The battlefield of Panthara lay thick with the scent of blood and the ground trembled under the weight of thundering paws and hooves. The once peaceful valley had become a vast sea of snarling, growling, ferocious beasts—all fighting with a savage intensity that could mean only one thing: survival.

Arthit, in his massive grizzly form, was a force of nature. Every swipe of his claws sent Polar Bears staggering back, and each roar seemed to breathe fresh courage into the weary soldiers around him. His small battalion of Grizzlies fought with unmatched ferocity, knowing that their commander was leading them—an unyielding wall against the white tide of Polar Bears that surged forward in wave after relentless wave.

But the Polar Bears were not just soldiers; they were a ruthless force bred and trained for war by the tyrant Konrad. Towering and powerful, with thick white coats stained by the blood of fallen foes, they fought without fear or mercy, commanded by their king's iron will. And amidst the chaos, Arthit's eyes searched the battlefield, seeking the tyrant whose cruelty had brought this destruction to Panthara's doorstep.

A cry rose above the din, chilling Arthit's blood. He turned to see Commander Reinir, Panthara's valiant leader, crumpling to the ground. The panther was mortally wounded, his once-sleek black fur now matted and slick with blood. He lay surrounded by his warriors, who mourned with guttural growls, their morale plummeting as their commander's life drained away.For a brief, terrifying moment, despair rippled through the lines of Panthara's soldiers. Without Reinir, who would guide them? Who would lead them to victory?

But then, Arthit growled to a bear swiping aginst general's neck, as if by some instinct, every soldier's gaze turned to Arthit. His powerful grizzly form loomed over them like an unbreakable wall. And in that instant, he knew what he had to do. He rose onto his hind legs and let out a roar so thunderous it shook the valley itself, a rallying call that reverberated in the hearts of every soldier who heard it.

"Stand strong, soldiers of Panthara!" he bellowed, his deep voice carrying over the chaos. "For Reinir, for our kingdom, for every life Konrad seeks to destroy. We fight not just for ourselves, but for our people!"

The panthers' eyes glinted with renewed fire, a fierce determination taking hold. They regrouped, prowling forward with newfound resolve, their black coats blending seamlessly with the shadows of the forest as they stalked forward with deadly precision.

 Arthit led the charge, a brown blur among the darker forms, his strength and tenacity drawing every eye. The Grizzlies followed close behind, adding their brute force to the agility of the panthers, a formidable combination that began to turn the tide.

Arthit's instincts took over as he fought, his mind a single, focused intent—find Konrad. Every Polar Bear that dared to cross his path met the sharp, unforgiving edge of his claws. And at last, amid the flurry of battle, he spotted him. Konrad, in his towering Polar Bear form, was tearing through Panthara's ranks with ruthless efficiency, his white fur nearly glowing amidst the bloodstained earth.

Arthit narrowed his eyes and lowered his head, charging forward with a speed that belied his massive size. The Polar Bear king turned, his cold, merciless eyes meeting Arthit's fiery gaze.The two clashed in a violent collision of fur and muscle, their snarls filling the air. Arthit slashed with his claws, a feral strength driving his every movement. Konrad retaliated with brutal force, his massive jaws snapping inches from Arthit's face. They circled each other, sizing each other up, their every step echoing with the tension of two predators facing down their mortal enemy."You dare stand against me?" Konrad sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "You're nothing but a pup playing soldier."

Arthit growled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "Your cruelty has ruled through fear long enough, Konrad. But fear is nothing compared to the strength of those who fight for something greater."

With that, Arthit lunged, his jaws clamping down on Konrad's shoulder, and he felt the satisfying crunch of bone beneath his teeth. Konrad roared in pain, thrashing wildly, but Arthit held firm, refusing to let go. The Polar Bear's strength was immense, yet Arthit's resolve burned hotter, fueled by every life Konrad had threatened, every soul he had oppressed.

With a brutal twist, Arthit flung Konrad to the ground. He placed a heavy paw on the tyrant's chest, pinning him down, his breath ragged but determined.

"This is for every life you sought to destroy," Arthit growled, his voice a low, deadly promise.And with one swift motion, he brought his powerful jaws down, beheading Konrad in a final, decisive blow. 

The battlefield fell into stunned silence as the Polar Bear king's head rolled across the blood-soaked ground. For a heartbeat, the entire valley seemed to hold its breath, as if unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Then, a triumphant roar rose from the ranks of Panther shifters, echoed by the Grizzlies, who threw back their heads and joined the chorus. The Polar Bears, seeing their king fallen, broke ranks, fear and uncertainty flashing in their eyes. The panthers took advantage of their confusion, driving them back with a relentless onslaught.

In moments, the Polar Bears were retreating, their once-fearsome ranks crumbling as they fled from the kingdom they had sought to conquer.

When the dust settled, Arthit stood in the center of the battlefield, his fur matted with blood, his body battered and weary. But there was a light in his eyes—a fierce pride, a fulfillment that came from knowing he had fought for something far greater than himself. He looked out over the battlefield, over the soldiers who had fought beside him, and felt a surge of gratitude.Reinir's warriors, inspired by their fallen leader and the courage of their newfound commander, gathered around Arthit, their heads bowed in respect. 

"Find every fallen soldier of panthara, let's carry them to city. First priority are those wounded, who can be saved" Both bear and panther shifter alike changed to their human forms and carried the wounded back to healer's tent promptly. 

Arthit went himself to find general Reinir "hold on general" he said to the battered soldier, counting his last breaths. 

"give princess Lena this" The general , with trembling hands retrieved a small rectangular metal box and tried to hand it to Arthit. 

"Give it to her, yourself" Arthit said, signalling two nearby soldier to assist gently lifting the general " hold on general, it will be a shame if you were not at celebration of this victory."

The panthara soldiers watched in awe as the general whom they considered their enemy did his best to enagage their military commander to ignite desire to live in him while he carried him to healer. They understood now that Panthara's hope lay not in one man or one beast, but in the strength of every soul willing to fight for the freedom and future of their land.

As they returned to the heart of Panthara, the whispers of Arthit's name began to spread. He was no longer just an enemy commander; he was a hero, a symbol of hope, the warrior who had felled a tyrant to save his people.

And as he crossed the threshold into the palace, a letter—Kongpob's letter—pressed against his heart, he knew that the battle was just half won. The kingdom was safe. The general had his heart set on another royal.  But, according to Panthara customs, he still needs to obtain permissions from the King; who Arthit knows will not give it easily. 

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

After the Battle of Panthara, the palace had felt as if it held its breath in wait, the halls filled with whispered rumors of the fierce commander who had saved them from Konrad's tyranny. 

While Arthit and his surviving Grizzlies had been welcomed as heroes, the political undercurrents soon became apparent: King Adiratna, had ordered Arthit and his soldiers housed in the east wing under heavy guard, citing the need to "provide security due to history of enemity between two clans."

 Which was laughable reason at best. Why would a battalion of grizzlies who fought against Konrad and won without any losses in their ranks, need security from panthra civilians?

Rumors among the guards and servants painted a different picture, however. As the soldiers who fought at Panthara returned to the palace and to their families, the tales of Arthit's bravery spread like wildfire, igniting admiration and even reverence among the palace's inhabitants.

The guards assigned to watch over Arthit's company were respectful, offering gestures of goodwill—extra rations, discreet nods of respect. Some young scouts even started saluting Arthit and started asking tips for better mastery over their beasts and shifting.

The soldiers who participated in battle  shared first hand accounts of the battle, tales of the awe-inspiring bear shifter general Rojanapat who had slain Konrad and saved their homes, gathering more admirers for Arthit. The grizzly commander was served like a state guest, under King's nose.

Kongpob had heard of Arthit's victory almost immediately, but the news that Arthit and his battalion had been placed under what was effectively house arrest reached him late. Almost two says later. Aim had heard the royal cook whispering to her daughter to sneak Arthit her famous rum cake , because she observed that the lad had sweet tooth. The cook was sad that king would place then who saved hundreds of their panther's from death, was placed in house arrest. 

His heart had ached when he learned of the ordeal Arthit had faced, battling against overwhelming odds for a land that wasn't even his own, for people who had once viewed him as an enemy. Yet, here he was, confined to a wing of the palace like a prisoner. And there was nothing Kongpob can do.

Princess Lena had most loyal servants who would send a message to Arthit quickly, efficiently and in complete secrecy. But the princess had rushed by general reinir's side as soon as she heard of his grave injuries.

Devoid of his only ally, Kong was left utterly alone and powerless. His other cousins would soon tattle on him than help him. They even made a game of eating any good food Kong was ever given- although such events were rare in his life. The grand gestures of generosity from his other cousins he ever knew was passing him their torn and tattered robes as gifts on his birthday.  They took perverse pleasure in seeing the once crown prince in their hand me downs. 

Kongpob paced the length of his tiny room, restless, knocking the almost non- existant rebellious corners of his brain for a wicked plan that would help him free the general and his soldiers and sneak them out of borders. When nothing concocted in his mind, he slumped defeated on his bed. Cursing his omega existence. 

Sometimes the things we think are our curses are actually blessings in disguise. His mother would say.

An idea sparked in his mind. If nothing else, he would atleast meet the general and beg for his forgiveness.

His heart came in to his throat even thinking about the consequences if he was found out . But he repeated Lena's lines — we cannot be selfish for our life when much more is at stake here.

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

Late into the night, when most of the palace had fallen into silence, Kongpob executed his plan. He convinced his two trusted attendants, Tew and Aim,  to roll him up within layers of bed linens, the weight concealed well enough that they could carry him unnoticed through the palace corridors. They wound through the passages until they reached the east wing and slipped quietly past the distracted guards who,thought nothing of the laundry bundle they carried.

Once in Arthit's chambers, Kongpob whispered his thanks to his attendants, then slipped out from the linens as quietly as he could manage. His heart pounded with a mix of nerves and anticipation as he approached Arthit's quarters. 

He knocked softly before entering, unsure how Arthit would react. The door creaked open, revealing the most handsone yet battle-worn commander, his broad shoulders tense, his face lined with a hard-won weariness. Upon seeing Kongpob, however, his expression softened with surprise.

"prince Kongpob..." Arthit murmured, his voice low and cautious, seeing the beautiful prince in vine green silk robes, with long bell sleeves covering even his fingers. Arthit noticed all omegas of panthara wore feminine clothes.

The prince was petrified, looking everywhere..." Don't worry. No one will come. " Arthit assured "What are you doing here?"

Kongpob's lips trembled, but he squared his shoulders, pressing forward until he stood just a breath away from Arthit. His resolve wavered only for a second before he blurted out, "You know me? Are you commander Rojanapat?"

Arthit nodded and Kong in his nervousness almost collided with Arthit in an attempt to enter his room "I need to confess something." 

Arthit raised an eyebrow, his gaze questioning but patient.

"I decieved you .  I wasn't the one who first wrote those letters to you," Kongpob admitted, a flush of shame warming his cheeks. He paused, searching Arthit's face, but it revealed nothing. "It was... someone else. But I am equally ....no even more guilty... I lied by omission. When they confessed, instead of confessing to you and stopping this charade promptly,  I wrote a letter too. I went as far as leveraging your good will and manipulating you to put your life and other' and risk. I was selfish and let you believe I'd written them."

Arthit remained silent, though his eyes softened, a flicker of understanding breaking through the walls he often kept so firmly in place.

Kongpob continued, his words tumbling out with a nervous honesty. " I deceived you because I believed that you, of all people, could protect this kingdom, could protect us all from Konrad. And I was right." His voice softened, his expression tender and raw. "But how did we repay you and yours? By putting you under house arrest? It's all because of me. I don't deserve your forgiveness. I won't even ask for it.  You have every right to be angry. I..."

Arthit sighed, crossing his arms as he considered the omega before him, the one who had risked everything for his kingdom, his people.

If Arthit knows anything about panthara king and his hatred for former king's child— if Kong was discovered to be the author of letters— he would be publicly executed.

"You're honest now," he said after a pause, "which matters more to me than what happened before. Deception or not, you've helped protect your people. If you think were selfish, I can only say wish more people to adopt your brand of selfishness "

Kongpob, however, dropped his gaze. "If you wish to punish me, I would accept it willingly. You must punish me..." awry deeds should not go without punishment.

Arthit shook his head at the pure hearted prince.  Sad, that he does not carry a torch for him like Arthit has come to do. The urge to put the prince at ease was so enormous that Arthit's grizzly already wanted to shift and hide the tiny human in his chest and run away to his sanctuary.

"Prince Kongpob," Arthit said, a small, unexpected smile lifting one corner of his mouth. "First of all let me greet you properly. " he took one of Kongpob's gloved hand and placed a fleeting kiss on the back of it, making Kongpob's heart skip a beat " General Arthit Rojanapt, your grace.  Honoured to make your acqauintance"

"I....I..." Kong desperately fought for appropriate words "me too." he managed to blurt. No one had ever greeted him formally. That , according to his uncke was reserved for real royals.
His cousins and some of their minions did do it in jest but Kong wasn't needed to reciprocte with proper reply then. His neck reddened at his ungraceful stutters. If his tutors sees him right now, he will definitely whip him a new for sure. 

"You too are named Arthit?" Arthit teased.

"No...no..." Kong stuttered " i am also Pleased to make your acquaintance." Kong sighed. He will forever remain the ugly duckling " Can we discuss my punishment now, please?"

Arthit smiled at the innocent omega . " I think life imprisonment would befit."

"Life! ..." Kongpob's eyes widened, he stumbled then promptly shut his mouth, bowing his head " as you deem fit, general. I will be your slave for life." Isn't that how decieveing omegas were punished in Panthara? That is what he remembers from his book 'codes for conduct of omega and consequences of breach.'

"Thank you for granting me a chance to correct my transgressions despite the crime I have committed against you.  I promise to serve you faithfully and honestly, at best of my capacity" Kong bowed, keeping his open palm on his heart to show his sincerity.

"hmm...then let me start by caging your finger ..." Arthit smiled, taking off his ring with insignia of Rasina and slipped it on Kongpob's middle finger "perfect fit." 

"Why ...." The question slipped from Kongpob's lips but he held himself back in time. 

"Its the symbol of my protection" Arthit explained. It does not matter if he mates this omega or not; he will definitely take him out of here. the things he had learned from the palace servants about the spare prince was enough to churn his guts and make his fingers twitch to cull the King.The only reason he held himself back was that it would push Panthara in dark abyss of anarchy.

Even now, the prince was clearly wearing second hand, hand me down robes.  It's not like panthara could not afford few new sets for him. While, Kong did participate in deceiving him; Arthit was flabbergasted by the last letter because the prince only cared about other omegas and children rather than his own life — which was a mark of great leader and Luna. Arthit is sure the prince had only come to know of the letters after Arthit had asked for the betrothal ornament which the real perpetrator could not get hold of.

"Protection?' Kong bit his tongue after blurting another question to the alpha. He sure seems to ask too many question without thinking. If his uncle sees him, he would find any excuse to drill the lessons in to his skin with a knife, again.

"It means if you wear this ring, you agree that you are mine to command, reward and punish." Arthit’s grizzly liked the idea of the prince being theirs " That you have willingly decided t serve me and accept my protection."

Relief flickered across Kongpob's face, yet it was soon replaced by worry as he remembered the other reason he had come.

"General... I overheard the king's advisors talking. the King is  urging them to convene the Shifter Court," he whispered urgently. "To formally lay charges against you for trespassing with intentions of attack. They might twist what happened at Panthara to make it seem like... like you're a threat to us as well."

Arthit took a steadying breath, digesting the news. He looked at Kongpob, his eyes calm, almost serene. "If they want to bring charges, then I'll face them. I have nothing to hide."

Kongpob's hands fisted at his sides, his voice thick with emotion. "But you don't understand. The Shifter Court—they could strip you of everything. If they find reason enough, they could even exile you, send you and your battalion back as traitors."

"Kongpob," Arthit said gently, "you forget—I came here not for power or favor but to help those in need and to claim my mate." He held Kongpob's gaze, his expression unwavering. "If there are consequences, I'm prepared to face them."

Kongpob shook his head, determined. " But why? I can help you escape. The borders are loosely guarded in the north; you could slip away tonight. I'll ensure a clear path—"

But Arthit placed a firm hand on his shoulder, halting him mid-sentence, making Kong stagger back.

It was already a crime to be unchaperoned in another alpha's presence and if anyone sees Arthit touching him— they both will be charged of adultery and executed.

" anything wrong? " Arthit asked.

" I ....no touch...it will only compound your problems. I am still enaged to General Reinir"

" It will not compound your problems? " arthit asked.

Kong shrugged " does not matter. Do consider my offer and send me a reply through my attendants in two days."

  "Running would only make me look guilty," he said softly. "I'm not leaving, and neither are my soldiers. They fought beside me, loyal and brave—they deserve better than a tag of cowards. So do you, Kongpob."

For a moment, silence settled between them, Kongpob's eyes shimmering with admiration and fear. He wanted to fight Arthit's decision, to urge him to save himself, but he also understood, deep down, that Arthit's strength lay in his unyielding sense of duty.

" Panthara king is coming to your chambers " Knot warned via mindlink.

" quick..hide somewhere. Your uncle is coming. "

" uncle..." Kong was paralyzed with fear, his limbs froze despite his will.

Arthit lifted the petrified omega and placed him on his bed, covering him with blanket.

.........

Soon a heavy knock on the door shattered the quiet of the night.

The king's voice echoed from the corridor."Kongpob. Step out at once," he commanded, suspicion and authority threading through his tone.

Kongpob pulled the blanket off his fave , met Arthit's eyes, his own wide with fear. Arthit gave him a reassuring nod, a silent promise that he'd handle whatever came next.

Kongpob swallowed hard, steeling himself. He cast one last look at Arthit before he turned to climb down the bed. 

" Prince Kongpob...no...you will be charged."

A tear pricked Kongpob's eyes " he already knows I am here. If I don't go, others will face the consequences. "

Arthit clenched his jaw, his fist tight by his sides as Kong walked to the door with shaky gait. Fingers on the knob, he turned to Arthit " I am sorry..."

As he stepped out into the corridor, the king fixed him with a stern, calculating gaze."It does not matter that you are my nephew, you are charged with adultery Kongpob" the king said, voice laced with disappointment before turning to Arthit . "General Rojanapt, you are under arrest for seducing and defiling my nephew"

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