Magnate's Blood Crown

Fourteen

"What is the problem with your parents?" Fah yelled. "We will not get such a wonderful opportunity again." She chuckled and walked to Nanon. "I was so upset after you ruined our relationship with the Thirat family. But I never knew you had big plans." She patted his shoulder.

Noi joined them. "I know. Since yesterday, I thought something terrible had happened with the way you all were behaving. Sister Lawan is angrier than usual, Brother Hiran is not having his meals, and you were not leaving your room." She pulled Nanon to sit beside her, holding his hand. "You should have told us that you planned this from the beginning." She smiled.

Nanon pulled his hand away from Noi's grip. "I request you both to leave me alone." He gestured towards the door.

"How dare you talk like that to your grandma!" Fah yelled. "Listen, I am giving you one chance to rectify all your mistakes. Accept the proposal. Anyway, it is a royal decree. We will be beheaded otherwise."

Nanon smirked. "Are you really worried about the decree, Grandma?"

"Nanon!" Noi interrupted before Fah could start an argument. "We are worried about you, son. Just think about it. Now that you have been regarded as a discarded omega, no one in their wildest dreams could think of you getting a chance to marry a royal."

Nanon gritted his teeth. "I never wished for this chance."

"Pathetic! You are as stupid as your mother. No wonder she says you are alike. Do you know what opportunity you have got?" Fah snapped.

"Marriage is about building a family. Since when was it about opportunities?" Nanon retorted.

"Nanon, you..." Noi started to speak but a knock on the door interrupted them.

Chalerm walked in. "Apologies for the interruption, Grandma, but Chief General Pawat is here to meet Nanon."

Nanon gaped at him wide-eyed. Fah and Noi grinned at each other.

"Oh, how wonderful!" Fah chirped as she walked out of the door, even before Nanon. "I should go meet my grandson-in-law."

"Mother, I am coming along. Wait for me." Noi followed her.

Chalerm glanced at Nanon, who stood by the window, arms folded and gaze distant. He approached and gently placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Nanon, are you well? You had a slight fever last night."

Nanon sighed, a sad smile tugging at his lips. "Right now, I feel like a puppet, brother. Can a puppet be well?"

Chalerm pulled him into a hug. "I don't know what to do or say. All I know is I am with you. Whatever you decide to do, I will be by your side."

Nanon hugged his brother back, holding back his tears. He took a moment to contain himself in Chalerm's arms before he pulled back. "I don't want to meet anyone, brother."

Chalerm pressed his lips and pulled out a small box from the bag tucked to his side. "The general asked me to give you this. He said you can look at this and decide if you wish to meet him or not."

Nanon frowned, confused, as he took the box from Chalerm. Chalerm smiled briefly and left him alone.

Nanon sighed and opened the box, gaping when he saw a lock in it with a key seal already attached. There was also a small scroll inside. Nanon opened it and read:

One stands firm, the other yields,
A symbol of peace, this token reveals.
In this union, my will I send,
To you, my strength, I humbly commend.

He sighed and looked at the box again. "I wish I could ignore this."