Arthit's mind was a fortress, cool and composed, thinking of further precautions to be taken as his soldiers moved swiftly under his silent orders, removing every sharp item from the room.

Daggers, knives, even the small ornamental blades, all were carefully collected, leaving no hint of a weapon in sight. Arthit set the example himself, unstrapping the hidden daggers from his waist, ankles, and arms, handing them over without a moment's hesitation. His unflinching resolve was clear: no risks would be taken tonight.

Kongpob watched the quiet procession with an uneasy feeling twisting inside him. It was all because of him. Shame flushed his cheeks as he voiced out, cautiously . "Roaming unarmed in hostile territory... it's not safe , General Rojanapat. Please don't risk your saftey because of my irresponsible behaviour"

"If any person behaved irresponsibly tonight, its the King of Panthara - Adiratna. He has failed you as kingn, an alpha and a family member. " Arthit paused, meeting Kongpob's gaze with calm certainty. "Don't worry about my safyey; I have my claws," he replied, voice steady, "and they're more than enough." He released the last dagger from his arm, passing it over.

Seeing Kongpob sighing silently, shoulders dropped in defeat, Arthit could guess Kongpob was feeling guilty.

"The feeling of despair," he continued softly, "can strike you when you least expect it, Prince Kongpob. And when the fear overpowers, rationality evaporates. I'm not taking chances tonight."

Kongpob swallowed, guilt simmering beneath his surface. "I promise," he murmured, "not to touch another weapon... "

Arthit's lips curved in a gentle, reassuring smile. "Let's keep the room weapon-free, just for tonight, okay?" he said, bargaining with a warmth that left little room for argument.

Kongpob nodded reluctantly. It's not like there is much value of an omega's word for alphas. He was lucky for not being mocked for such atrocity, rather was rebuked gently "As you wish, General." he parroted the standard response he was taught.

Arthit gave him a curt nod and stood up, inspecting the room himself.

..............

Once the room was finally devoid of any potential danger, Arthit turned back to Kongpob, observing the tension still lingering in his shoulders, the way his fists clenched and unclenched, as if fighting against his own unsettled thoughts.

"When I'm too stressed to think straight," Arthit began, his voice gentle, "I find that a bath can help. Clears the mind, steadies the heart. Try it-you might feel better."

Kongpob looked at him, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. He did not want to bathe right now but he also did not want to anger the alpha who was going out of the way for him, so he nodded.

Arthit gestured for his soldiers to prepare the bath, and they quickly filled the tub, steam rising from the water with a faint scent of calming herbs. Kongpob stood there, unsure, realizing he didn't have anything to change into.

Stupid , Kongpob !

" Do you need anything else Prince Kongpob ? " Arthit enquired.

Though alpha Rojanapat may not have outright said it, Kongpob heard the hidden, gentle rebuke. 'What are you waiting for? Scented candles? '

"I... I don't have anything else to wear," he admitted softly, fidgeting with his robe. "Uncle would not let me access my possesion-"

" Oh..my bad" Arthit, without a word, crossed the room to a large chest near his bed. From within its depths, he pulled out a deep purple robe, its fabric rich and soft, the shade unmistakably royal yet subdued. He approached Kongpob and held it out to him, his gaze warm.

Kongpob's eyes widened. "I... I can't accept this. " they looked expensive and quite new.

"You can," Arthit replied firmly. "You've accepted my protection, you wear my ring to show your status as an omega under my protection. Do you not ? "

" I do..."

" Then under Rasina laws, It's my duty to provide for you. I can ask a panthara maid for a outfit your size but I don't want you to wear other people's clothes .
While this is not the most flattering attire, and is definitely not the style you prefer... this is the best I can do tonight. I'll do better when we reach Rasina."

The simplicity of Arthit's answer only intensified Kongpob's feelings of horror. Unintentionally, he insulted Arthit by his words. He made him feel uncapable of providing for an omega? What can be greater insult to an alpha than calling him incompetent?

His mind spiraled, recalling every lesson drilled into him about duty and honor and gratitude, about what was expected of an omega to an alpha in power. To be lacking in gratitude, to disappoint a protector-it was something he'd been taught was a grave disservice, one he should be severely punished for.

Without warning, Kongpob sank to his knees, head on Arthit's feet, his hands pressed firmly against the floor as he looked up at Arthit, eyes filled with apology. "Thank you for your kindness, General. These clothes...I... I don't deserve it. I've done nothing but cause you trouble, and yet you still provide for me."

The vulnerability in Kongpob's voice struck Arthit like an unexpected blow, rendering him silent.

He'd seen omegas proud, defiant, even broken, but this... this quiet humility, this sorrowful shame, was something new. He wanted to reach out, to assure him, but words felt insufficient in the face of such profound self-doubt.

Instead, Arthit extended his hand, gently lifting Kongpob to his feet, treating him with the same respect and dignity he would offer any honored guest. But without the verbal explanation for it.  He didn't comment on the kneeling, choosing instead to meet Kongpob's gaze with a steady, accepting presence. He doesn't think Kongpob is in state of mind to understand he was not a slave to Arthit , neither was these empty gestures required of him to boost Arthit's ego.

"Go on," he said softly, pressing the robe into Kongpob's hands. "The bath is ready. Would you need assistance? "

Kongpob shook his head.

"Okay...I will wait outside. If you need any assistance; let me know. We also have omegas within our ranks, they would be happy to help you."

"Thank you for the offer general Rojanapat; I ...think I will manage."

"The Rasina style clothing is unfamiliar to you; don't hesitate to reach out for help. Toota will be waiting just outside your chamber. Can I believe you to not try to bang your head on bath tub or something?"

The beast inside Kongpob bristled " I gave you my word; I will not harm myself intentionally..."

Arthit smiled "You did. I am holding you to it..."

Kong reaslised his mistake instantly. He was not an alpha. While he was a prince; General Rojanapat was second in line for Rasinian throne- he outranked Kongpob in all aspects.

Who was he to think Arthit needs to respect his promise when his words wouldn't worth a cent to even a simple panthara civilian? Alpha Rojanapat was definitely more calm minded, gentle mannered and patient than most alphas he came in contact with. But his patience is not infinite and Kongpob should not test it. Making a silent vow to be on his best behaviour; Kong nodded to Arthit.

"Thank you General Rojnapat..."

"No need to thank me for every little thing. Its my duty to provide for you..." Arthit said " as it is yours to let me know when you are in need of something."

Kong nodded again, not trusting his articulation abilities to not make a blunder agin, Kong decided to mostly answer non-verbally.

Less words, less chances to insult the alpha. More chances to save everyone and perhaps getting a better life for himself in Rasina than being a forgotten, spare royal in Panthara.

As Arthit drew the curtain and left the space; Kongpob finally allowed himself to relax, bowing his head in silent thanks before dipping himself in the warm, scented water of the bath tub.
.............
As the door closed, Arthit let out a quiet breath, his expression shifting as he processed the moment. He hadn't anticipated how deep Kongpob's self-doubt ran, how much he carried on his own, without ever reaching out for help. How much the Panthara king and perhaps his cronies trampled on Kongpob's confidence. The Prince does not see a problem in kneeling at a stranger's feet or being a slave.

In the quiet, Arthit took a seat, his gaze resting on the closed door. His resolve hardened-he would protect Kongpob not only from external threats but also from the ghosts within his own mind.

He mindlinked Toota and Wad to be ready to help Kongpob with Rasinian robes, if needed. But call for help from Kongpob never came. The intelligent omega has figured out to tie the robes in a way that will suit him and will be comfortable too.

After a while, the door opened, and Kongpob emerged, draped in his purple robe. The color suited him, bringing out a soft, vulnerable elegance, his hair damp and falling over his forehead, his expression calmer.

Arthit rose, offering him a quiet smile. "Feel better?"

Kongpob nodded, his eyes meeting Arthit's with a gratitude that needed no words. "Thank you, general Rojanapat" he said softly. "For... everything."

Arthit nodded, "Rest now. I'm just outside the bed chamber. " 

" Can I say something, General? "

" ofcourse. .."

" You should sleep on the bed. You are our guest and an alpha... it is not proper for me to be source of your discomfort."

" You are suggesting that you are fine with sharing a bed with me? "

Kongpob's eyes widened " No..." he instantly the realised the high pitch in his voice, like he is deeply offended even by the thought of sharing alpha's bed . " I didn't mean that. I simply mean...you should sleep on your bed and I can sleep anywhere. Really... I sleep like a log— on any plane surface. "

" Like? "

" floor? " Kong suggested innocently. " There must be extra bedding somewhere ... even a sheet will do or I can do without it too"  Seeing Arthit's expression darkening, Kong backtracked instantly " Perhaps...I can share sleeping space with one of your omegas ? "

Really? Arthit thought ' will he have to fight or manipulate Kongpob to make him have even basic facilities like a comfortable sleeping space.

" Bed is big enough ... we both can sleep on it " Arthit said " besides..we cannot have the palace maids see us sleeping on different beds. You are carrying my child, remember ? "

Kong nodded. There was that too. This excuse was only reason his head wasn't riling on the ground right now.  " It slipped my mind..."

They both went to bed. Kong fussed with already made bed, straightening even invisible wrinkles on Arthit's side and even stacked more pillows.

" I am not much found of too many pillows..." Arthit said.

" Oh.. I am sorry " startled, Kong took out each and every pillow, throwing them haphazardly on his side of bed.

Arthit saw the omega sweating and trembling; piling the pillows on his side of bed . His side of bed being  an armlegth space; not even enough to turn on to his sides and spread his hands should prince Kongpob desires to do so in sleep.

" Calm down, prince Kongpob. " Arthit grabbed the omega's wrist making him jump like a new born calf; skittish and wary. Arthit released his wrist.

" Sorry for that. But please, Sit here..and don't move. " When Kongpob did not stop fussing , Arthit added "It's an order "

Kongpob sat still as if made of stone, worrying if he did anything wrong to anger the alpha.

After getting Kongpob to sit ; Arthit placed five pillows exactly at the centre of the bed, making a line dividing the humongous bed in to two equal parts. " All this..." Arthit signalled to the other half of the bed "and not just that tiny space, is where you can sleep without any worry.  " Arthit assured. " Equal division means equal division Prince Kongpob; not according to body sizes. "

Kongpob bit his lip in horror, " I ...I had no intention of implying that you are bulked up..."

Arthit smiled " Why not? It's the truth. And I have every intention of implying that you are stick thin. You need to worry less and let that food be used in to muscle building."

Kong had almost forgot that he was now slave to Arthit and it was his duty to become as Arthit desired. If he wants Kongpob to put on weight and be muscular ; he will. " I ...   I will keep in mind general. I promise to build my body according to your preferences."

" According to my preferences? Why? "

" Because, I am your slave now. It is my duty to conduct myself in a way that you will feel proud to have me in your household " Kong realised Arthit is a military general, so he correvted himself" Stronghold ".
But Arthit is not a king, so  he agaib corrected himself. " your troupe"

Seeing Arthit's amused expression , Kong panicked and desperately searched for correct expression " troupe...company...battalion.." seeing Arthit almost suppressing his laugh by biting his lip; in panic Kong blurted out
" harem ? "

Now Arthit couldn't control his laugh " Harem, " he laughed out loud " really ? "

" Some generals do have harem" Komg defe ded himself

" I have heard of generals having their own armies. What use do they have of harem? Are they going to defeat their enemies by squeezing them dry of their seeds ? "

Kong felt like a stupid now. "It is to release their aggression. I have heard generals, King's and high ranking military commander need more than one omega to satisfy themselves and release their aggression so they don't take it out on other people."

" So it's okay if they take it out on omegas ? "

Kong just shrugged " Omegas are made for that. "

" And where did you hear it ? "

" My cousins.... Kein has 15 in his harem and uncle has 56 omegas..."

" neither your uncle nor your cousin showed themselves on battle field... I think they released all their aggression in bed and had nothing to bring on battlefield...."

Kong remained mumb.

" What do you feel about this tradition, Prince Kongpob ? Would you want alpha to have a harem? Can you stand sharing your mate with others? "