended to grab at the Emperor's gown but the assassins reacted fast, took a needle out and threw it on her hand. She felt numbness in her hand, the numbness pulled her weigh down whereupon she couldn't support her arm anymore and fell flat on her stomach on the ground. Kongpob stared down at her, his eyes even mocking her pitiful condition. He just left without bidding farewell to her. As they returned outside, Aim and he took the way back to the grand palace. Meanwhile the two assassins maintained their postion in front of the secret dungeon.

„Kill her on the way there!", Kongpob said, coldly and without any emotion. It sounded like a soft whisper but Aim had heard him clearlier. He nodded and followed closely behind him.

Aim didn't have to listen to Kongpob's wish how she should die but he knew already that his master wished her to die a painful and lonely death without anyone suspecting the Emperor of ordering her death. He would had to make it look like she died a natural death by disguising it as a suicide because she could not accept the harsh life she would lead from now on. With her suicide, the people would lose their symptahy with her because she preferred to die instead of repending on her mistake and take the chance to continue living like a peasant. The common folk weren't lenient when a person from the upper class decided to end his life just because he didn't want to live without his wealth, while they were suffering to earn money, bring food on the table and raise the children. With Siam's population hating her, Kongpob would have his benefit. He would gain popularity and respect as the benevolent and wise young Emperor who had pity on her and gave her a second chance to live. They would give her the sad name as 'an ungrateful Dowager', this name would always last in everyone's mind.

„Do you hate me for taking your duty as my shadow away?", the sudden question came from Kongpob. He kept his arms crossed behind his back, was walking forward to their destination.

„No! I will never question the Emperor's decision. Your decision is always for the sake of everyone..."

The younger man halted in his steps, gazed at the front then turned back to face his shadow. It was the first time that he could see Aim's complete face without him having half of it covered with a black scarf. It was also the first time that he could have him stay next to him on broad daylight despite people surrounding them, something that should never happen with a shadow that should keep his identity hidden from the whole world. However, ever since he decided to help him to take the Dowager down and showed his face to her, the officials and the servants, he was bound to lose his place behind him in the darkness. It meant death for a shadow if his identity was revealed but he voluntary exposed his face to the officials to protect and save the Emperor and his family. He knew that Aim came to him to devote his life as his shadow and to protect him at any cost but he had taken this opportunity away from him by letting him take part in their conspiracy against the Dowager. Aim helped him on his free will but Kong wasnt pleased with the result with him being demoted as a royal guard. He wouldn't accompany him anywhere in the shadow anymore neither share the deepest secrets with him but he decided to give him the rank as the general of his guards to keep him by his side. Even though he would not have to forget his true identity anymore and could have a family by himself now, it wasn't the appropriate gratitude equal to the losses he had made for his sake. The ruler of a country shouldn't show this kind of gratitude toward a subject but Kongpob promised himself to give Aim the appropriate future he deserved. Still, he wanted to know his opinion about him. If he wasn't content with him then he would let him go, however, with a heavy heart.

„Don't tell that you'll accept every decision of mine because it's for the sake of our country. I want to know your sincere opinion about me...", this wasn't a question between an Emperor and his servant but more like between friends who had to have a serious discussion to lift the heavy feelings off their shoulders.

„I have already expressed my sincere opinion... I am grateful to serve the Emperor and fight alongside him to protect the people hr loves... Despite my low rank, the Emperor has given me a meaning to live and this is to stay by his side...", this was his answer but more didn't come from him to take his master worries away. He wasn't a man with many words anyway, it was one of the reason why Kongpob had taken him under his wings.

Both young men were staring at each other, their bound was getting stronger with everyday passing by. Their relationship wasn't just the one a master and servant relationship but it was more like friendship, friends who understood each other without talking a word. In their case, words weren't needed to understand the other's mind, it was sufficient to look at each other's face and read their expression to know the other's thought. Soft, fresh wind blew over them, it tickled their skin and let chill ran down their spine. It was fast and faint but Kongpob swore to have seen a smile on Aim's face. It happened so fast that he had almost missed it but Aim had give him a smile to assure him that he would continue to fight alongside him as long as he let him to. Kongpob's lips curved up, a faint smile that only the former shadow caught appeared. The two men continued their way to the place where everyone were waiting for them, they did not speak any more words on the way there. 

****

Kongpob and his guard Aim were coming closer to the grand palace, they could see the gate before them already. Wad and four more guards dashed toward them, they went to their knees and looked down to avoid the ruler's eyes. Kongpob gave them the permission to stand up and talk whereupon royal physician Wad began to give him the reason why he had seeked for his audience. He seemed agitated for a certain reason. The Emperor sensed that something must have happened, seeing how confused and helpless Wad was.

„The guards have searched for First Prince Pitcher but he is nowhere to be found. I fear that he left the palace earlier this morning...", Wad was mad but he remained collected as possible since he didn't want to show his anger in the Emperor's presence.

The Emperor was surprised too, didn't expect that Pitcher would escape during the war inside the palace. Pitcher didn't even defend his mother but left her fighting for her own life? Kong had to admit that he was a bad son for not protecting his mother but he was aware of the fact that he too hated her for using him as a pawn to have the throne on her side. Besides, he was glad that he didn't need to fight him either or he would had end up killing him. He was more angry that he left without thinking about Arthit. Arthit was still pregnant and could go on labour soon but unfortunately only Pitcher knew about the details of the experiment that was done on him to get pregnant, meaning that only he knew how to assist him during the labour so that he could give birth easily. Now that he had fled, he didn't have any experienced physician who would take care of Arthit.

The three young men were desperate, only the four other guards didn't know how to react to the fact that the first Prince had left the imperial city. According to them, it was a joyful event that Pitcher had escaped without causing any trouble, it meant that Kongpob have the throne for himself and didn't have to worry about his future anymore. For them ignorance was a bliss because they didn't sense the danger the royal consort, a male, could get anytime if he went into labour without any physician who had experienced a man deliver a baby by his side.

„Send men to search for him! Find him and drag him back to me! Bring him back here even if you have to cut one of his leg to make him follow you!", Kongpob's serious voice roared in the grand palace of Siam.

The servants who had heard him scream agitated, were trembling in fear. Some maids backed away to not fall into his sight, offend and get punishment for whatever reason he could find. A man rushed toward them the moment the four guards wanted to carry out the order. He went to his knees and waited for the ruler to give him permission to speak up.

„I have found this diary in first Prince's chamber. It was attached with another letter that is addressed to the Emperor!", the soldier spoke as soon as the permission was granted to speak.

Aim took the diary and inspected it before handing it over to the Emperor. As the new general of the royal guards, his prime duty was to ensure Kongpob's safety. He had to make sure first that the diary didn't contain any poison that could harm him. Kongpob read the name written on the letter, it was indeed addressed to him. He opened the diary that resembled more a book written by a talented scholar, best quality of ink also brushes and expensive papers were used to preserve information in this book. If such expensive materials were used for a simple diary then it meant that it wasn't just any ordinary diary but more like some secrets that had to be put on papers for safety matters.

However, he didn't understand anything written in there. Herbs and some methods to relieve pain were mentioned in one page but everything seemed like foreign language for him since he didn't have any knowlegde about medicine. Even though he couldn't decipher the words, he still came to the conclusion that this were details of the experiment done on many men to get them pregnant years ago.

„Royal physician, take and read this book...", he said then gave it to Wad.

Wad accepted the book and read the content silently. His eyes widened in shock as soon as he understood the meaning of this book, a smile appeared on his face. It was a smile that showed his handsome and gentle side, a cute smile that lifted everyone's worry away for an unknown reason. „I think that the first Prince has left this information for us to learn how to assist with the birth..."

You're not heartless than you look like. You have a conscience after all. Even if Pitcher had left this diary to help them, Kong still couldn't forgive him for touching his precious Oon's body. He still didn't like him for the simple reason that he had fallen in love with his Arthit before. It was jealousy and pure hatred that he felt toward his eldest brother but he wouldn't admit it so easily. „Can you make use of this book?"

Wad was an experienced and a very talented physician who gained the high rank as the royal physician at such a young age but he needed time to understand Pitcher's words and use them to help a male expectant. Since it was an experiment he didn't assist with from the beginning and recently heard from it for the first time, he would need time to prepare the necessaries to help royal consort Arthit but he wouldn't give up even if that task seemed difficult. He loved challenges after all. „Yes, I can do it. I need time to understand everything but I'll urge myself to make myself knowledgable about the experiment!", he assured. He quickly flipped through few pages and realized that he wouldn't be able to succeed alone. Surely, he would need help from experiences physician but he didn't trust the others to be loyal like him. „I think I'll need Maprang's help...", according to him, she was the best choice that he could get. Maprang was loyal to Arthit and would be careful on their work to not end up hurting the royal consort or the baby.

Kongpob nodded that he could get Maprang's support whereupon the young physician dashed in the Emperor's palace, grabbed at Maprang's hand and dragged her out while explaining the important task given to them. He was cautious enough to not let their surroundings hear about their intention. Meanwhile Kongpob disappeared in his chamber, his eyes filled with lust and love were going over the sleeping man on his bed. He looked at him, saving every features of his body deep in his mind to recall them when needed. Arthit was still in land of dream, his faint snore echoed in the air, taking over the chamber and sounding like music in the older man's ear. Something was moving under Arthit's clothes in his belly. Kong smiled then sat down and touched the shorter one's belly. Like assumed, their baby was moving in Arthit's bump, it seemed like it wanted to play with his father. Kongpob came closer and leaned his ear on the bump, he listened to his child's movement that was messy but somehow lovely too as if it couldn't stay at one place. A bright smile appeared on his lips. Only Arthit and their unborn child were able to make him smile brightly, sweetly and happily. Only this two could give him the happiness he needed. All the sudden a hand touched the ruler's head, patting on his soft hair, crawling here and there and ruffling his hair messy.

„Playing and having fun with our baby...?", Arthit's faint voice fell in the chamber, he bent forward to sit down properly.

Kongpob's smile turned even brighter the moment he heard his man's voice. He waited for a while before he took his head away, averted his attention to the younger man and gave him the sweetest smile he could afford. One hand rested on the heavy bump, the other one on the royal consort's face, he caressed on the soft skin of his cheeks, enjoying their togetherness in this afternoon. No, they weren't just two here but more like three if their child was counted.

„It's more fun if you play with us too...", Kongpob said but he was mustering him the whole time to see if he was alright or not.

Arthit looked exhausted, dark bags were under his red eyes, he was paler than before and his lips were slightly blue. He was panting slightly after speaking this few words, it seemed like that he was forcing himself to stay awake. Actually, he was still tired and needed much sleep after the tortures he went through but he wanted to stay awake to assure himself that Kongpob was still there. He wanted to see, touch and sleep with Kongpob so he could feel alive again. While Arthit wanted to feel Kong's closeness more, the young Emperor was worried about him, scared that a problem could occure with the pregnancy anytime and he wouldn't be able to help him. He just hoped that the gods would protect him untill the royal physician find a safe way to help him give birth smoothly without any complication. His finger caressed his smooth cheek then he placed a kiss on his lips, sucking on his underlip.

Arthit went his fingers through Kongpob's hair and fondled them, „Why didn't you warn me earlier about your plan against the Empress Dowager?"

„I wanted to but couldn't..."

„Didn't you trust me?"

The Emperor shook his head, „I trust you more than anyone in this palace, even more than myself but I did not want to put you in more danger...", he mumbled while pulling his bangs aside to see his beautiful face clearly. He knew that the excuse sounded ridiculous but he hide the conspiracy from him because he didn't want to involve him in his fight with his long term enemy. Because the Dowager intended to target his vulnerable side and threatened the person he loved against him, he took her threat personally and wanted to take cake of her by himself. However, he realized that he couldn't do anything on his own and asked for the support of his three most loyal friends. with their help, he managed to gain absolute power in the palace and save the love of his life. It was a success he couldn't have achieved if Arthit had known about it beforehand. Not that he did not trust him to keep the secrets but he was afraid that the court officials could lie that he was the mastermind behind the conspiracy toward the Dowager and had used the ruler's love and devotion to get rid of the Dowager.

„At least you could've tell me about the plan about you deceiving your death... I was scared, Kong... I nearly died thinking that I have lost the man I love more than my life...", his voice sounded warm and sweet but his expression showed that he was mad and disappointed at him for hiding this important information from him. Even though he believed in him that he would not die and leave him behind, he doubted his own faith and gave up later with the thought that the father of his child had succumbed to the poison. He suddenly grabbed at his hair, „I could have lost the baby...", he said with clenched teeth. If the Emperor didn't wake up sooner and put the plan into action then he would have die brokenhearted.

„I know and I'm sorry for keeping secrets from you... But I have to deceive you to be able to deceive my enemies... However, I have learned my lesson and promise to not do it again!", it was a sincere promise that he wouldn't break. He knew that all hell would break loose if he ever broke his words so he would always remember it to not disappoint him again.

Arthit knew that he would forgive Kongpob's little mistake since he survived and came back to him but he wanted to be spoiled for a while. He loosened the grip he was holding onto his hair with and pulled him gently to him while he fell backward. As he was laying on bis back on the bed, the taller man was laying with his head leaned on the former's bump.

„As punishment you'll have to stay by my side untill I fall asleep and wake up later...", he mumbled, his voice sounding far away yet so near. He was so tired that he was slowly falling asleep within few seconds.

Actually, as the Emperor of Siam, he had the duty to appear at court, take care of all political affairs that contained the future of this country but he also had a duty a Arthit's husband and their baby's father. State affairs were important but he preferred to spend more time with his family and develope never forgettable memories with him. he would save this memories deep in his mind so he would never lose them. With a little smile on his lips, he wrapped his arms around and pulled him closer into a tight yet tender embrace. It was one of the rare time that he could smile genuinely with the man he loved in his arms. It was also the first time that he could smile and spend time with his love without worrying about assassins seeking for their life. Now that he had taken caren of his opponents, they were finally free and could live their life happily to their heart content. Finally, Kongpob didn't have to pretend to love Praepailin neither did he have the need to accept the two other concubine and impregnant them. Finally he would have a child so that the higher officials would be calmed and wouldn't cause him a problem that his throne wasn't secured due to him not having any prince to keep the throne. 

****

Several days had passed after the Empress Dowager's and some court officials were captured of commiting treason against the current Emperor. The officials were all killed in the flower garden on the day of their detention but the Dowager was kept locked in a secret dungeon for some days before she was sent out of the imperial city in her confinement in an deserted area. The people had found out about their treason in the next day, their detention and punishment were the topic of every household in the whole Siam, expecially the saleswomen had enjoyed gossiping about the royal families. Thanks to noisy maids spreading rumours about the battle around, the whole country was aware of the Emperor's good deeds that were generosity and mercy. The population had heard about him granting mercy on the Dowager and having sent her in exile outside of the imperial city. Like assumed, he gained popularity, gratefulness and love from his people for being merciful toward the frail, old woman. Despite the population being against her death sentence, they still hated her for trying to hurt their innocent Emperor. They had swore at her secretly the moment she was escorted with soldiers and one maid out of the palace.

All the loud commotion did not go unheard by the other countries either. The neighbouring countries had heard about the power struggle happening in the palace. They also dared to wag war with Siam but they retreated their idea when they realized that the Emperor's side didn't have any serious lost because he had handled the situation with utmost caution. If they started a war then they could lose instead. With that thought in mind, they congratulated him instead and decided to wait for the perfect opportunity to take over the country. However, Kongpob wasn't a fool to let them enter his country and hurt his people! He would welcome them with swords, bows and all kind of wicked plans if they dared to start war!

After calmness had returned in the palace, the servants were fast on bulding the palace back to its former prestige and beautiful state. The hundreds of corps were disposed, the ground were cleaned from the victims' blood and new funds also supplies were taken from greedy, wealthy households to make up for the loss. There were new rich households who were given the rank as new ministers to take the death officials' place and take care of the state affairs. These were merchants and even scholars. Most of them weren't greedy neither power striven like the old officials but they would not dare to seek for more power because they were Kongpob's allies and knew well that the Emperor's spies were observing every of their steps. A single mistake could make them lose their head in process so they were behaving like tamed children for the time being. Praepailin's father, a rich merchant, had received a higher rank as minister of the Left and was content with the position he had dreamed of ever since he was a child. Now that he had gained more power in the palace, he had swore loyalty to the Emperor. He wouldn't even care if his daughter lost her title as the Empress as long as he could keep his high rank.

In midden of the reconstriction, Maprang was given a day free after having worked by Wad's side to find out the information written in prince Pitcher's book. She was allowed to be in the still Empress's garden, she had leaned her back on one large tree. Praepailin had taken place beside her and was having a funny conversation with her. Even though maprang was slow in understand situations and still oblivious of Praepailin's true intention, she allowed herself to sit next to the Empress for a moment.

Maprang was shy, she scratched on her forehead when spearking, „...I mean... Why is the Empress wasting her time with a lowlife like me? The Empress should spend her time with important affairs...", she mumbled.

She is too sweet... I want to jump at her and kiss her everywhere... Prae fondled on her hair, acting like a sweet, frail woman who didn't have any experience in fighting or killing. It was too obvious that she was trying to impress her and make her like her at any cost. „I feel that I don't belong there... I prefer to sit in the natur instead of gossiping and taking care of noisy women' affair... I am just here as a substitute and waiting for the real Empress to be healthy enough to take his right place on the throne...", there wasn't any sadness in her voice while mentioning the condition Kong had given her to take the throne, meaning that she didn't feel sad about losing her title. Apparantly, she hated having her freedom taken and couldn't wait the day where she would take the crown down, walk freely and spend time with Maprang. For her, it was taking too long for the baby to be born. Fortunately, Arthit was having slight pain for a few days now, meaning that the eagerly waited royal baby was ready to come into this world. She just wished that it would happen today so that she could greet her new freedom.

Not far away from them, two young men and their servants, standing closely behind them, were waiting on the other side and observing them with much curiosity shining in their eyes. Kongpob and Arthit were acting discreet as possible to not catch their attention but the shorter man was losing his temper the longer he had to wait and watch Praepailin taking advandage on Maprang's gentleness and obliviousness. Yes, he called it taking advantage. He knew that he just didn't like the way she was looking at his most loyal friend, as if she could jump at her and devour her anytime but he wouldn't admit it. He didn't like her get close to her because he was afraid that she would end up getting disappointed and hurt. His heart tighten when he witnessed Maprang smiling to the current Empress, it almost exploded in thousand pieces. He was worried that he would lose her too but he didn't notice that she was laughing just because Prae had mentioned about the male consort and the baby. There wasn't any need to be worried but she would eventually fall in love with the merchant's daughter later. Unfortunately, The more he was against their relationship, the stronger the bond between the two women would get sooner or later.

Kongpob grabbed at Arthit's hand before the latter could take the first step forward. „Don't disturb them...", a big smile appeared on his lips, „Let them enjoy the day together..."

His request made it worse, Arthit's blood was boiling. He adverted his attention to Kongpob, his face shining red in rage. It seemed that he was angry at him for accepting Prae's condition to help him fight against his enemies only if he allowed her to get closer to Maprang. For him, this condition was too ridiculous. He wished that Kongpob didn't accept her help it it meant to give his Maprang to her „Everything is your fault... How could you let a sly woman like her taint my Maprang?"

„Stop acting like a strict mother-in-law..."

The servants were having difficult time to hold in their laughter since they thought too that the royal consort was acting like a strict mother who didn't like his daughter getting close to the neighbour's daughter, thinking that she was bad for his precious child. For the first time in so many years, Aim, the general of the royal guards, had a faint yet genuine smile on his lips. He was standing more closer to Kongpob and Arthit so he heard their little confrontation between them louder but he managed to hold back his laughter.

„And you stop acting like a lenient father!", Arthit hissed at him.

„Our daughter has grow up already", he stared at the younger man's bump that got bigger in the last few days and smirked. „We need to take care of her younger sibling from now on...", he mentioned. He walked forward to leave some distance between them since he knew that he would get in serious trouble if he remained beside Arthit for too lond.

„Ah...", a faint moan echoed in the air.

It was just a faint noise that could have come from anywhere and mean nothing but everyone turned their attention to a special person who was standing alone in the middle of the garden. Kongpob's heart thumped harder as soon as he heard the sound, he turned back immediately only to see Arthit staring at him with a painful expression. Arthit then looked down between his legs. His pants was soaked with some liquid, he leaned his arm around his stomach to ease the pain but ended up letting another painful moan out. All the sudden, everyone realized that he was in labor. Kongpob rushed back to him, quickly wrapped his arms around him and hold onto him before he lost his balance and fell backward.

„The royal consort is in labour. Prepare for the birth!", Aim's voice roared in the garden.

Maprang ignored Prae when the latter mentioned something, she didn't feel the need to listen to her when her precious crown prince was about to give birth but just wanted to be there for him. Prae knew very well that it was impossible to seperate her from the crown prince, her life saviour, but she still hoped that she would give her a little bit of the love she felt for the royal consort. Maprang rushed to the Emperor's side to support him. Kongpob carried Arthit in his arms and ran the way back to the Empress's palace, the latter leaned one arm around his bump and was panting in pain while moaning in between. They arrived in the palace, the taller man laid the shorter one on the warm futton in one of the main, grand chamber. Wad was already informed about the consort's condition and was preparing for the materials he needed to assist him to give birth. Maprang, the nurse in practice, had gone in the kitchen to help the physician with taking care of the necessaries for the birth. There was a low table next to Kong, some of the materials were placed on it but covered with a cover to not let the consort see them and panic in fear. Kong sat down beside Arthit on the ground and was holding his hand the whole time. His eyes never leaving the slightly suffering Arthit. Bright, Prem, Aim and many more loyal guards that the ruler trusted were guarding the entrance, more maids were waiting some distance away from them too.

Arthit's breathing accelerated, he was gasping uncontrollably for oxygen. There were beads of warm sweat forming on his forehead, they were dripping down.

The Emperor caressed his forehead, swipped the beads of sweat away with his sleeve. He was worried that he could lose his beloved Arthit in the process but he forced himself to believe in Wad's knowlegde, jugdement and ability. Surely, he would not let any harm come to his man during the birth but he still failed to get rid of his fear completely after remembering the birth process described in Pitcher's book he had heard from Wad himself. Ever since he had listened to the details, he couldn't stop himself from worrying since it seemed more dangerous, life threatening for both Arthit and their child. Despite its terryfing danger, it was also the only method to use to help a male expenctant give birth. The method was invented decades ago in the Western country but it was not fully developed there yet so only few had experiences about it. The physicians had to cut the mother's belly open and take the child carefully out but it had to be performed only under the influence of strong herbal medicines to prevent the mother from having strong pain. Its survival chance was low for both mother and child. Because Arthit's case was different, he was more worried that something could go wrong if Wad did not work with utmost cautious. Even if he trusted the royal phyiscian, he couldn't help but fear the aftermath of this gruesome methods.

The Emperor was powerful and had absolute control over his country but he felt helpless and incompetent when it concerned Arthit's pregnancy. He couldn't take his pain away but be there for him and hold his hand whenever he needed him. His soft voice mumbled as sweetly as he could, „It's alright... I am here... It's going to be alright...", he tried to calm him down. „Try to breath slowly... Slowly just like how we have done it before...", he concentrated himself on the younger man and breathed slowly to demonstrated it.

Arthit had difficulty to breath properly but Kong's voice sounded too smooth and lovely in his ears that it finally calmed him down. He closed his eyes slowly and listened to his voice, breathing slowly like he had praticed with Wad, Maprang and Kongpob before. His breathing sounded calm and regular now despite the pain he was feeling in his belly.

The sliding door went open whereupon Maprang and Wad showed themselves in front of the door. She was carrying more materials like herbal medicine in the chamber, Wad greeted the ruler of Siam first then sat down beside the royal consort.

„It's the medicine that should reduce the pain... The royal consort will have to take it every while till it reached the appropriate effect... Until then I can't procede with the next steps...", Wad explained to them.

Kongpob took the bowl filled with bitter, green medicine, wrapped his arm around Arthit's shoulders, supported him to bent up and fed him with the liquid. However, it was too difficult for Arthit to drink the medicine in his condition since his slightly heavy bump was preventing him from sitting comfortably. Kong came and sat behind Arthit, pulled him to make him lean his head and back on his chest, using himself as a soft cushion to make it comfortable for him. He took a spoon and fed him the medicine. The two subjects in the chamber were accustomed to their Emperor showering the royal consort with love and all kind of sweetness but this one had taken their passionate love on a new level. Kong's touches were tender as if he was afraid to hurt him, it was worth for other men to take note and use them on their partner to receive their compliment, love and respect.

There was another brown medicine that had to be rubbed on Arthit's belly where it would be cut open but it wasn't time for it yet. Untill then, everyone had to wait for the right moment for the baby to be taken out. Everyone was eagerly waiting, worrying and praying to the gods to protect and save father and child. Arthit was suffering but Kong was feeling every of his pain, one could say that he was suffering more when knowing that he wouldn't be able to help him either. It was more painful to watch the person you love be in pain while you wouldn't be able to do anything for him. He just hoped that the delivery would go smoothly and end soon so that he could take the newborn baby in his arms and embrace Arthit while whispering in his ears that he had accomplished the impossible and he was proud of him. The Emperor had this lovely thought about Arthit in his mind but he couldn't afford to tell them in this kind of situation. Only worry was written over his expression. It was prohibited for every Emperor to stay beside the mother during birth but Kong had promised from the start that he wouldn't let Arthit go through the birth of their child alone. He insisted on staying there with him, giving him strength and taking some of his pain away as long as he needed him.

Kongpob was still holding onto Arthit's hand, caressing his finger over the back of the latter's hand. He even placed a soft and passionate kiss on his forehead. 

****

Night had fallen already, the sky was covered in pitch black darkness but there were bright light shining from many stars and the fullmoon above. Thanks to the bright moon, the streets were enlighten and clear for the pedestrians to walk on it. In the middle of deep silence, a loud noise echoed in the air. It was a baby's cry! A loud cry from a strong newborn baby. 

Head of the eunuch Oak ran through the palace and screamed that the Emperor's heir was finally born, a healthy crown prince! Loud cheers coming from every direction resounded in the air, all the servants and the court officials couldn't sleep and were waiting for good news so they finally felt relieved when the words about a crown prince being born fell. Now that the first born was a crown prince, they didn't have to worry about the throne anymore, meaning that Kongpob's future was secured from now on. Some maids fell asleep right away after listening to the good news, the rest were celebrating. Some woke up to continue their work in the kitchen, cooking the delicious foods meant for the grand banquet to celebrate the crown prince's birth and the royal consort's accomplishment. Besides, their Emperor had ordered everyone to prepare for another banquet that would take place soon too. The second ceremony was to celebrate for the new appointed Empress of Siam who would be Arthit but only Kongpob, Aim, Tew and Prae were aware of the reason for the second celebration yet.

Arthit laid exhausted on the cozy futton, there were blood on his stomach and the ground. He had lost too much blood so he had pale skin and slightly blue lips but he was barely alive. He would survive and gain his health back if he was nurtured with healthy foods that would give him his strength back according to the royal physician. Even Wad and Maprang looked more tired but they had a wide smile on their lips when looking at the small baby laying on Arthit's stomach, the latter had his arms around his son. Kongpob was beside him the whole time, he was smiling but his smile turned brighter when Arthit suggested him to hold their son too. He was too clumsy, didn't know how to touch such a fragil baby but the shorter man just took his hand and placed it on their son's back. It felt soft and lovely, not like he had expected first. He wanted to feel more of his son whereupon he found his strength, lifted the baby up and took him in his arms. His heart thumped hard the moment the baby leaned his head on his father's chest. Kongpob's heart softened, all the sudden he fell in love with the crown prince.

Kongpob and Arthit were celebrating the birth of their first child, it was a happy occasion but something else was happened in another palace. It was a sad event where a person would lose her life while another one was born. A lonely woman sat alone in the dark courtyard that was small as a bathing chamber in the imperial palace. She was a beautiful elderly woman before but now nothing of this beauty had remained in her face. She had aged in this few weeks, her skin had lose its smoothness and flawlessness, there were dark bags under her empty looking eyes. Her lips were dry, her hands were dry and rough too. Unfortunately, she couldn't live in luxury anymore and was confined at this sad place where she would live till the day she died. To make it worse, her sole maid had run away after few days of staying here with her since she had treated her harshly, commanding her to do everything for her. For many days now, she was forced to take care of the food, chores and do some hard labours alone.

As if she didn't suffer enough alone, she was about to meet her demise earlier than expected. She felt exhausted not because of the heavy works but because of her taking her last breath. She was near her end. The small bottle she was holding in her hand fell on the ground as she didn't have any strength to hold it anymore. The liquid she had drink from the little bottle was taking its effect, she felt weak, nauseous and her vision turned blury. Her heart was beating too slow, she was breathing slowly too. Her inside was burning hot, it felt like all her organs were burning in fire, her skin were melting, she felt pain everywhere on her body. Her eyes rested on the man standing in front of her. He wore black clothes, he had hidden half of his face with the black scarf he had wrapped around his neck. She didn't have to see his face to know the identity of the assassin. Of course, Emperor Kongpob would sent his best man to accomplish this mission. He was also the same person who had deceived her and caused her downfall.

„Is it a prince or a princess?"

„A crown prince...", Aim answered. Actually, he didn't have to reply but he wanted to keep his respect for her and give her proper treatment before she died.

I see... It's a crown prince also... She knew that she would die sooner or later but she didn't expect the Emperor to kill her on the day his son was born. While their child would celebrate his birthday, it would be her obit. This decision was taken carefully for 2 reasons. He wanted to get rid of the only threat who opposed danger to his family, killing her would resort in his enemies giving up on conspiring against him. Second, she wouldn't be remembered since the birth of the crown prince was more important than the death of an elderly woman who had taken her life. People preferred to celebrate the living instead of the deaths. Soon she would be forgotten in the people's heart and mind. Besides, no one would feel any pity for her as her death would be declared as suicide. Her end was pitiful, none of her three sons had visited her either so she was dying alone in the cold darkness just like she had deserved. Finally, she took her last heavy breath and closed her eyes forever, her body fell back in the chair. The Empress Dowager died the night the crown prince of Siam was born.

****

Few days had passed by, calmness had returned in the palace after the royal consort had given birth to a crown prince. He didn't appear at the first banket due to him still recovering but he would appear on the second ceremony. It was nearly morning, the darkness was dispersing in the sky. Arthit was still laying down on the bed in his chamber, he had leaned his back on the wall and was staring at crown prince Daw that he had leaned on his chest, smiling at the small sleeping baby. Kongpob had taken place next to him on the bed, had Arthit in his embrace and was staring at Daw too. Daw was holding onto his fater's little finger while sleeping, looking peaceful in his father's arms. Kong was smiling when gazing at his son but there was another thought swirling in his busy mind. While he was spending time with his family, the general of his armies was planing for a battle. They would wag war with a neighbouring country soon. Their destination: Burma! I'll take your country back, Arthit... I promise that you'll visit your parents' graves soon...

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And your opinion about the last chapter? The Dowager died not so peacefully and the family is finally ruinited. Maprang will fall in love with Prae later, Aim will remain Kong's new guard. Their son name Daw should mean star but I don't know if google translate has it right (Correct me if it's wrong)

The real anesthesia was found much later, I think 1846 if I have it right, the caesarean section was later too but there were arcticles about it being invented earlier, found some Information about it but not much either. 

I have promised a surprise in the last chapter. It's about the third part of this Story that should be conquering Burma back but I don't think that I'll continue this story because I can't update it regularly. 

Again, Thanks for reading this Story... Untill I update again, take care :)