"I have a plan to propose " Prem said " I and alpha Knot with some soldiers will remain here while others will find their way to border. "

" Impossible . " Arthit thundered " We don't leave our men behind. "

" Don't be fool " Prem glared " We need to get my omega and yours, out of here as soon as possible. "

" And we will. " Arthit insisted " all together"

" If we all escape at once, we will be framed for conspiring to destabilize panthara " Knot voiced out his thought.

Arthit although angry, fell silent, listening to their diplomat.

" We need to get the omegas out in a way that panthara can't blame us. Nor will the Chief Councillor find any reason to press further charges on us. For that, we need to play by shifter laws. " Knot said " If I and Prince Prem remain here, we can represent our side. And Meanwhile, you can report the happenings here to the King and bring an army to Panthara's border if necessary. "

" Then, I will remain back " Arthit said. " Wad needs his alpha. Especially when he is nurturing future of our kingdom."

"Are you mad ? " Prem growled " Chief Councillor will sentence you just for existing if he can."

" He definitely wants to kiss you for stealing omega he wanted " Arthit retorted.

" Well that old pervert can kiss my ass " Prem made a disgusted face while Wad growled. "Mine. " instantly making Prem blush.

Kongpob was fascinated to see an alpha blushing. It made him think can he make his alpha blush like that sometimes ?

But he instantly threw away the thought. Alpha Prem and Wad were mates. And Wad was more like an alpha than an omega. Kongpob can never be that brave. He can't have what they had. Besides, he should focus on escape strategy rather than daydreaming about his master .

" Despite it all, I need to stay behind. " Prem said. " It is the only way "

Arthit looked at Wad, and Wad nodded , making Arthit frown. " You will want the father of your pup in an enemy territory?"

Wad shook his head " I want the prince of Panthara to do his duty. So, I can proudly teach my pup to be like him. He is not under investigation,General, you are. So, he needs to remain here to contain the situation and reverse the damage if he can. "

"Anything can happen here" Arthit cautioned in rasinian ..

Wad looked at his mate who smiled at him in assurance. "I trust my alpha's promise. He will be back to me in no time"

" Fine " Arthit scowled " What can I do, when everybody had conspired against me ? Tell us your grand plan. "

Knot and Prem ignored Arthit's sarcastic tone, they explained their strategy , their voices low but urgent.

"The omegas will be disguised as traders and servants," Knot said, pointing to the marked border routes on the map. "They will become the part of trader's caravan leaving the palace. Prince Toota and Prince Wad can fight well so they will be at the entrance of Cart. Prince Kongpob will be well hidden in the cart .

Alpha Reza will be the main trader while three other alphas will become part of his caravan. They will escort them through the west gate of the palace that leads to the jungle.
The key is subtlety. We can't risk alerting the King's guards too early."

Prem nodded, his sharp eyes glinting in the dim candlelight. "Meanwhile, Arthit, your letter to King Adiratna must serve as the perfect distraction. Demand that Kongpob's old nanny and attendants be released to tend to your pregnant omega. Add an impossible request-Wysteria flowers. Say, Prince Kongpob needs to have potion of wysteria. It'll inflame his pride and keep his attention on the wrong things."

Arthit smirked faintly, though his chest felt tight. "He'll tighten security around the prison, thinking I'm trying to smuggle someone out. It's exactly what we need."

Prem placed a firm hand on Arthit's shoulder. "Exactly. And while his eyes are on you, we'll make our move. Bright and I will infiltrate the prison and free Kongpob's attendants-Oak and Tew-as well as his nanny."

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the gravity of the plan. Each step was fraught with peril, and even the smallest mistake could unravel everything.

"Reza," Arthit turned to the towering alpha, "I trust you to get the omegas to safety. You can't falter, not for a second."

Reza inclined his head. "You have my word, Prince."

"And Prem," Arthit added, his voice tightening, "you're taking the biggest risk. Getting caught..."

Prem's grin was sharp and full of bravado. "Don't worry about me. I'll make it convincing. Knot and I will give you enough time to vanish. "

The plan was set, though the weight of its execution pressed heavily on all their shoulders.

" I will write the letter and take it to King Adiratna " Knot said.

" I need few minutes alone with my omega" Prem announced, he marched to Wad, took his hand, and led him to another room.

" So do I " Arthit announced. " Meanwhile, alpha Reza track alpha Bright and get him to arrange trader's costumes and carts "

Nodding , Alpha Reza marched out , to pin down alpha Bright.

" Rest of you, take few minutes to go over the plan, if anyone have any questions, they can ask me, or prince Prem or alpha Knot " Arthit announced.

He looked at Kongpob and Kongpob instantly stood up from his seat beside Toota, making Toota giggle as Kong found his way beside Arthit.

Arthit took him to their bedchamber in that guest wing.

......

" Prince Kongpob " Arthit made him sit on the bed, while he perched on a stool infront of his omega " You will be leaving in twenty minutes. "

Kong nodded, fiddling with his fingers in his lap.

" Do you want to say anything? " Arthit asked.

" Your route is longest one. " Kong murmured.

Arthit couldn't help but smile " Stop worrying about me, Velinai (dearest). "

Kongpob's heart clenched at the word Velinai. It rolled off Arthit's tongue with such tenderness that it sent a pang through his chest. He looked up, his wide, doe-like eyes meeting his alpha's.

"How can I not worry, alpha?" Kongpob whispered, his voice trembling slightly. "You'll be in danger. My uncle is hell bent on harming you. What if something happens to you?"

Arthit's expression softened, and he reached out to gently take Kongpob's hands in his. "Listen to me, omega mine" he said firmly. "I have faced worse battles, stood against enemies far more cunning and cruel than your uncle or Chief Councillor Raka . You need to trust me, na."

Kongpob's lips quivered, but he nodded, though the doubt still lingered in his gaze. "I just... I don't want you to get hurt," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Arthit leaned forward, resting his forehead against Kongpob's, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. "I won't," he said quietly. "No matter what happens, I promise I will be with you before you cross the border. "

Kong looked up at his alpha's determined face " Promise, Vayor ? (most trusted one. Can also mean husband when an omega says it)

"Promise, my omega. " Arthit assured , " Now, come here, " He left his seat on the stool , to sit beside Kongpob. Wrapping his arms around Kongpob's tense figure, he kissed the crown of his omega. " I will be by your side before you know it. "

" I am holding you to your promise,my alpha " Kongpob closed his eyes, the warmth of Arthit's presence steadying him. He wanted to believe those words, but the dread in his heart was a stubborn shadow that refused to fade.

Arthit pulled back slightly, his hand moving to cup Kongpob's cheek. "Call me your alpha once again."

" My alpha" Kong said.

" Neshai fah-lore (My most cherished one ) " leaning, Arthit cupped Kongpob's face between his palms and kissed his forehead. " I can't wait you to take you to Rasina. "

" To handle your household ? "

" That too. " Arthit smiled. " But, most of all, I want you away from here. In a place where I know you will be safe, secure and happy."

Kong hugged Arthit " Thank you, Alpha. You have a really kind heart.."

Arthit patted Kongpob's back, the omega clung to him like someone glued him to Arthit . " Are you nervous,Prince Kongpob ?" Arthit asked.

Kongpob nodded against Arthit's chest. " Don't be, it's not a long distance" Arthit cajoled. " You will be well protected. "

"Alpha..." Kong murmured.

" Hmm ? "

Kong lifted his chin, looking at Arthit
" Can you brand me ? "

" Brand you ? " Arthit gaped.
Brand as a slave ?

Kong nodded " I just want to be recognised as yours. Even if they catch me, they should recognise me as yours. I have vowed to serve you till my last breath."

" If you just want to be called mine, there is another way, neshai fah-lore (my cherished one) " Arthit said. "Let me mark you. "

" Mark ? " Kongpob's eyes bulged " I cannot accept this, alpha. "

" Why?."

" Because, you will be marking me out of pity. I have done nothing to be proven worthy as a mate of great general as yourself. You are not even interested in being physically serviced by me. By mating me, you will be doing great disservice to your nation and yourself. You should mate someoke worthy of you alpha, someone whom you are interested in"

Arthit took a deep breath. He loved innocence and selflessness of Kongpob. But, in times like these, he wanted Kong to be a little clever and selfish.

Time was of great essence here. He can't afford trying to prove his affection to Kongpob. So, he took another way - gentle coercion or which should actually be called pure manipulation

" How about a temporary mark? " Arthit asked.

" Temporary mark, alpha? "

Arthit nodded. " Let me mark you. We will have a bond mimicking a mate's and if we don't mark again on full moon , the mark will dissolve . You will get some of my strength and I will get stealth of your panther, it will come handy in skirmish. Besides, if you have my mark, I can also mindlink you. "

One sided mark, kongpob thought. It will not only come handy today, it will give him some time to prove the alpha that he can be a worthy mate. He can ask Toota to teach him how to be a good mate to the general.

Arthit cupped Kongpob's face, his thumb brushing over the soft skin of his cheek. "Do you consent ?"

Kongpob nodded .

" Then, Come closer, velinai," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down Kongpob's spine.

Kongpob hesitated for a moment, his heart hammering against his ribcage. But then, he leaned in, his trust in Arthit outweighing his apprehension. The alpha guided him gently, until Kongpob was straddling his lap. Arthit's hands settled on his omega's hips, grounding them both.

"Are you ready?" Arthit asked softly.

Kongpob nodded, though his voice trembled as he spoke. "Yes, Alpha."

Arthit leaned forward, his nose brushing against the junction of Kongpob's neck and shoulder. " Relax, Prince Kongpob" Arthit urged.

He was so happy to feel Kong actually relax against him, he could feel his body weight .

The omega's scent-warm, sweet, and uniquely his-wrapped around Arthit like a comforting blanket. He pressed a soft kiss to the spot, feeling Kongpob's body tense slightly before relaxing into his touch.

"This might sting a little," Arthit warned, his voice laced with tenderness. " I will try to make it as painless as I can."

Usually, the mark was given during mating, there is pleasure to distract the pain. Marking Kong here, without any physical pleasure to back on, Arthit was counting his ability to share Kongpob's pain through their bond.

"I trust you, .alpha" Kongpob whispered, arching his neck.

Arthit's heart swelled at those words. With a gentle but firm grip, he opened his mouth, his canines elongating as his instincts surged to the surface. He sank his teeth into Kongpob's skin, not hard enough to cause pain, but enough to create a lasting mark.

Kongpob gasped, his fingers clutching Arthit's shoulders. A wave of sensations coursed through him-sharp heat, followed by a soothing warmth that spread through his body like a balm.

He could feel the first rays of sun on his body as chirping of bird filled the silence . The breeze played with locks of his hairs as he ran through the soft grass, the strands tickling his feet..

Kongpob was sitting in his alpha's lap, yet he felt like he was surrounded by a forest.

Forest- the place he has come to relate with his alpha.

It was as if Arthit's essence was flowing into him, filling the empty spaces he hadn't realized existed. Scent of forest wrapped around him, earthy, sweet and sharp- a myriad of aromas, Kongpob had started thinking of as saftey..

This is what it means to belong, Kongpob thought, tears prickling the corners of his eyes.

He didn't know how to describe it, it was as if Arthit's essence, a part of his soul traveled in to him- latched on to him. He felt like being hugged by his alpha from inside out.

A beautiful picture of him formed in his mind, wearing deep blue rasinian robes with silver embroidery. Crest of his alpha shined on his chewt- made in pure gold.

'Beautiful' the word floated like a forgotten whisper.

Arthit withdrew his teeth carefully, his tongue darting out to soothe the mark.

The beautiful scenery faded , leaving behind soft golden light, making Kongpob light headed.

The alpha's hand came up to cradle Kongpob's neck, holding him steady as he whispered, "Velinai de Arthit." His lips touched Kongpob's forehead, as Arthit formally announced Kong as his mate to his pack.

Through Arthit, Kong could feel the bears as tiny dots in his mind. The elated congratulations, confusion amd fury filled his mind, boggling Kongpob. Arthit growled low in his throat and suddenly the enormous pressure receeeded and so did the new occupants in his mind.

" Sohai ve Rasinei Rojanapat De Konnapah, Prins Kongpob, velinai de Janeral Arthit. (Welcome to the Rojanapat clan of bears, Prince Kongpob, mate of General Arthit)."Arthit greeted.

The words were foreign to Kongpob, but they resonated deep within him, stirring something primal and profound.

" What does it mean? " Kongpob asked.

Arthit smiled, his thumb brushing against Kongpob's jaw. "It means welcome to Rojanapat Clan of bears , Omega of General Arthit."

Kongpob's breath hitched. The declaration sent a wave of warmth through him, melting the last of his doubts.

Not slave.

Omega of General Arthit. One who will manage his household. He can never be thankful enough to the alpha for giving him a chance at being his mate.

"Velinai," he murmured, testing the word on his tongue. It felt right, like a piece of a puzzle clicking into place.

Arthit pressed a kiss to Kongpob's temple. "I will slowly release the mental block, You'll feel the bond now," he said. " Now we can mindlink."

True to his words, Kongpob felt it-a faint but steady thread linking their minds. It was like a soft hum in the back of his thoughts, reassuring and constant.

"Say something in your mind" Arthit encouraged.

" Vayor de Kongpob (kongpob's husband /mate.) " Kongpob didn't know why he said it, but based on the rasinian he has listened it should mean
" Kongpob's most trusted alpha."

" Vai (yes.) Velinai de Arthit (Arthit's omega/mate) " Arthit responded, thumb caressing Kongpob's cheek. " Mindlink me anytime you need me," Arthit said. "And if you're ever in danger, call for me. I'll hear you."

Kongpob nodded, overwhelmed by the depth of Arthit's care. "Thank you, my alpha," he whispered.

Arthit's gaze softened. He took Kongpob's hand and placed it over his chest, right where his heart beat strong and steady. "Now, I want you to mark me here," he said.

Kongpob's eyes widened. "There, But only a mate can-"

"No buts," Arthit interrupted gently. " If you will give me a chance to be your mate, you will not be half hearting it."

Tears welled in Kongpob's eyes as he nodded. He leaned forward, his lips brushing over Arthit's skin. The alpha's heartbeat thudded beneath his touch, steady and reassuring. Gathering his courage, Kongpob let his instincts guide him.

When his teeth grazed Arthit's skin, the alpha inhaled sharply, but his hands on Kongpob's hips tightened in encouragement. Kongpob bit down gently, the act more symbolic than physical.

" Harder... or the mark may not take " Arthit guided " Don't worry, you won't be puncturing my heart."

Hesitating yet determinant, Kong sank his teeth a little more deep . " Right there " Arthit guided , let your beasr take over completely , release the venom "

Kongpob did as told, he watched in horror as Arthit's vision filled with Kongpob envying the rows and rows of book lining princess Lena's shelves.

Kongpob panicked, the scene shifted to Kongpob gazing at the piles of worthless hand me down given by his cousins as birthday gifts.

" No..." He screamed in his mind, physically trembling. He wanted the alpha to feel amazing warmth and joy like he felt, not his sadness and envy.

The scene shifted to Kongpob reading the bear shifter romance, secretly under his blanket. He sighed as the bear alpha doted on his frail bear omega. His imaginations of a faceless alpha riding on a horse manifested. The alpha took his hand, made him sit on the white horse and took him out of the kingdom.

" No...no...no " Kongpob now trembled in Arthit's arms like a leaf. Such embarrament. What Wil alpha think of him now? A grown man dreaming of a prince charming, like a naive teen?

" Shh..." Arthit held him tightly while he guided Kongpob through mindlink. " Think of a happy memory, Fah-lore (cherished one)... The bond shows our mate, our deepest desires. "

The scene shifted to Kongpob sleeping on Arthit's chest, his partially shifted claws, stuck on front of Arthit's robe. His alpha had his arm around Kongpob's back , securing him from accidently rolling down the bed.
After few seconds which felt like eternity, Arthit rolled them, to sleep on their sides. Kong was still glued to Arthit's chest, sleeping to rhythmatic beats of Arthit's heart.

Before Kongpob could get embarrassed about it, Arthit softly announced through their mindlink " I am honored to have provided a sanctuary you deem safe, my omega. "

" Oh.." Kong remembered , Wad and Toota said Rasinian alphas pride themselves on providing for their omegas. His embarrasment faded, confidence rising further notches.

The scene shifted again, now they were in forest. Their forest, the one Arthit projected to him. The bear was laying on his side, covering a  black panther, cuddling him as he slept.

Arthit smiled " That can be arranged."

Rather than being embarrased, or shy, Kong felt hopeful. He would like to run with alpha in their beast forms.

Another image formed. The panther ran , his agile limbs crossing the land with sonic speed while the bear was on his heels, chasing him. With a graceful leap, bear caught the panther, playfully tumbling both of them down a shadow slope.

" Promise, " Arthit's voice caressed his mind. " once we reach Rasina, you can run in the forest, all you want . And I will chase you."

His marking wasn't as smooth or as dreamy as General Arthit's but the thought of comparison flew out of the window as he sensed the joy coursing through the alpha.

" Thank you omega mine " Arthit whispered " I am honored to have been chosen by you."

Kongpob wanted to correct, saying he was a slave and it was actually the alpha's generosity to give him a chance at being Mates. But, Kongpob kept silent.

" Retract " Arthit urged and Kongpob retracted his teeth, another thread of golden rays curled around the bond, making it stronger. A sense of completion washed over Kong as he pulled back.

Arthit smiled, his hand coming up to rest over the mark. "Perfect," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Kongpob's cheeks flushed, but his heart swelled with pride. "You are perfect in words and actions alpha , that is why you see perfection in someone like me. "

Arthit smiled " You put me on a pedestal, Velinai (spouse/omega/mate). "

" You deserve it."

" I am as high, as respectable and as good as my mate" Arthit said " That is the rule of Rasina. "

Kongpob didn't know what to say to it, so he remained silent. Just rested his head against Arthit's chest, listening aloha's heartbeats while he prayed the moon goddess to let him live this dream a little longer.

" Prince Kongpob..."

"I know we don't have much time, can you hold me a little longer? " Kongpob asked.

Arthit wordless obeyed " Don't worry your pretty head, Velinai , " Arthit said " Just call me... whenever you need me. "

" I want you to focus on your misson alpha" Kongpob said " Shouldnt I be as brave, as responsible and as courageous as my mate, according to alws of Rasina? I'll try to be brave for you," he said softly.

"You already are," Arthit replied. " My brave , courageous panther."

Reaching into his belt, Arthit pulled out a silver dagger " It is customary to give three mating gifts to a new mate. A game (hunt ) symbolizing alpha's readiness to provide food and cloth, a weapon symbolizing alpha's protection and a den symbolizing alpha's readiness to provide Shelter to his mate.

We will have to wait till we reach Rasina for other two, but I can offer my protection here. I had this made for you. " Arthit placed the beautifully carved dagger with red gemstones hilt in Kongpob's hands. "Keep this with you," he said. "It's not just a weapon-it's a symbol of my promise to protect you. And a reminder that you can protect yourself, too."

Kongpob's fingers closed around the hilt, the cool metal grounding him. "I'll keep it safe," he promised.
.............

A/N : So, I was figuring out how they are going to escape. And then Kongp9b decided to ask for branding and Arthit decided to mate him!

I should stop tormenting myself with unexpected plot twists  😵😢🫤😭