Here's is the new update from Kingdom of the sun and moon. sorry that it took Long to update the new chapter. Sinc I' busy with work and the new eveening shool, it's hard to find time to write on the Story. I'l try to update often :)

Enjoy the chapter :)

The song is one of Queen Seondeok's OST...

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The whole royal family stood in front of the palace, waiting for a special envoy from their neighbouring coutry, the Philippines. They were altogether ten members in the family. The Emperor and the Empress were in the front, behind them were the two Lady consort and their six children, five young women and a young man. The crown Prince Arthit was the only man amoung the children of the Emperor. His older sisters nudged at each other to see how bored their younger brother already was. He wasn't interested in the envoy, couldn't understand the commotion his parents were making for the guest. Behind the imperial family were many servants, the eunuchs and some guards. Kongpob was among the guards too.

There were many loud sound echoing in the air, most of the disturbing sound came from outside. Some street musicians were playing instruments, enchanting the people with their music on the market. The music coming from outside reached the royal family too, the five young women wanted to dance but had to maintain their composure according to the imperial's law. Since a special guest was coming to visit their country, the Emperor allowed his people to have three days of festival for the guest so everyone was in good mood.

The large gate of the palace got open, the guest finally showed. There was a beautiful young woman waiting in front of them, behind her were her servant who followed her. She wore a violett coloured long Princess's gown, it really suited her smooth but pale skin. Her clothes made her look mature but charming too, her eyes were shining. A lovely and warm aura were shining around her, giving everyone a soothing feeling. The Princesses couldn't believe their eyes, they were looking at each other. At first they froze on the spot but when they recognized the person, they forgot about the etiquette, ran to her and hugged her with happiness. It was unappropriate of them to jump in joy but their teachers let them go since the moment was too precious. It was rare to see the whole family gathered together like that and enjoying themselves so the teachers nodded their head to allow them to have fun too once in a while.

Even the King couldn't hide his Feelings nor his happiness after seeing his first daugther, Youn, he didn't see for ages. He wanted to hug her but had to hold back since he wasn't supposed to show emotions, not even towards his family. Even if it wasn't allowed to Show emotions, he still exchanged a smile with her. The Empress, her mother, broke the law by hugging her too. In that moment, she didn't care about the rule but only about her only child she gave birth to. After all she didn't see her for five years now. From the Empress's and Emperor's calm behaviour, it was clear to see that they already knew their eldest daughter would be the envoy but kept quiet about it since they wanted to surprise their other children.

After hugging everyone, feeling happy about the warm welcome they gave her, she felt that something was amiss. Yeah, someone was missing. It was someone she loved and adored the most among her family. Where was he? Where was the precious person she couldn't wait to see that she couldn't even eat properly in the journey to Burma? Her eyes looked through her family that blocked her view, she was looking for him. There he was, the young man she was searching for. He was standing in front of the servants, couldn't believe the pictures his eyes were showing him, thinking his eyes were playing a trick with him. It wasn't anything like hallucination but his eldest sister was really before him, smiling at him.

Since he was too shocked to move, she made the first move, running to him then hugging him. Tears rolled down her eyes, she couldn't hold back her emotions anymore, was sobbing in silence. Only now could the Crown Prince realize that the person hugging him was real. She was really his sister he loved and missed so much. He moved his arms, finally hugging her tightly too. The picture of them hugging, touched everyone's heart. Even the coldest heart could melt after seeing this lovely image: The first meeting of a sister and a brother who loved each other but were seperated for years. Their other siblings were alawys jealous of their special relationship but today they felt touched by their reunion. The Empress was even moved to tears, the King layed his arm around her to calm her down.

„I miss you, my Oon", she said, calling him by his nickname she gave him since his birth.

He broke the hug, sulking in silence, „Don't call me Oon", he complained.

But she teased him by calling him Oon, telling him that the sweet name suited his cute face. She pulled on his cheeks, trying to force a smile on his face. He smiled on his own to hold her back from teasing him. She looked at him from head to toes as if she was monitoring him. Her hand touched on his chest, it went up to his shoulder, feeling every muscles of his torso to see if he gained more weigh. A proud smile cracked on her face while she touched him, admitting that he really grew up into a young man. He even gained some muscles too.

She touched on his cheek, „You grow up into a fine young man, Arthit", she said. While admitting it, tears rolled down her eyes. She looked in the sky, fighting with her tears that threatened to make her cry again. Since it was a happy reunion, she didn't want to cry anymore. Now that he grew up, she didn't have to worry about him so much. She didn't have to be afraid that he would be killed by those corrupt high officilas anymore.

The servants and guards were appreciating her beauty but Kongpob seemed not interested in her. Instead, he was gazing at his Highness, his lips curved up into a litte smile when he witnessed him being emotional with his sister. It seemed they were really close. He envied their relationship, wishing his family was so warm like them. But it was a wish that would never be fulfilled. His family hated him and was fighting against him, nothing would ever change about it. It was a fact he had to accept. A fact he had to live with.

The Emperor came tot hem, telling them to continue their meeting in the chamber they reserved as her residence. Kongpob adverted his attention from Arthit to the eldest sister. Not her beauty nor her dress was attracting his attention. It was her small bump in her stomach. It seemed he was the only one who took notice of her little womb growing since nobody was asking her about it.

The whole family took the way to the eastwings that was the closest to the Crown Prince's palace. Actually, an envoy had his own chamber to stay in but they arranged her old palace for her. According to the King, she should reside in her old palace while spending time with her siblings. She was surprised to see her old palace, the good memories of the past replayed in her head. She remembered the old days as she was still a child, chasing after her naughty younger brother who made a mess out of her room. He tripped over a stone, fell down, hitting his nose on the ground. He was crying. She immediately went to him, helping him to stand up, cleaning the dirt off him while calming him down to not cry. From that day on she promised him to always be there for him, appearing to help him whenever he called for her.

Youn looked at her grown up brother that was beside her. Now that he grew up, she didn't need to comfort him anymore but one thing would never change. She would never cease to protect him. The Crown Prince was reminiscing about the old good days too. He promised himself to not seek for her help anymore. Since he was mature and stronger now, he wanted to protect her from any harm. Only so could he thank her for everything she did for him.

Their parents and the royal consorts left them, now only the seven children remained there. Before they went in the chamber, Arthit looked behind, searching for Kongpob among his guards. He found him as the last in the queue, their eyes met. The shorter man gave him a little smile that only Kongpob noticed. But wait, someone else noticed them exchanging a smile with each other too. It was his eldest sister Youn. She stared at Kongpob. Kongpob was gazing at her too, already noticed her attention on him. Although she was a royal, he didn't even look away or bowed his head down to her like it was supposed to be according to the law. Since the siblings didn't see each other for years, they wanted to be alone, let their servants wait outside on the palace ground while they can have their time for each other. They went in the living room, everyone making it comfortable in the golden chair. Arthit sat down on the sofa, feeling somehow unsettled. He tried to look more calm but found himself looking permanently outside, searching for the last man in the queue.

The discussion his older siblings were involved, didn't reach him since he was busy with searching for Kongpob. It almost made him insane that his most trusted guard wasn't in the proximity, he stood up, trying to sneak a peek at Kongpob through the window. Finally his eyes met with Kongpob's eyes, the latter was still the last in the queue, facing the entrance of the chamber. Arthit's heart calmed down as soon as he spotted the taller man.

The first time Kongpob and Arthit met 4 years ago, they weren't in good terms till they went seperated ways. Their second meeting was unexpected, it could be considerated as fate bringing them together for a certain reason. Now that they reunited again, a special bond formed between them. Whas it friendship, brotherhood or love? Even if both of them didn't know what the feelings they were feeling for each other was, they were certain of one thing. They trusted each other more than anybody. Whenever his Highness was seperated from his beloved guard, he would always feel restless, scared as if he wouldn't overcome the situation if assassins suddenly showed up. As if he was alone without any strong shield to protect from any harms. But as long as Kongpob was by his side, he would he feel safe again.

While smiling genuinely at his guard, a warm air tickled his ear, scaring the hell out of him. He jumped back but calmed down when he saw Youn standing right behind him. She sneaked at him but he didn't even sense her behind him.

„Who're you looking at?", she asked him, raised her eyesbrown out of curiosity.

The shorter man blinked many times, felt as if he was caugh by something naughty he didn't want her to know about. He scratched at his forehead, shaking his head as reply.

„Surely, he's staring at his new guard he's fond at", his second oldest sister answered.

„Ah, yeah... What was his name again? ...Chon... Chin", the fourth sister joined their discussion.

„Royal guard Ko Chan Tha", the sixth Princess answered after thinking a while about his name she forgot.

„It's not true...", Arthit denied, was thinking about an excuse he could tell his sister so they could let him off with this story. „I was just admiring the garden of the palace", he turned around, looking at the golden decorations of the room as if he was interested in them. „I'm speechless how fast the maids worked in decorating the palace for you."

Their eldest sister's curiosity raised more, she crossed her arms around her stomach, grining like an evil stepmother who wanted to force the truth out of him. Today she wanted to leave her duty as his mother, father and sister behind to crush the truth out of him.

„Do you see the last young man in the queue? Handsome and fierce, right? He's the myterious Ko Chan Tha, our brother's new guard. I heard that Arthit adores him so much that he even went through hell to save him from the death penalty. He even went against Father and the higher officials just to keep him as his soldier despite his low birth", the youngest Princess explained the whole situation in a few sentences. She was proud of herself for shortening the long story.

While they mentioning about him, Arthit blushed the whole time. Youn nodded slowly, smiled at him before walking out of the room, approaching the guards outside. Only now did the Crown prince realize her intention for going outside. He dashed behind her but it was too late. She was already in front of the soldiers, crossing her arms around her chest.

„Ko Chan Tha?", her loud voice called the taller man.

Kongpob knew she was asking for him but he ignored her at first. When he noticed his Highness standing back at the entrance, hiding himself behind the curtains, he just found it too cute. He felt the urge to tease him. Now that his curiosity was aroused, he came out then went in front of the Princess. Both of them stared at each other, she surveyed him from head to toes to confirm her sister's opinion about him being handsome. Kongpob wore the violett coulored soldier's clothes that suited him really well. She nodded her head in admiration, admitted that he was indeed good looking. But there was something strange about him too. His face was too stiff as if he was incapable of feeling any emotions. As if he shutted himself from the world to not protect himself from any harm. Beside there was a dangerous aura coming from the taller man. His eyes were reflecting a big hatred he felt towards a certain person. Dangerous! She couldn't even read his face too. Who was that man? Would he be a hero for her crountry or would he bring desaster to her family? She didn't trust him wholeheartedly but baned this thought from her mind for the sake of his Highness.

Instead of bowing down to her, the taller man didn't even move as if he didn't care about the royal family's law. Since he himself shouldn't succumb to anybody, he refused to bow down to her. She let it slide because she didn't care about the formal courtesy either.

„You're coming with me!", she ordered him.

Together with Kongpob, Youn went back in the living room. They were closely followed by the shy Arthit. He couldn't believe his eldest sister was so straight forward, she didn't change after those many years.

„Let me introduce myself first... I'm Youn, the Emperor's eldest daughter and...", she pulled at Arthit who was about to hide from them, laid an arm around his shoulders then pulling him closer to her. It embarassed him that he was still treated as a child despite his age but he couldn't oppose to her.

Kongpob had some informations about her too, like she wasn't only the eldest daughter of the Emperor. She was the wife of Philippine's crown prince, she was given the Crown Princess to and would eventually be the Empress some day. Five years ago, she had a political marriage with the Philippine's Crown Prince. Her father arranged it for her to tighten the relationship between their neighbour country. It was said to be a political marriage but there was another truth hiding behind the marriage. The truth was that Youn and the Crown Prince fell in love as he was send as an envoy to visit Burma six years ago. The Emperor would never make his children unhappy by forcing them to mariage someone they didn't love. When he heard about their love, he married her off, lying to the court officials that it was only business matter. It would bring them many fortunes they said but he only did it for his daughter. The taller man had many informations about the imperial family but Arthit had no information about him expect his real name being Kongpob and him being good at fighting and observing too.

As she wanted to interrogate him, forcing some informations out of him, Arthit quickly snatched the small wine claypot, poured wine in it and hold it before her mouth. He wanted her to make her busy with drinking some alcohol.

„I think you shouldn't drink it... It's alcohol", Kongpob said, he looked down at the little bump in her womb.

Her eyes widened in shock. How did he know about it? About her pregnancy? She wanted to surprise her family with the pregnangy since everyone waited for five years it so she didn't tell anyone in Burma about it. But how did he realize about it? She admitted that Kongpob wasn't just any typical young man you would find in every corner of the street. He was quick, good in observing everything. She was sure of one thing: there were more thing about him as him being an excellent fighter.

She was still speechless but Kongpob adverting his attention to Arthit and smiling at him, melded her heart. The smile was brief that only she noticed it but it was genuine and precious. At that moment she saw a sparkling in Kongpob's eyes, something like emotions reflecting in his cold eyes. That rare smile took her worries she was feeling towards him away. Even if she didn't have any informations about him, she realized that he really adored Arthit. Kongpob and Arthit would never admit it but there was a romantic feeling laying in the air whenever they were around each other. A smiled appeared on her face, she nodded that she would like to see them being more honest to each other.

The other Princesses joined them, interrupting their little converstaion, nudging at Youn to introduce them too. She introduced her other five siblings to him, each one of them smiled to him. The latter felt warm around them, could feel the warm atmosphere around them, a little smile cracked at his face.

On the night, the banquet prepared for the envoy from Philippines reached its peak. Youn was already introduced to the higher officials, the sword dance ended too, now some beautiful women were dancing to a slow music, entertaining the guests. Some of the court officials were drinking heavy alcohol. The Emperor, the Empress and the six Princesses were listening to the music. On the other hand, Arthit who sat next to his father, was already bored. He just wanted to leave the celebration and threw himself on the bed to sleep. Ever since Kongpob was hurt by the assassins, he couldn't sleep peacefully anymore. Some nightmare tortured him so he was worried whenever it was night time.

Kongpob had today off but Arthit forced him to participate in the banquet. Since Arthit felt safe if he was beside him, he didn't have any choice as to spend some minutes by his side. When he thought about leaving the celebration, something odd caught his attention. The maid let the Crown Prince's cup fell on the ground, immediately bowed down, apologizing many times. Since the guests were busy with drinking, they didn't hear the commotion the young maid caused. The Emperor saw it but ignored it, let his son handle it or he would be angry if he meddle in. Arthit just smiled at her, helped her to stand up, asking her if she hurted herself from the broken pieces of the cup. When she shook her head, he told her to carefully clean up and remplace the cup.

The young maid cleaned up, dashed in the kitchen. Kongpob followed her but didn't let her know about him chasing after her. He hide behind the curtains, was attentive enough to not get caugh. The reason why he chased after her? She only broke the Crown Prince's cup but Kongpob noticed that she purposely let the cup fall to the ground, meaning she planed it beforehand. Ever since he saw her speaking with the Minister of the Left some days ago, he kept his eyes on her. It was just suspicious that the Crown Prince's maid was talking to one of his enemy so he followed her around. But today his suspiscion about her proved to be truth, it seemed his instinct warning him about her, was accurate.

Because she was doing something in the kitchen. She took a folding white paper out of her sleeve, poured a white pulver in the cup then went with the paper in the cup, distributing the pulver on it so nobody would notice the pulver. She left the kitchen but jumped back by surprise when she saw Chan Tha waiting in front of the door. Her heart beated faster from anxiety. Did he saw her? Did he knew she intended to poison the Crown Prince?

She gulped heavily, bowed her head down then wanted to pass beside him as if nothing happend. But before she could escape, Kongpob grabbed at her wrist, pulled her back. The rough treatment shook her, the empty white paper fell out her sleeve. Her eyes widened in shock, she was stuttering, blinking many times. She didn't have any reason to explain why she had somehting like that in her sleeve. Another soldier approached them whereupon she saw an opportunity to escape from Chan Tha. She began to struggle in Chan Tha's captivity, yelling to let her go because she didn't like him. When he still didn't let her go, she cried the crocodil tears, trembling in fear as if she was scared of him. The guard came to her rescue, hold on onto Chan Tha, trying to force his hand open to free the helpless maid. The quiet Kongpob who never listen to anybody, refused to free her like he ordered from him.

„Please, let me go...", she begged, playing the innocent woman in need.

The soldier turned angry, he couldn't take it anymore with Chan Tha's sturbborness. „Didn't you hear me? Let her go!", he raised his voice to command him. He liked Chan Tha for his skill. For him, the new guard was a man who just followed his principles, his instinct and never played dirty like the other sly guards. He wasn't interested in slandering the royal family or any of his colleagues so he respected him for his disciplines. But today he was disappointed in him, he even irritating him too. Never did he imagine the quiet young man to sexually harass a young woman. At first, he thought he wasn't interested in any romantic relationship with a woman but it seemed he was a man too. He was just like any other man who would turn on if he saw a beautiful woman. No one could resist the beauty of the maids. Maybe this time if he was strict to him, the taller man would listen to him.

But his attempt ended in vain. His loud voice didn't reach the taller man either, he remained stubborn. There was only a thought dawning in his mind: Prevent her from hurting Arthit. No, it was more like protecting Arthit from any harm. Ever since he saved him from assassins, he was protecting him from the shadow without anyone noticing about it. Even if he was straying from his former murderous plan, he couldn't accept anyone hurting Arthit. It would break him if something happened to the shorter man. So much did Arthit meant to him.

„I'll tell his Highness if you don't let go of her immediately", the older guard threatened him. It was his last solution he had to use to make him give up on her.

Kongpob immediately adverted his attention to him, glaring at him while gritting at his teeth. As soon as he mentioned his Highness, the hand he was holding the maid with loosened. He didn't want the Crown Prince to find out about today's situation or else he would fear for his life in his own palace. The maid took her chance, quickly pulled her hand back and managed to free herself. Since she was late, she ran in the direction to the banquet. Kongpob wanted to chase after her but the shorter guard grabbed at his arm, holding firmly onto him. The taller man saw to her till she disappeared from his sight. He was angry, almost lost his temper but managed to conrtol himself in the last moment. His hands clenched into fist.

„Where do you think, you're going?", the shorter guard said, didn't think about letting him go so easily. He could understand that he had feelings for her but it was inappropriate of him to force her to like him.

No answer came from the younger man. The older soldier sighed. The situation wasn't easy for the older guard either. Kongpob's cold expression and silent didn't help him either. The taller man glared at his companion, his eyes reflecting the rage he was feeling right now. The other guard realized his blood boiling from rage, the veins around his neck became clear. The shorter guard didn't like the murderous look in Chan Tha's eyes. The younger man couldn't think straight aynmore, the picture of Arthit's face appeared in his mind, the latter smiled at him, making his dimples showing. He imagined how the shorter man drank the poison, caught blood while writhing in pain. No, he didn't want that to happen. He grabbed at the older soldier's arm, turned behind him while pulling the guard's arm behind his back. The man screamed in pain, tapped on the wall, scraming at him to let him go. Kongpob squeezed at the older man's nose to block his breathing. The latter couldn't breath aynmore but he managed to ram his other ellbow into Kongpob's stomach. The taller man was in pain but didn't care about it. The only thing he was worried about was Arthit. The guard's vision turned black, he finally lost his consciouness.

Kongpob let him fall to the ground. He took the first step forwards but felt a huge pain in his abdomen. The wound reopened, it was bleeding heavily. He pressed onto the wound, ran behind the woman. The maid was already kneeling in front of his Highness, offering him the new cup she brought for him. The banquet was too crowded, any single loud would attract attention. How should he stop her without causing any commotion? He was desperate, looked around but couldn't find anything helpfull. His heart was poundering from anxiety.

„Damn it!", he cursed.

„Is something wrong?", a voice asked from behind.

That voice! He recognized it, immediately turned back to confirm his assumption. Youn, the eldest Princess was really before him, she seemed worried since it was the first time she saw him being that restless. Youn met him just yesterday but she could tell that Chan Tha wasn't a man with emotions. He was a man with few words but today there was something off with him. She was curious, had to know the reason for his fear.

„Save your brother...", was the only words that escaped his mouth. Kongpob never trusted anyone than himself and Arthit but the warm look in Youn's eyes told him that he could trust her. She wasn't mischievous nor selfish like the women he met untill now. She was like Arthit, didn't care about royalty but only about her people's well beings.

At first, she was confused and speechless. She couldn't understand the meaning of his words.

„The cup she's pouring wine in, is poisoned", he explained.

„What?", only now did she understand why Chan Tha was so restless. She gasped in shock, saw to her younger brother who was about the drink the wine.

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So what do you Think of this chapter? Youn is one of my favourite character, I really like to write about her since she's strong but straightforward too... I wrote that this chapter would be about them being lovey dovey but I have to disappoint you. This chapter was too Long so I seperated it in 3 parts. Wait for their love and be excited about it :)