The next update... Enjoy the chapter ;) 

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Arthit waited in front of the Emperor, kneeling on the ground. The reason he seeked for his audience was to ask him to allow him to leave the palace for a few hours so he could spend some time with his eldest sister Youn before the latter departed for her home in Philippines. Youn forced him to ask for permission since she wanted to have fun with him outside in the market, now here he was pleading his father while putting Kongpob's and Maprang's life in danger.

The Emperor was sitting on his chair in his study room, reading some important documents before sealing them with the Emperor's seal. He clearly heard his son but ignored him, paying more attention to his duty. Arthit had to be patient, obey his father if he wanted him to give him his permission.

„Please, your Emperor... I promise I'll be brave and not cause any trouble for the royal family", was his promise.

Only now did his father look up to him, mustering him from head to toes. „Did you forget about our agreement? You promised me to never leave the palace for fun as long as I spared those two". The Emperor made a serious expression, gritting his teeth, „You can only leave for outside if I sent you on a mission!"

„I didn't forget our agreement... It's just eldest sister..."

He interrupted him, „I don't care for the reason. You're the crown prince and need to stay put in the palace instead of shaming our royal name by playing outside like a commoner."

„I'm..."

His father didn't let him finish his sentence again, „I said everything I need to say. Leave for your chamber before I change my mind about keeping those two alive!"

Arthit gave up, finally accepting the fact that he had no power against the Emperor, his own father. He didn't want to endanger Kongpob and Maprang anymore so this time he listened to his father, bowing down his head to him then dismissing himself. As he arrived outside, he looked above in the starry sky, heaved a sigh before returning with his servants back in the crown prince's palace. Kongpob was among the guards, feeling pity towards the young but brave highness.

****

There was a tension laying in the atmosphere, the Emperor was in uproar because of his two children who visited him in the middle of the night. Youn and Arthit! Both of them were in front of him. She crossed her arms, waiting for their father's decision. The Emperor walked from to and fro in his big chamber, couldn't believe his own daughter gave him an ultimatum. The reason why they gathered in the Emperor's chamber? Youn wanted to leave the palace with Arthit but couldn't since the latter was confined to never leave the palace for Chan Tha's and Maprang's sake. When she heard that he refused to allow him to leave and sent him away, she seeked for an audience with her father, asked for his permission to leave the palace with her younger brother. When the Emperor refused to grant her the wish, she gave him the ultimatum: She was pregnant, expecting her first child everyone eagerly waited for. If he wanted to ever see his grandchild in his life, he have to allow them to have some fun in the outside world.

The Emperor was indecisive, on the one hand he wanted to see his grandchild as soon as it was born. But on the other hand, he didn't want to give his son too much freedom since the latter would abuse it by not listening to him again. He sighed, made a sad expression while nodding his head as permission granted but told her to make sure that Arthit wouldn't cause any trouble. They jumped in happiness, quickly left their father's palace to run back to their own palace to change their cloths.

Meanwhile Kongpob, Ko Thiha and Maprang waited in the crown prince's chamber. As Arthit entered the room, grining like a child who was allowed to play with his most favourite toy, they just knew the Emperor permited them to have some fun outside. Maprang left for the maids's room to change into a casual clothes. The eunuch wanted to help Arthit in his casual clothes that was made for outside but the latter declined him, wanted to be alone with Kongpob. He searched for a dark noble's clothes, gave it to him then took a darkblue cloths for himself. They turned away, their back facing each other while they undressed and changed into the new clothes.

After changing into the new clothes, they turned back to face each other. Kongpob's collar was a little bit messy, Arthit adjusted on the collar so it could look more tidy. They exchanged a genuine smile then joined the others in front of the high gate. Although they decided to wear casual clothes, Thiha was dressed with a peasant's clothes, ripped on the knees. They laughed at him but didn't want him to change since it would took him too much time to come back.

Two soldiers opened the big gate for them, along with 4 guards they left the palace. But as soon as they walked a few steps away from the palace, Youn grabbed at Thiha, smiling at him while thinking of a plan to seperate the eunuch from Chan Tha and Arthit. She took Thiha aside, telling him how much she missed her mother land she left five years ago. Today she needed to explore every corner of her motherland before going back. Since they were too many people, Thiha wouldn't focuse on her so the two troublemakers, Chan Tha and Arthit needed to take another direction. The reason sounded plausible but Thiha wasn't sure about letting his Arthit on his own.

„But he's not alone... Chan Tha's there too", Youn tried her best to convince him to leave the two alone. Actually, she wanted to give Chan Tha and Arthit time to be alone so she took the chance to let them leave the palace. Maybe they could admit their feelings for each other if they were alone in an less crowded place. Such a perfid plan, right? Youn was proud of herself for being helpfull toward her brother, admitted she was a genius.

Although Thiha wanted to help the eldest princess, he didn't want Chan Tha to be alone with Arthit either since he couldn't trust the taller man. He knew he would protect his highness but he seemed to have affection towards his precious Arthit. Maybe something would happen if he leave those two alone. No, he didn't want that to happen. His shy prince was innocent, he wasn't ready to feel affection nor pleasure.

Before he could decline her offer, Youn just grabbed at his arm, pulling him forwards in the opposite direction, screaming at Maprang and the guards to follow her. Thiha eyed Chan Tha, sending him a sign that he would observe them even if he wasn't there. The latter should be careful since he had his eyes everywhere.

Kongpob and Arthit were left alone in the middle of the street, they walked side by side in the busy market. There were many people in the market due to the celebration they hold for the envoy from Philippines. It was dark on the street, the laterns hanging on the saleswomen's stall were the only light shining, allowing them to see the path clearlier. A man pulled a heavy cargo, approaching Arthit from the opposite road. Arthit who was distracted from the nice smell of the various food, didn't saw the cargo timely and almost collided with the man but was pulled by Kongpob aside. The man yelled at him for being blind, advicing him to be careful next time. Arthit apologized to the man.

They kept walking. It lasted a while before Arthit noticed Kongpob still holding onto his hand, intertwining their fingers as if they belonged together. The taller man finally let go of him, looking aside to hide his face that redned like tomatoes from his cheek to his ears. He was blushing but didn't want him to notice it out of embarassment. He wasn't accustomated to this unknown feelings, it disturbed him that he couldn't do anything against his heart that was skipping a beat because of Arthit. The shorter man was mustering his face, realized his red ears whereupon he chuckled. He stared aside to avoid looking at him, giggling by himself.

„Can you continue doing your intimacy at home? I'm kind of busy so hurry up and get out of my way!", a woman yelled behind them.

They immediately went aside, giving her way to pass beside him. The smell of the steamed buns pulled the crown prince fowards to the bread stall. The vendor was the woman who conned him four years ago when he left the palace for the first time. They recognized each other, Arthit blushed from embarrasment. Kongpob giggled behind as he remembered how naive Arthit was at that time. It was the first time that he laughed but his highness failed to realize him laughing at him. The saleswoman didn't want to see him again but she knew he was generous for a nobleman so she sold him two steamed buns. Arthit gave the other bun to Kongpob, both of them bite on it while continuing their exploration.

Kongpob and Arthit visited the places they went when they met four years ago, reviving memories of the past. It was good experiences for them to have flashbacks about the good old days since they could compare their relationship from that time and their relationship from today. 4 years ago they didn't find any nice words for each other because of their difference. According to Arthit, Kongpob was an arrogant bastard he couldn't stand. According to the taller man, Arthit was a spoiled rich brat who's naivity crossed a limit he couldn't accept. Everything he did just irritated him. But today they changed, are respecting and even protecting each other. They couldn't seperate from each other and even had feelings for each other. What would happen to them in 4 years later? Would they still protect each other or would they turn into enemies? They couldn't take their future in their own hand but they can change it if their love was strong enough to withstand the biggest calamity coming towards them.

Kongpob's dark horse ma was waiting in front of them but the animal seemed to sulk, wasn't happy about Arthit's presence. He only missed his owner but why did that loser of Prince tagged along? He didn't like Arthit at all. Although he was just a horse, he was jealous of Arthit for stealing his owner from him so he refused to let him ride on its back. Kongpob smiled at him, caressing at its back while begging him to allow Arthit to ride on him.

His highness approached ma, moved his hand toward it but was too scared of it so he retired his hand. Kongpob took Arthit's hand, nodding at him to assure him that he didn't need to fear his most favourite horse. Arthit trusted him, the taller man then carefully placed the shorter man's palm on its back to touch him. Ma wanted to ram his horsehoes on Arthit's stomach but suddenly hold on with his intention. Arthit crawling on his back felt too good to be true, his hand was warm too. Just like his owner Kongpob. The horse changed its opinion about Arthit. At first he thought of him as his rival but now he thought he wasn't so bad like he expected him to be. Ma licked at his highness's cheek, the latter laughed, feeling happy to be acknowledge by the animal. The taller man smiled at his sweet reaction, for him there was nothing cute than Arthit smiling, showing his dimples. Ma finally let him ride on its back. Kongpob jumped on the horse, holding onto Arthit then pulling him up so the latter could land on ma's back. They rode on the road, following where the wind came from.

****

After riding for five minutes on the horse, they rode into the forest till they arrived at their destination, the cliff deep in the forest. They jumped down, landed on the ground. Although the forest behind them was dark, the fullmoon enlightned the road with its light, the whole cliff could be seen clearlier, giving the night a romantic atmosphere. Arthit was impressed by the view, went forward to the edge of the cliff, saw down to the sea. The sea was calm, the fullmond reflected in the sea, waves formed in the water, the faint sound of the waves was soothing, relieving from any worries.

Arthit spread out his arms aside, enjoying the beautiful view and the calm atmosphere. He felt free in that moment, was relieved from the sorrows. Kongpob came next to him, crossing his arms around his stomach, observing the playful crown prince. For the first time, he noticed Arthit smiling without fearing for his life nor worried about his father or the court officials to condemn him. Today he could be himself, let out his emotions. It satisfied him that the latter was happy. It was a good idea to bring him here, to the place where they could be themselves.

The shorter man took a deep breath of the fresh air, „How come I didn't know about that place before?", Arthit asked, smiling at the taller man.

„You won't know much about the world if you hide yourself in the palace. There are many beautiful places in Burma you can visit to forget your pain for awhile."

„I want to explore the world more", he said. It was his wish but he had limited freedom. He was bound to  the palace because he was the crown prince, moreover the only son of the Emperor. His face saddned when he remembered about his duties but quickly regained his happiness as he looked up to the fullmoon in the sky. He didn't want to spoil the fun so he baned any sadness for the time being. Today he wanted to feel free, be himself and let his emotions show him the right path he should take for the future.

„You really like your eldest sister, right?", Kongpob changed the topic.

Arthit cracked a smile, „Yeah... She's not only my sister but like my mother too. My birth mother died early and the Empress might be my upbringing mother but I consider sister Youn as my mother too. The Empress didn't have much time left for me since she was busy with the women's palace but sister Youn was there for me. When I was a child, Youn was the one who was always by my side, playing with me if I didn't have any lessons or calm me down if I was scared because of a nightmare. Sometimes she even reprimanded me if I was naughty but she would steal some sweet food for me if I was crying because of her yelling at me", he told him, smiling the whole time. Those were precious memories he didn't want to lose.

„I envy you for the family you have... Your family would do everything for each other", Kongpob mumbled but Arthit still heard him. Even his father would do everything for his family. He may sound strict toward Arthit but he was doing it to protect him from the corrupt court officials.

„Of course, we have to stick together. We're family after all...", the shorter man continued.

„Arthit you're wrong. Not every family would stick together because they're blood related. Some family would do everything to destroy each other. Just like my family", the taller man thought about it but couldn't tell Arthit the truth since his upbringing should remain a secret.

„Do you have siblings too?"

Kongpob fell quiet, didn't answer him right away but let a moment passing by. „No", again a lie. Although he didn't want to lie to him, he had to tell lies to keep his real identity safe.

„Parents?"

„No... I'm an orphan", another lie again. It pained him to lie to him but he didn't have any other choise. They would have to part ways if Arthit found out about it.

„I see... Then you can consider me as your family", Arthit suddenl threw in the silence.

Kongpob froze on the spot. It was the first time a stranger wanted to be his family. Every human he met till now only wanted his help but didn't want to be his family. Nobody ever thought about his wellbeing or fulfilling his wish, they only wanted him to grant their own wish. But today, a crown prince from his enemy country wanted to be his family. His heart beated faster the more he looked at Arthit, it threatened to jump out of his chest. His chest hurted. Only now he realize why he had such feelings when Arthit was beside him. Could it be love? He was in love with that young man in front of him, right? But since when? Even if he didn't knew since when he felt in love with him, he knew why he loved Arthit. Arthit gave him everything he searched for, missed and wanted to have. Arthit made him happy, brought a smile on his lips, made him laugh and even made him save him, something he never did till now. He kept worrying him, a feeling he was unknown to. That innocent but brave man pulled the emotions he hide out of him. Arthit managed to break the thick wall he built around to protect himself.

Kongpob finally admitted to have feelings for Arthit, took the latter's hand then placed it to his chest, let him feel his too hard throbing's heart. Arthit remained quiet, feelings Kongpob's beating heart. A calm atmosphere surrounded them. The only sound resounding in the air was Kongpob's poundering heart, its heartbeat was too fast, too hard that Arthit was worried the taller man was sick. His heart would cease if it wasn't treated properly, right? Kongpob would die if he didn't do anything to prevent it, right? Arthit was worried, thought the latter would die. But wait! His own heart was skipping a beat too, he felt restless for an unknown reason. His stomach twisted, it hurted a little bit too. Why? Arthit fell deep in thought. Both of them couldn't suffer from the same illness. Could it be that it wasn't an illness but something else?

Arthit realized one thing. The more he looked at Kongpob, the faster his heartbeat was. He was curious, came closer to him, leaned his ear on Kongpob's chest to listen to his heartthrob. He grabbed at the taller man's hand then placed it on his own chest.

Their heart were skipping a beat, making the same rhythmus, playing a beautiful clang for them, enchanting them with their rhythmus. It showed that their hearts belonged together, they shouldn't be seperated by anyone. Arthit's lips curved up into a smile, he liked how their heart were in harmony with each other. He felt an unbelievable happiness, words alone couldn't describe how he was feeling right now. Because of the man named Kongpob, he was feeling a happiness he never felt till now.

The way his own heart was skipping a beat, reminded Arthit of the past when he was still a child. That time his heart would always beat faster when he had to wait for his most favourite maid to steal some sweet for him. But there was a big difference between the happiness he felt that time and the emotions he was feeling whenever Kongpob was next to him. The emotions for his Kongpob were stronger that he couldn't controll it no matter how hard he tried to. The feelings were too much that it even hurted in his chest.

But how did his sisters describe the feelings he had for the maid, more like for sweet food? Ah, it was „like". They teased him to have a sweet tongue. They later told him what it meant if his heart was beating fast for a special person. His second sister called it „like". But how did Youn call it when one's heart was throbing too hard toward a person? One would feel unbelievable happy that it would even hurt whenever the person was close to him. He pondered about it. Ah, it came to his mind.

„It was love", he mumbled. His eyes widened in shock when the word escaped his mouth. Love? No way! He looked up at Kongpob, their faces were so close that their noses almost grazed each other. The taller man's breath grazed Arthit's nose, it tickled his flawless skin. Thuthump, Thuthump, Thuthump. His heart was restless again. Please calm down, he said to himself but his heart refused to calm down. Arthit stared at Kongpob's red lips, all the sudden he felt the urge to kiss him. He wanted to touch him, the latter should caress him too. Love? Finally his highness realized that he was in love. He admitted to be in love with Kongpob. But since when? Even if he couldn't explain since when he fell in love for him, he already knew why he loved him. Kongpob was the only man who protected him without demanding a reward in return. He gave him happiness no one could give him in the palace, he took him into another world where he could be himself, feel free from any pressure. Only if the taller man was beside him, would he feel secure.

Now that they realize their feelings, they felt free, released from insecurities. The lust for each other reflecting in their eyes was enough for both to know about the opposite's feelings. They didn't have to confess anymore. They couldn't take their eyes from each other. The wind turned stronger, a fresh breeze blew over them, tickling their skin, making chill run down their spines. The strong wind let stronger waves forming in the sea.

Kongpob moved his hand forward, touched Arthit on the cheek, his thumb caressing the latter's pale skin. He gently leaned in, tilted his head aside. Arthit was reluctant at first since he was inexperienced in a relationship but he forgot that it was Kongpob's first kiss too. He was afraid of making a mistake but he wanted that kiss so much. He just closed his eyes, his lips slightly parted from each other, waiting for the handsome man to touch him, take him into cloud nine. Kongpob placed his lips on Arthit's. They waited, tasted each other's lips first. It tasted sweet, they felt an unbearable lust for each other, they needed to taste more of their body to satisfy their lust. They needed more of the pleasure.

The taller man moved his lips, they kissed slowly but lovely too. As if it was natural for them to do so, they vent their feelings, kissing passionately, melting in the tender touch. Kongpob carefully grabbed at Arthit's hips, pulling him closer to his body, finally closing the little gape between them. The other hand caressed the shorter man's neck. Their bodies were too close, Arthit could feel Kongpob's every muscles touching him, he felt secure in his strong arms. Their tongues slightly touched each other, briefly but sweetly too. There was love in the air, their surrounding helped them to create a romantic atmosphere: The fullmoon shining its light on them, the sea reflecting the fullmoon, calm waves forming in the water, wind blowing slightly over them, the trees behind them dancing with their leaves, enjoying their inticimacy.

Arthit feared to fail with the kiss but Kongpob leading him, gave him more security. His heart beated fast for the passionate kiss. He was overwhelmed by various feelings he didn't knew existed or ould be combined till now: love, happiness, sweetness, lust, excitement but fear too. Arthit was short of breath, Kongpob gently pulled apart from him. They lost in each other's eyes, taking shallow breath. His Highness smiled, Kongpob cracking a smile too.

The taller man's thumb went from the shorter man's upper lip to his bottom lip, the latter trembled while the taller man caressed him. Arthit wanted to be closer to him, feeling his body closer to him. He laid his arms around Kongpob's neck, crossing them then leaning his head on his shoulder, closed his eyes. Kongpob's strong arm hugged Arthit. Now that they satisfied their overwhelming lust, their hearts calmed down but their heartbeat were still in harmony, skipping a beat in a rhythmus. They fell in silence, smiling and enjoying their togetherness.

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And what do you think of the chapter? Finally Arthit and Kongpob kissed, confessing their love. This is the lovey dovey I wanted to write about but unfortunately it didn't come out like I wanted it to be :( Sorry for it... But more will come later.