"I am so sorry, son. Papa had to attend some meetings." Siwat tries to appease sulking Thorn but the baby just turns his face to Mama Kana's chest.

"Look Papa is crying now." Gulf whispers to his child who has been sitting on his lap forever but Thorn only pushes his face deeper.

Thorn likes... no loveees animals.

So, when Papa starts to take kids with him to give Gulf and Mew some privacy, Thorn quickly found his new interest in feeding and taking care of animals.

The baby was too excited to go with Papa that he got up early without a fuss, got ready on time and... Papa forgot all about him.

"He surely knows how to break our heart." Siwat tries to joke but his heart cannot take the ache. How can he make the baby boy understand that there was a riot in the nearby village and he had to attend the emergency meeting?

"The animals are not fed yet. They are waiting for little Thorn." Siwat kneels in front of Gulf, trying to get Thorn's attention.

"Lie." Thorn says.

"No... not at all. Come with Papa and I will show you."

"No, Papa lie." But Thorn peeks his little chubby pouty face out.

"Why don't you go with Papa and find out?" Gulf gives a little squeeze and then giggles when Thorn frowns before proceeding to wiggle down Gulf's lap to the floor.

Do not even try to help him; the Big Independent I-can-get-down-on-my-own will scream like a banshee, throwing a tantrum that may last for years.

P'Mew is right; Gulf is getting more dramatic day after day.

Gulf shrugs away his sadness. Why is the bowl still so clear? The blood droplets will not change the mage liquid to blue.

He rubs his tummy with a sad sigh but then smiles when he sees his little boy going with P'Siwa, little fist wrapped around the big man's forefinger.

"Be safe, boys!" Gulf hollers and his brat of a son only waves above his head, not even looking back at his mae. "Maybe he is all I need. He, himself is a handful.

"What are the rules?" Siwat asks when there are at a good distance away from the Animal Keeping.

"We no eat, what mamimals eat."

"That is correct. We do not eat animal food. I know you are tempted to lick all the mush but do not."

"Tyu. Mamimals eat our food, we geev food." Thorn points out with his fingers. He shows two with his little fingers and stands on his tippy toes, so Papa can see it better.

Thorn is good at counting. At least to five, anyways.

"Yes, we do not eat the rest of the food that an animal has taken a bite of. We give the rest to the animals. Then?"

"Dhee. Tell Papa mamimal bite."

"Yes, you have to tell Papa if an animal bites you or scratches you or makes you worried or... anything at all. Tell me."

"Papa?" Thorn scowls in confusion.

'Oh this is not good.' Siwat takes a deep breath.

"Yes son."

'Keep your cool, Siwa, don't show fear. Kids will gobble you up if you show fear.' Mymi's words ring in his ears.

"Thorn eat what San eat?"

Siwat chuckles so loudly it comes out as a holler. "Yes, son you can eat whatever San has eaten. San does not count. He is not an animal. Well, technically he is... I mean, we all are. But... you know what? Do not worry your little head. It is fine. Family can eat each other's food. San and you are family."

"Good cos Baby San eat my omle an Baby Thorn ate that too."

"Yup! You two can share an omelette and other foods too. It is okay. But if you see food which is half eaten but not sure who ate it, do not eat it, alright?"

Thorn blinks. Confusion making his already big eyes bigger.

Sigh! "Nothing son. We will make sure you will not eat anything you are not supposed to... well at least most of the time. Meh."

Siwat shakes his head when Thorn takes off running after an adorable smile to his animals.

"PAPA!!!"

"Coming!"

So what are the chances that the happy boy is now lying on this dad's lap with a fever due to scared heart?

Nobody has told him that but Mew knows it is his fault.

The father walks on the balcony, his baby son sleeping on his naked chest, as he tries to cool down Thorn's fevered heat.

"Shh... Thorn... it is okay, son."

His little boys were playing hide and seek and Thorn ran off to a closet space that was covered in cobwebs.

His son is not afraid of dark or small rooms but... cobwebs, his son cannot see it without a shudder. But since the room was not cleaned for years, Thorn was covered in it in a matter of moments.

San, his brave son figured it out despite his young age, cleaned Thorn as much as he can, dragging Thorn out of the place by hand and running to Mew screaming his little head off.

Thorn was so shocked even to utter a word.

"Spyda got baby Ton, daddy!" San had cried for both of them.

Mew sighs, finally sitting on the chair, making a nest for his son to sleep with is right foot on left knee and stares at his son.

He has failed his son as a dad.

The three days his baby son was held in captivity as an infant had scarred his little heart. And the Wizard Emperor cannot heal a heart.

Useless father!

Mew vividly remembers finding his child hidden in a coffin filled with cobwebs. No dad wants to find his son in a coffin but...

Mew was too happy to find his son, alive, kicking and screaming but to see Thorn scream for his mama, his fevered mind not letting his tiny eyes open... Mew became just a scared dad.

"It is in the child's horoscope, Emperor. His destiny had a visit of death. If he was anyone else's baby, he wouldn't have survived but Empress Gulf; the Goddess of Galoddhikeera, is his mother and You Mighty Emperor, The Sun God Descendent, is his father. Even death will think twice before touching him."

Mew frowns at the pattern drawn over the wooden slab at the middle of Thorn's life line. "Why is there an intertwined black and white lines? They form a twisted twine. Life and death should not co-exist."

"We are not sure, Emperor. We have never seen it before but... that line shows that The Young Emepror will be dead and alive at the same time. We... also have never come across such a fate, Emperor but curious after a few years, baby still have a clear life line."

Mew closes his eyes and drops his forehead over his son's. "Daddy has you, son. You are safe. I promise."

Mew is not one bit guilty about the palace servants who he has ordered to rub every inch of his King's Castle with their hands. They should be happy that Gulf has allowed them to use clothes when the Empress came to know about it... the Emperor wanted to see their hands grated till the bones.

"See, Baby Thorn is sleeping. He is fine." Mama Mi comes to him with a worried San sucking on his thumb.

"He is fine, son. What has daddy told you? If Daddy or Papa is near..."

"... no scared."

"Yes, there is nothing to be scared of." Mew smiles and proudly accepts the kiss San gives him on the cheek, leaning from his mae's waist. "Go sleep now. Thorn and you can play bullock blocks tomorrow."

Mild lovingly rubs Thorn's forehead and then leaves with worry-filled eyes.

Mew waves smiling when San waves at him from the door. His smile widens when he sees a beautiful face peeks behind the pillar which slowly dims when the gorgeous being smiles so happily at him.

He does not deserve that smile.

"Hey..." Gulf rasps. "I am sleepy. Come to sleep."

Mew nods. "Big Man wanted some wind."

Gulf nods. "That is enough wind. You also need sleep, Daddy." He leans down and slowly picks up the child to his chest.

"It is my fault, tua-eng."

"How is it yours? If anything... it is mine." Gulf whispers.

"You?!!! What?! How?!" Mew cannot even wonder why the best mother in the world can even think that way. He pulls his wife closer to him, his eyes truly showing the bewilderment he is feeling.

"If I had not let my ego get in the way... if I had accepted the moment you apologized... if I had not push you off... I..."

"Darling! My darling! What are you talking about?!"

"Is that why I am not blessed with one more child? It is, isn't it?" Gulf sniffles, trying very hard not to bawl that will surely wake his sleeping son.

Mew bites back a cuss and lovingly rubs Gulf's back. "Hey, hey... none of that matters. He is fine and remember what the healer has said? Getting sick when young is good. It will slowly improve his immunity. And fear of cobwebs is not a big deal. I am afraid of frogs and my strong wife takes care of them for me. Right, tua-eng?"

Gulf chuckles, adorably rubbing his eyes. His sadness long forgotten and that is when Mew takes a calming breath.

"And about bearing my essence. Do not be so quick, seductress. Give my swimmers time. You will be waddling with a swollen belly, soon."

Gulf gives Mew a lustful kiss.

"Let the kid sleep in the cradle but if he wakes up crying..."

Mew gulps and get himself lost in the soft spoken words and pink lips.

Gulf adorably shakes his head, knowing his effect on his poor husband. He takes Mew hand with a smirk and drags the man to their bedroom.

"Dada and mama are here, my child. We will never leave you, no matter what." Gulf promises his son, pecking his head.

Mew and Gulf have done it all. They have had sex for any reasons that may even sound absurd for many. They have made love because of pushing love that overflows their hearts, for anger and wants to show who among them is in control (they have not found an answer yet), for lust... and even that one or two times because they were bored and wanted to do something to make them feel happy... oh, that time when they saw two treach lizards mating and... well...

But to see his wife looking up at him with vulnerability swimming in his eyes... to know that his mate wants a child; sex has whole another level of meaning for Mew.

Mew leans down and presses a kiss on Gulf's belly. He knows the bowl has not turned Gulf's blood drops to blue but the loving father in him... no, it is his wistful thinking.

He lovingly rubs that will grow into a bump one day.

"You do not have to go so gentle all the time P'Mew." Gulf sits up and rubs his face on Mew's shoulder blade. "You can enjoy... the way you want, my heart." He leaves little bite marks all over his husband, seducing and tempting him.

Mew cannot.

He does not have that urge to succumb just to his bodily desires. He has and it is indeed something he enjoys far too much... and Gulf too. He knows his little nymph of a wife who has pleasure points all over his body.

But... maybe it is because he knows Gulf is doing it to conceive or maybe he is also doing it now because he wants to be a father... oh hell, he does not know... maybe he is getting old.

Whatever the reason, Mew cannot just do it. He cannot shake the odd sensation that prompts him to be so gentle; his eyes frequently skipping to Gulf's milky belly, his hands have already started rubbing on it so gently.

His hand winds around Gulf, and slowly places his wife back to bed with a firm palm on the small of Gulf's back.

"Hey, mama..." Mew bites Gulf's flaming ears.

"Hey, daddy..." Gulf giggles and then gasps. Gulf can barely hold the thread of control over his lusty feelings these days. It breaks every time so fast when his handsome husband is near.

Gulf quickly undoes the man's waistband ties.

"God, you want my child so bad." Mew growls.

"I do, my mate. Impregnate me."

Dear Gods above and below!

Despite his brain and other organs going haywire, his heart holds him in check. 'Be gentle.'

Mew had once learned the hard lesson when he ignored his heart once. He will never repeat it again and hence, the man is so soft on his wife's body, despite the hardness that pushes into Gulf's warmth.

Gulf is flowing. He does not care. He simply hugs his husband's back, eyes closed and prays about having another baby.

"Please not yet." Gulf begs to his God and of course Mew bows to his Goddess.

He cradles Gulf's head on his palm and then smiles when he feels extremely powerful. There are remnants of tears on the edges of Gulf's eyes and Mew lovingly wipes it away.

"Okay, now." Gulf slowly wiggles and that is when Mew pulls completely out of his wife.

"P'Mew..." Gulf worriedly calls when Mew lies next to him.

"Yes, darling." Mew slowly raises Gulf's legs and places them over his knee. The healer has suggested that this elevated positon may help them conceive faster. Mew kisses Gulf's forehead when his wife does not reply.

Mew then takes the medicated ampule from the nightstand and slowly insert it inside Gulf wet and still open channel. It will keep his semen alive for some more time and increase the probability of conception.

"P'Mew, will the Moon Goddess bless me again?" Gulf wrings his fingers and then winces when the ampule bursts and intense coldness seep inside him.

"Bless you? Gulf, you are already the blessed one. My Moon is you, my beloved. If the Gods and Goddesses and other beings are waiting, then it is for me to prove my worth. You... you are already given all the best. And about our son..."

Mew rubs his own chest and his wife frowns and starts petting him. "P'Mew..."

"I had failed to protect him. The reason you rejected me in the first place is because of my deeds. Deeds I have done without thinking twice. Please, not even for a moment, think that any of it was your fault. It was not. It is me who have to prove... you, my wife, you are the best."

"Well, hubby, if this does not happen..." Gulf squeezes the hand on his stomach. "I am okay. I am greedy. I am happy with you, the children we already have, the family we have made, the home we have built... I am so happy."

Gulf mumbles something more but his adorable sleepy kitty falls asleep on him without making much sense.

Mew cannot sleep. He is stressed. And nothing goes well when he is stressed.

Thorn wakes up later at night, already whimpering and mumbling and Mew is quickly beside him. It may sound as whimpers and whispers but the father knows his son might be screaming in his dream.

"Remember Thorn, when Daddy is near, you have nothing to be afraid of." Mew rocks his child and takes him to the sleeping mother. "Shhh... mama is here. You are sleeping."

Mew takes a cold, wet cloth from the water filled earthen pot and places on his son's forehead.

Just as another whimper leaves Thorn's mouth, Gulf wakes up from the slumber with a frown. He stares at his wiggling, whimpering son for a few moments before pulling him closer.

"Child, my child... mae is here." Gulf smothers Thorn with kisses and that is how they fall asleep one more time.

Mew smiles when Thorn starts patting for immi on mama's chest and places his face on it, holding the other one secure in his palm.

Mew does not have a good day the next day also. His mind is not calm and the dream he had may have something to do with it.

And whenever Mew dreams something like that his wife cries but he is thankful for the messages his Ancestors give him. It has helped him prepare for the worst.

And it is the worst indeed.

His son was extra clingy today morning and even a visit to the Animal Keep will not let his leg go. Mew even walked around with Thorn sitting on his foot but... Gulf finally called N'Mild to bring the spoon.

So, here he is sitting on the throne, thinking of his child who is just back from the fever when the scroll is slipped to his hand.

"At most importance." Mew frowns at the symbol of Galos - his Gulf's birth Island - on the front.

Mew goes through the scroll once before reading it thoroughly, expecting the words to change its meaning.

No.

'The Queen Mother' is indeed here.

The audacity to use the title to have an audience with the King. Mew grinds his teeth and crinkles the papers in anger.

"Where is she?"

"Waiting for His Highness and The Empress to welcome her in."

Mew snorts. "Give her a token. Treat her like any other."

"But Emp..."

Mew's eyes stop the man from talking further.

Mew is troubled. How will he handle this? Mew, like any other loving husband, wants his wife to be happy and never see him in any sadness.

But... this is his Gulf's mother. No! Not mother. Just the person who gave birth to the most precious person in Mew's world.

Mew slowly rubs the bridge of his nose. His rage brewing. He can keep this a secret and handle this discreetly. That woman has nothing beyond her sight but money.

Mew then vividly remembers the dream. His wife screaming at him; pointing all the mistakes he had ever done to Gulf and their child. The dream ends with Gulf leaving as a fog and Mew roaming around the desert without seeing his beloved soulmate.

Is by keeping this a secret Mew putting Gulf in the same position he was before?

Mew's lips twitch when Gulf's Royal Valet brings a lovers' note to him but he sighs this time he will not be sending back a love sick fool's reply.

"Missing you terribly. I had rose syrup. Thought of you and your cheating game. If my hubby was next to me, we will be... playing the game again."

Mew squirms. Gulf has decided to visit the Moon Temple every evening to pray for their next offspring and of course as the loyal husband, he follows.

Then they will spend quite some time inside the Ritual Chamber, mostly singing, telling each other stories and of course playing games.

Last night was so special. Gulf, in his red bedroom gown, had made Mew think of very blasphemous thoughts inside the temple itself. Why were there slits on the seductress's thighs if not for Mew's teeth to itch for a hard bite?

So, yes, Mew might have cheated. He does not remember it now.

His eyes were fixed on the milky globes that was swaying in front of his eyes. Mew whimpered thinking his wife would not let him touch him before the bell strikes three times.

That did not mean he could not push off the light sheen material an inch away, for his eyes to feast on the smooth flesh. Gulf was practically glowing under moonlight and the fawn was unaware of the Lion predating on his exposed flesh.

"You should remove another button if any other piece falls, tua-eng. And you have to sit on my lap and you will let me suck off rose syrup from your chest."

"Really? Aw." Gulf pouted.

No, not really. But no one was there to correct the Emperor and the person who was playing on the other end was as clueless as a new born puppy to understand the rules kept on changing.

Mew bit his lips hard trying to control his hunger when he saw the edge of Gulf's sleeve almost touchi... touched!

Three, four pieces fell like a fountain and Gulf dropped his wooden piece in surprised anguish.

"P'Mew I did not touch it!!! It fell on its own."

"Does not matter!" Mew pulled his wife to his lap and the fawn only remembered sitting on the man's lap. Mew roughly pushed the blocks off and if Gulf could utter a word, he would have called out the man but...

'The ritual' began a lot earlier than Gulf intended to.

"My King..." A girly giggle pulls him back to the court room.

"I... uh... this is a puzzle. I was... uh... thinking of..."

"I understand, King." The girl blushes ducking her head. "But the Empress is impatient to receive your note. If I make him wait, he will scold me for wandering around."

Mew sighs. "I am worried, Ninya. The note I am going to write now is not a lover's note. I want you to bring back his reply as fast. This is important."

"Will it hurt my Empress?" Ninya asks, her eyes already worried.

"Will make him sad but I know it is not my place." Mew mumbles and starts writing the matter.

"... former Lady of Galos is here. Her husband is not here. I have a feeling she is here to talk to me, most likely demand, about something political or financial. She addressed herself as 'The Queen Mother'. It does not matter. You are my wife. You are the Empress. You are above all. If you wish me to handle it alone, I will be a happy man. But I know you want the freedom of choice. Beloved, tell me how to proceed this. Send me a dot (.) if you do not want to talk about the matter."

"Specifically tell him that there is nothing his husband cannot handle." Mew shoos the girl away and watches her running away.

But Mew knows his wife. So he is not surprised to receive the letter that asked him to wait for the Empress.

"Did he say anything?"

"'Nothing my husband cannot handle' before I could deliver your message, sir. The Empress will be here when the bell chimes four."

Mew smiles. He is so proud of his wife but sometimes he wishes his wife a little less stubborn but that is his possessiveness and over-protective feelings talking.

"Get her papers ready." Mew orders the clerk and the man goes with a bow.

The Lady walks in holding her head high and obvious mightier-than-thou steps. "I have been asked to wait." She complains. "Queen Mother is the resident of the palace and I assume the formalities are followed without the consent of my son. He sure will hear about this."

The murmurs rise and the Lady demands a cushioned chair.

Nobody moves and she stomps her foot in anger. "I demand a chair!"

Mew thinks about wringing her neck with his bare hands, maybe throw in a spell or two that will literally boil her blood. Oh, another spell to keep her mute but wait, the screams will be too beautiful to hide.

"Emperor of Galoddhikeera, have you forgotten your tradition? I am your mother-in-law. Wife of..." Mew smirks when the lady tries to backtrack her words. "I... I demand an audience. Petty people have wronged me. I suggest you take extreme disciplinary actions for hurting your family... they have forgotten your power or how will they..."

The door to the Court Room opens and Mew's mouth drop open. He has never... no, not joking at all... he has never seen Gulf in traditional Empress Attire.

Mew does not remember standing up from his throne but when his mind is back, he has walked half the distance to his wife.

"Beloved." Mew calls and Gulf formally bows to his husband.

"Archaaran Mew Suppasit." Gulf formally addresses him and Mew is... uh... no words.

Crown, jewellery that stated all his political status, hand fan that is customary for submissive partners and... the royal sceptre and Empress face shield.

The Golden Lion's open mouth on the either sides of Gulf's cheeks, showed his power over the Emperor.

The gown is literally made of precious metals and gems, not even a thread is made of fibre. It weighs like bricks and the thought quickly makes Mew wind his hands around his wife.

Gulf looks around and sees everyone inside the crown room on their knees and he also notices the lady who is also bowing.

Mew keeps a steady hand on Gulf's back and another holding Gulf's palm, guiding him to the throne and seating him on the left side.

Everybody sits when Emperor also takes the seat.

Gulf unnervingly stares at the lady who is trying hard not to look at him.

Good. At least Gulf does not have to make the woman remember who he is.

"Formally address the Royal Couple before stating your needs." The court keeper announces.

Why is the woman shaking?

"I am your mother!" The Lady announces but still will not look at Gulf. "Whatever I have done..."

"Start.By.Addressing.The.Royal.Couple." Siwat draws his sword and the Lady looks shocked that his son remains silent.

"I... Emperor and Empress of Galoddhikeera." Siwat sheaths his sword and nods, permitting the woman to talk.

"Proceed with your complaint." Gulf whispers and the whole court room falls silent.

"Empress of Galoddhikeera is my son. I demand the position of Queen Mother to be given to me."

"That is not your complaint. Lying to get an audience with the Emperor is a punishable offence." Clerk raises the Lady's formal complaint.

Gulf watches his birth giver raising voice and claiming her superior position.

"I reject your maternity. You can prove it officially, if you like to raise an appeal." Gulf nods to his husband.

"Madam Srudta, Lady Councilman..." Mew calls. "If you address my wife as anything other than Empress from now on, I will handle you legally. The only reason you are now standing is because of the political liability your husband Prema, State Councilman of Galos bring."

The woman gulps.

"Forward your complaint."

"My husband..." Srudta starts.

"Prema, right?" Mew smirks but behind his veil of nonchalance Mew is worried for his wife. His hand slowly rubs Gulf's thumb.

"Y... yes..."

"Hmm... The man's affidavit states he does not have any legal heir." Mew casually adds.

'I will make you tell the truth. I will make you eat them. You sold off my beloved like a common whore.' Mew is glad that his wife, protector of innocents cannot politically correct his thoughts.

"I..." The lady tries but then thinks better of it. "I am his Prima Plimora. I married him first. I have given him everything. I have sacrificed my life for him but... he married again. A snobby child who is a decade and half younger than him. Disgusting! Now he is assigning that trash as his Prima Plimora."

"That is a serious accusation. The position of Prima Plimora is vital. It is not easy to change names in legal documents. Has he just started using the new wife's name one day?"

"No... but... but... I married him first."

"That is not relevant. You must be aware of it. But why would you think he changed his mind?"

"His new wife is a hooligan! He is a snob! He bewitched my husband. He is using his father's power over me. His father is the minister of mining and now Prema does not want me... Imprison him!!!"

Oh, Mew is loving this!

Karma is indeed a bitch.

"But what prompted Prema to change his mind?"

"The weasel got pregnant. The child is a bastard, I know it! It is not Prema's. He will be sorry to push me away. He threw me out of our home when the... the... that whore got pregnant. Even if I tried to kill him and the bastard child, Prema should be thankful! I did not though. I do not know how pushed him to the water."

The lady falls to the floor crying.

"Isn't it normal? His wife... second wife, I agree but is with his child. The mother of his heir. Isn't that enough reason to be Prima Plimora?"

"What about me? I can get pregnant too... It is just he will not touch me after my third abortion. He thinks I purposefully killed my children every time... which mother does that?"

"Which mother indeed..." Gulf wonders loudly.

"Gulf!" Srudta hisses. Her abusive traits shining in her eyes. No one talks back to her. "You listen to me urgrateful... You are the Empress only because..."

Mew's mage warps around the woman's neck but it is Gulf's silence that frightened her.

Gulf will stand up for his mother, right? Right?

"If I kill you, Prema will create a riot in Galos." Mew states knowing very well, he will not. This woman is a plague to him. But this lady does not deserve death. "How will you address my beloved wife, Lady?"

"Em...Emp..." Mew squeezes his fist harder and the purple mage that has taken the shape of a snake winds harder around the fragile neck.

Siwat slowly taps the man's shoulder and that is when Mew lets go.

"That is my husband... my first husband..." The woman points to the picture of the Governor of Galos, the Empress' Late father on the left side of the palace. On the right, it is Emperor's parents.

"Oh so you married again?" Mew asks with fake curiosity. "You are not his Prima Plimora too? Is that why my wife is not listed as your heir anywhere?"

Mew forwarded the check and she can now mate herself to her fall.

"I... I... it is not wrong to marry again." She looks around. People are already speaking in hushed whispers. "I was his Prima Plimora but..."

"You broke the sacred bond when you married again." Mew finishes. "You were supposed to remain faithful to him but you could not. It is not wrong but can you blame your new man who does not want you anymore? After all, you will just abandon his child, his heritage and will seek another person again, right?" Mew asks and Gulf is still staring at the stranger of a woman.

"It is him who tempted me. He promised me I would be... I even turned my back against my..."

Mew calls Prema in and the man is sweating though he is shivering.

"State Councilman! Your wife has some allegations on your marriage."

"Emperor! Empress! I want to dissolve my marital bond with this woman." The man states falling at Gulf's feet.

Mew is worried for his wife. He should not be stressed at this time. Healers specifically asked him to keep Gulf from all threat but his wife is getting his justice. He only hopes it will not stretch too far.

"Your husband's home is palace property. I remember quite clearly yourself stating you do not know any 'Gulf'." Mew goes through the assets of either person.

"He made me do this. My husband loved me. He tempted me. He told me if I obeyed him everything will be mine. I will testify against him. I was unaware of..."

"The court dealings will be forwarded to Prince Taehyung and Consort Jungkook." Gulf announces and Mew agrees sadly when he sees tears in his wife's eyes.

"The late husband addressed here is my beloved father. My emotions are compromised in this case. It is neither wise nor just for me or my husband to investigate this issue." Gulf bows to his Emperor. "Just King, please proceed accordingly. There is a reason why there is only my father's picture here. I do not acknowledge anybody's maternity over me. I hope, my answer is clear."

Mew nods standing up as he helps Gulf down to the hall until valets rush to the distressed Empress.

Prema begs for mercy for he is going to be a father. His new wife is all he needs and he will bear any punishment if it promises a happy future with his family.

Mew fists his palm. This man sold his step-son. To a ruthless ruler, no less. Mew can get behind his anger towards Prema but what about this lady. Her only child was suffering and...

"Address yourself as my wife's mother one more time, Srudta... I will not be held responsible for my actions. Legally I am the only Guardian of Gulf Kanawut Traipipattanapong. Royal Treasurer will conduct an investigation on the Late Governor's bank account statements and will. Also... carry out an investigation on the Governor's untimely demise. Move forward with utmost prejudice. These two are the criminals of the century. To conspire against one's own child is not forgivable in this empire."

Mew takes a deep breath. "My wife, the Empress of Galoddhikeera has shown you the utmost mercy which you do not deserve by handing over the case to Tae's jurisdiction. Be grateful and move out of my sight."

Mew leaves the court room as Siwat handles the hysteric woman. She thought she could get away with anything, thinking since Gulf and Mew are sweethearts now, her being Gulf's mother would be enough.

Oh! How wrong is she!

"Will not even let me in..." Mild complains as soon as he reaches the Queen's Castle.

Mew nods and then gently knocks the door thrice. "GO AWAY!"

"Tua-eng, you cannot kick me out this time. We talked about this remember?"

Silence meets his words and Mew push opens the door.

The attire and jewelleries are thrown haphazardly and Gulf is angrily yanking the pins and clips of his hair.

Mew cradles Gulf's hands to his lips. "Darling, let me."

Mew slowly undoes every little knot, and clips dipping his hands in oil, so he will not even accidently hurt his wife.

"Biii..." Mew calls and Gulf finally breaks down.

"It was all her, P'Mew... all along. I had hope it was that man who could not love me because I was not biologically his."

Mew pats Gulf's head on his stomach.

"It was my mother. She wanted power... for that... P'Mew did she kill my father?"

"Gulf, baby, listen to me... you cannot cry like this. It is bad for you at this time. Remember what the healers said. Emotional distress is bad for you, honey."

Gulf still keeps on crying.

"Oh my sweet wife, I promise whatever happens, you are with me. With your family. She does not matter to you, anymore. Remember?"

Ninya comes in without a noise and starts cleaning the room knowing clutter will tick the Empress further.

Then she proceeds to fill the bathtub with warm water and then informs the Emperor who is now holding the Empress on his lap.

All through the bath, Gulf sniffles and cries. "P'Mew, I do not want to know about the investigation. I may not bear it."

Mew agrees sadly and pours water on Gulf's head wiping away shampoo suds.

"I am hungry. Feed me, please. I want sweet rwasps dipped in meat gravy."

"Anything for my beloved." Though it sounds and tastes so gross.

His wife is the resilient person he has ever seen. He is so fereking grateful that unlike everyone who has done Gulf wrong, Mew stuck through the bitter, sour, rough and hard... until he is part of Gulf again.

Mew is so fereking grateful.

Or just like what has happened to Srudta, Gulf would have just shed a few tears of pain and moved on like nothing has ever happened.

But Mew is still closely watching.

Gulf should not go through anything extreme. He is going to be carrying soon and Mew is worried.

The medication, the sexual deeds are religiously done and Mew has been slipping out of the warm bed to meet the Sun God also. There is nothing Mew would not do for Gulf.

He smiles seeing Gulf has rolled around the blanket and only his chubby pouty face is seen outside the roll.

Mew quickly chants the prayer, talking the merit offerings and then placed a blessed leaf behind Gulf's ear.

"Wherdya go?" Gulf mumbles. "I missdu."

Mew chuckles. "Just to the temple. Did not mean to wake you up, wifey."

"Hmm..." Gulf wiggles and then pats the side he has warmed up for hubby. "Thorn slept through the night."

"Yeah. Sleep now. You should not be awake yet."

Gulf smiles and wiggles around until he lies happily on Mew's chest.

Mew smiles when the valet comes to again with a blushing face and uncontrollable giggles. "The Empress promises his husband a pleasant lunch break. I do not even want to know."

Mew lovingly chides the girl with a smack on her head. "As you should be. Do not think I do not notice, you and my steward making eyes at each other."

"My Liege! He is just my... my friend and... I don't..."

"Shoo. He is at the dining room but has not started eating yet. Something about waiting for home-made jam or something. It better be the jam you spread on the bread and eat, Nong."

"My Liege! Of course it is. I ..." The poor girl splutters and bursts with embarrassment. "I will just go. Empress will hear about this."

"Nong..." Sigh. She runs away covering her face. "The dining room is the other way..."

Mew laughs when the girls groans loudly but then rushes off to the right direction.

Well, her reaction is worth his wife's pinches.

Hey, but it is Gulf who caught on their flirting and asked him to support it. This is Mew supporting it but he does not want Gulf to have his lovely valet broken, if that stupid boy breaks her heart.

Mew will not hear the end of it... ever!

He shakes his head and opens his wife's love note.

If I prayed harder will my Sun God visit his Sunflower a little earlier for lunch?

Mew's heart flutters.

"You have to ask, tua-eng? You know your one word will be enough for me to rush back to you even from the battle field." Mew mumbles to the note, already clearing his afternoon hearings and assigning other judges for important proceedings.

Mew can already hear Gulf singing inside his bedroom and Mew's face brightens with happiness.

His wife is adorable when he sings from his heart. He opens the door and the happiness makes way to lust.

His wife naked and gorgeous from fresh shower, hair still wet... is happily signing in front of the mirror.

"Well looks like today we are just jumping right into it." Mew says and Gulf turns around with a happy laugh and runs to him already waiting for the hug.

Mew has already shed half of his clothes but his wife is in no hurry. Taking his time to pull of Mew's shirt, leaving nips and pecks on the exposed torso, but when Mew pulls the seductress to him by those jiggly honey pots, Gulf pushes away.

"I learned a new trick." Gulf states.

"Good. Get in the bed. You can show me. Wait... who taught you that trick?"

That earns him a slap on the shoulder. "Silly, P'Mew! It is a magic trick."

Phew!

What? Mew is not crazily possessive. He is just crazy and a bit possessive.

It is okay. The Emperor has said it is okay! No one dare questions him.

"I want to show you the magic." Gulf wiggles and escapes from Mew's gropes and hugs.

"Fine! Whatever makes my wife happy. But look, it rises on its own. I think it is magic!" Mew announces and Gulf takes a look down where Mew is pointing.

"Goddess P'Mew... you are such a pervert!"

Mew laughs at Gulf's disgusted expression.

"Here stand in front of the mirror and answer me truthfully. How many people do you see in the mirror?"

"Ummm... one."

Is there anyone hiding in his bedroom with his Empress. He will kill that person; magic or not!

"Sure? Look thoroughly. You cannot change the answer later."

"No one except me, tua-eng. So one."

"Okay! Good. Now..." Gulf stands next to Mew, his excitement unconcealed. "... how many?"

"Two, you and me." They look gorgeous together.

Mew smirks. Mew and Gulf are so heavenly made.

"Are you sure? Look closely..."

"Two, tua-eng." Mew kisses Gulf's shoulder and smiles when his wife smiles.

"You are wrong. There are three people here."

Mew chuckles. "Really? Guess that is the magic. Do tell where is the third person?"

Gulf remains silent, staring at their perfect image. "Well, you are the one who casted the magic. You find where the third person is."

Mew bites Gulf's ears. "Stop teasing me and tell me already. We have better things to do for a noble cause."

Then his wife takes his hand and place it on his belly with a serene smile. "I am going to be a mother. There is a little person inside me. Your child."

"What?!" Mew turns his wife around, so he can see the beautiful face as it is. The mirror cannot capture this celestial beauty and the image has not done Gulf justice.

"Want to see?"

"You have to ask?" Mew is this close to running out of the window and flying with happiness.

Gulf giggles and runs to the bowl.

"Tua-eng! How many times have to cut your finger?" Mew quickly grabs the forefinger and glares at the multitude of tiny cut marks on its tips.

"Until I was sure about it myself." Gulf yanks his hand back and then happily makes a cut again with a wince. "See, P'Mew..."

Mew blinks at the bowl that is deep blue for a few moments before fading back to crystal clear.

"W... we are pregnant."

Gulf giggles again. "I. I am pregnant." Gulf leans to his husband.

"We." Mew adamantly says.

Hey, the kid is his. He has worked hard and now he will proudly say to everyone that he is the other part of the whole pregnancy ordeal. Who is going to be his wife whole support?

So, yes. 'We' is the correct term.

Mew pulls Gulf's face closer to him in a pull and sucks the pouty lips deeper into his mouth. "P'Mew... what are you... woow. Easy, mister."

"Not going to go easy on you." Mew promises. He cannot keep is hands off his wife.

"We can't! We have to see the healer and I am not going with your fluid still in me." Gulf moans when Mew spreads open his legs.

But it feels so nice... maybe the healer will not notice; Gulf succumbs to his desires, ignoring his shyness.

Mew on the other hand, is going insane with the emotions in him. The late night Moon Temple visits, the early visits to the Sun Temple... all has paid off.

Their child.

Dear Gods! They are indeed going to be parents again!

"P'Mew are you crying?" Gulf gently rubs the head that is hidden on the crook of his neck.

"N... No."

Mew rubs the remnants of his essence on Gulf's thigh to clean the tip, leaning back with red eyes and wet nose.

"Look what you did. I have to bath again." Gulf scolds his hubby.

"I am bathing you. Up." Mew picks up Gulf as gently as he can and his wife notices.

"I am not fragile!"

"My baby is." Mew congratulates himself for coming up with a wise response that will shut his wife up.

He decides he is going to throw that around when he notices his wife has gone silent. He presses a kiss on that forehead.

God! He is going to be a father. This time... this time Mew is really going to know what it will be like to have a child.

"You are already an excellent father. Thorn is so lucky to have you. My dad is so proud of you. And darling, I wanted to be pregnant from you. I wanted your child... not just a child 'yours'. If that does not tell you anything what will?"

Mew does not know how Gulf can read him that easily.

He smiles. "H... have you talked to the healer?"

Gulf clutches Mew's hand that is shaking so badly while rubbing his tummy with loofah.

"I wanted you to know first. Now, I will call the Royal Healer. You can leave to court."

"What? Are you kidding me? I am staying."

"P'Mew..." Gulf giggles. "It is not at all necessary. I was planning to go to Healer's chamber alone but I do not think I can. You have made me tired but you do not have to stay."

"My child disagrees." Mew states.

See, that shuts up his wife.

Despite seeing the blue hue on the bowl multiple times, Gulf is really wary. What if...

Mew slowly rubs his stomach and back with gentle hands as he swings his legs back and forth on the high bed.

Why does this bed have to be so high? Will it fall?

"Stop it!" Mew stops Gulf from shaking his legs harder.

"Will it fall?"

"No." Mew takes a deep breath.

"How do you know?"

"I am holding the damn thing down with my magic. It is too tall for my liking. So stop trying to shake it. It is making me nervous."

"Oh." Gulf nods and starts humming. "Can I swing my legs?"

Mew sighs. "Yes, tua-eng... just not so hard... baby will be sleeping."

"Oh."

"You do not have to worry about a thing. We can do this all over again if the healer says otherwise."

That eases Gulf's mind but as soon as the healer enters Gulf is back to being nervous.

"Congratulations, father..." The Royal Healer hands over the scroll to Mew with a bright smile.

"R... really? I will murder you if this is a sick joke." Mew plops down to the floor, the letters swimming around his eyes.

"Your blood pressure is a bit high." The Royal Healer ignores the threat of the excited father and talks to the mother. "But it might be because of the... recent activity."

Gulf blushes and peeks down to his husband sitting on the floor.

He shakes his head when he sees the man holding the scroll upside down. "You broke my husband, fix him."

"I love where my head is, thank you Empress. Just lie down for a minute. The excitement will make you dizzy. I suggest a nap. By then your husband will fix himself. Give him time."

Gulf smiles and slowly reclines to the bed with the help of the healer.

"This feels different." He says when he sees Mew's face appear next to the healer.

"Hm? What is?" Mew is crying and he does not even care to hide it.

"I don't know... this feeling. I love it. Stay with me." Mew starts rubbing Gulf's tummy and that is how he wants to fall asleep.

The healer is right. He can breathe a lot easier now.

"P'Mew..."

"Yes darling..."

"There is a monk who lives next to our first home. Can I have him in my medical team? He... knows me."

"My Empress can have anything or anybody you wish."

"Please ask him respectfully... if he refuses, do not threaten him... I know you. But my darling husband, as long as I have my family next to me with you holding my hand, I do not need anybody else... do not forget that..."

Mew nods and watches his wife slowly falling asleep.

Serenity makes Gulf's face divine as he dreams of his husband again.