" huh? " Kong was confused at the best and horrified at worst "You said you hate two timing. Do you not realise that your alpha will need someone taking care of his other necessities ? "

" Alpha Prem is well aware of my flaws and limitations. He does not care that only cutting and chopping skill I have is related to swords and not kitchen knives. " Wad explained "I have no hope in tackling his kitchen but I am learning to take care of Alpha Prem's household. Toota here, is teaching me. "

" Oh...that is good."

" not so much for Prem " Toota snickered " our Wad here paid 8 gallons of honey for a block of butter "

" You told me to barter... " Wad narrowed his eyes at Toota. " I was going to pay in coins"

" But, how will you learn relative worth of commodities if you do not learn bartering? " Kong asked.

" exactly " Toota said, chuckling.

" I can teach you weilding sword " Wad abruptly changed the subject. The small sleeping fascination of childhood Kong did raise his head in his mind, but adult Kong squashed it hard enough
" Thank you for this generous offeer. But, What would I, an omega do with sword ? I better invest my time in other useful skill. "

" One should know how to defend themselves and their loved ones. " Wad said, matter of factly " Came handy many a times. "

" Because you both are soldiers, you must be in regular contact with people skilled in weapons, like yourselves. I have no need of it. My alpha will assign me the general protection I will need .

Wad shrugged. As if saying 'to each his own '.

Weaponry was fascinating , but not at the cost of his alpha's life. The omegas who forget their boundaries, invite problems for their alphas. Just like his mother did.

And just like he did, asking the alpha for help without having the authority for it. And now the kind alpha was jailed here, at the mercy of his uncle who already hates Rasina.
.............

After Wad and Tutah left, General Rojanapat barged in, smelling like burning wood. He must be livid, Kongpob guessed.

" Is something the matter, General ? " Kongpob asked, seeing Arthit closing his eyes and taking deep breaths.

Instead of replying to him, Arthit just opened his eyes, letting Kong catch a glimpse of flame auburn irises before he closed it again.

" Can I do something to take the edge off, General ? " The words flowed out of Kongpob's mouth on instinct.

With eyes, still closed, Arthit beckoned the panther omega close. When Kong was one hand's distance apart, Arthit grabbed his wrist and pulled him in to his lap " Just stay ".

The growl of the bear made Kongpob's bone shiver but Arthit's warm breath against his nape, as the alpha nuzzled in to his scent gland calmed him down.

" Just a minute." Arthit pleaded, voice rough and hoarse. " I need to calm down"

" Take as long as you need, General " Kong replied, happy to service his master. Kong owes the General life debt not only for himself but his whole nation ; even spending next seven lives in his service wouldn't repay that debt in his eyes.

Take as long as you need. Arthit's eyes flew open hearing this. He had to remind himself that Kong is talking about time to calm down and not taking time to scent Kongpob.

Such torment. If Arthit wouldn't have known how sheltered Prince Kongpob grew up, he would think Kongpob is trying to seduce him.

" How do you know the perfect things to say? " Arthit grumbled, shifting the omega to the left of his lap to avoid grazing him with his growing bulge. Mental rage aside, now he had physical raging organ to deal with.

" I just say what I feel in my heart " Kong replied, releasing omega pheromones to calm his master down. It must be truly helping as the smell of burnt wood and smoke was getting replaced by smell of exotic flowers and sandalwood.

" You have a golden heart , fah-lore" Arthit said, inhaling large gulps of omega's scent. And a really awkward timing - Arthit wanted to say, but he kept his mouth shut.

Kongpob blushed. He loved hearing Rasinian from General's mouth, his alpha's voice hits that rich, deep baritone that made Kongpob's stomach erupt with butterflies.

The pleasant scent of autumn breeze made the General's heart swell, telling him his omega did like the compliment.

Being near his mate's nape like this, Arthit's canine ached to sink in the supple flesh underneath and mark his claim.

To do...or not ...that was the question.

He knows Kongpob will gladly accept his claim even if he is to mark him at this very moment. But, it will be a slave accepting a master. And he wanted his Kongpob to consider him as an alpha, an equal, a worthy mate.

He wanted Kongpob to desire his love, ache for his touch , yearn for his mark and long for his smile just like Arthit was aching for Kongpob.

He did not want Kongpob's submission but devotion, not loyalty but trust, not worship but affection - and these were still far far away.

For now, he must put a bit of distance between them if he does not want Kongpob to misunderstand his restraint for disinterest again.

" Thank you" Arthit patted Kong's back, signalling him to stand .

" Are you calm enough ? " Kong asked, pressing his back against General's chest, pushing his nape towards him to enunciate his approval " I don't mind- "

" I am fine, now, Prince Kongpob ..." Arthit said "actually, I have something I need to discuss with you. So can you? " he patted the space on the mattress right beside him.

Kong nodded, like an obedient omega, he instantly took his place right beside Arthit " What do you want to discuss ? My responsibilities as your omega ? "

My responsibilities as your omega?
Oh, how Arthit yearned to hear these same exact words but in different context altogether!

" That too..." He assured "but before that, there is a burning question.."

Kong listened eagerly.

" How much do you trust me, Prince Kongpob ? " Arthit asked.

" More than anyone I have ever trusted. " Kong replied in a heartbeat.

" Is it enough to risk your life ? " Arthit asked.

Kong met Arthit's gaze " You are the definition of trust for me,alpha ."

Sincerity in Kongpob's voice warmed Arthit's heart " Then, trust that no matter how worse the situation looks," Arthit placed a hand on Kongpob's shoulder "I will make it right, Prince Kongpob "

" The representatives of the Shifter Council have sent word. They'll arrive earlier than anticipated, within Five hours. And..." Arthit hesitated, glancing at Kongpob. "The Chief Councillor himself is among them."

Kongpob's jaw tensed. The weight of the news settled heavily on his shoulders. The Chief Councillor was not just any official-he was an old friend of King Adiratna, Kongpob's uncle and an alpha supporter. This was more than a diplomatic visit; it was a trap disguised as formalities.

Kongpob paled. "Alphaaa... ." His voice quivered, betraying the fear he tried so hard to mask.

Arthit immediately leaned forward, opening his arms to gather Kongpob in "Nothing will happen to you," he said firmly, his voice steady and resolute.

" I am not worried for myself, alpha." Kongpob's throat felt pained " I am worried for your soldier's. I am worried for you. All of you cane here to help us and how are we repaying you? By inviting a bigot to lead the trial that is baseless at the first place? Please listen to me alpha, I know a route; you can take your army and go to Rasina. It's not running alpha, it's escape. "

"Yes, you tell us about that route, Prince Kongpob." Arthit lifted Kongpob's chin, making the omega meet his gaze "So, we can leave together. We're leaving in an hour. And we will all be safe. I won't let them lay a hand on you."

"But..." Kongpob hesitated, his brow furrowed. "You were against running before. You said it was cowardly., alpha."

Arthit exhaled heavily. "I did," he admitted. "But this isn't about pride or principles anymore. I am not stupid enough to risk my people's life for my pride. I won't gamble with your safety, period."

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

Arthit's chamber was filled with his confidant, his most trusted and loyal soldiers, sketching out the plan to escape this hellhole.

" But, What is the problem in facing the council here ? " Tootah asked. " It's not like we did anything wrong."

" We did not " Knot agreed. But, Chief Councillor Alpha Raka is an alpha sympathizer, he is going to rule against Prince Kongpob's take of asking help from Rasina. It is traitory in his eyes. Besides, Prince is also accused of umm..." Knot looked apologetically at Kongpob " adultery with General Arthit. Knowing Councillor Raka's especial fondness to our general, we can be rest assured that he will rule against us."

" As you said, Prince Kongpob was a prized bride , Alpha Arthit can always win his hand - by fighting his alpha " Wad mindlinked to Knot, Prem,Toota and Arthit. " or buying him out "

" No..." Prem squeezed Wad's hand to stop him. But, damage was already done.
Arthit whirled furiously , lifting Wad above the ground by the front of his robe. " Dare say that again? "

" Put him down " Prem glared at Arthit.

" He dare imply my mate a commodity to buy and sell? " Arthit growled in Rasinian.

" He may have chosen wrong words but he gave you a loophole " Knot reasoned. " Besides, he mindlinked you exclusively and you announced it to whole world."

" Put him down, Arthit " Toota urged.

Arthit was not ready to listen.

" You will not stress out my Pregnent mate" Prem warned while Toota put an arm around the shivering Prince who was shocked to see his alpha attack an omega.

" Prince does not understand Rasinian. You are making him believe he is not safe from your temper." Knot warned Arthit " look at your mate. Happy to see fear in his eyes? "

Seeing Kongpob's mouth gaping, etes wide in disbelief, his fingers trembling slightly-Arthit instantly Put Wad down and spoke in English " I am sorry for my outburst, omega Wad."

" And I for choice of my words. " Wad said, looking at Kongpob. " I do not intend any disrespect to Luna Kongpob."

" None taken " Kong assured, whispering.
Hearing the news of pregnancy, complete atmosphere of the hall was changed.

The tense expression and knitted brows transitioned to teary eyes and watery smiles and while murmur of congratulations.
Pregnancies being rare and hard, they were celebrated like a festival among Bear clans.

Arthit knelt on one knee and took Wad's hand, offering him the formal congratulatory kiss. Holding Wad's hand in his, he gave a quick congratulatory peck on the back of his hand
" Congratulations . May moon goddess bless Rasina with a healthy cub."

" Thank you..." Wad smiled. " Blessed be"

" I am sorry..." Arthit said again, ears red in embarrasment at his behaviour. He was never a quick tempered bear.

Tootah, Knot and other Rasinian soldiers surged to congratulate Wad and Prem, kneeling before the pair and offering them congratulations.

" I have equal contribution in making that cub " Prem narrowed his eyes at Arthit, who stood straight besides Kongpob , refusing to even lean let alone kneel before Prem.

"Since when two seconds of contribution counts? " Arthit retorted instead.

Kong looked alternately at both stubborn alphas , waiting for one to take a step back but none did.

" Ignore them.." Wad made a face. " If they could they would still be sneaking dirt into each other's food. I need to sit down, come give me company. "

" What ? Dirt?"

Wad shrugged " Childhood rivalry. They are neck to neck in everything including their contendership to throne. It also didn't help the fact that I considered alpha Arthit more approachable than my own alpha. "

" What? General is contender to Rasinian throne ? "

" Second in line. " Wad confirmed.

" General is a prince ? " Kongpob looked at Arthit who never gave off Royalty vibes. " No one could guess at first look "

" Indeed. " Wad agreed " It is frowned upon in Rasina to show off your status unless very necessary. My mate is also prince."

" Who ? "

" Alpha Prem " Wad said. " Your mate,I mean your alpha and mine are cousins "

" And you were waiting upon us ? "

Wad shrugged " I am not a prince, he is."

" They don't like each other? Then they won't like us meeting each other " Kong frowned " I wanted to be in touch with you. "

Wad smirked " I would really like to see Prem banning me from meeting you. I would literally hammer his inflated head in size. You see it's more like I can't live with you but I can't live without you for them. Ypu don't have to worry about them stopping us from seeing each other because they can't live without seeing each other almost everyday."

" Rather than loving brothers, they act more like sworn enemies" Kong commented, baffled.

" Its because, in a way, they are. Prem is third in line to the throne because he is five minutes younger than Arthit " Wad giggled " Alpha Arthit didn't spare a chance to lord over him when we were children. King being strict about seniority did not help Prem's case at all. He had to call Arthit Phi. So he used to call him Phi hit . Hit means dirt in Rasinian. So General once sneaked some dirt in his soup and the game began Since that day. They sneak dirt in each other's food whenever and where ever. So, don't eat food meant for alpha Arthit if Prem is around, it's high chance it may be seasoned with some dirt or pebbles . "

" They are always so angry around each other, does it not make you fear ?" Kong asked, looking cautiously at the two alpha's exchanging death glare.

" No " Wad said " Because, out of all cousins, they love each other the most. Once, in a tournament, an alpha drugged alpha Arthit before the fight, and managed to break his wrist. Prem broke both his hands and legs. He would have killed the alpha if not for King's direct interference. Alpha Arthit is same if someone wrongs my mate. "

" I am glad to hear that " Kongpob saw them in new light altogether . Now that he knows their dynamic, he observed that although they looked angry at surface, none of the two was releasing angry pheromones or actually channeling their inner beast.

" Thank you for telling me." Kong smiled genuinely knowing his alpha isn't actually troubled or angry. He knelt on one knee as he saw Rasinians doing and kissed back of Wad's hand " Congratulations, friend."

" Friend ? " Wad's eyes almost teared.

Kongpob nodded " You and omega Tootah. I consider you friend, I hope you will also see me in same light.

Damn these pregnancy mood swings. Wad's eyes teared more. He had been a rescued from a slave market as kid. Not knowing who his parents were, he was raised I palace. Although, not a slave or servant, he never felt anything higher status than that. Not until alpha Prem mated him. Even then, Rasinians just consider him orphan... a gold soldier, Alpha Prem's mate , a lion loyal to bear clan...but not a friend. Never a friend.

" Did I say something wrong ? " Kong asked seeing tears in Wad's eyes.

Wad shook his head " They better not prank you ever to get at each other. Because I am going to rain hell on them if they do. No one messes with my friend."

Kong smiled brightly " I don't know how to rain hell but I can flip them a bird for you" he said proudly " General taught me how. " If the general exchanges bird with other people , he can too.

Wad smileded at the innocence. How did this gentle dove get trapped by that brooding bear alpha Rojanapat.

" You know, until third month, bears do not reveal their pregnancies. They think it will being bad luck if they do. " Wad told Kongpob.

Kong caught sadness and fear in Wad's voice " You did not complete three months mark? "

Wad shook his head " one week left. But, we can use me being pregnant as excuse to get out of here...so I and alpha Prem decided to reveal it."

" Because General was going to be in a pickle with Chief Councillor Raka's involvement ? "

Wad nodded. " It's more than that. They have some bad bad blood between them. Raka hates alpha Prem amd alpha Arthit. He will spare no chance to antagonize him and set enquiry on alpha Arthit. "

" Why? "

" It's because of me " Wad hung his head, he still considers himself guilty for it. " Actually when I turned 15, I became very aggressive. There were several cases of me harming bears at slightest provocation. The council was of the opinion that being a different species, I wasn't raised in bear kingdom how I was supposed to. Me being an omega did not help the case at all.
They wanted me to be handed over to lion kingdom Since I am lion. Alpha Raka was a council member then and he was personally pulling all the favors for this to happen. He had proposed the idea of taking me under his guidance or mating me to a lion noble alpha who had recently lost his mate. Alpha Raka is a lion alpha, he was of the opinion that bear alpha's weren't alpha enough to tame me."

" So King interfered ? "

Wad shook his head " Alpha Prem and alpha Arthit intefered before King got a chance. They were in teens and very hot headed. They sneaked some herbal concoction in to Raka and his supporter's food.
They got diarrhea and vomitted a river too. Raka's condition got so bad that he got bedridden.
Since he and his minions were not there to push through their agenda. The council released me with a stern warning. They also appointed a lion alpha instructor for me but did not force mating or transfer. "

" But, how did the Chief Councillor know it was your alpha and mine sabotaging his agenda ? "

" The omega attendant they recruited to sneak the concoction lost his ring in the room . Also, he was very nervous and scared so his pheromones were all over the place. He was caught and tortured for information by Raka but he did not take his prince's names. But, when the Council decided to put the attendant in life imprisonment, Prem and Alpha Arthit confessed. Raka wanted them to be whipped and put in dungeon for atleast an year. But, council disagreed. Since they were only sixteen, just had their first shifts , they were put in dungeon for a week. "

So, alpha Raka was holding a grudge over action of two sixteen year Olds? How was that mature? How can such person solve disputes of others?

While Kong and Wad were busy discussing past, the Rasinian General and lieutenant were back at strategising.

" Prince Kongpob " Arthit's voice instantly pulled Kongpob out of his doomed thoughts " Please come here" Arthit beckoned. "Listen carefully everyone, Prince Kongpob has a solution to our problem.

Seeing everyone's attention on him, goosebumps erupted on Kongpob's arms and nape. " There is this unused tunnel I know about... I can give you eaxct location if I get a parchment and some ink" Kongpob said meekly, searching for a parchment.

Knot handed him the parchment and quill and Kong quickly began sketching. His hand moved deftly across the page, marking hallways, chambers, and secret passages with precision. "This is the palace," he explained. "My father once showed me its layout. There's a hidden passage through the eastern wing that leads out beyond the main gates and in to the forest. But, I don't know beyond the tunnel. I just know that the forest leads to the border ."

Arthit leaned over the map, his eyes narrowing as he studied Kongpob's work. "When did your father show you this route ? "

" I was ten."

" You drew this clear a map after seventeen years? " He asked impressed.

Kongpob's ears turned red " I...I have decent memory. Besides, I sometimes sneak around..."

" Not decent...you have impressive memory,Prince Kongpob " Knot's eyes shined in excitement. " If I show you some maps we have of Rasina...can you advise us on best route ? "

" I don't know if it will be best but I can try..." Kong said, nervously clenching the wide sleeve hem of his robe.

" Bring the maps of route we took to enter..." Knot commanded a soldier

Several maps were lain across the table. " This is the forest through which we entered " Knot showed.

" I remember reading about this forest..." Kong placed his finger on third map..." This is the forest the tunnel leads in to. According to the books on geography of Panthara , this forest is shortest route to border of panthara . But no one traverses it, it is no man's land. Inhabitated by rogues and rebels."

" We did not encounter any rogue on our way. " Arthit's brows knitted in confusion " There were some rebels though, they gladly escorted us to battle grounds."

" And they were mostly omegas" Prem supplemented.

" Omegas? " Kong questioned " But how can be they omegas? I have heard that those rebels are so dangerous and strong that King had let them be. It's like a small kingdom within a kingdom, they have their own laws and system. Initially, just after my father's death, when these rogues and rebel groups formed, King tried to suppress them but the army he sent was brutally murdered to death. There weren't even bones of many of the soldiers left. "

"In all my years as a warrior, I have learned that strength and resilience of an omega isn't something to be taken lightly, Prince Kongpob. " Arthit advised " They can suffer and even die for the cause they believe in just like an alpha can."

" I have never seen such omegas ..." Kong mumbled. " I would like to meet them someday."

" You don't have to go far Prince Kongpob " Knot said gently " Just look at yourself in the mirror. Did you not sent us for help despite knowing your uncle would consider it an act of treason ?."

" I did not feel brave doing that. I just did what needs to be done."

" Courage is not defined by feelings but actions, Prince Kongpob " Arthit smiled proudly " The beauty of your courage is that you are not even aware how courageous you are. Did you not ask me to escort my army to Rasina through the tunnel while you make a distraction for us to escape ? "

Kong nodded " Because I cannot see all of you suffer injustice. I am not brave ... I am very afraid . But I must do needs to be done."

" Omegas are natural nurtures, dear prince " Toota assured Kong by giving him side hug " And protecting is first step in nourishing something, don't you agree? "

It is, isn't it ? Kong wondered. They can't nourish if they cannot protect something. " Protecting is natural instinct to an omega" Kong whispered, realization hitting him like a thunderbolt. He was lied. Every omega is strong. How can a weak person who needs protecting themselves, can protect something ? They have to become strong.

" Exactly" Arthit said " Protection is to an omega what marking is to an alpha."

" Every omega is strong " Kong whispered to himself, afraid but elated.

" Exactly " Toota linked their hands " We are strong."

" And together, with resilience of omegas and strength of alphas; we will see ourselves out of this. " Arthit announced. " Who is with me? "

" I am " all the Rasinians waved their closed fists in air,leaving Kongpob gaping at them.

" I am" Kongpob too waved his closed fist in air, though a bit late, making everyone smile at him amused.

" No one told me I was supposed to punch the air" Kong pouted when Toota grinned at him.

" Aww...does my dear prince feels left alone ? " Toota teased " Don't worry , I will tell you what to do in advance from now on."

........

A/N : I don't know yet, if they are gonna escape in peace . Or should I add some drama ?

What do you think?