Before I say something, doesn't Krist look so beautiful, handsome and innocent in the video above? *.* I know some are hating the video because of Singto not having an appearance but just adore him, the song and the video... He has a sweet, soft voice and did well after all <3

The song is The door, the weather and a good day by KRIST PERAWAT (Finally I can use his song too *tears of joy*)

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A young man ran deeper in the dark forest, he keept running further in the darkness, never turning away to see behind him. Apparantly he was more afraid of the thing behind him as the thing before him. The light behind him scared the hell out of him, he seeked for the darkness in front of him. Finally, he reached his destination. There was a small shack, the light of the candles inside were out to not attract a human, neither an animal's attention. The silence in the forest was killing him but he preferred the odd silence instead of the loud city filled with murderers and soldiers. He whistled five times, giving a signal to reveal his identity.

It took a moment before the door of the shack went open. Two armed men revealed in front of him but they mustered him up from head to toes to see if he was carried a weapon or not. He was hurt, had some wounds on his body, those were bruises caused from falling down and cut caused from bushes that scratched him in the forest. They took a look behind him to make sure that no one followed him. As they realized that the coast was clear and they were out of danger, they yanked him to enter the shack. Some men returned light in the room by lightening the candles. They were fifteen bulky men in the room. In the middle of them, was an older man sitting on the chair, keeping his head faced down. The injured man fell to his knees, panting to provide his lungs with fresh air. He was too tired to speak out right now. The older man sitting in front of him, looked up. Wunna Ashin, the men around him were slave hunters.

„The Empress dowager... She killed them", the man informed them about the massacre he witnessed in the inn. He remembered vividly about the event since it happened not long ago, telling them how the Empress dowager ordered her guards to kill Ashin's doubleganger.

„You fled direct to here? What if you brought them to our hideout by fleeing straight here?", the man to the left threatening him, his hand close to the sword, ready himself to punish him if he really did direct the fiends to them.

The survivor was shaking, fearing his master's temper. Wunna Ashin was a merciless master who would punish his servants if they made a single mistake. „No, no... I... No one followed me here...", he was begging for his life. The pitiful man didn't want to die horribly after the torture he went through to arrive here.

Their murmur was too much for the already exhausted old man. The big wound on his chest was aching, maybe it reopned again. He gritted his teeth when remembering the long cut he received from a young soldier in his resident during the raid a few days ago. It was one of the Emperor's soldier, a man wearing complete black, coming from behind to ambush him when he managed to escape. The man wasn't an ordinary soldier but a loyal dog fighting behind and coorperating for Siam's Emperor. The person almost killed him if he didn't use his hunters as shield to protect himself.

The survivor and the man with the sword, were glaring at each other, the latter shooting warnings towards the injured man. A single hand move from Wunna was enough to silence his remaining slave hunters. They waited for their master's next order.

„Did you make sure that they didn't follow you?", Ashin asked, wanted to make sure that they were safe before having pity on him and spare him from death. If it was the old Ashin, he would kill him on the spot without batting his eyes. But today, he couldn't punish any of them because he lost many of his men. Those men around him were the only survivors so he had to keep them alive to protect himself.

The man nodded then told him about the Empress dowager not having the slightest intention to help them. Ashin fell deep in thought, thinking about the next step to take. He was proud of himself that he didn't meet the evil, old Empress himself but sent his doppelganger to have a talk with her. He didn't trust her enough to appear there himself and his insecurity proved to be wrong. The evil woman asked for a favor but backstabbed him later. She betrayed him but he would come back stronger and have his revenge. Not only on the Empress dowager would he direct his revenge toward but on Siam Emperor too. And that male slave. He alone caused his downfall. Like the male slave warned him, he shouldn't had mess with him. That man seemed to be the Emperor's and the Empress dowager's weakness. The ruler of Siam loved him and the Empress dowager feared him. That young man came handy for him. If he have him, he could have the whole world under his control.

He stood up apruptly, making his servants standing up too. A devilish smile darkening his old face. „We're going back to Burma... I guess, it's time that we meet Burma new Emperor", he smiled brightly, showing his scary side, „I have a gift for him... A gift that could be useful for him..."

Upon hearing their master's order, the slave hunters prepared for their departure. They knew that it wouldn't be an easy trip but they had to leave Sian no matter the circumstance. Their homeland, Burma, was more safer for them. Besides, they could seek for refugee in the palace if they present the important gift to the Emperor. The gift didn't have to follow them there but they only needed information about him.

****

Kongpob, Arthit and Maprang were in the courtyard of the flower palace, their servants were sent outside to leave them some privacy. Since they were going to discuss about important matter that should remain a secret among them, the maids had to wait outside and far away from them. Arthit was kept in the dark, didn't knew the reason why Kongpob wanted to be so discreet today. He was nervous, already imagining the worst case scenerio, thinking whether he did something wrong.

Arthit felt dizzy and nauseous, it was caused by too much blood loses that occured as he was sold as a slave in Wunna Ashin's resident. The Emperor put his arm around Arthit to support him and calm him down too, signalising him that he shouldn't worry endlessly. The gate of the palace opened whereupon they turned their attention to the place where the loud sound came from. Two young men entered the beautiful flower palace, approaching the ruler and the crown prince. One of them wearing Siam's royal guard's clothes, the other in complete black, both wearing a black scarf around their neck and hiding their identities with the scarf. The two men went to their knee, bowing down to Siam ruler and showing their respect to them. Arthit was surprised, looking at Kongpob to read his facial expression and to grasp the situation. The two men took their scarf off, finally revealing their identities. Burma's soldier Bright and the shadow Knott, Arthit's loyal soldiers. They were smiling at him, relieved that their crown prince was unscathed.

Arthit's eyes widened in shock when he recognized his two most loyal fighters, he mumbled something, the words came faintly out of his mouth. „How... I mean... I thought...", he was speechless from the surprise he didn't expect. He looked at Kongpob, his lips moving up and showing a relieved smile. His eyes were filled with tears but he sniffed to hold them back. He covered his hand over his mouth, fighting against the persistent tears that wanted to stream down. A single tear dropped, warming his chubby and pale cheek.

The shorter man took a step forward to hug the two soldiers but a hand grabbed at his back, pulling him gently back. An arm dropped around his back, the person sticking him close to his body and preventing him from hugging other people in his presence. Maprang who was behind them was giggling. Nobody failed to notice jealousy burning in Kongpob's eyes. Of course Kongpob noticed that his Arthit wanted to hug Bright and Knott but he didn't like the idea of his man being so close to other men so he pulled him back, claiming him as his only one. His Highness giggled too but he was cursing him from holding him back.

„You're in my, Siam's Emperor's, presence and yet you dare to embrace other men?", the taller man whispered to him, didn't want to be loud and be heard from their surroundings. His face was burning hot, he was clearly not pleased with Arthit being so playful even though he was a crown prince and his man.

„What's wrong with me encouraging and thanking my men?", Arthit said through gritted teeth, smiling to Bright and Knott so they wouldn't notice their rediculous discussion.

„You're mine and you should hold yourself back for every humanity's sake...", it sounded like a threat the shorter man shouldn't treat so hightly. If he didn't want to see him punish his fighters then he should stay put and behave. Kongpob's jealousy never knew any boundary.

„Hug me if you want to hug someone so badly...", the little talk ended with a cheesy line from Siam's Emperor, making Arthit blushing from embarrassment. There was another hiden reason why Kongp had to prevent Arthit from hugging other men. The first one was jealousy but the second one was for his own sake. They were among themselves but wall had ears and eyes too. If the Emperor's concubine was touched by another man, she would be declared as dirty and could lose her title and also her life. Ever since he saved Arthit, he decided to be strict to him instead of letting him get away with everything. It was time to teach him about his duty as the ruler's man so he would be accustomated to his new life.

To hide his embarrassed face that took the pinkish colour, his Highness faced an empty spot, coughing a little bit to change his expression. The amused Bright chuckled, he really liked the interaction between their crown prince and the Emperor, found them interesting to watch and listen to. On the other hand, Knott was staring at Arthit and Kongpob, falling deep in thought and thinking about the past when everything was different as now. A few months ago, Arthit was still Burma's crown prince. Chan Than was just his guard who protect him with his life til he was found guilty of being Siam's spy known as Kong. He wach attacked by unknown men but as soon as his condition improved a little bit, he came back to warn his Highness only to realize that everything changed. The reigning family, the Rojnapats, were dead and the new ruler was Jay. There was a rumor that Siam sent his soldiers to massacre the royal family and one of them was Chan Tha. Together with Bright, he hurried to Siam to take his revenge. The wanted poster of Arthit and Kongpob that was placed on the market, was his doing. He knew Kongpob would react, search for the culprit and show himself. It would be his only chance to avenge his master's death but to his surprise, the myterious man he thought was the devil, was the hero who saved the crown prince. He was Siam's also Emperor. The world turned upside down. Kongpob was the ruler of their enemies' county and Arthit was now a concubine and also conceiving a the Emperor's child. The child would be the crown prince someday.

It was too much information for him to assimilate. He never expected to meet this situation when he set his foot on Siam's ground. Now he was back to his Highness's side but with a different assignment given to him. He should stil protect Arthit on the shadow but he should never address him by his real name neither his real status if he didn't want him to be found out by their enemies. He was worried about Arthit, thinking whether the new situation was to their favour or disavantage. But something took his worry away, turning it into ashes that was blown away by the fresh wind. It was the look in Arthit's eyes. His big eyes were shining... He was happy... Smiling, chuckling, laughing, revealing his cute dimples. And he was even caressing over his little bump. It was something he saw for the first time. He was working for Arthit for a long time but he never saw him enjoy himself in Burma before. It was the first time he saw him happy and smiling genuinely without feeling any pressure put on him. And this happiness was due to Kong being there for him. Knott would always be there for him but he didn't have to fear for Arthit's life anymore. Why? Because Kong was there for him. Arthit was safe as long as he had Kongpob in his life. Both of them needed each other to survive.

Arthit begged his man to let him welcome his soldiers but the Emperor remained stubborn, holding him close to his body. The shorter man paid attention to his motherland's soldiers, accepting their respect while smiling to them. After founding two of his land's men surviving the massacre on the royal family, he forgot Kongpob and gave all of his attention to Bright and Knott. Knott finally loosened up, smiling faintly that almost everyone missed to see. Only Bright noticed Knott's faint smile he tried to hide. Knott was moved deeply and brought to tears but he controlled himself to not cry in front of those two powerful men in front of him. His thought went to Burma's former dead Emperor. I think the Emperor don't need to worry about his Highness anymore... He has Kongpob beside him... He's happy...

They were enjoying the reunion, Arthit thanking Knott and Bright for being alive and coming back to him. Unfortunately their happiness wouldn't last for long because of the tragedy that nobody dared to talk about in his Highness's presence. However, Arthit didn't forget about it either, he was thinking about her the whole but just wasn't healthy enough to ask about her whereabout. There were a few persons he was missing too.

„Where is Two?", there was the question no one dared to answer yet.

The question changed the mood, a gloomy and tense atmosphere appeared. Kongpob tighened the grip he was holding him with, supporting him since there was always sad news after good news. Arthit was innocent as a newborn child but he wasn't dumb nor oblivious. He realized the odd atmosphere in the air, panicking inside, his worries raising.

„Where is Two?", he repeated, the question was directed at his maid Maprang but she gazed down, clearly avoiding his eyes. He noticed her eyes shining, she was tearing up but he didn't knew the reason why he choose to be quiet instead of replying to him. „...Don't tell me you didn't save her!", he faced Knott and Bright, „You didn't leave her to Wunna Ashin, right?"

Kongpob didn't want his man to fall in a shock condition after learning about the tragedy so he hurried to change the subject, grabbing at Arthit's arm and telling him that he should rest in his chamber. Arthit took his arm out of Kongpob's grip, looking deep in the latter's eyes.

„No, I'm not going anywhere... Tell me the truth... Where is she?", the shorter man hated to be kept in the dark about a matter. Actually he guessed that something happened to her but he stil had hope, didn't think of the worst case scenario yet. His hands were trembling the longer he had to wait for their answer. He touched Kongpob's chest, remaining calm even though his heart was beating fast.

Kongpob touched him gently on the shoulders to react faster and grab onto him if Arthit lost his consciousness after listening to the shocking news. He shook his head, „We couldn't save her... She was already dead when we came for you...", there was the sad truth they didn't want him to find out so soon.

Arthit fell silent, he was too calm, neither showing any reaction to the shocking news. It lasted a while before he showed emotion. His eyes were wide open, his mouth mumbling something, he shook his head, denying the truth by saying „No" many times. His mind was in chaos, his head spining around, he grabbed at his head to ease the headache, one arm wrapped around his belly. He finally remembered her death that he forgot due to him losing his consciouness in the forest too soon. Two saved him by pushing him away but was hit with an arrow that was meant for him. He panicked, hyperventilating, his heartbeat raising too.

„Arthit, stop right now!", Kongpob raised his voice, yelling at him to calm him down.

However, his loud voice seemed not to reach Arthit because the latter was stil panting heavily, stepping back to leave distance between them. „I killed her... Everything is my fault...", he looked at Kong then at Maprang, shooting an apological expression to her. Apparantly he felt guilty toward her for causing her sister's death. If he didn't leave the palace just like Kongpob told him, none of this tragedy would happen. The person who rescued him, ended up losing her life because of his carelessness and stubbornness. He was having a breakdown. The gulity feeling was eating him from inside. „I'm bad luck for everyone dear to me...", he mumbled first but repeated it, this time he said it loud for the people around him to hear him.

The Emperor tried to touch him but he avoided his touch by stepping further away from him, running away from the man he loved deeply and promised to always stand by his side. „Don't touch me!", he said faintly, not sure whether he was doing the right thing but he only knew that he had to keep his distance from him. „I'm a jinx... I killed my family, my friends and my servants... You'll die if you're too close to me... I don't want you to die too because of me...", tears filled his eyes, they were calmy dropping down, „I don't want to lose you", he said while staring at Kongpob, revealing the fear and his love for Kongpob in his eyes. He was shaking, being careful enough not to put any damage to their unborn child.

Kongpob ordered Knott, Bright and Maprang to leave them alone, the 3 Siam fighters left the palace to wait outside for them. Silence returned in the courtyard, only the male concubine's cry of help echoed in the air, disturbing the peaceful atmosphere. The taller one approached Arthit but the latter went further away from him. Kongpob felt angry and insulted that he tried to keep away from him. It hurted his strong heart to see his Arthit being in pain and mourning for everyone who died in their relationship. He finally reached out to him as Arthit wanted to run away again, pulling him gently forward and closing the beautiful man in his embrace. It was a tender and passionate hug to show him that he stil loved him. He was giving him his strength. The shorter man struggled, trying to break free from his embrace but he was too weak, the one hugging him too strong.

„It's okay... It's alright", Kongpob's soft voice resounded in the warm air. His voice was so soft that even the restless storm could calm down with his presence.

The taller man's soft voice finally reached Arthit, he calmed him down and loosen up. Arthit hesitated to touch his man but he craved for the man in front of him, seeking for his attention and his tender touch. His arms reached for the Emperor, he wrapped his arms around him to hug him too, closing his eyes and crying calmly. Both in tender embrace, indulging in their togetherness. Arthit lost every will to fight, thinking he was a bad omen for everyone dear to him whenever he tried to act for himself. Two's death was his fault but he wasn't completely wrong about him causing people's demise. He meant bad news for his enemies and for Siam's inhabitants. If an enemy hurted him, the person should be aware of the consequences that he made the powerful Kongpob as his opponent. He would hunt them for eternity. However, any enemy who ever managed to capture him, would also gain control over Siam and the country Emperor.. But he was luck for one man too. For Kongpob!

„I messed up, right?", this time he was aware of the consequences of his stubborness. He was unscathed but other innocent people lost their lives because of him being selfish. If he did listen to Kongpob and stay put like he was told, Two and Siam's soldiers who lost their lives during the fight, would be alive and enjoy life like he was just doing.

Kongpob decided not to lie to him anymore but to tell him the truth in a less painful way. „I won't lie to you, Arthit... You put yourself, me, our baby and my people in danger but I'm grateful for having you back in my arms. Two gave her life for you... She protected you for you to live that's why...", he took a short break, looking up at the sky, „That's why you can shed tears for her braveness but don't throw your life and our baby's life away". He hugged him tightly, leaning his chin against the shorter man's shoulder. The pain residing in his heart, could be felt through the hug he encircled Arthit with. He nearly lost control over himself upon imagining that Arthit was almost gone, „Imagine I...", he couldn't speak out his worst nightmare: Losing Arthit and their unborn baby. „It's sad that she didn't survive but I'm glad you're the one alive, my love". Today Kongpob felt the need to release his genuine feelings and convey it to the love of his life. He would do everything for Arthit so a few words for his love to give him his security back, wasn't difficult for him to say.

The truth coming from Kongpob's heart, was another highlight in their relationship. It was a sweet confession, soothing Arthit's anger, hate and disappointment towards himself. It was a surprise that his mysterious Kongpob who was a man with few words, opened up to him and did everything to take his pain away. He was stil suffering for the many loses they witnessed in their relationship but he finally realized his role in Siam. He was everything for Kongpob just like the latter confessed to him. If something happened to him, it would be a disaster for his man and for this country. To maintain peace in Kongpob's heart, he had to mature and be more responsible also considerate toward the Emperor. From this day on, he promised himself that he owned Maprang for causing her older sister's death. He also learned his lesson: He shouldn't act on his own again if he didn't want to hurt Kongpob and see him lose his sanity.

„Please, don't cry, Arthit... I can't endure it to see you in pain", he didn't want to see Arthit cry but something wet rolled down his cheek, falling on his chest.

Arthit felt something wet on his shoulders, he didn't have to look up to notice the cause for his wet shoulders. Those were warm teardrops, coming from the strong, calm and powerful Emperor Kong. He was shedding tears without allowing a single sound escaping his mouth. The heavy atmosphere lifted up, a slight fresh wind blew by, touching their skin and leaving chill running down their spines.

„I won't do it again, I promise... But, can you spare Toota's and Prem's lives?", it sounded like he was begging him but also bargaining with his own life. He promised not to disobey him again but Kongpob had to forgive those two servants.

Kongpob lifted his head. He admitted that he wanted to punish eunuch Toota and guard Prem so he locked them up in the dungeon. He wanted them to reflect on their negligence since they neglected their duty as servants and endangered Arthit with their carelessness. But now that Arthit learned his lesson, he didn't have to keep them locked up anymore. It was time to free them for Arthit's sake but he would punish the three of them severly if they pulled this kind of act again. However, the kind of punishment he prepared for Arthit was different than those for Prem and Toota. It was more like a punishment to satisfy both of them.

After Kongpob promised him to free Prem and Toota, Arthit leaned his pale face on the taller one's chest. A quiet minute passed, Kongpob broke off the hug, gazing into the shorter man's perfectly shaped face, staring deep into his beautiful, big eyes. He grabbed onto Arthit's chin, smiling at him before placing a gentle kiss on his the latter's sweet, red lips. They closed their eyes, deepening the kiss.

****

Kaofang was walking from fro and to in the Empress dowager's chamber. For an unknown reason, she couldn't stand stil for just a moment. Meanwhile, the Empress dowager seemed more relaxed, sipping on her hot tea she just received from her maid. After exhausting her feet by wandering around, she turned to the older woman who was also her advisor. The dowager always gave her examples she thought were helpful for gaining Kongpob's favour but she was actually worsen the situation with her action. She didn't notice til now that Kongpob would hate her the more she schemed against his love to get rid of him.

„We have to do something against him, Empress dowager...", she said in a serious tone but maintained her respect for her, wasn't brave enough to disrespect the strong grandmother of this country.

The Empress dowager took another sip from her delicious flower tea. She watched from the corner of her eyes to her, shouting her warning to calm down. „I will deal with him myself... I know you're impatient and want to get rid of him on the spot but you need to retain yourself first... A snake wouldn't jump at his enemy right away but observe it, approach it slowly then bit the prey as soon as it lost its guard. Patience is one of the best ability we human have...", she gave her another advice that could be helpful this time. She smirked, her devilish smile being a contrast to her beautiful young face.

Kaofang was interested, she took place immediately to listen carefully. It sounded like the Empress had another plot against concubine Oon. The elder woman smirked, could already imagine the victory in front of her. She began telling her the scheme she plotted against the Emperor's beloved one.

****

Arthit was standing in his chamber close to his bed, his arms crossed over his chest to hide his bump that was getting bigger as the day passed. He was listening to the Emperor's envoy who was sent to him early in the morning. The announcer remained outside before the chamber since he wasn't permitted to enter the chamber and to step closer to the Emperor's concubine. Everyone already realised that they should never confront concubine Oon, provoke him, never touch him and neither be close to him if they wanted to live a long life. Oon was Siam ruler's favourite, more like his only soulmate he would ever pay attention to and touch. The Empress and the four other concubines were interesting for their Emperor him. Why the Emperor had only eyes for the male concubine, wasn't understandable for the servants. For them, Oon was beautiful for a man but he was just a man who would never conceive children for their ruler. The advisors already counselled Kongpob to sleep with the Empress and have children with her as soon as possible to secure his throne that was in danger. He never listened to them and just brushed them off whenever they discussed about that topic. Since no one knew about their past history, they would never understand Kongpob's love for Arthit.

The information containing on the script roll, was about his ban from ever leaving the palace neither receive visitors until the Emperor gave him his freedom back. The ban sounded cruel for the servants, they were surprised about the measures their handsome Emperor took toward Oon. They were doubting if the male concubine was stil his favourite he would never hurt. Arthit just accepted it. He knew why Kongpob had to take this measure against him. He did it to protect him and the baby who were his only family. Arthit's belly was getting bigger and he had to avoid the other royalities to not get caught that he was pregnant with the Emperor's child. The Empress dowager out of all people, shouldn't see him because she was a sly fox who would notice every change on an enemy. Everything he was doing was for Arthit's sake. Even if it was too be cruel, he stil did it to protect Arthit from his enemies.

A faint smile played on Arthit's lips, he enjoyed how devoted Kongpob was to him. He was a powerful Emperor who could conquer the world so he could have every woman he wanted but he loved only him out of all people. Kongpob would do everything for him. It was a fact that everyone was jealous about. A fact that turned out to be both their weakness.

The announcer gave him the script roll then left the flower palace to return to the Emperor's side, his rightful place. Arthit hide the script in a safe place. Now everything seemed to be fine for Arthit even though he was stil mourning for Two's death. Eunuch Toota, who was on the Emperor's mercy, was granted his freedom whereupon he came back to work for the male concubine. He gave his word to the Emperor that he would devote himself to Oon. Prem was next to him, keeping a serious face. He was already in high alert to react quickly if a threat approached them. This time, he didn't want to commit the same mistake that endangered the concubine. While spending a few days in the dungeon, he admitted that he underestimated the fragil young man who looked more like a weak man who shouldn't be taken serious. But Oon proved him that he guessed his stubborn character wrong. After promising the Emperor to protect Arthit with his own life, he pledged his loyalty to the concubine too. Now Arthit had gained four loyal servants. Prem, Toota, Knott and Bright.

The eunuch annouced another visitor, Wad. The physician entered the chamber after he got permission to step in. He bowed down to the younger male, holding a pot in his hand, silk tissue wrapped over it to cover it. Arthit permitted him to stand up whereupon the taller one gave him the medicine he brewed for him on request.

„It's it?", Arthit had to ask. He trusted the Emperor's physician but he wanted to make sure that he didn't receive the false medicine.

„Yes, your Highness... It won't affect the baby either...", he promised him. Actually he wanted to wish him luck with the medicine but he decided not to sound rude in front of the concubine. He just bowed down again before disappearing to his workplace where he was searching for new herbals to make medicine with it.

Arthit felt tired after receiving visitors after visitors. He wanted to sit on the bed to rest for a while but today didn't meant it well with him. There was a big havoc outside of his chamber, causing him headache. Whenever he heard that voice, it always meant trouble for him. With a sight escaping his mouth, he left for outside. A woman was screaming for Oon, not showing any elegance that should define her noble status. Koafang was there, Maprang in front of her, blocking the Empress's way to Arthit's chamber. Maprang had her head bowed down to her, apologizing to the mother of this country that the concubine wasn't allowed to have visitors. There was a tense atmosphere laying around them, thunder crackling between them. Kaofang furrowned, wrinkles forming on her forehead. It seemed they would clash at each other soon.

Arthit already sensed trouble in the air, not only for him but also for Maprang too. His friend Maprang was strong, brave also protective toward him but she had to hold back sometimes. She would lose her head someday if she didn't act according to her status as a maid. He went to stand between them to prevent the evil Empress from punishing Maprang for disrespecting her. Before he could even mumble a word, she slapped him across the face. A slap that made the servant gasp in shock. It was more a deja vu since it happened twice that she slapped him. Arthit's cheek turned red from the hard slap he just got from the Empress, it was burning as if his face was lit on fire. He kept his calmness, stil bowing his head down to her. She was fuming angrily, her breath brushing against his pale skin.

„Don't ever dare to stop me when I'm trying to teach a mere maid a lesson!", she yelled.

The young man just nodded to her, apologizing for disrespecting her by going between them to protect Maprang. He even apologized in behalf of his maid Maprang, explaining her that she didn't learn the rules as a servant and didn't knew her boundaries yet. She looked down on him, trying to hide her joy for slapping him. A faint smile could be detected in her face.

„Next time you try to stop me, I won't punish you with only a slap but you'll be desciplined properly according to the women's court law!", she warned him, wishing he would be foolish enough to make another mostake that would afford her to punish him again. It wasn't hard to notice that she liked to torture him. She loved to see him suffer. Just because he, a mere male concubine, gained the Emperor's favour even though she was a beautiful Empress.

Maprang tried to contain herself but she was glaring at the young woman in front of her, clenching her hands into fists. Arthit remained in front of her, trying to cover her eyes that was sending threatening glares in Kaofang's direction. He pitied himself that he had to let himself be treated like a slave but he had to accept it for Maprang's sake.

„It's a honour for me to have you visit my humble palae. May I ask for the reason why the Empress took the long way from her palace to seek for an audience with me, a mere male concubine?", there was an undertone in the his voice that no one failed to notice. He wasn't rediculing himself by calling himself the male conbunine but he was mocking her instead. He wanted her to realize her own worth. She was the Empress but she wasn't important enough for the ruler of Siam. She would never get his attention. Arthit wasn't a man to look down on. He would always defend himself and threw back a few hits but stil remain calm also elegant just like an innocent man who never wished something bad for his fiends.

Kaofang, clenching her jawline, clearly understanding the mockery in his voice. She couldn't believe a mere sex slave is humiliating her in front of her those filthy, poor servants. She was speechless, didn't think of any insult to pay back for the disrespectful behaviour. But it didn't mean that she accepted defeat and gave up. There was another scheme they could use to get rid of him so she would just wait for the moment of victory. The moment she would laugh as the last one. „The Empress dowager is ordering for your visit. You should arrive in 1 hour!", she delivered the message of her ally. Actually the Empress dowager wanted to send one of her announcer to him but Kaofang insisted of convenying the message to him by herself. The reason? Of course to hurt him, embarrass him and show him his right place. She didn't want to miss the dark expression on his face when mentioning the Dowager's order. But instead of feeling overjoyed, she felt more defeated and angry. She was on the verge of ripping her hair in anger. Why? Because Oon wasn't showing the feelings she wanted to see, fear, desperation and insecurity.

Arthit was more calm, slightly bowing his head down to her, „I see... I'll be there soon", it sounded like as if he accepted the war declared on him. Although he couldn't guess the trump card they had against him this time, he took their challenge and would fight against them.

She just turned away from him, gritting her teeth before taking her way out of the flower palace. The maids were giggling behind, enjoying the play that happened before them. Prem and Toota looked at each other, exchanging a little smile. Today, they witnessed a rare event that occured twice in the palace. Concubine Oon confronting the Empress and humiliating her. Not only once but twice. He even accepted a challenge of their Empress dowager. With this, he proved them twice that he wasn't just the Emperor's play toy but a fighter who could protect himself from those evil schemers. The beautiful young man didn't always need their ruler's protection but he was a match to the ruling women too. Even Prem admitted that he clearly judged his master wrong. He wasn't frail neither fearful like he imagined at first. For him, Arthit was a brave man he would look up to from now.

Arthit turned to face Maprang, his assumption about her blaming herself for letting the crown prince getting hit again due to her carelessness, turned to be right. She felt guilty. He gave her a sweet smile, mumbling that he was alright. Even Prem and Toota hated the way the Empress treated their master that the Emperor allowed them to protect in his stead. Even if they wanted to meddle in, the shorter man defended himself without anyone's help. Arthit wouldn't even let them fight in his stead since he didn't want them to get punished on his behalf.

„I need you to visit the Emperor right away. Ask him to grant me permission to leave my palace", this procedure was neseccary. Since his freedom was rectricted, he couldn't leave the palace without getting Kong's permission first. He promised to listen to him so he didn't dare to disobey him. Beside he wasn't keen to see Kongpob's scary temper. If he ever disobey him again, the punishment wouldn't be directed towards him but towards his beloved servants.

Maprang bowed down her head to him before she took his order into action. Arthit looked behind her til she disappeared from his sight. He left out an exhausted sight, he was tired but couldn't show it to his servants. The spies among his servants who were sent from Kongpob, wouldn't hesitate to sneak to him about him feeling exhausted. It would result in Kong not to allow him to leave the palace bur also take care of the problem himself. No, he didn't want his man to always fight for him. He was weak but he was capable of fighting for himself.

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Sorry that I took long to update and didn't reply to the comments but I was busy... I failed the exams so I dropped out of the school, I needed time to collect myself... So what do you think of the chapter after the long break? Two died but Ashin survived? And the dowager is scheming against Arthit...

PS: I'll try to update part 2 of this chapter and the other stories sooner instead of watching soccer world champion...