It took long for me to update it but here is the fourth, long chapter as compensation. I hope you'll like it even it not much happened :) Enjoy it

The song is Always by Yoon Mirae (Descendants of the Sun OST)

Warning: The chapter contains some mature contents

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Kongpob opened his eyes slowly, revealing his sharp eyes that made him always look like a wolf disguised in a human shape. He woke up with a beautiful scene playing before his eyes, Arthit was standing beside him in front of the big mirror standing on the ground. The shorter man let his gown fall down on the ground, staring down at his stomach. His belly got slightly big in those many weeks, confirming his pregnancy he had difficulty to believe. How couldn't he had notice something so obvious as his round belly? Maybe he was too busy with himself, the death of his family, the revealation of Kongpob's identity and the mourn over his eldest sister that he didn't properly notice the symptoms his own body was showing him.

Arthit carefully caressed at his womb, a slight smile appeared on his face. He couldn't tell and didn't want to know how he, a man, got pregnant but he found joy in having a life developing in his womb. He was indeed carrying a child. Not only a simple child but an Emperor's child, meaning the crown prince or crown princess. This time he would protect his only family and his friend. Kongpob, Maprang and this unborn child. This time he had his own ambition he should carry till the end. Another smile conjured at his face. The shorter man was so deep in thought that he jumped in surprise when warm arms wrapped around his chest, a head leaned on his shoulder, the person's cheek leaned against his chubby one.

Kongpob, only wearing a long transparent gown, exhaled the fresh smell of morning, „You're naked... Do you intend to make advance by exposing yourself like that?", it was a tease but he couldn't hold back his lust for the shorter man. The man he fell in love with.

Arthit gently hold on his wrists, „Really? I didn't know I'm such a naughty boy to seduce you", he turned to face him, wrapping his arms around Kongpob neck, leaning closer on him, letting him feel his whole body.

The morning couldn't be more sweeter than this for the young Emperor, he was clearly enjoying the day with his man who liked to play dirty from time to time too. Arthit looked like an innocent young man, many people even gave him the nickname „cute prince" but he could be different too. Sometime he could be naughty, pervert and impatient if he wanted to. If he wasn't a crown prince, he wouldn't be so patient or preserve his lust. Only his high rank managed to hold him down-to-earth and force him to act dignified like a future ruler should be. Sometimes he would provoke Kongpob by standing naked just like he was doing right now. Why he did so? He knew he was irresistitble adorable to Kong and the latter would never reject his advance but go along with it. However Kongpob giving in to him and jump at him, would let Kong look more like the pervert with dirty mind while the shorter man would act sweet as if Kongpob was the first one making advances and not him. Arthit was clever to maintain his innocent face, only showing his pervy side to Kongpob. Of course the Emperor preferred him to hide his dirty mind from the world and only show it in front of him. Only so could he prevent rivals from stealing his sweet crown prince from him. Beside he had many other nasty methods how to take rivals down and block them from approaching his man.

It seemed that today Arthit had one of those days he couldn't hold back his lust aynmore. He was gazing at Kongpob's thin lips, slightly bitting on his under lips. The taller man slightly parted his lips from each other, triggering something in Arthit with his little lips play. Arthit placed his mouth on Kongpob's, kissing him. It was a slowy kiss but the pleasure they were feeling, couldn't be described with words. The softer the kiss got, the more sound escaped the shorter man's mouth. He moaned, got the freedom to let out his sweet sounds. He could feel the sensation, every vibration of pleasure shouting through his body whenever Kongpob's tongue grazed against his own. His body was covered with the taller man's marks and smell. Kongpob touched his neck, the other hand caressing his back, sliding his hand down to his hips, pulling him closer to his body, their stomach rubbing against each other.

Arthit's moan took over the chamber, it could be heard on the floor too. Kongpob grabbed at his soft buttocks, making Arthit smile at his rough action. Kong heaved him, carrying him to the bed while kissing him, sucking on his red lips. He gently put him down, his gown falling down to the ground behind him without breaking the kiss. Now both were naked, ready to go further with their intention. Arthit spread his legs without hesitation, leaving Kongpob the place in front of him to lean over him, he touched Kongpob's cheeks. Their tongues couldn't part from each other either, grazing each other as if making love. The taller man placed kisses on his neck, sucking on his soft, pale skin, leaving hickeys there as if marking his territory, something he didn't need to do anyway since the shorter man was already his man.

Arthit slowly closed his eyes to enjoy the sucking on his skin, clenching tighter onto Kong. Kongpob was playing with his finger in Oon's back hole, preparing him to loosen his hole while Arthit was holding the taller man's genitale, rubbing on it up and down to make him hard too. Arthit was already well prepared, he relaxed his body to make it easy for Kongpob to enter in his hole. The taller man was ready too, his already hard genitale reached for the latter's entrance that was opened only for him, slowly going in, reaching deeper for the spot where Arthit would feel the pleasure. He did his first swung carefully, thrusting deeper in the shorter man. The first thrust wasn't satisfying, it was a little bit painful too but the pain was gone by the fourth thrust, the pain was remplaced by sensation, vibration of pure pleasure shouting through his entire body, raising his body temperature, taking every of his senses away. Arthit couldn't think straight anymore, he trembled under the Emperor above him. Arthit clenched stronger onto Kongpob's back, the latter gave him overwhelming pleasure he couldn't control anymore. First he tried to hold back his moans, bitting on his lips but a soft moan escaped through his closed lips. The more Kongpob thrusted in him, the stronger the feeling to let out his moans got. Arthit couldn't take it anymore, he opened his lips, letting out a loud moan, it turned louder, echoing in the entire chamber.

„Ah... Mhm... Ah", Arthit's moan were the only sound mingling with Kongpob's soft panting, like two love birds dancing in the rain. „Dee...per... Kong...pob... Ah...Ah..."

Kongpob didn't wait long to satisfy both of them, his gentleness going with the fresh wind, he turned wild the more he listened to Arthit's voice, more thrust came from him but something unexpected happened, Arthit let out a rough moan, not a moan filled with only pure pleasure but with pain too. His belly hurted as Kongpob hard member went too deep in him but he bit on his tongue, holding back the cry of pain. Even though it hurted, he knew his child was safe so he let him continue the intercourse. Kongpob gave him so much pleasure that he didn't see any particular reason to break the overwhelming feelings he didn't feel over a decade. Many weeks passed as they were seperated, they didn't touch nor feel each other's presence ever since they entered Siam's soil. Today he wanted to feel, kiss and sleep with Kongpob till he wouldn't move anymore. Today he wanted to forget the painful past and look forward to the bright future. But Kong wasn't dumb either, he was sharp and always conscience of Arthit. Because of his sharp hearing ability, he knew there was something wrong with Arthit's moan. He realized the latter was in pain whereupon he just placed a soft kiss on Arthit's lips, making the latter opening his eyes in surprise. His hard member still inside Arthit.

Kongpob caressed at Arthit's chubby cheek, going with his thumb over his pale skin, smiling at him. „I won't do it if you're in pain..."

„It's fine... I want to do it with you...", Arthit mumbled, stroking at the taller man's nape, knowing it was the taller man's weak and sensitive spot. He wanted to use his sensitive spot to raise his libido so he would continue but Kongpob was sneaky, determined not to give him more pain than he was already in. „Are you refusing me because I'm pregnant?"

Kongpob chuckled, shifting Arthit's bangs aside to see his whole face clearlier, „No... How can I refuse you if you're the one taking the initiave today?"

„Then why not doing it with me?", Arthit found the taller man's behaviour strange. Or he wasn't attractive to him anymore because he had a beautiful Empress and 3 lad consorts? He would kill him if Kong turned his back on him and having affection for his wives. This time he didn't have one of those mood changes because of the pregnancy but because of jealousy. Kong better not cheat on him while he was carrying his child. Siam's Emperor should devote his life to him.

The Emperor raised one of his eyebrown, seeming to read his mind, noticing the latter being quiet because of insecurity. „Don't say such nonsense...", Kongpob's soft voice calmed him down.

The taller man managed to prevent him from turning crazy because of jealousy. Arthit knew his lover would never cheat on him since he loved him too much. Even if Kongpob was an Emperor and had the duty to impregnat his wives to have children and ensure his throne, Arthit didn't want to lose him to another woman. He didn't want to share his Kongpob he loved with other women. Kongpob was his man and nothing should change about it. Arthit knew he was being selfish. It was a stupid way of thinking because the taller man could risk to lose his throne if he didn't listen to the court officials to have children but he wished him to only touch and seek for his body. But... But what should I do if he's forced to sleep with the Empress? How should I accept such painful experience and live with sharing him with other women?

Kongpob kissed the shorter man on the lips, sucking a little bit on his under lips. It was a brief kiss but romantic enough to give Arthit his security back. His worries faded away, he smiled at the man laying above him. Arthit stared deep into Kongpob's sharp eyes, falling deeper in the latter's beautiful but meaningful eyes that captured him as if he was casted under his spell. It was quiet in the chamber, it was a beautiful start of this sunny morning, birds were sitting on the cherry trees and singing for them, the sun shining in the sky.

They stayed naked like that, rubbing their intime parts against each other, feeling their bodies also immense pleasure without having an intercourse. Both men were smiling, Arthit giggling, Kongpob chuckling at their immature behaviour to stay in bed like that instead of waking up and bathing in the sun. Them refusing to leave the big chamber reminded them of the good old days in Burma. There were days Kongpob woke up earlier like always to visit the crown prince but the latter was still sleeping safe and soundly. He would use every options to wake him up only to fail with his many attempt at the end. Arthit wasn't easy to wake up once he fell asleep. Kongpob would give up and lay down beside him, sleeping with him till they woke up in forenoon or sometimes even noon.

The chamber that was empty for over ten years, was now filled with sweet laughter, shining in the morning. It was noisy with laugther from two happy young men who couldn't let go of each other because of their love for each other.

****

Arthit and Maprang were in the flower palace's yard, sitting around the table and discussing about Burma. Arthit wanted to hear more stories about his homeland, and the funeral of his family and Ko Thiha he missed so much. Although he heard the stories many times before, he insisted on hearing them again. He would never get bored lisetening to his country's stories.

They were surrounded by the servants who were surprised about his good relationship with the new maid called Maprang. They were gossiping about Arthit's and Maprang's past, asking why they were in such good terms. They seemed shocked that she was even allowed to sit beside him even though she was a mere maid like them. Some of the women were jealous of Maprang, wishing they were in her state to sit beside the new concubine who seemed to be loved and adored by the Emperor.

In the middle of the discussion, there was a commotion outside of the palace, women's voices could be heard till in the court.

„How dare you block my way!", a strong voice yelled, the voice sounded demanding, commanding and scary at the same time.

Who was the woman causing the havoc outside? Since she was talking with such authority tone, she must have a higher status than the soldiers blocking her way to the palace. Arthit went to the door but was held back by Maprang. She asked him to stay back and let her see and handle the situation first. Arthit never liked to be pushed back and sent his servants or his friends outside but he let her sneak a peek at this situation. Maprang was a reliable friend and seemed more determined to get rid of the troublemaker outside than him.

Maprang gave the guards a sign to protect concubine Oon while one soldier opened the door for her. Arthit was curious but couldn't see the woman with the high rank since his soldiers surrounded him, didn't even let a single fly approaching and touching him just like the fierce Emperor ordered from them.

„I'm sorry but you can't enter this palace, Empress", Maprang's voice echoed in the court, she recognized the person in front of her. It was the first time she saw her but she recognized her from her golden gown with the royal family's crest designed on her clothes's back, from her beautiful look, powerful and menacing look in her eyes and her elegant way of walking. Beside the Empress had many maids behind her, only the mother of this country would have such beautiful and strong servants protecting her.

The Empress mustered Maprang from head to toes, patronizing her, seeming to look down on her because she had more power than her. She greeted through he teeth, insulting her to be a lowlylife to dare to confront her, the Empress, the mother of this country. The young maid bowed her head down to her, apologizing for her rudeness but she asked her to leave and visit later since the concubine wasn't in good condition to receive visitors. Maprang wasn't only reliable but daring too, didn't feel scared nor intimitated from the powerful person before her. Only the crown prince who was her life saviour mattered to her so other persons wasn't worth her loyality nor her attention. She wasn't rude but would tell her fiend in the descipable way how much she resented him or her. She didn't have anything to spare for her enemies.

Her request torned the Empress apart, her blood boiling in anger, her eyes filling with hate, she felt humiliated from a mere servant. All the sudden a loud noise resounded in the air. It was a hand slapping across someone's face. The Empress just hit Maprang, panting in the air, her breath brushing against the shorter woman's face. Maprang remained calm despite her swollen, red cheek that hurted like hell. She clenched her hands into fists.

„Get out of my way!", the Empress ordered through gritted teeth, was ready to slap her again if she disobeyed her for the secodnd time.

Maprang stood there like a statue, her head bowed down respectfully for the taller woman. Even though she only accepted orders from Arthit and didn't feel anything for the mother of this country, she didn't lose her respect for her. However she didn't let her have her way. She made a promise with Kong to protect the crown prince so the taller man gave her an unlimited freedom to act according to her feelings and her protective instincts. Nothing would happen to her even if she hurted the most him, the powerful man in Siam. Even if the person was an Empress dowager, she shouldn't waver to protect Arthit from her. Now that the crown prince was pregnant, her protective instinct raised to a new whole level.

The Empress lost her compusure, wanted to slap her again but a warm hand grabbed at her wrist, holding her back from her evil intention. Arthit hold onto her without using much force against her. He knew she was the Empress and didn't want to risk his place in the palace by hurting her. If she intended to target him, he would lose his place beside Kongpob. No, he didn't want that tragedy to happen. Kongpob was his only family. His man he didn't want to lose. He needed to be vigilant and act sweetly and innocent to stay on good term with her. How naive of Arthit. He didn't realize yet that he was already on her bad side the moment he stole Kongpob from her. She waited many years to be touched by the Emperor but her man never touched nor even spared her any attention. Now that he brought a male in the palace, she despised the male concubine than the 3 other lady consorts. He stole her fame, her man and her place in Kongpob's heart. Apparantly she still had hope that Kongpob would look at her someday and fell in love with her. She made a promise to herself to not try to Arthit him as long as her time didn't come to shine.

However the young woman didn't like to be touched by a man. Even if the person was a male concubine who shouldn't be considerated a man the moment he accepted the title as the Emperor's concubine. She patronized him too, mustering him only to find him cute but not so beautiful like herself. She even envied him for his soft, pale skin. Only now did she realize that the servant called Maprang must had tell the truth about him not feeling well. He looked somehow weak. What did he find in that man anyway? I'm more beautiful than him. I don't mind if he has a special place in the Emperor's heart. He should enjoy his time with Kongpob because I'm the woman sitting on the Empress's throne, holding his life in my hand. I can get rid of him with a simple order. Beside I have another ass in my sleeve. I'm a woman and can conceive the Emperor's child. Something he will never be able to give the Emperor. Her lips curved up into a little mishievous smile, revealing her devilish plan to destroy him when he climbed high on the sucess's ladder only to pull him down and kill him. This will be your end, concubine Oon. She was already sheming even though she just met Arthit for the first time.

Arthit bowed down his head to her, something he did the first time in Siam. He was a crown prince who should only bow down his head to Emperors' and his parents but he needed to cast his pride aside from today on. He clenched his teeth, gulping down his pride and the words that wanted to escape his mouth, bitting his lips to not say anything unappropriate. He wasn't in Burma nor wasn't a crown prince anymore. In Siam he was just a mere lowlife without any high title. He was seing as the Emperor's object, plaything. His only purpose was to entertain the Emperor, satisfy him in bed and conceive children. But he was more than a concubine. He wasn't a lust object for Kongpob but the man he loved. Arthit was the man Kongpob wanted to spent his entire life with. He was man he would even give up his life to save. Arthit was more worth than that a plaything to Kongpob. But if he wanted to survive, he shouldn't only rely on Kongpob but come out of his shell and fight for his rights.

„Please, pardon my rudeness to touch the Empress but I beg you to have mercy on my servant. She is new and didn't know much about the courtesy", he apologized to her to save Maprang.

The Empress's eyes widened in shock. She was surprised to find Arthit be so courteous and soft while speaking. She was sure that Oon was a man with low birth who shouldn't have any acknowledges about the royalties but she was wrong about Arthit. He was a crown prince who knew much about imperial families' law. Even if he was born in Burma, the law for royalties was practically the same. Kongpob could survive so long in Burma because of the same law. Now the tide was turned, it was Arthit's turn to hide his identity but to use his acknowledges as a royality to gain everybody's trust and attention.

Arthit let go of her, clenching his hands, forcing himself to stay calm. Maprang almost lost her calmness upon hearing his Highness apologizing on her behalf. She was ashamed of herself, couldn't forgive herself for her mistake.

„You have to teach your servants discipline. She should never oppose to me again!"

„Thank you for your generousity and mercy", even if he didn't like to bow down to her, he didn't hate the fact that he lost his title as the crown prince, was forced to escape his country and was now demoted as a mere concubine. As long as he can stay by Kongpob's side, it didn't matter if he had to take a lower title. Now that he was bearing Kongpob's child, he was more than determinded to stay next to his beloved man.

The Empress entered Arthit's palace without asking for his permission, looking around at the scenary. She mumbled that the palace was the smallest but the most beautiful because of the blooming flowers, the cherry threes and its brightness, here was the place where the sun was shining more. No wounder this place was called the hidden germ too. She soliloquized herself why the Emperor gave him the palace where his mother was mercilessly killed before his very eyes. Maybe he is attached to this palace. It hurted to know that Kongpob gave him the hidden tresor of the palace he kept closed ever since he took over the throne. He really loves this man called Oon, huh? Pure hate towards the shorter man reflected in her eyes.

She shoved his mug filled with tea on the ground, „Ups... It wasn't on purpose", she turned to face Arthit, went to him then wipped her wet hand on his gown while smiling brightly at him. She purposely hold up her ring on her annulary to show him the family's ring that was passed down on every Empress of the royal family as soon as they were enthroned as the Empress. „I shouldn't dirty my gown so I'll borrow your cloth. Throw it away since it's dirty anyway."

Her behaviour was too immature to meddle in. He just let her have her way. She groaned at him, telling him to appear in the Empress dowager's palace in an hour because she called for the Emperor's wives to have dinner with her. Maprang wanted to intrerrupt again, telling her that Oon wasn't in good condition to appear there but Arthit interrfered by speaking first to not let her come to word. He promised to be there punctually whereupon the Empress took her leave without bidding farewell with him.

„No, your Highness...", Maprang remembered that Arthit forbad her to not call him crown prince again but she didn't care about it and continue calling him his Highness. „You can't visit them, your Highness. They're dangerous people and can try to..."

„Try to assassinate me? I know they're capable of poisoning me but I won't hide like a scary cat who feared their power. I won't let them intimidate me. Maprang, I won't survive in this palace if I'm not strong and fearless enough to confront them. They will chew me down if I don't show them that I can be capable too". He caressed at his belly that was getting bigger as more days passed by. „I want to protect myself and not be always a burden for Kongpob."

Arthit touched at her swollen cheek, feeling pity towards her but he shouldn't state his feelings or she would find herself as a burden to him. The gentle way Arthit cared for her, surprised his servants again. There were whispers amoung them, asking if something was going on between them. Maybe they were in a romantic relationship. Even if the maids were busybodies, they were still impressed with the always quiet concubine. Finally he showed his true self, confronting the Empress and protecting his maid. It was the first time a person with higher title protected a mere maid. Some of them were even moved to tears, acknowledging him as an innocent, pure soul.

After asking a maid to bring him ointment to take care of Maprang's wound, he returned in the yard, waiting in the middle of walking. „Don't worry about me. I'm capable of protecting myself...". He applied the oinment on Maprang's cheek in the courtyard.

The shorter man sat down on his chair, the maid brought him another tea to drink. He called for his servants to sit beside him. The servants felt honoured but couldn't dare to be close to him as Maprang was. The Emperor ordered them not to be close to his new concubine more than ten meters. Arthit rolled his eyes upon hearing Kongpob's order for his servants, finding him exaggerating with his protection and his jealousy. According to the maids, concubine Oon shouldn't show the mighty women of the palcae that he was in good terms with his servants or they would be in danger too. Either they would be targeted too to hurt him or they would use them by forcing them to do something they wouldn't want to do. Something like being a spy to tell them everything about Oon. Or forced to do something like poisoning him.

They were honest with him, telling him to be careful around his servants even if they looked innocent outside. They didn't want to spill some secrets in time they were tortured someday so they begged him to never to reveal important information to them. Because he seemed to be the Emperor's favourite, he would get targeted easily so he shouldn't trust any soul in the palace. Arthit was impressed with their honestity but he needed to have them by his side to have more acknowledges about Siam's palace. Only so would he be able to survive.

After assuring them to not to put them in danger, the maids began telling him the stories of the women's palace that happened till now. They began with the Empress dowager who was the premier minister's only daughter. Her father was the most powerful man in the country, even mighty than the Emperor itself. Because of her household, the former Emperor who was the crown prince at that time took her as the crown princess. She accepted him as her man with the prince's promise to only have two concubines aside her and he would spend most of the times with her to impregnat her. Only her son would take the throne later. The crown prince shouldn't love anymore than her. Everything went well till the Emperor impregnanted a third woman. Because he even dared to take the new woman in as a concubine, the Empress killed the poor woman the Emperor fell in love with. It was revenge for breaking the promise with her by taking in a third lady consort. Apparantly the lady consort was pregnant at that time. Rumours were flying that the lady consort was Kongpob's mother. Surely there were more to the story but they didn't have much information about it.

Now they were gossiping about the Empress, Kongpob's first wife. She was the daughter of a rich salesman who controlled the whole sale in Siam. Her name was Khao Fang.

****

Arthit choose a royal blue gown for his first meeting with Siam's royalities. The dark colour was a contrast to his beautiful, pale face but it suited him well, showing him from his better, sweet side. Since he was a stranger, more like a refugee to hide in this country, he should respect its people and the imperial family by appearing courteous and modest in front of them. Together with Maprang, his eunuch Toota and a few of the maids who were closely behind him, he took his way to the Empress Dowager's grand palace where the Empress dowager, the Empress and the 3 other lady consorts awaited him.

As soon as he entered the grand palace, he didn't let it be obvious but he looked from the corner of his eyes at his suroundings, the yard was more than three time bigger than his. There were many flowers and even a pound with fishes in the corner. Although the air was clear, the atmosphere was different, not only dark but intimidating and suffocating. Even if this palace was bigger, representation the power of the former Empress, he still adored his flower garden more. It was smaller but the most beautiful, bright place in Siam's imperial palace. Beside it was the place where Kongpob spent his childhood with his mother according to the rumour he head from his servants. It was more than enough for him as long as he can feel Kongpob's presence and essence in the flower palace.

The maids and female guards of the five most powerful women couldn't take their eyes from him, they were mightly impressed with his first appearance that brought a fresh new wind in the palace. They were curious to find out more about the male concubine but his beauty, his elegant appearance and the gentle charisma were a big surprise to them, they obviously didn't expect him to have such an innocent look. Not any wicked nor evil aura around him. He looked pure, warm and sympathic. Unfortunately they didn't knew that sometime the calm type could turn into the most dangerous person in the world if too much pressure was put on him. However Arthit was the kind of master the servants always wished to serve. Too bad he was the Emperor's concubine, not someone they could win for themselves. From today on more rumours and gossip araised about the male concubine who could easily be an oppenent in beauty pageant to the Empress. Soon everyone would heard about the male concubine named Oon.

A single look from Arthit on the maids was enough to make them shudder since they dared to take their eyes on the emperor's man. Even though they hold their gaze at the ground, they stil managed to notice the faint smile that played around Arthit's lips, revealing his cute dimples. Their eyes were shining in adoration for the short man. With his first appearance, he already stole the servant's attention but how would he prove himself in front of his biggest rivals?

Only Arthit and his most trusted servant were permitted to set foot in the living room, leaving the other servant waiting for him outside. The eunuch Toota seemed trustful but a man wasn't allowed on the women's side so he had to wait there too. His first visit was announced by the female annoucer outside of the chamber. Arthit had to bit hard on his lips, gulping down his pride to not lose his calmness as the annoucer called him concubine number four. Now I'm just a number, huh? From a crown prince demoted to a concubine... I'm nothing more than a number for them. A number whose name would be forgotten soon. A number they didn't take serious... Just because I don't have any title yet.

Even Maprang was furious upon hearing the new name they gave him, she clenched her hands into fists, keeping calm to not lose her composure in front of his Highness. She needed to rest calm if she didn't want to embarass Arthit. Beside if she couldn't take it anymore, how would Arthit feel on the inside to be called as a number? Devasted? Sad? Mad? It was the sad reality Arthit had to accept and live on with from now on. Who he had to take this huge humiliation in? For his own sake. For Kongpob's sake. And moreover for their baby's sake.

A strong voice allowed them to enter, the command and the authority could be already detected in her voice. Before entering the room, he took a deep breath, preparing himself for more humiliation. He entered first, Maprang close behind him. As soon as his feet touched the living's room's ground, the last sand grain in the hourglass fell down. The empress dowager who sat to his opposite, smiled, revealing a creepy smile that looked friendly but menacing at the same time too. It felt depressing to appear in the room only to notice the persons waiting for you laughing, not knowing the reason why. Women were whicked nature. Women would never show their hatred towards you immediately but let you find it out slowly but in the most hurtful way too. They would use every mean to tear your security apart one by one and only let you go once you're completely broken physically and emotionally too. Men were easier in that way, showing their hatred towards you immediately and acting according to their anger.

The first accounter with those five women wouldn't be easy. Maybe it would be one of his difficult task or obstacle he needed to overcome. Maybe it would be painful experience and even leave scar also but painful memories but he had to stay strong right now. Even though their laughter made him insecure, he still kept his high face. Something that bothered the Empress but she couldn't speak as long as the Empress dowager didn't come to words first.

„Don't think too much into it, concubine number five", the Empress talked first, emphasized the number five to remind him about his place he shouldn't dare to forget. A spot under them. A place he should never dare to arise from to confront them. „We set the hourglass and bet if you'll be punctual and or not... I wanted to teach you a lesson for keeping me waiting for you if you was late but... But you surprised me...You're punctual, not something I expected", she continued, didn't even care whether she was too obvious about her ill feelings towards him or not. He brought my plan to nought. Interesting boy... Apparantly he's not someone I should take lightly. Her bright smile darkned her face even more, there was heavy tension in the air, making it difficult to breath.

The dowager neither Kongpob's four wives did bother to greet him properly. The first time he met them, his thought about them was that they were indeed beautiful also intimidating. There was a strong aura around them. A little smile wanted to appear while thinking about his man but he hold it back. It could cause trouble for him if he smiled in front of the empress and the dowager. A misunderstandling like he was laughing at them could occur. He didn't want any trouble to happen no matter the circumstance. But Arthit was naive. He didn't even realize till now that the misunderstanding already happened the first time he entered the palace. The Empress and the lady consorts hated him for taking their place in Kongpob's heart.

Something unexpected happened. The last woman to the left side revealed a little smile. A smile meant for Arthit. If I remember well, she must be the third lady consort Praepalin. For Arthit she seemed different to the remaining four women. She looked more gentle and out of place, her eyes were filled with sadness too. But why?

Arthit bowed down properly to his elders like the maids thought him before coming here. The maids teaching seemed to be helpful because there were surprises written on their faces. They didn't expect him to have much acknowlegdes about the royal courtesy. Even though his first appearance seemed almost perfect, the Empress dowager couldn't take the loss so she had to go the extra mile, showing that she was powerful than him and could win against him easily.

„I apologize for my forgetfulness but I don't have any chair left for you...", she said while smirking. „Can you stay there till we finish with the... It won't take long since we're just here to talk about trivial matters."

It was a lie. A big lie she didn't even bother to hide nor feel embarassed about. There was a chair on the corner but the dowager's four maids didn't even move to take the chair for him. The Empress's two servants sneaked a peek at each other, couldn't believe the dowager to be mean towards the male concubine. Their rank was even showed in such trivial gatherings. The dowager had four maids behind her, the Empress two and the lady consort had each one maid serving them. Arthit didn't have any choice as to listen to the dowager and stay there while they were discussing about the upcoming banquet, ignoring him on purpose. Praepalin, the quiet one among them, was the only one taking a look at him from time to time, threwing him pitiful looks. Maprang, even though she was always calm, was boiling inside. She hated the women for playing with the crown prince, not taking his presence into consideration at all. However Arthit didn't feel bothered, he remained there, listening to their boring conservation.

„Ah, there's some information I wanted to know about you... Who are your parents? From which family household you come from?", the dowager suddenly asked, gazing at him with curious eyes.

Arthit's expression changed imediately, a dark expression covered his beautiful face. He wavered to answer. „I'm an orphan...", there was the answer, more like the sad reality he didn't want to confront with. The sad truth he feared. His nightmare he suffering from every night needed to be told today.

Only Praepalin felt pity towards him, the empress was even giggling, laughing at him for losing his entire famliy. Even the first and second lady consort who were born in prestige family househould couldn't hold back their laughter, giggling in a elegant way without raising their voice or looking rediculous. Every hint of feeling disappeared from the dowager's eyes, she looked cold and somehow angry. To have an orphan as the wife of the Emperor, sounded ridiculous. It stained the Suthiluck, the royal family's name. From the first day on the former Emperor, her late husband, named his youngest son, Kongpob, as his successor for the throne, she already realized that the latter would bring dsisaster to her country. Bringing in a stranger with unknown identity, meant the beginn of their disaster.

„How dare a mere an orphan...", she raised from her seat, slamming her hand on the table, making the women beside her jump in surprise, also in shock. She raised her voice, talking through gritted teeth, „How dare a mere orphan set his dirty foot on the holy ground of Siam!"

Arthit wavered from her loud, intimidating voice but he managed to control himself. He had to control his emotions to not burst out. „I apologize for my rudeness but you, the Empress dowager are also an orhphan just like me... Your father who raised you without your mother, died a few years ago but you managed to keep your power as the Empress dowager... Please, don't underestimate an orphan who is deperate to survive", it souded like a prediction but also like a warning. A warning to not take him lightly. She shouldn't try to embarass him again.

The empress raised from her seat too, screaming at the young man for daring to speak back to the most powerful woman in the palace. However the dowager hold her back to not meddle between Oon's and her affair. The dowager remained calm on the outside but something else happened inside her, she was boiling inside. She was surprised at Arthit talking back to her but didn't want it to be shown in front of this lowly life called Oon.

„I see... Now you're showing your true face... Is this a challenge for me?"

„How could I, a mere concubine, dare to challenge you?", he sounded dead serious to not have her as his enemy but also seemed to redicule her too, showing her that she shouldn't mess with him either. Arthit knew how aggressive and evil it could be in the women palace. He witnessed more than once how his father's lady consorts fighted because of his mother abused her power by spending more time with the Emperor than them. Ever since then his mother would consult them before taking any action, there was freedom between them. But those women in front of him were on another whole level. Not only did they act brave in front of the dowager but they loved it to see her frustrated and powerless too. Just now they even had to hold back their laughter as he called the dowager an orphan.

The dowager woke up from her daydream, already scheming another plan to dethrone the Emperor. Even if she hated the fact to have an orphan in the imperial palace, the so called male concubine would open more doors for her. He was her ticket to get rid of Kongpob and assassinate him with the indirect help of the young man he brought in the palace. Because Kongpob was alone and only had a few loyal ministers supporting him, his dethronement would be easy. Beside A wife without powerful family protecting and backing him up, would mean the end of his reign. Apprantly she recognized Kong's feelings for the male concubine. For her the orphan Oon was more like a chance she could use to provoke Kongpob. It would help her to convince the ministers to chase Oon out of the palace. Since she had many court officials on her side, it wouldn't be difficult to convince them to araise petition against the Emperor for taking in Oon as his wife. She smiled, her whicked smile darkening her beautiful face again, a face that didn't suit her beauty but was suitable for malicious character.

„You're aware of how great the consequence could be for talking back to me, right?", the eldest woman asked him, already taking action with her plan.

Arthit bowed down his head, staring at the ground. „I'm well aware of my mistake..."

„Then kneel down in front of me and apologize!", she raised her voice at him, using a commanding tone to order him.

Arthit didn't waver this time, going on his knees, „I acknowledge my sin for talking back to the Empress dowager. I ask the Empress dowager for forgiveness... I will never dare to talk back to her again", was his promise he said calmy without having any ulterior motive behind.

Maprang clenched her hands into fists, gritting her teeth. She hated it to see his Highness bow down as if he was their servant. He was a crown prince who didn't deserve such treatment from them. But Arthit looking at her from the corner of his eyes, was enough to make her go down to her knees too. She apologized in behalf of her master, asking for forgiveness too. The dowager smiled, sitting down but not replying to him. She let him stay there on his knees, continuing her talk with the others, naming the reason why she called them for the meeting.

****

It took the dowager, the empress and the lady consorts 3 hours to discuss about the problems of the women palace and its solution. Most of the time the eldest woman had always got the final words while the four women beside her just listened to her and accepting her orders. They didn't even need to consult about Arthit's opinion so they ignored him the whole time. Why they invited him although they didn't need him? The dowager wanted to show him his place, reminding him of his lower rank as a concubine who didn't have any saying nor rights. They wanted to embarass and torture him while letting him kneeling on his knees without offering him a drink nor a seat.

Finally the meeting ended. Arthit didn't move the whole time so his feet already felt heavy, falling asleep in those 3 hours. He almost lost his balance when she gave him permission to stand up but he caught himself, managing to stand straight at his feet. He wasn't accustomated to stay so long or his feet or on his knees because as a crown prince he had to sit down while the people under him would stand in front of him, listening to him. Sometime his father would sent him to stay beside the ministers in the court instead of sitting beside him. Why? Because he should learn the view the other had while standing there. He wanted him to respect the ministers by experiencing how hard it was to stay so long on his feet.

His parents thought him much but they were gone too soon. Before he would always complain how overprotective his parents were but now he was missing them, even regretting his decision for running away from them, calling them irritating and wanting to control his life. He wasn't missing them only because he needed their wisdom but because he needed them in this kind of situation. If they were still alive, they would never allow them to bully him. His mother would had always protect him and be there for him. His father's powerful rank and wealth would prevent him from getting bullied by such whicked persons. Life wasn't fair for him. He lost his family too soon. But it was too late to regret his decision and wishing for them to come back to life. They were gone forever. Never coming back. It was a harsh reality he had to accept. In this kind of situation he was distincly aware that he was alone. Only Kongpob and Maprang were there for him. And this baby...

While thinking about the baby, he touched his belly, carely clenching on it. Enough with your whining, Arthit Rojnapat! You need to snap out of it. I know you're sad and lonely but you still has people you love and want to protect. You still have people dear to you who love you deeply... Those 3 persons, Maprang, Kongpob and their unborn child were his motivation to keep going, fighting and wining against all odds and obstacles.

Arthit bowed down to the five women before leaving the chamber first with his head high. He even rejected Maprang's help to support him while walking. According to himself he needed to fight alone sometime to learn about life. Beside those five women... He was wrong! It was four women. The third lady consort called Praepallin shouldn't be counted as his rival he had to be careful around because she seemed more different. Those four women, especially the dowager thought him a lesson today he would never. He learnt to never underestimate women fighting and wanting more power.

The shorter man didn't leave for his own palace right away but took the way to the grand palace, seeking an audience with Kongpob. As soon as the Emperor's servants realized him walking towards them, they immediately bowed their head down to him, recognizing him as their master's beloved soon-to-be-wife. Even if Kongpob never let his affection for Arthit be obvious in front of his servants for the shorter man's sake, the maids already found out about him adoring Oon through his unusual behaviour. Actually Kongpob was cold as ice, never let his feelings be shown if he did have some emotions. But whenever Arthit was beside him, his body language would chance, he would turn soft and smile even though if it were just little smiles. Every time he came to visit Arthit, he would sent the servants away to be alone with his male concubine. The air around them would smell sweet and lovely. Because they didn't want to be on the Emperor's bad side, they had to treat Oon differently and more respectfully.

Before Arthit entered the chamber, Kongpob turned a poster upside down, hiding the image of the poster. There were drawning images of two young men, the man above had sharp eyes, thinner jaw. The man below had a round face, big round pully like eyes and chubby cheeks. They were Kongpob and Arthit, drawned on a wanted poster that someone put in Siam's market today, searching for the two young men. Kongpob just found out about it and already sent his men to investigate the situation behind Arthit's back. The shorter man didn't have to know about it. He didn't want to worry him again.

As soon as the annoucer annouced Arthit's visit, Kongpob's voice turned soft, allowing the shorter man to enter his study room. Arthit approached Kong who seemed busy again, many documents were on his table. He was sealing the documents with his gold Emperor's seal, putting them apart after reading and signing them. But he left his work aside when Arthit waited in front of him, the table between them. His lips curved up into a smile, he felt more releaxed and energetic just by seeing Arthit in front of him. The shorter man felt the same, more calm and safe when having Kongpob beside him. He smiled, revealing his dimples while smiling. Both waited in the silence, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere between them.

„Did you enjoy your trip in the women's palace?", Kongpob's sudden question surprised Arthit.

Arthit's eyes narrowed, asking himself how and when did the Emperor find out about him leaving his palace and visiting the dowager instead. Did he send someone to follow me? He gazed at him, trying to read his eyes but he failed to find any information through his sharp eyes. Now he tried to intimidate him with his serious face but it didn't help him either because the latter didn't take him serious enough to tell him the truth about how he found out about him and the dowager's meeting. Of course walls had eyes, ears and mouth too, meaning he had his spies everywhere. The walls had eyes to keep watching his enemies and the way they were treating Arthit. The walls had ears to listen to any information. The walls had mouth to tell him about the news they gathered. It wasn't necessary to let him know about his spy since he had bad experience with Arthit and spies in Burma as the out about him being from Siam.

Kongpob just grinned brightly, raising his eyesbrown, remaining stubborn, not revealing anything through his eyes nor through his mouth. Beside the supposed serious face of Arthit didn't scare him but made him adore him more. Especially Oon's sulking expression when he couldn't force the truth out of him, was too precious. Is he doing it on purpose? If he wants to secude me then he's good in it.

Oon finally gave up, assuring himself that the always confident Kongpob would dare to send spies to survey him during his stay in Siam. It was typical of him after all. It was his way of keeping his eyes on him and protecting him from the shadow while doing his task as the ruler of this country. Arthit sighed before giving him a sweet smile that almost let him look like a pure soul who never had any dirty thought before. He went to him, shoving the documents aside, sitting in front of him, spreading his legs aside so Kongpob would have place to touch him everywhere. This time it seemed like he was seducing him for a purpose. He crossed his arms around Kongpob's neck, pulling him gently closer to his body, their lips almost brushing against each other's.

„What are you doing?", Kongpob's sweet voise asked him.

„What do you think I am doing?"; Arthit gave him a question as answer, grinning brightly like a mischievous man who had an evil plan in his mind.

„Are you trying to seduce me now?", he gave him the answer he wanted to hear from him.

The shorter man came closer, rubbing his nose against Kongpob's nose, keeping his eyes shut, leaning his forehead on Kongpob's. Arthit's red lips parted from each other, he kissed Kong on the lips. It was a soft kiss but also sweet and passionate, the intime touch raising their body temperature, chill running down their spine. Kongpob wanted to deepen the kiss, sucking his man's underlips, using his soft tongue. He gently grabbed at Arthit's hips, pulling him closer to close the few inches of gape between them, using more force and passion in the kiss. It felt too good, Arthit couldn't hold back his lust Kongpob raised from its deep sleep, his breath louder and shallow. As Kongpob slided his hand under his cloth, playing with his nipple, a sudden moan escaped his mouth. Too much! He didn't mean to go that far with a simple kiss. Kongpob would devour him straightaway if he didn't stop him right now.

Kongpob went down on his body, losening his pants, Arthit's eyes flew open, he backed down to break the kiss. Puh! It was tight for him. He barely managed to escape his grips.

Kongpob smirked, already finding out about that he had ulterior motiv for kissing him so suddenly. „You want something from me, right?"

„Mhm", the sound came from the crown prince since he felt caught in the act. He couldn't speak because of pleasure shouting through his body, he trembled.

„Then you have to satisfy me first...", was Kongpob's condition for accepting his suggestion.

Arthit gave him a brief kiss on the lips, whispering into his ear, „I'll give you my body and soul if you promise to help me first..."

The offer sounded alluring, the Emperor's interest aroused, it was more like he was caught in the trap. He looked at him, waiting for him to tell him the reason for the unexpected visit.

„I want to be a consort", there was the reason why he visited and tried to seduce him in this sunny morning.

A consort, huh... A consort was above a concubine, meaning he would have many rights to meddle in the women's palace just like the 3 lady consorts who were looking down on him because of him being an orphan. With this higher title, nobody would dare to oppose him nor touch him. There were other ranks above a consort like the Empress dowager and the Empress but a title as a lady consort would save him from many trouble. Kongpob grabbed at Arthit's chin, pulling him towards him to give him a little kiss on the lips. He gligged, making Arthit surprised with his reaction.

„I waited for you to ask me that...", Kongpob mumbled but he didn't dare to speak louder so he would hear him.

Actually knew he would ask him such favour someday. Kongpob wanted him to meet his stepmother, the dowager and his also called wives because Arthit would learn much from them, gathering experiences that would open his eyes that he would only survive if he had the will to stay here in Siam, fight alongside him and raise his rank. Of course Kongpob would continue protecting him. He wanted him to depend more on him too but Oon needed to defend himself too. He had to show that he would forget his home Burma and stay next to him from now on. Finally Arthit decided to leave his past behind and be with Kongpob. But even if he decided for Kongpob and their child, his soul was still in his home in Burma, always thinking about his death family, the betrayers and his people.

But Arthit, do you know this? I'm not only planing on making you my  consort but my Empress. I want to reign this country with you... And with our child... And I will have my vengeance on Jay for making you suffer so much... This is the dream I want to make happen.

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What do you think about this long chapter?? Nothing happened much but it would get more interesting and serious in the next chapter ;) So