So after I found my Motivation again and ended my work, I managed to finally update the next chapter... Sorry that you had to wait longer for this update. Enjoy the new chapter

Something happened to my Laptop after the update so I'm sorry if some words are missing or you find some unknown characters while reading the Story. 

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It was still dark, maybe midnight. The fullmoon still shone in the sky, enlightening the dark path of the earth so the road could be seen clearlier. The horse Ma slowly galloped on an empty street. Two men were sitting on its back, riding on him. Those two were the guard Kongpob and his Highness Arthit, they were enjoying the beautiful night view. Arthit sat behind Kongpob, his arms wrapped around the taller man's stomach to stabilize his balance. As if their bodies were glued with each other, Arthit sticked closer to Kongpob's back, feeling the latter's every muscles touching his front, teasing him to let him feel pleasure. Kongpob remained quiet but was secretely enjoying the touch of the young man sitting behind him. Their bodies bumping closer to each other whenever his horse galloped over a rough road.

The shorter man leaned his head on Kongpob's shoulder, closing his eyes to sleep a little bit, holding tighter onto him. Kongpob feeling the shorter man's chuby cheek rubbing against his shoulder, raised his lust. He wanted to touch the latter but had to concentrate on the road. He listened to Arthit's heart that was beating too fast, feeling how Arthit's body temperature raised, giving him his heat to raise his own body warmth. A little smile cracked on his face, reflecting the happiness he felt right now. Kongpob admitted to himself that he was relieved that the kiss brought them together. He wished they could remain like this for a longer time.

When they finally arrived at the tree Ma was waiting for them before they began their journey into the forest, Kongpob jumped down at the ground, reaching his hands out to the young prince. Arthit looked at the man smiling at him then at the hands reaching out to him to help him. He accepted the warm hands offered to him then jumpeddown. Kongpob hold onto him to carry him, supporting him to land safely at the ground. They fell into each other's eyes, enjoying the quiet moment. Kongpob gave him a smile. His one arm gently wrapped around Arthit’s hips, pulling him closer to his body, stroking strands of his hair behind his ear then kissing him tenderly but briefly on the forehead. The shorter man closed his eyes while being kissed passionately on the forehead that glew red after the kiss.

The horse nudged his head at his owner, disturbing them in their togetherness. Kongpob just chuckled, shaking his head at his horse's naughty but cute behaviour. The taller man knew his horse too well, already realized the reason Ma disturbed him, breaking the intime moment between Arthit and him. It was letting him know that he was jealous at their relationship and wanted to be caressed too. However, Arthit still confused, couldn't understand the signs the animal was sharing with his guard. Kongpob's arm still wrapped around the crown prince, the second hand fondled his animal on the head. Ma seemed to like it, blowing boisterously air out of his nose, showing its affection towards his owner. As it was satisfied, it neighed then distanced itself from them in a direction, leaving them to enjoy their time together. 

"Where is your horse going?", Arthit was curious at the freedom Kongpob gave the animal, wanted to know how the horse wasn't depending on him.

"It is going home", the short reply came. 

"It knows its way back? Wouldn't it get lost or be stolen by some bandits?" 

There was another chuckle escaping the taller man's lips, "No bandit would dare to approach it. Ma can defend itself, you know. He's trained to withstand every attack on it." 

Arthit faced his guard, couldn't hide the curiosity reflecting in his eyes. "Where is your home? I want to visit your home town someday."

The taller man just smiled, avoiding the question, "We need to go or they would search for us if we are too late", was his excuse.

"You're right", Arthit wasn't suspecting him for hiding informations from him. He just shrugged it off, following him into the direction they came from.

Arthit let the subject about his hometown be but he wasn't clueless nor stupid either. He already noticed that the latter hide secrets about himself from him as if they were informations he didn't need to know. But why? Why is he having so many secrets from me? I thought I'm getting closer to him but he still don't want to tell me more about himself. Arthit glanced from the corner of his eyes to his guard, eying him to see if the latter would change his expression to confirm his assumption that he was keeping secrets from him. But Kongpob, as if already realizing that the shorter man was surveying him, didn't change his expression. He remained the cold blooded young man he had to be to stay alive.

Arthit would never understand him but Kongpob knew what he was doing. He had to keep his identity a secret to protect their relatiosnhip. It was better for the prince not to know anything about him. He just needed to know his name. For Kongpob, it sufficed that the shorter man was aware of the fact that he cared deeply for him and that he was really important to him that he even put him above everything. Even above his mission.

Both of them fell in silence, didn't spoke for awhile. It wasn't a heavy tension but rather an awkward atmosphere laying in the air, disturbing the peace and romantic atmosphere around them. Arthit couldn't find any topic to talk about since he was afraid Kongpob would avoid his questions again. The taller man too couldn't stand the sudden change of mood in the air. His warm hand brushed against the latter's hand, he intertwined their fingers, showing him they were meant together and should stick to each other. 

"Ma is returning to Thailand, my mother land", suddenly came from the taller man.

Arthit immediately faced the taller man, both of them staring at each other, letting a minute passing by before continuing the conversation.

Kongpob smiled at him, "I never told you about my hometown but I'm sure you already realized that I don't come from Burma", he adjusted. He promised to himself to never give any informations about his life but he couldn't bear it to disappoint his love nor make him sad. Somehow he found himself revealing more and more about himself to satisfy the prince without even thinking much about the consequences. Because he wanted to make him happy, he was giving his secrets away. It was worth it since it was to maintain Arthit's smile. 

"I see", Arthit just mentioned, falling deep in thought to remember the old story between Burma and Thailand. Both countries were enemies who fight each other since decades but it didn't matter to him as long as Kongpob was loyal to him and loved him just like he did. He was aware of the fact that it would cause a big commotion if the emperor or the court officials find out about Kongpob's being from Thailand. It could even give the higher officials the opportinuty to demand for his dethrowning but Arthit planned to hide the secret till the rest of his life. Only he would ever know about Kongpob's coming from Thailand.

Arthit felt relieved that the latter was finally opening up to him. It meant he trusted him enough to reveal his secret to him. A smile played on his lips. He wrapped his free arm around the taller man's arm that was holding him, clinging onto him. As soon as they came closer to the destination they decided to meet again with Youn, Maprang and Thiha, they immediately let go of each other. The other were already waiting for them. The eldest princess remained in front of them, looking at both satisfied faces then grined like a mischievous lady. She felt happy that her plan succeded. Maprang and Thiha noticed the shining satisfaction in their Prince's face but they decided to keep quiet about it. She avoided looking at them since she blushed in embarassment, turned aside to giggle by herself. He was pouting, didn't like the fact that a nobody like Chan Tha touched his precious Prince without his permission. Arthit was a grown up but he was still a child he always wanted to protect and wished the best for. He crossed his arms over his stomach, wishing their relashionship would never be found out or else it would destroy his Highness's reputation. 

****

Arthit waited at the little bridge in the garden, watching over to the little oasis in front of him, admiring the beautiful view giving to him. He woke up earlier in the morning, couldn't sleep since his mind was clouded with various kind of thought. He missed his eldest sister Youn who already left for her second motherland today earlier in the morning. The kiss with his Kongpob didn't let him rest either. Even though the kiss was already two days ago, he would remember it vividly as if it happened just yesterday.

Kongpob's lips on his, the taller man kissing him, sucking passionately on his lips, giving him a pleasure he never felt before.

Arthit touched his red lips, blushed when he remembered the hot but soft kiss. He placed his hands at his cheeks, shaking his head as if he was a teenage girl who found love for the first time.

Since Arthit ordered his servants and guards to let him alone, they remained out of his sight behind the entrance of the garden, giving him time to be alone. Ko Thiha entered the garden, holding a pot filled with brown soup in his hands. He maintained a little distance between them, bowing his head down.

"Crown Prince, it's already past ten. It would be lunch time soon. Excuse my rude behaviour but your Highness needs to eat something or else your Highness will collapse", worries was written over the eunuch's face, he really couldn't bear to see how his Crown Prince couldn't eat anything since yesterday's evening. He was afraid the shorter man would collapse soon if he didn't allow his body to rest to have some energies. Since his master didn't eat anything, he couldn't let his body come to rest either.

His Highness turned back to him, smiling at him, showing him the happiness reflecting in his eyes. "You worry too much about me, Thiha. Not eating for a day wouldn't kill me anyway", he said casually.

"Your Highness!", Thiha used a serious tone towards his master for the first time. He immediately begged for mercy for disrespecting him but Arthit smiled at him, telling him it was fine since he was just taking care of his health.

Arthit didn't take it seriously but his eunuch didn't like how he mentioned the word "kill" so easily. His instinct was warning him about a calm before the storm but Thiha couldn't tell what his instinct wanted to warn him about.

"I'm not hungry but I want you to eat to your heart's Content", he allowed his eunuch but he knew Thiha would would never rest by himself while knowing his master didn't eat anything. Arthit turned back to admire the oasis, "Just give me more time to be alone."

Thiha heaved a sight, nodding his head to him. "But at least drink your medicine", he tried his best to convince him to accept the drink.

Arthit sighed, nodding his head. The latter came to him then gave him the medicine to drink. It tasted bitter as if someone puked his stomach fluid into the pot but he shut his eyes tightly then gulped down the bitter medicine in one go. He almost vomitted it but strongly hold onto his stomach to keep the medicine in or else he would had to drink it again. Thiha returned to his place in front of the servants waiting at the entrance. 

All the sudden the smell of sweets raised in Arthit's nose. As he looked aside, he realized an arm streching out to him, the hand holding a silk wrapping over a claypot. Something was steaming out of the wrapping cover. He mustered from the hand to the person standing next to him. It was his... His... Wait, how should he call Kongpob now? His lover? His boyfriend? It would be awkward if I address him as my lover, right? Ever since they kissed, he didn't know how to call him again. What was the relationship between them called now? Are they in a romantic relationship or did nothing change between them? Because of his insecurity, Arthit couldn't look the latter in the eyes.

Arthit wanted to look aside, avoid the eyes of the man before him but Kongpob didn't let him ignore him either. The taller man just stretched his hand out to him, going with the claypot over his nose to let him smell the sweet more. Arthit was curious, wanted to know the inside of the pot offered to him. His nose wrinkled to smell more of it, he wanted to grab it but the taller man quickly retired his hand back, the shorter man falling closer to him. Kongpob used the opportunity to kiss him on the cheek. Of course he purposely retired his hand back to make Arthit lose his balance so he could steal a kiss from him. Arthit's face reddned from his cheeks till his ears, it was funny to see how his pale face suddenly changed its colour to red.

The shorter man touched the cheek Kongpob kissed him, caressing over it. His red lips curved up into a smile, he coughed to hide his blushed face, more like his embarassed face. Kongpob, as sharp as he always was, didn't miss "his lover's" little smile. Yeah, he just thought of him as his lover. While Arthit wasn't sure of the relationship between them, Kongpob already had the answer to that question. For him they were already lovers. For him, they were two men who loved each other deeply and wanted to maintain their sweet relationship.

Arthit sulked, making the pouty lips to show the taller man he wasn't pleased with the way he teased him. However Kongpob found his lover's reaction too cute, couldn't hold back his joy, showing it with a sweet smile on his face. His too seldom smile made Arthit speechless, he couldn't take his eyes from his beloved guard either. Now his face reddned more than before, so happy he was about Kongpob smiling more at him. Kongpob took the cover off, revealing a claypot filled with five hot buns, steaming in the air, its sweet smell taking over the air, mixing in it to let it smell in the whole garden. It was one of the shorter man's favourite food he discovered on his trip in the outside world 4 years ago.

Arthit wasn't hungry since yesterday but now that one of his favourite sweet was brought for him, it immediately took his interest. He already felt hunger, took one of the sweet bun then digged in. The sweetness of the first bite spread in his mouth, it was chewy just like he liked it. Kongpob enjoyed the view: Arthit eating the eat with a smile. He was worried the latter would starve to death so he woke up earlier in the morning to buy the sweet for him. But since he was eating it, everything was going to be fine. Maybe he was too overprotective over him.

"What did Ko Thiha brought to you to drink?", Kongpob was curious to know.

"Medicine against cold... Ever since I was born, I was always weak to cold tha's why I have to drink the medicine the crown prince's physician brew for me every day." 

Kongpob didn't want to bore too much on that matter so he didn't ask further questions about it. He couldn't take his eyes from Arthit that quietly ate the food he brought for him. As soon as Arthit ate the first bun, Kongpob touched him on the cheek, going with his thumb over his pale skin. The shorter man felt too cold, was slightly shaking too. He just confirmed Arthit was going to be fine but the latter's condition worsened. He didn't like it at all.

****

Today was the day the emperor, the crown prince and the higher officials met to discuss about state affairs. Arthit was among the court officials, listening to their discussion but couldn't concentrate at all. His stomach ached, his head throbing as if it would explode soon. His whole body was aching, he couldn't even stand straight at his own feet but he had to remain calm to not let the ministers found out about his weak condition. If they found out about his condition, they would use his weak health to take him down from the throne since a crown prince or the emperor had to be healthy enough to lead the country. A weak emperor meant a weak country.

Finally the Emperor spoke his last words, releasing the court from its duty. After his father left, he had to follow him outside before the higher officials could leave the court. Arthit bit on his lips to remain strong, forcing him himself to stand upright so he wouldn't collapse anytime. His view blurred, it was hard to see the path clearlier. Why is the floor of the hall so damn long? Up untill now he never critized the length of the floor but today everything seemed too heavy, too hard, too broad and too long. He clenched his hands into fist, bitting stronger onto his lips till it bleeded. He arrived outside, his vision darkned but he blinked many times still he could see the sun raising in the sky again. The first thing his eyes set upon was his guard, Kongpob. The latter was behind the general of his guards. Ever since the geneal acknowlegded Kongpob's fighting skills and his close relationship with the prince, he promoted him to a higher position. Of course to the anger of the offcials but it didn't matter to the general since he didn't look at the status of his soldiers but at their ability to protect Arthit.

However the taller man was looking at his prince too, already realized how hard it was for him to stay conscious. Arthit wanted to make him a sign, telling him that he needed him but the ministers gathered in the court, talking with each other, maybe even scheming the next coup they could use to overthrow the royal family. Because they were surveying him, he decided to take care of his own problem. He just made a hand sign to his servants, telling them they should stay there and nobody should follow him right now. Because he couldn't speak out of weakness, the only thing he could do was using his hands to command them. He walked into an empty area, leaning his left body side against the wall, panting for air. He almost fell back but all the sudden an arm leaned around his back, supporting him to stay upright.

Arthit slowly opened his eyes, waiting till his vision turned clearlier to look at the person beside him. It was Kongpob, he seemed worried about him.

How came Kongpob always appear to my rescure whenever I needed him the most? Could he read my mind? Or was he some kind of a fortuneteller? Arthit chuckled at his own thought, admitting to himself that he really loved his Kongpob. Anyway he was relieved his man came the moment he almost lost his consciouness. If it was Kongpob he woul manage to sneak him out of here without letting any minister find out about his condition. He put his life and his future in the latter's hands.

The shorter man leaned his head on Kongpob's shoulder, his breath became shallow. The taller man touched him on the forehead, confirming his fear that the latter had a high fever. His head was burning hot, his pale face changing its colour to red.

Suddenly Arthit lost his strength, his knees weakened, he slumped down, pulling Kongpob down with him. The taller man kneeled down on the ground, leaning Arthit on his body. He whisteled one time, waiting for 3 seconds before whistling for the second time again. It was a sign he agreed to use to call the eunuch whenever Arhtit was in danger. It didn't last long till Ko Thiha ran to them, his eyes widening in shock when seeing his precious prince laying into the guard's arms, desperately gasping for air.

The shorter man clenched onto his stomach, writhing in unbearable pain. It felt like his guts were firmly tied together with a thick rope, unable to move. The shock was too profound that Ko Thiha was speechless, he couldn't move either. He ran to them, kneeling down in front of Arthit, msutering him from head to toes. Arthit moaned in pain, closing his eyes tightly. He nearly let out a cry of pain but he tightly shut his mouth to prevent the scream to escape.

"Where's hurting?", Kongpob asked, his heart beating faster from anxiety. For the first time in his life, he sounded agitated, couldn't rest calm no matter how many time he told himself to calm down. He wished he could take his pain away but he just didn't knew how to help him.

The sharp pain in Arthit's stomach compounded, it felt like the pain were scattering to his whole body, making moving hard. Now he was about to scream but warm lips suddenly covered his lips, kissing him slowly. Kongpob kissed him, sucking his bottom lip, caressing him on the cheek. The kiss confirmed Thiha's suspicion that the crown prince a special relationship with Chan Tha. He already noticed the special bound between them but he didn't knew Chan Tha would be so bold to steal a kiss from his precious Highness in front of him. Yeah, for him the tall guard was stealing a kiss from Arthit. He didn't want to admit that his lovely prince wished for the kiss too. It broke his heart that Arthit didn't protest by shoving him aside but he had to accept it. The shock was too deep that he was speechless for a while.

"Wake up!", Kongpob serious voice called him, finally reached his ears. He stared at the taller man before him. Only now did he realize that Chan Tha was calling him but he was too deep in thougth to hear him.

"Huh?", the eunuch reacted.

"Prevent anyone from approaching this area... No one should see him in that condition or it would cause an uproar I don't need to explain to you... And call for Maprang too", Chan Tha used his commanding voice to give him an order.

Did he just give me an order? Thiha couldn't believe the latter dared to command him. I who was a higher rank than him? Who did he think he was? The crown Prince or the emperor? He was't his master so he didn't had to listen to him but looking at Arthi's painful expression prevented him to protest against Chan Tha. He hated to admit it that the guard was right about blocking the ministers from knowing about his weak health. It was even hard to accept his help. Unfortunately he was the only man who could help his highness without demanding for a reward afterward.

Damn it! He couldn't stand being commanded by him. That boy needed to know his place that he was a lower rank than him and kindly respect him since he was even two years older than him. Okay, I'm only doing this for my Prince... It was his own way to calm himself by telling himself that he didn't succumb to him but did it for the prince's sake. He finally stood up and dashed in the direction he came from to fulfill his order.

Meanwhile Arthit grabbed at Kongpob's collar, clenching onto it to ease the sufferings but it didn't calm him down either. His short fingernails pressed harder into the latter's skin, piercing into his skin till it bleeded. But Kongpob didn't feel any pain. To see his lover writhing in pain, was painfuler than the scratch wounds on his neck.

"Shuuuh... I'll make the pain go away, I promise...", he whispered, blowing warm wind into his ear.

Arthit was half unconscious so he didn't feel tickled by the wind he blew into his ear but his warm breath raised Arthit's body temperature. It felt good because his body temperature was running high but he was trembling from cold. Even beads of sweat rolled down on his forehead.

Thiha came back with Maprang. The young maid gasped in shock when she saw her beautiful hero, Arthit, laying on the ground, trembling, clenching onto Kongpob's body and turning red from high temperature. Arthit's weak look now shattered her memories of the prince she met from 4 years ago. She knew he was targeted by assassins but he always hide his sorrows, always smiling brightly. Sometimes he looked like a young man seeking for a better life or his freedom but he always maintained his calmness even if he wished to have a quieter life. But now that he was suffering, he didn't look like the brave and strong crown prince anymore who saved her by showing her that not every human was selfish like she always thought. Right now he looked like a hurted puppy who lost his fighting spirit.

My poor prince. What happened to the prince who always smiles to make me happy? Who did this to him? She went to him, kneeling in front of him, Ko Thiha remaining beside her. She felt sorry for him, couldn't look at his pitiful state anymore so she stared aside to avoid him. Tears filled her filled but she fought against the tears, holding them back for the time being. 

"Don't cry!", Kongpob's serious voice brought her attention to him. "It'll make him sad if he finds out that you cried for him... Don't pity him either because it's the last thing he would want from you... Just be there for him, surpport him and help him with your acknowledge about herbal medicine so he could regain his health", the taller man continued motivating her.

Kongpob was right. Arthit felt sorry for his own life but he never wanted anyone's pity. Moreover not from the most important people in his life. The only thing he wanted from them was that they should stay true and loyal to him. It would break his heart if he found out that she cried because she felt sorry for him. Anyway Kongpob's emotional speech brought back her fighting spirit, she nodded her head as approval. Even Ko Thiha had to admit that Chan Tha was born to be a great fighter but a leader too. The eunuch didn't have any information about the latter but after seeing him commanding and motivating them without batting his eyes, the enuch was now confirmed his assumption that Chan Tha was a leader. A cold blooded leader who knew what he was doing. But which leader? And what was his duties? Somehow his fear for that taller man was raising every day. He just wished he wouldn't use his amazing abilities against Burma, his lovely country.

"You two are going to listen to me", Kongpob began speaking to them, managing to have their full attention on him.

Thiha gulped, was curious about the strong guard's plan. Maprang nodded her head again, waiting for the next order.

"Thiha, you have to change clothes with the prince", the taller man continued.

"What?", the eunuch's memories about the man times he had to act as the crown prince and was punished for it, flashed before his very eyes like a vision. He wanted to decline the plan because of his fear for a punishment but this time, he wasn't against it. Why? Because it was for his highness's sake.

"Maprang, you're strong enough to carry a man right?"

"Yes", she replied. Of course his highness weighed a little bit more than her but he didn't weigh so much either. For a crown prince destinied to lead the country someday, he looked too thin. But look could be deceiven because he wasn't weak like he looked like. He was even more stronger than her.

"Great. Thiha and I'll return to the court so nobody would suspect us. You have to use the change to take him out of here and bring him into my chamber. If anybody ask you about why you're carrying him, said she's your friend, a maid that fainted due to fatigue". Fortunatelly the sweet Arthit can be mistaken for a woman because of his tender, thin body figure, flawless pale skin and beautiful face. It was a compliment but Kongpob couldn't say it loud since Arthit would frown if he hear about it later. So he kept this compliment for himself. 

The eunuch took off his blue eunuch gown, giving it to Chan Tha. Meanwhile Kongpob took off Arthit's crown prince's gown, giving it to Thiha to wear. He turned the eunuc's gown upside down so nobody would recognize it then carefully put it on Arthit's shoulder. As soon as they heard voices of men approaching them, they rushed with their plan. Kongpob quickly lifted up Arthit in his arms, laid him on Maprang's back. She quickly hide behind the wall, waiting till the men passed by. Kongpob and Thiha acting as the crown prince, returned to the crowd after greeting the five men coming towards them. The eunuch had to keep his head down to not be recognized but nodody suspected him since he was palying his role really well. Maprang sneaked out then went in the crown prince's palace. of course without anyone noticing their sheming.

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And what do you think about this chapter? Sorry that it was boring. Nothing Special happened but we're coming closer to Kongpob's identity ;) Next chapter will be the continuition to this chapter.