Finally chapter 6 :D Sorry that it took long but I needed to take some rest after the many work I had to do last weeks. It isn't much but I hope you'll still like it :)

The song is If we were destined by Ben (A korean odyssey OST)

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

Maprang laid on the kingsized bed in her chamber, she opened slowly her eyes, revealing her beautiful eyes to her surroundings, moaning in pain. She looked around, noticing a young man standing beside her, another one sitting next to her on the bed, putting some medicine on the injury on her left arm that seemed to be caused from an arrow. Her eyes opened wider when she finally recognized the persons around her, Kongpob was standing and the physician was sitting beside her whereupon she forced herself to sit up. Even though the wound hurted like hell and Wade suggested her to lay down to not aggravate her condition, she forced herself to sit up in front of the Emperor. Actually she wanted to stand up and bow down to the Emperor but Kongpob telling her to calm down, forced her to sit back. Her face was pale, her lips blue from lack of oxygen. She seemed exhausted after the situation she was put through. Wade let Kongpob the place beside her on the bed, standing behind them instead.

Maprang couldn't stare at Kongpob's face anymore, she felt too guilty to look him in the eyes. After all she disobeyed his order and left with Arthit the safe palace only to come back alone. Without Arthit, the man who could be called the Emperor's only weakness. The man who was capable of controlling and twisting him around his little finger. The only person the fierce Emperor loved over everything. She looked aside to avoid his intense gaze on her. One thing was sure: Kongpob was pissed off, on the egde of snapping out. He was too damn calm, his silence was too creepy to not feel scared or intimidated about it. He was damn angry and could lose his calmness anytime. Just because his Arthit disappeared and he was helpless to do anything for him. Arthit could be somewhere, in a dark place, hurt, in pain, scared and maybe calling for his help and surely waiting for him to save him. Whenever he was in this kind of mood, nobody dared to speak to him due to their fear of losing their head on the spot.

Another thing was clear: Kongpob would kill everyone who dared to touch his precious man. He would punish everyone who couldn't protect his man and he would not even spare Arthit since the latter caused the whole situation by not listening to him.

„Tell me what happened... Where's Arthit, Maprang?", his voice so calm but it sounded so firm that the odd calmness in his voice send chill running down her spine.

Her eyes filled with tears, she was trembling, feeling like a failure who failed to accomplish the only order given to her. „I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I shouldn't had left the palace with him...", she cried, feeling guilty for letting Arthit getting captured. „He saved me from them but they... They captured him", there was the answer the taller man waited for.

Kongpob clenched his hands into fists, his fingernails hurted his palms but he ignored his own pain. The emotional pain in his heart was far painful than any physical pain. The uncertainity whether Arthit was unscathed or hurt, robbed him from any senses. „Who're they?", his voice still calm but it was certain that he was losing his composure the longer he had to wait.

„The man who made me a slave years ago...", Maprang finally found courage to tell him the truth. Tears rolling down her eyes while she was telling the whole story that happened in the ship.

Flashback

Arthit walked around in the ship, looking out for Maprang. It seems like we'll be late for home. I fear my man's temper. He'll punish everyone for letting me escape. He heaved a heavy sight, ready to take the blame upon himself and to accept the consequences. He came across a room that was open, there she was. Maprang was in the room but she was frozen in shock, pale like never before, bead of sweat forming on her forehead. There was a man in front of her. The man seemed to be in his end fourty, he was grining the whole time while she was trembling in fear. Somehow they seemed to be acquaintance. Did she knew him?

Arthit went to her, remaining behind her to have her attention. But she was too much in shock that she didn't notice him standing behind her. „Maprang?", his soft voice called her, it finally reached her.

She turned to face him, tears running down her face. It was the first time Arthit saw her crying in front of him. There was something wrong with her. Did something happen? The meeting with that man awoke bad memories she wanted to seal forever.

Arthit staggered to her, wrapping his arm around his stomach, touching her on the shoulder to calm her down. Meanwhile the older man approached them. She stepped back, hiding behind the man she was supposed to protect. Somehow she lost all her senses, only fear and insecurty raising in her. The shorter man ready himself to attack anytime as soon as he realized his best friend reacting scared towards the stranger's approach.

„Who are you?", Arthit asked, remaining firm to sound serious, he didn't want to be taken lightly in this kind of case.

„I'm Ashin Wunna", he replied to his question, wanted to explain the meaning behind his name but Arthit broke the talk by telling him that he wasn't interested in his name nor in him personally. The stranger smiled, trying to contain himself to not lose his calmness. Since he thought of himself as a noble who should be respected, he couldn't forgive the young man for being rude by disturbing him in his talk. He liked to listen to himself to brag about his wealth, beside he wasn't accustomated of being disrespected and interrupted so it was difficult for him to accept the fact that an unknown man burgled in his ship but didn't even give him the respect he deserved.

Strange his name didn't sound typical from Siam but rather from Burma, meaning he was from his homeland. Ashin was a honorific used by monks or nobles, maybe he was a noble from his homeland but he never heard of the name Wunna. Arthit was nervous, fearing to be recognized by him but his fear faded away when he realized that the man didn't react to his face. Apparantly Wunna wasn't familiar with Burma's royal family so he didn't realize his true identity now. Maybe he wasn't reputable enough to meet Burma's imperial family.

„I won't hurt you if you let us leave...", was the condition Arthit named.

Although Arthit didn't want to fight in his condition, he kept his defensive position to defend Maprang and himself in case of Wunna charging at them. Maprang wasn't in any good shape to fight for them because she seemed absent-minded and scared for an unknown reason. Arthit couldn't rely on her now, he was on his own.

„Young man, you're not going anywhere...", Wunna made a serious expression, darkening his already terrifying face that let him look like the devil from a fairytale story. He averted his attention to her, „I searched everywhere for you after you ran away from your duties..."

The shorter man fell in silence, looking at her with confusion written all over his face. He was curious at the relationship between Maprang and Wunna but he feared to open an old wound that should remain closed for eternity. He didn't want to hurt her so he backed out, ignoring his curiosity that wanted to explore Maprang's past.

Wunna recognized from Arthit's confused face that she didn't reveal everything about her past to him. Even if she did, she would never reveal the whole stories of all the sufferings she went through while working for him. He was curious about the relationship between his slave and the young man standing in front of him. They seemed acquainted with each other. Almost 5 years passed as he lost her when she ran away from him but she looked beautiful as ever. His desire to capture and monopolize her again was stronger than before.

„I'm the man who raised her", he finally revealed the secret.

I see... It didn't take long for Arthit to grasp the situation. Wunna having raised Maprang meant that he was the man who bought her from her parents only to use her as entertainment, a marchanside, a toy for wealthy nobles. So he was the man who made her suffer in so many years. Arthit's face wasn't difficult to read right now, he was angry at the older man for using such young child to earn money. He would take revenge on her behalf but right now wasn't the right time for revenge. They needed to escaped but they would come back to strike them, destroying their criminal organisation.

„So you're the bastard of dog who tried to raise a human as dog, huh?", Arthit said with his soft voice.

His Highness's words were like thousand knives cutting and piercing through Wunna's heart. He remained calm on the oustide but was boiling in anger deep inside. His mischievous smile dropped. His dislike towards Arthit was raising the more the younger man was disrespecting him. He went to them, standing too close to them, reaching out his arm to touch her but Arthit grabbed at his wrist before he could caress her with his filthy touch. Arthit hold firmly onto him but his grips losened at he was having stomach ache, he noticed that he was at his limit. Wunna reached for his chest to take something out of his cloth but the crown prince reacted faster, slicing the man's cheek with his golden knife, blood gushing out the man's wound. The older man stepped back but Arthit kicked on his stomach, the man flew backwards, hitting his back on the ground.

Arthit gently pushed her back to leave first, he followed her, stepping back without taking his attention from Wunna. They finally left the room, Wunna's painful scream reached them from where they were standing. After bending in many corners, exhaustion was kicking in by the shorter man, he waited for a moment to take a breath. He was panting, his hand clenching on his stomach.

„Do... Do you remember... the direction of the entrance?", Arrthit asked, he seemed to forget the way out.

Maprang was still trembling, her eyes looking everywhere for enemies although there weren't anyone behind them. Arthit touched her on the shoulders, shaking her gently to wake her up from her daydream. There were voices screaming from somewhere, calling that they should be captured no matter the circumstance. No failing was allowed! Wunna's firm voice could be detected between the many noises, yelling that he wanted the young man alive.

„Ma...Prang, we need to escape... from here...", he explained to her so she could finally snap out from her daydream, be her old self and lead the way out.

Only now did Maprang come to her senses, realizing that the crown prince was in pain. She felt guilty that he moved too much just to save her. She let him know that she memorized the way out and would lead them for outside. They took the direction Maprang memorized when they entered the ship. While climbing up to the ship's deck, Arthit suggested that they should jump in the sea to escape them. Even if it sounded risky, it was their only option out of here. Wunna's men were of course behind them. It was just a few meters from the guardrail where they could jump in the sea but all the sudden something hit Arthit's upper leg, ripping flesh from his skin. He fell down to his knees, screaming in pain. An arrow shot from the enemy behind them just hit his leg, it was bleeding, burning like hell. He pressed on the wound to staunch the bleeding.

Maprang wanted to help him but another arrow was shot in their direction. She covered the prince with her whole body, the arrow piercing through her upper arm but she bit on her lips to not let any sound come out. Despite her injury, she managed to help Arthit standing straight at his feet, together they walked over to the guardrail but had to wait with their intention since dangerous waves were forming in the sea. They looked down then behind them only to see many enemies standing some meters away from them.

A man stepped through the crowd in the front, Wunna showed himself before them, a white handkerchief pressing on the wound on his cheek. More blood were dripping down the injury, he groaned at them. His eyes filled with hatred were directed at Arthit. „How dare you destroy my bussiness, you bastard! Disturbing my work wasn't enough for you but you had to scathe my face too", his voice raised, „I'll make you regret meeting me today!"

His threat sent chill running down Arthit's spine, he knew he was doomed right now. If they didn't flee from here then he would be in great danger if they captured them. He stared down the sea, the waves were too dangerous. They wouldn't survive the cold water, beside both of them were injured. His belly was hurting due to him not taking his medicine he needed to ease the pain that caused from the pregnancy. His upper leg was bleeding too, he wouldn't survive if he had to swim the way back to land. Maprang came back to her senses but she needed her arm to swim. It wouldn't be easy for her but she had a better chance to arrive at the land and ask for help. She was his only option right now. One thing was sure: he would never allow that filthy man to touch and hurt Maprang again. He hold onto her hand, stepping backwards till ther back touched the guardrail.

„Maprang, I trust you...", he said suddenly, earning a confused look from Maprang. He wrapped an arm around her to hug her, whispering to her, „I'm waiting for you... Please, come save us and take us home, Kongpob", was his last words before he shoved her in the sea, not giving her the slight chance to take him with her nor prevent him from his suicide intention by staying behind while saving her.

Maprang screamed while falling down, trying to reach her arm to the crown prince to grab at him but she was further away from him, hitting in the waves of the sea. The enemies dashed to them, shouting arrows in deep water with the intention to kill her. Arthit pushed some men who were shouting at Maprang back, spreading his arms, holding them back from hurting her. There were no traces of her, nobody knowing whether she survived the fall or not. Now many dangerous men surrounded Arthit, not giving him the chance to escape from their grips. Although he was in a tight spot, he kept his calm look, his beautiful round eyes staring at one person, Ashin Wunna. His men went aside to let Wunna way to the captured one, he panted, his warm breath brushing against Oon's face. Even though his evil face was intimitating, the younger man didn't feel scared nor had the feeling to beg him to let him alive. He would never bow down to dirty person like Wunna, neither to the Empress dowager.

Wunna hated the ungrateful and brave look in Arthit's eyes, he wanted him to bow down and beg for his life but the shorter man keeping his face high, refusing to beg for mercy, made him lose his composure. He hit his cheek with the back of his hand, Arthit losing his balance and falling down to the ground. As soon as he realized the older man intending to step on him, he turned around to hide his womb from him, protecting his child by covering his belly, letting him hit his back instead. The more hit he received, the more difficult it got for him to keep his consciouness. His eyes were blurry, they closed slowly. I'll wait for you... I know you'll come to save me... He fell unconscious.

End of Flashback

After listening to the story that took place in the ship, Kongpob stood up, clenching his hands into fists, remaining calm outside although he was boiling in rage, suppressing himself to not lose his calmness. Kongpob had to suppress his rage that wanted to be released, letting out the beast that he hide deep inside the day he realized that he was in love with Arthit. Without the stubborn short man next to him, the monster in him would be free. A calamity would happen if the beast reigning in him got a glimpse of light and released. He needed his Oon, the only person who could manage to calm him down.

He turned to the general of his soldiers who was on one knee behind him, giving him order to gather his best men and appear before him in ten minutes. Some spies should find information about a man calling Ashin Wunna then inform him about the man later before they departed. According to the Emperor they would depart for a new mission: Save concubine Oon. This mission shouldn't fail no matter the circumstance or every one of them would lose their lives as punishment. Kongpob turned to face Maprang and tell her to rest while he would search for Arthit, another situation played in front of him. Maprang was kneeling down, hitting her head many times on the ground till it bleeded. She looked up to him, revealing her teary eyes, more tears rolling down her already swollen eyes. She was crying, clenching on her thight.

„I'm sorry... Everything is my fault... I shouldn't have let him leave the palace... I'm so sorry", she was sobbing, didn't care that the man in front of her was the most powerful man in Siam, the Emperor.

This time Kongpob couldn't find the right words to comfort her. No wrong, he didn't want to comfort her because he was disappointed in her. He gave her the order to protect his Highness but she allowed him to leave the palace behind his back. Because of her going to easy on Oon, they ended up in a thigh situation. But he also knew that it wasn't entirely her fault. Prem and the eunuch Toota were at fault too, they neglected their duties. But the person responsible for this trouble was Arthit himself. If he did listen to him, he wouldn't end up getting captured. He would bring his man back then make sure that he would never disobey him again. Arthit would never have another chance to escape his safe side. Even if his only option to protect him was to lock him up somewhere, he would do it to hide him from any harm. He bite on his lower lips, his eyes filled with madness, revenge and determination.

„I disappointed you and don't deserve a second chance but I want to follow you...", her round eyes shining, revealing the determination to bring her best friend back and made up to his Highness who saved her but put himself in a dilemma.

„No, you're going to stay here!", it was another command the older man hoped she wouldn't disobey again. If she ignored his warning again, he wouldn't have any choice as to punish her too. His limit didn't knew any border as long as it concerned Arthit. Even if she was Arthit's best friend, he wouldn't hold back with his punishment. The reason why he couldn't take her with him was due to her bound with Arthit. If the shorter man found out about him taking the injured Maprang to fight alongside him, he would be angry at him and call him heartless for letting her fight in her bad condition. Even if he was disappointed in his man for not taking his warnings serious, he woudn't survive an angry and sulking Arthit. His man ignoring him for the rest of his life, would be a living hell for him. The second reason he didn't want her to follow him, was the man called Ashin Wunna. She seemed to be scared of him.

„Please, I have to make it up to his Highness", she begged, hoping to change his opinion with her sincerity.

„I said no!", he said through gritting teeth. He turned back to make his leave but she hold him back by threatening him.

Maprang was standing now, her serious expression making her beautiful face shine even more than before. „Even if you don't take me with you, I'll follow you secretly and fight with you to bring him back!"

Kongpob never liked to repeat himself so he choose to close his mouth instead of wasting his energy on hopeless case. Even if he locked her up in the dungeon, she would escape from there and accompany them. Beside Maprang was strong. One of his best fighter. She would be a great help if she sided with them. There was only one problem: The stranger called Ashin Wunna. He was her weakness. Would she still be a big help if she faced the man who put her through so much sufferings? Yes, Kongpob was worried about her mental wellbeings even if he would never admit it. He would make sure that nothing happened to her during the fight.

The Emperor didn't have to give her permission since she was determined to accompany them anyway so he just ignored her, going back in his palace. Before he could enter his chamber, a deep voice called for his name. That voice! His hand reached out for his golden attached in his sword holder around his waist. The second time the voice called for his name, he took out his sword, turning around while swaying his weapon. It almost sliced the young man's neck. The man was kneeling down in front of him, not moving from his spot. The peak of the sword cut his flesh, blood dripping out the cut on the sword. The golden sword was shining with red colour. Prem showed his sincerity, wasn't afraid of dying. On the contrary he would gladly accept his punishment for neglecting his duty. According to himself he deserved to be killed on the spot. Kongpob being in rage right now, could be justified because he didn't do his work properly. If he did listen to the Emperor's words and didn't take concubine Oon lightly, they wouldn't be in such mess.

„It's my fault that he got captured. I want to redeem myself and help to save concubine Oon then I'll gladly accept every punishment the Emperor have for me", Prem explained, showing his loyalty for his powerful master. He hated himself for underestimating the concubine so he had to fullfill his promise to the Emperor that nothing would happen to Oon while he was in his care.

„Give me a reason why I should trust you and not kill you right now!", Kongpob's voice raised, his hot breath brushing against the taller man's face.

„I want to prove myself to concubine Oon and to you. I know I did a mistake by not taking you serious but I want to see him in safety before I die. Even if I lose my life on the mission, I want to bring him back safely!", there were the reason why he wanted to fight to save Arthit. He dared to look him up in the eyes, „I don't ask for another chance to prove myself that I'm worthy to protect him but I just want to bring him back to your side...", he was serious, didn't even have any insecurity hidden in his voice. This time he wanted to do great. There was no way he would fail the second time.

It took a moment before Kongpob retired his sword, putting it back in its tholder around his waist. Prem's sincere answers convinced him not to kill him now. He needed loyal man like him to protect himself, Arthit, his baby, his throne and his people. Before he left for the new mission, he met with his substition Dew who was like a sworn brother for him. He ordered him not to let any enemy in the palace in his absence. There shouldn't be any rumour about him leaving either or else the power obsessed court officials would swarm around him to make a petition.

****

Arthit slowly opened his eyes, his head aching from the many hit he received on his body. His back was hurting, apparantly he was sleeping on a hard ground. His vision was still blurry, he closed his eyes, blinking many times then opened them again. He could see clearly now, there was a dim light coming from the torch hanging on the wall. His lips were bruised, his back hurting, surely he had many bruises on his body due to the many hit he received from Wunna. Those pain were bearable but the pain in his belly was too great to ignore it. He hoped that his baby survived the rough treatment he received from earlier. A soft moan escaped his mouth when he moved but he had to note that he couldn't move freely like he wanted. His hands and feet were tied with a thick rope, it was impossible to free himself from them. He sat up.

As he looked around, he noticed that he was in another room, it wasn't big but it seemed like a warehouse of a house. He could feel the safe ground under him too, nothing shaking under him. Apparantly he wasn't in the ship anymore, maybe he was brought in their hiding out where they could practisize their business. There were six young women sitting around him, they were scared and desperate, some of them were crying, begging to be let out. They were some women he met and helped to escape from the slave hunters. But why are they still here? Didn't they get the chance to escape but got captured again?

„You're up...", a woman sitting right next to him spoke to him. She was a tall, beautiful woman, apparantly the only one who wasn't crying among those scared women.

He recognized her, she was the young woman who saved him earlier by hitting the enemy who tried to kill him. So she couldn't flee from them either. When Arthit asked her about the reason why they were still in their captivities, she replied that they missed the opportunity to break out because the guards caught them before they could even jump out. The noises of the other escapees exposed them about their intention so the guards blocked their way. Now they were brought here after the ship landed on ground. According to her, Arthit slept for almost 3 hours after they arrived here.

She mustered him clearlier, got a familiar feeling from him. She had the feeling she saw him somewhere but couldn't think of where they met before. As she wanted to ask him, their talk was interrupted as the door of the basement got open, the girls were immediately in high alert, crawling back till their back hit the wall. Even though there weren't any places to hide neither to escape, they continued sticking their back against the wall as if an escape route would open the more they forced themselves against the thick wall.

Arthit wasn't calm either, he realized that the door getting opened meant nothing good for them. Either way they were going to be threatened to listen to them or there were costumers they had to entertain. He bent up his legs, ready himself for the worst case scenario. Even if they forced him to sell his body, he would never let anyone touch him. His body was only for Kongpob to be touched. He needed to protect his dignity, proud and his body to return to his man's side. He was nervous, maybe scared too but he forced himself to calm down. It was necessary to not show any fear or the enemy would take advantage of him. You have to calm down, Arthit... You need to act tough and wait for Kongpob to take you home. A sight left his mouth, he changed his nervous expression into a serious one, more brave than before. I trust you, Kongpob...

A man with his two bulky guards revealed themselves in front of the door. The older man turned out to be Ashin Wunna, his face gloomy and darker than before. A bandage made of silk was covered his cheek, hiding the unsightly wound Arthit gave him during their fight. He stepped forwards to them, the girls whimping in fear the closer he got to them, they looked like scared dogs of their abusive owner. He wasn't interested in any of those beautiful women he would earn money with while using them as slaves but in a special person. The only male slave he got in his captivity. The only person who managed to injure him despite many guards protecting him. Of course he was there for revenge. But he had to hold back with his revenge.

He crouched down in front of Arthit, showing him his devilish smile. „I heard that you're responsible for the decreasing number of the slaves I captured today. Not only did you tarnish my business but you even injured my precious face", he grabbed at his chin, turning his head here and there to muster his face clearlier. He made a fierce expression, „You have a beautiful face so I'll be careful to not hurt your trademark that can earn me money... There are many rich men who like beautiful man like you! I'll make sure that you won't even want to see your own face anymore after many pervert men played with you every night...", it was a threat, the perfect revenge he plotted for him. „You'll regret it making me your enemy!"

However his threat didn't leave any regret nor fear in Arthit, the younger man remained calm, smiling at him, revealing his dimples. The smile wasn't his usual sweet one but a creepy smile that send chill down the girls's spine. Even the tall girl beside him was curious, she wanted to know where he got such determination and braveness from even in his bad condition. Where he got his braveness from? It came from his trust for Kongpob. He knew the Emperor would come for his rescue so he didn't had to bow down to such filthy man like Wunna. The older man made a big mistake by abducting the only person the Emperor loved deeply. Arthit was the only man he would use every mean to bring him back to his side.

„You're smiling and acting tough?", Arthit's mocking behaviour raised his temper. „Don't worry, boy. We'll see whether you can stil smile after being embraced by countless dirty men! Yeah, it'll be your duty to entertain them till you'll beg me to kill you instead to free you from your misery!"

Arthit's smile dropped after listening to Wunna's plan. Now fear was written all over his face, something to the older man's liking. He was enjoying to see the young man trembling in fear and in desperation, being frightened like a small, lonely, helpless turtle that was abandoned by his parents. It was his joy to teach fear towards his enemies to controll them. The shorter man pulled his head out of his grip, suddenly spitting in Wunna's face. Now there was a disturbing silence in the atmosphere, the slaves gathering far away from the brave young man, hiding there to be safe for the time being.

All the sudden a loud noise resounded in the air, Wunna just slapped Arthit's cheek with the back of his hand. Blood dripping from Arthit's lips. He wanted to hit him more but one of his man interrupted, whispering something in his ear. He wipped the spit from his face then left the basement in a hurry. The tall girl came to Arthit's rescue. The door suddeny opened again but another young woman showed before them, holding a bowl filled with something in it. The girl reminded Arthit of his guard Maprang, dark hairs and bangs that slightly covered her pitiful eyes that hide the sufferings she went through. She seemed to be around her age, timid and sweet like her too. Surely not strong neither brave like his best friend. There was a guard behind her to prevent the slaves from overwhelming her to escape. Arthit was curious about her. Why is she here? Is she working for them deliberatly or forced to provide work for them?

She went to the slaves, kneeling in front of them and revealing them the inside of the bowl. It was full with buns. No one dared to touch it since they feared they were poisoned even though they were hungry because they didn't eat in those many hours. But she took one herself and tasted it, they believed her that it was safe to eat whereupon they jumped at it. They took each a bun and devoured it to appease their hunger. Arthit was hungry too. He didn't trust Wunna and his men but he had trust in her for an unknown reason. Maybe because she reminded him of Maprang, he didn't fear her.

The first bite he took of the bun left a foul taste in his mouth whereupon he pucked it on the ground, he wrapped his arm around his slowly growing womb. It tasted just like it smelt bad. Their attention was on him, asking him why he felt nauseous all the sudden. When he asked her about the ingredient put in the bun, she explained him that it contained the fruit that was known of tasting and smelling bad only for expectant women. They always used it to detect a pregnancy only to get rid of it later since a pregnancy wasn't needed in such entertainment. She looked sad while talking about an expectant mother and unbborn child. Now it was clear why Arthit felt disgust towards it. Of course they never heard of male pregnancy before so they weren't suspicious of him.

„Can you give me something else that didn't contain this fruit?", Arthit asked, he would never be able to eat the bun since he was pregnant. He would never reveal it to them but he had to eat to stay alive and wait for Kongpob.

She looked behind to the guard, would like to get his wish fulfilled but the bulky man behind staring at her, prevented her to steal the hunter's food for him. Just like Arthit suggested, she wasn't brave like Maprang even though they resembled each other in many ways. Before she could let out a word, the girl was pulled away from the guard, closing the door tightly behind.

The shorter man clenched against his womb, faintly moaning in pain. Because he moved too much, his belly was hurting again. Now he regretted leaving the safe palace. If he had listen to Kongpob, he wouldn't be in such mess that could endanger himself and his unbborn baby. It was wrong leaving the palace behind his back... I'm sorry Kongpob... I promise, I won't do it again if you take me out of here...

****

Kongpob met with the spy he sent to gather information in his chamber. The man covered his face with a dark scarf to hide his identity, he went on one knee before the Emperor, keeping his head down to show him his respect. When Kongpob asked about the information he found out, he gave him the answer the younger man wanted to hear. There was a slave hunter who knew Ashin Wunna very well, he was one of his workers too. With money he received for the mission, he could buy information about Wunna and found out about the slave provider being from Burma but making business in Siam too. He had a hiding place where only rich men were allowed to enter but the man refused to tell them the hide-out of the seller. The Emperor didn't wait any longer, was already wearing his fighting clothes so he ordered the spy to take him to the man's place he bought information from. Actually the Emperor shouldn't leave the palace and endanger himself with such plan but the spy couldn't oppose to him, he was scared of the younger man's punishment since he wasn't in the mood to talk right now.

Kongpob left after bidding farewell with his substitute Dew. He was in the front, riding his horse Ma. The two men he brought back from the first mission were behind Kongpob. They insisted of following him there. Why? Because they were Arthit's loyal soldiers. His shadow Knott and his soldier Bright. Aside Maprang, they were the other suvivors of Burma's royal families's assassination. The soldiers he gathered around were behind them, leaving a certain distance between the most powerful man and them but they never took their attention from the Emperror and their surroundings. They had to react faster to protect their master in case of ambushes. Nobody noticed it but there was another person riding far away behind them, it was none other than the Emperor's shadow, Aim. He had to maintain his distance to protect his identity.

On the way to their destination, the empress dowager was far away behind them, observing the situation. She asked one of servant to brief her about the commotion whereupon she found out about concubine Oon's disappearance. Apparantly the male concubine was abducted by slave hunters. Now she had an idea. Of course it wasn't a good idea since she would take advantage of the situation. It was an evil masterplan that could endanger the mission to save Arthit. She had to prevent her stepson to find Oon. At least not alive. He would lose his sanity if he found the man he loved dead. He would blame himself for his gruesome death, meaning he would destroy his own reputation he built for years by turning into a tyrann who lost his sanity due to his lover's death. It was a good chance to get rid of both of them. Thanks for giving me this rare opportunity, Oon.

****

Kongpob and his men left many kilometers behind before they arrived at their destination. The man the spy spoke with, was still in the inn, drinking alcoholic drink to sweeten the cold night. There were few drunkyard in the inn, the owner making food for her customers. Kong, Prem, Maprang and two other guards entered the inn while the rest were scathered outside for protection. As soon as the strong and mysterious man such as Kongpob stepped in, there was an odd silence that took over the room. It was a heavy atmosphere laying in the air, nobody dared to move and break the silence. The man they were supposed to meet, was flirting with the daughter of the owner, hugging her and clapping on her butt. She wasn't pleased with his behaviour but couldn't oppose to him due to her fear towads slave hunters.

The Emperor went to the slave hunter, the man drinking his alcoholic drink. Kongpob blocked his view, the owner's daughter using the chance to free herself from his grip and run away to her mother. The man insulted Kongpob of being an unsightly digust hiding his beautiful view, telling him that he should scram or else he would meet his death soon. Kongpob ignored him at first, he needed to calm down since many innocent customers were there. They would get hurt if a fight broke out. Maprang stepped forwards, revealing herself to the slave hunter. He recognized her, his eyes widened in shock but he remained calm for the time being, looking aside to not face the young man in front of him. After mustering the heavy armor Kong wore, he finally realized that they did a big mistake by messing with the male slave. Who was the man they captured? Who was the man with myterious, dark aura in front of him?

„Where is the man who was with her?", he pointed a finger on Maprang to let him know about the person he was talking about. „You captured him a while ago...", it was a simple question but the slave hunter remained quiet.

The older man couldn't reveal Wunna's hide-out. Not even for money because he would be killed if he betrayed him. He just stood up, threatening Kongpob with his bulky appearance. The Emperor's men were in high alert, their hands close to their swords around their waist. The owner came between them, telling them that a fight wasn't allowed in her inn. If they wanted a fight then they should take it outside. However the slave hunter gave up, going for outside but something sharp just slashed his arm. His arm was cut off, it fell down on the ground. Blood splashed on the owner, especially on the man who just cut the enemy's arm.

Maprang covered her mouth with her hand, stepping back in shock. It was the first time she saw the always calm Kongpob lose his sanity. He looked like a demon seeking for revenge and blood right now. Prem and the two guards were in deep shock too but they couldn't show it to the Emperor. The owner fell down on the ground, her eyes fixed on the monster behind her. The customers ran away in fear, screaming for help to protect him from the devil itself.

Kong was holding his golden sword, his handsome face was covered with the fiend's blood, his expression was dark like an emotionsless demon. There wasn't any hint of emotions in his face. He wasn't himself right now, he was more like a mad man. Losing his beloved Arthit robbed his senses from him, he couldn't think straight anymore. The slave hunter was still in shock from the heavy blood loss so he couldn't feel any pain now. As he finally realized that he lost his arm, he screamed in pain, falling down on his butt. Kongpob approached him, the enemy crawling backwards to hide from him. The younger man went over him, bending down to be close to him, teaching him fear he would never forget in his life.

„I won't repeat it again! WHERE IS HE?", he asked through gritted teeth.

The man shook in fear, finally revealing Wunna's hiding place that was his business place too. It would take them long to arrive there but he would depart immediately to not be late for the rescue.

„Is he alive?"

„... Y... Yeah, he's alive as I... I left... But he... he's injured... I heard that Wu... Wunna is going to use him as a toy for rich men for... for... revenge", he stuttered, spilling everything out since he feared the man before him more than Wunna.

Kongpob clenched the enemy's collar upon hearing Wunna's plan but he just let him go. He approached the entrance but froze on the spot, turning back to the injured man then suddenly slicing the man's back, blood gushing out, splashing on his face. His death was necassary to prevent him from informing Wunna about their surprise visit but the way he killed him was too cruel. Everyone couldn't move, they were intimidated by the Emperor's insane behaviour.

He went outside but ordered his men to not follow him. According to himself he needed some space for himself to think. Actually he wanted to calm down but it wasn't easy to calm down while knowing that Arthit was in slave hunters' and sellers hands. He would kill every human being who dared to touch and hurt his Arthit. A heavy sight escaped his mouth. He kept telling himself that he would rescue him before anything would happen to him. If something happened to Arthit then he would lose the rest of conscience he kept hidden in his mind. The monster in him was threatening to be released and would be free if his man got hurt because of him being too late. His fingers racked through his hair. A painful scream wanted to escape his mouth but he hold it back. It wasn't the time to be desperate and think negative. He felt a presence behind him whereupon he turned back, aiming his sword at the person.

He drew his sword back when he recognized the person. „What are you doing here, Aim?"

Aim went to one knee, looking at the ground, „Please, Emperor...", he looked up to him, „I know you're blaming yourself for his disappearance but it's not your fault. I know I'm being disrecpectful towards you but you need to calm down. You're scaring your own people...", his shadow was brave enough to tell him the truth everyone wouldn't dare to tell him.

Kongpob clenched against his sword. Actually he was a men with few words but he needed to free his mind. He had the feeling he would snap out if he didn't share his fear with someone. Beside he trusted his shadow enough to let him know about his deperation. He looked at his hands, they were shaking. „I can't otherwise... I have the feeling I'll lose my mind if he's not by my side... I need him...", he stared in the starry night. The beautiful sky reminded him of Arthit, so beautiful and peaceful. „I have to get him back to feel like a human again...", there was the truth he never talked with someone before. Kongpob needed Arthit to maintain his human's feelings. If Arthit wasn't by his side then he would turn into the cold Kongpob he didn't want to be again. Only Oon could make him feel alive. Beside he was carrying his child. It was their unbborn child. He would turn the world upside down if it was necessary to find his precious man.

„I know... But the Emperor would destroy himself before you could get to him. Please, be rational and think wise. We'll find him no matter the circumstance...", he added. He realized some men coming closer to them whereupon he stood up to leave. „I'm sure the crown prince wouldn't want to see you like that. He would blame himself if you appear like that in front of him to take him back home. He would kill himself if he lose you like that... So please, don't make him hate himself for loving you..."

It was disrespectful towards the Emperor but he took his scarf off, offering it to him. Kongpob accepted the scarf, gazing at it while Aim went to hide behind the houses. Kong clenched on his sword and on the scarf, wipping the blood off his face. After cleaning his face from the blood, he placed a hand on his heart to calm down. I'll find you, Arthit... I'll bring you and our child back home. Please, wait a little bit for me.

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

And what do you think of this chapter? The two men he brought back are Knott and Bright :D There is another Sotus character who appeared in this chapter. Can you guess who it could be?? Kongpob is losing his sanity :( but don't worry I won't torture anyone :D

I have a request: Can you vote the story Our Fault by haeziqahhh  .. It's not a must but I would like to read the alternative ending of the story but she needs 150 votes first. It would make me happy... Thanks for your support :)