"Prince Kongpob,"he asked "What was the first rule I laid out for you?"

Kongpob lifted his gaze, looking at Arthot, his lips trembling, the words gurgling in his throat, not ready to come out. Yet, seeing Arthit's knitted brows, he forced himself to whisper " To not call you master? "

" Yet, you called me that, in every sentence." Arthit simply stated, but Kong took it as chiding. His face fell further. He bit his lip. " I..I am sorry. What is my punishment for breaking the rule ?"

"First of all.... Sit on the bed " Arthit instructed, signalling Kong to take the side towards wall. " I would like to know something before deciding your punishment"

Kong obediently followed , instantly claiming a small space on the bed.  Sitting with his arms hugging his knees, making himself small unconsciously to pacify the bear alpha.  Kong looked at Arthit, both curiosity and dread marring his features.

Arthit sat beside him, he held Kongpob's trembling, cool hands in both his palms and stared at his omega, full of curiosity.

" Prince Kongpob, tell me," Arthit gently addressed the omega rocking himself back and forth, going in to panic mode anytime soon. "why did you do it? There must be some reason right? "

" I...I don't know. " Kong thought a little. " I think I..feel safe. I feel taken care of."

Arthit was genuinely surprised. " By calling me master? Do you not feel huminiliated by calling yourself a slave? I know I wouldn't tolerate anyone calling me their slave. "

Kong looked in to General's eyes, it somehow felt necessary to him that the General knows how sincere his next words were. "When I call you my master, it feels like you are responsible for me. It makes me believe that you will not leave me here..." Kong said.

" Did I not promise that I will take you to Rasina ? "

" Yes, you did, " Kong nodded .

" But, you did not believe me ?"

Kong bristled at the accusation " You promised that to slave Kongpob."

Arthit nodded " But, originally I came to take the prince Kongpob of panthara, with me . Did I not? "

" You did. But, the prince Kongpob deceived you. He...." Kong fidgeted with the hem of his sleeves, searching for the right word " He put ypur and your soldier's life in danger. it won't be a big deal if you break a promise to him. It will be a lesson taught."

Arthit realised, Kongpob's biggest fear was being left alone back in panthara. And he and his beast, were unconsciously making sure he gets taken along to Rasina. To a better future prospect. Komgpob was running on his survival instincts. It was same as kind of fight or flight reaction in soldiers.

It also warmed Arthit's heart that Kongpob sees him safe , seeks comfort in him. That Kongpob's wise spirit side sees Rasina as better prospect for Kongpob.

" Prince Kongpob," Arthit took Kongpob's ice cold hand in his Pam and rubbed the fleshy pad of his thumb over back of Kongpob's hand. "while I do want you to feel utmost safe. And I do not find it in my right to censor any word that makes you feel safe and assures you that the promise made to you will be fulfilled. Having said that , I want to request you something. Can I ? "

Kongpob's eyes widened in shock. The general wants something from him?

He nodded " I will try my best to be useful to you in any way, shale or form ..."

" Can we choose another word? "

Kongpob nodded. Happy to obey. " What do you want me to call you? "

" Anything but master. I am not much fond of that word. "

" Sire? "

" You are not my paige, Prince Kongpob."Arthit said softly.

" Lord? "

Arthit shook his head. "You are not my subordinate either."

Kong frowned scouring his head for suitable titles to address Arthit with, " Your excellency ? " he beamed. Yes, this should be it.

Arthit sighed " Not such titles..." seeing Kongpob's blooming smile withered to guilt,  Arthit had insane urge to scold himself.

" How about we be an alpha and omega ? " he asked faking enthusiasm. He would prefer Kong just calling him Thit like his future mate should . And he wanted to call prince Kongpob as Kong. But, right now, both his mate's human and beast side were craving for proper guidance and safety net that only the hierarchical alpha position could provide.

Seeing Kongpob nodding in name, Arthit tried to explain. "Consider it same as a master or sire ,if you want. But, call me alpha and you will be my omega - both as prince Kongpob and slave Kongpob.  And as an alpha, I will have all the duties that your version of 'master' has towards you– both as prince Kongpob and omega Kongpob. " Arthit may call himself master to sate his mate but he will not call his mate as a slave unless absolutely necessary. "And as my omega, you will be entitled to all the rights that I will give my omega. And you will have all the duties that come with it. Would you like that ? "

" What duties ? "

" All of the duties of an omega towards his alpha. You will be responsible of running my household and caring for me. Let me tell you in advance, I am nothing like you are imagining me to be. I am lazy as a sloth and I eat like an elephant.   Do you think you can handle that? "

Kong nodded , biting his lip to restrain his chuckle " Yes, alpha."

Arthit beamed.

" Say it once again."

" You first? " Kongpob dared to tease.

" Velinai (Veh-lee-nai- my dearest)" Arthit called, smiling at his little panther.

"Is it Rasinian? "Kongpob asked " What does it mean, in Rasinian."

" It..." Arthit paused" It means 'omega' in Rasinian."

" So, I am Veh-lee-nai Kongpob, in Rasinan? "

Arthit shook his head " We don't have tradition of adding secondary gender as prefix to our names. You are simply 'Prince Kongpob' in Rasinian. 'Veh-lee-nai is term used when the omega is dear to us."

Kongpob blushed thinking he is dear to the alpha.

" What is the word for 'dear alpha ' in Rasinian? " he asked, shyly adding " The one who is becoming definition of trust ?"

" Vayor" Arthit provided.  (weh-or = trusted one/ trust -bound . Also the word used for a spouse/mate.)

" How can I say, my most trusted one , is General Arthit." Kongpob asked curiously. While all the two bears that talk to him, spoke perfect English— a language used to communicate , but inter species shifters. But, Kongpob would like to learn Rasinian.

" Neshai Vayor anesh Arthit."  (Could mean both- my trusted one is Arthit. And my husband is Arthit - when an omega speaks it.)

" Neshai vayor (My most trusted/ my husband ) General Arthit " Kong repeated, all the while staring at Arthit for approval.

" Right " Arthit encouraged. " Neshai falore (fah-lore = cherished one)."

" How do I introduce myself in Rasinian?" Kongpob asked.

" Nesh velai lûven Móven, Kanat Kongpob, vayor di General Arthit. ( I am most beautiful omega, Prince Kongpob, mate of General Arthit."

" Also how do I thank them for saving our people ? "

" Savi yen velai (Great honour to you)"

" Savi yen velai " Kongpob muttered, already repeating it again and again in his mind.

Savi yen velai.

Savi yen velai

Seeing Kong busy in his own mind, Arthit took the opportunity  to mindlink his fellow bears. " How long for breakfast ?"

" As soon as you stop flirting with the prince " Came Knot's reply. " Wad is standing just outside your door."

" I am offended by the lowering standards of bear intelligence " Prem drawled lazily, leaning against the wall just outside Arthit's chamber, beside his mate Wad " You call that pathetic attempt at misguiding poor prince, flirting skills, lieutenant Knot ? "

" Just shut up...it was actually romantic." Wad defended his General,  even against his own mate and Prem's eyes narrowed  " What? Lying to Kongpob that Vayor means trusted one ? "

" First of all...its Prince Kongpob to you" Arthit bristled " And Why are you people evasedropping on us ? Did you all forgot a simple thing called privacy ? What if we would be doing something else ? We could be mating for god's sake...! "

" With broken door? " Knot questioned.

" Mating with the prince who thinks you would tolerate his claw on your chest because you are kind hearted and upright alpha? " Toota snickered. " Sure... go ahead. "

"Are you sure he knows his dick can release him of more than his bladder ? " Prem drawled.

" That is your soon to be brother in law... you sick fuck " Arthit scolded " And why are you even participating in my mating discussion ? You are my brother for god sake !"

" Didn't stop you from getting handsy with my mate ..."

" That was an act to get your stupid ass moving , you dumb rock " Arthit said frustrated .

" Well, be grateful, I am not acting out, you boulder " Prem shot back.

" I am coming in, your invisible excellency " Wad announced dramatically in Arthit's mind.

" Wait a minute...don't startle him" Arthit warned.

" Prince Kongpob " Arthit gently shook the omega " breakfast will be here in a second."

Kongpob nodded.

Not long after, Wad, one of Arthit's soldiers, arrived with the morning meal, setting it on a low table with care. Arthit mentally signaled him to request that the prince join him at the table, all the while exchanging a sly glance with Kongpob.

When Kongpob approached, Arthit arched a brow, a mischievous smile dancing on his lips. "Why don't you show   him the trick I taught you last night?"

Kongpob, catching on to the jest, nodded, extending his hand towards Wad, palm open, all the fingers pointong towards Wad.
He closed his fist as if preparing to display the infamous gesture, but at the last moment, he redirected his playful mockery at Arthit, lifting his middle finger in his direction instead.

Arthit let out a dramatically pained sigh, clutching his chest. "You wound me, Prince," he said, playing up the theatrics with exaggerated hurt.

Kongpob chuckled, shaking his head. "Your soldier didn't do anything to deserve it," he countered, his tone light but his gaze warm.

The two shared a quiet laugh, their eyes meeting with a flicker of unspoken understanding. It was in moments like these that their connection felt effortless to Arthit, like the world around them was but a stage, and they alone were immersed in their own little play.

As they settled down to eat, Arthit couldn't help but glance at Kongpob, still somewhat amazed by how seamlessly he fit into his life.

" Are you angry? " Kong asked, pulling Arthit's plate and cutting his meat in to small pieces.

"No. I am confused. What are you doing? " Arthit asked, bewildered.

" Preparing your plate for you ? " Kongpob answered equally bewildered " Am I doing it wrong? I saw my cousin's slave doing it for him. "

It was the exact time Toota decided to enter with some sweets.

" I sneaked our dear prince some sweet " he announced cheerfully, placing the huge selection of cake, cookies and sweets infront of Kongpob. " You deserve it after the shocker today. By the way, what are you doing? "

" I am doing my duties." Kong answered, dejected " I saw the other omegas preparing the plates sane way for their alphas, but I think I did something wrong. Alpha doesn't look happy with it."

Arthit shook his head instantly, picking up the small pieces of meat Kong had cut and started chewing on it " Not at all. I am very grateful, Prince Kongob. Thank you. "

" Let me prepare more for you" Kong beamed " And I will prepare a plate for you too..." Kong beamed at his new found omega friend. "As a thank you."

" No.." Toota said horrified.

" Why? " Kong asked in small voice , pleading " Please tell me what I am doing wrong. "

" Prince Kongpob, our general would love for you to tend to his meat...but may be not in this way..." Toota said gently.

" There is another way." Kong perked up" Can you please show me ? "

" Yeah..." Arthit smirked " Go ahead , Toota. I would love to see your tutelage on right way of tending meat."

" Shut the hell up.." Toota fumed at the General, making Kongpob's mouth fall open and then when he overcame his first bout of shock , his lips pursed.

"Anger or frustration is not an excuse to forget the great services of General Rojanapat.  This is not the way to talk to the esteemed general " Kong chided. " Please  apologize . "

" Yeah... " Arthit was having time of his life. " Make it nice and long."

" Sure " Toota gave him middle finger " Do you want longer than this? Prem is just waiting outside. He would love to give shove long apology right up yours-"

The sheer disrespect was making making Kongpob both confused and furious. Seeing Kongpob's eyes flashing, Arthit leaned forward and placed a palm on him to soothe his inner beast " Toota is my childhood friend, Prince Kongpob."  Arthit explained " Tending the meat does not have a culinary connotation. I pulled an improper jest on a mated omega so he can punch me if he feels agitated or violated. The rules bend around us since we are childhood friends and habitually tease each other a lot. Toota was in his rights to flip me a bird. Moreover, he is married to one of my esteemed lieutenant and cousin. He is royalty by marriage, Prince Kongpob. Thus, even by status he can afford flipping a bird to me. "

Kongpob nodded, his beast still simmered just under his skin. He felt betrayed somehow. The middle finger was their special thing, it felt all kinds of wrong seeing  omega Toota doing it.

"What does tending to meat actually mean?" Kongpob asked to distract himself from raging anger.

"That..." Arthit scratched the back of his nape. "Toota and Wad will explain to you. Lieutinent Knot wants to talk to me about somethinf. Will you be okay with Toota?" 

Kong nodded, curiously looking at his new omega friend. Arthit went out with his plate of meat. Kong offered to carry it out for him but Arthit refused. On his way, he asked Wad to guard Kongpob.

Now, Toota and Kong was left alone. Kong looked curiously at Toota "Alpha said you would tell me the meaning."

"Ahh..that" Toota blushed. "It is an inappropriate jest."

"But, what does it mean ?" Kong asked and Toota was lost for appropriate words.

"In this context, It means servicing the general and helping him release the stress." Toota tried to explain.

"Its necessary. I don't understand why is it inappropriate?"

"Because, in simple words, it means pleasuring the general with your hands" Wad's deep voice shocked Kong. He had never heard such deep and alpha like voice on an omega.

"This is omega Wad" Toota introduced.

"I hope to learn a lot from both of you." Kongpob gave a small smile, hoping the omegas would like him.

"You are an adult omega, Prince Kongpob. Were you not told about these things?" Wad asked, rather than sharing pleasantries. 

"In panthara, such matters are taught by their alphas to omegas. We are told the basics about mating and how to pleasure the alphas."

"And what about our pleasure?" Toota asked.

"I don't know. " Kong shrugged. " Until, general told me last night, I did not know omegas can also get pleasure from mating activities."

"Don't worry Prince Kongpob, once we go back to Rasina, I will lend you my books. You can also ask us" Toota comforted. " I live close to General Arthit's residence."

Toota was kind, caring and soothing but Omega Wad was straight to point , just like lion with his kill "What do you mean , the general told you about omega's pleasure. Did he not pleasure you during your coupling last night?"

Kongpob shook his head.

"That selfish prick...I am going to cut his meat -" Toota fumed.

"No..no" Kong said alarmed " nothing happened of that sort. The general does not find me attractive that way."

"Really? Then why was he drenched in your scent? And you had your claws stuck in his robe?" Wad asked, suspiscious.

"I slept on General's chest" Kong confessed with flaming cheeks. " The general being as kind as he is, he did not wake me up. He endured whole night. I am very embarrassed of my behavior."

Toota found the innocent admiration on Kongpob's face very endearing while Wad openly snickered " Such an ordeal , indeed.  Truly, no alpha could endure such unspeakable torment without showing even a hint of displeasure. The man deserves a medallion."

"I know right " Kong supported. " He truly deserve medallion for generosity, if there exist one. Do you know what did he do?"

"What?" Toota leaned forward, breakfast forgotten. 

"He did not even scold me a bit or punish for my reckless behaviour. He wasn't even angry at my lapse of my judgement."

"Why would he be angry because you slept on his chest?" Toota asked.

"It is unbecoming of a proper omega. A good omega always prioritizes his or her alpha's comfort over his own."

This was the first time Wad spoke softly. "While this is true, to become a good Rasinian omega you will have to learn to take care of yourself and learn to voice your needs prince Kongpob " Wad said " A good Rasinian alpha values these qualities in their omega. I learnt it hard way, despite discovering that I was his mate, Alpha Prem stayed away for two whole years until I learned to voice myself. I learnt it hard way, so atleast you keep this in mind early on."

"What do you mean?" Kong asked " can you elaborate on how do i take care of myself?"

"In Rasina alphas pride themselves on providing for their omegas- wealth, comfort, warmth , you name it. If the omega knows what he wants and what keeps him happy and also knows how to voice it to their alpha ; it becomes easy for the alphas to provide for them. "

"So I should tell him what I want?"

"Yes" Both wad and Prem agreed.

"What if it is not proper?"

"Like?"

"Like sleeping on his chest-" Kong trailed off.

"It is totally proper , prince Kongpob" Toota encouraged " I sleep on my mate's chest all the time"

"I don't" Wad frowned "His heart beats like hooves of a horse. I make him massage my feet when my feet hurt"

"What? your feet..."Kong said scandulous" It is disrespect to the alpha."

"I massage his leg too...Prince Kongpob." Wad pacified " Don't you die of shock on me. I am already fed up of General and my mate fighting all day. "

"Prince Kongpob" Toota explained "Alphas of Rasina pride on themselves for providing and pampering their mates. When Queen was pregnant with crown prince, her legs swelled up and King was massaging her feet in the pack meeting. It is not scandulous in Rasina. It would be bad if King would ignore it."

"Oh..."

"Yeah...that is why you should tell Arthit first if you need anything. If someone else catches it first, your alpha will become a laughing stock. You do not want that, do you?"

"No...I want to serve the alpha in my best capacity." kong pledged. "Please guide me on how can I do it."

"It is simple, Prince Kongpob. Be happy and comfortable in his household and keep him happy too. "Toota said.

"First of all" Wad said, " You should take the power as alpha Arthit's chosen omega. Keep flies away from your mate."

"We are not mates."

"Fine...alpha" Wad rolled his eyes. "Many omegas want Alpha Arthit as their mate. Seeing you, their actions will iontensify as they will want to eliminate the competetion."

"And bear omegas can be ruthless and cruel, Prince Kongpob" Toota warned.

"So , you don't take their word or actions at heart. Just intervene when any omega is seducing him. "

"I cannot" Kong said" It would be wrong. What if alpha Arthit is interested in those omegas?"

"You knock his teeth out. How could you tolerate two timing?" Wad said, pupils shining yellow.

"Calm down Wad. Prince Kongpob," Toota turned to Kongpob " I don't know what are laws or customs in Panthara, or even your relationship with General Arthit. So, I will give you this general advice. In Rasina , an alpha also relies on his omega for comfort and protection . So, unless Arthit explicitly express his desire to entertain any omega's attention; it would be your duty to keep them away from him. There would be some circumstances where out of mannerrs, or customs, he would not be able to extricate himself out of the situation- you must have his back at that time."

Kong nodded "I understand."

Toota smiled "That's good. You can ask us anything, anytime, okay." He assured Kong to ehich Kong beamed " I have so many questions."

"You can ask me anything if it does not involve cooking, cleaning or running a household." Wad offered stiffly.

"But that is what an omega does. " Kong said confused "How do you perform your duties towards your alpha and his household?"

Toota snickered "They spar- in training ground and bed."