Magnate's Blood Crown

Sixteen

Nanon looked around his room, his eyes taking in the array of dresses, accessories, and perfumed waters of various kinds spread out before him.

"What is all this?" he asked, turning to Nuea and Arak.

"Lady Lawan sent these for you," Nuea replied. "She isn't ready to face you yet, but she asked us to deliver these along with a message."

Nanon clenched his fists, remaining silent.

"Master," Arak continued, "Lady Lawan said that although we are nobles, we are still no match for royalty. But since you are now part of the royal family, you should dress appropriately for the blessing ceremony of Prince Jiratchapong and Prince Kasidet."

Nanon sat on the edge of the bed, glancing at the items again. "Is she still upset with me?"

"I doubt it's the other way around," Nuea interjected.

Nanon frowned. "What do you mean?"

"She feels guilty and sad for putting you in such a position where you had to cry your heart out," Nuea explained. "She's been crying and not eating for days. She even seems to have a fever."

Nanon stood up abruptly. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"Because she asked us not to," Arak said. "She's not ready to talk to you yet."

Nanon sighed, looking away. "She always finds a reason not to see me," he said with a sad smile.

"Fourth Master, please don't be sad today. This is the first occasion in the palace after your engagement with the General," Nuea said, kneeling before Nanon and patting his knee.

Nanon looked at him and squished his face gently. "Fine. Just for the two of you."

They both smiled.

"But I will still be alone there," Nanon said. "I can't even bring you two with me until Her Majesty provides you both with a gate pass token."

"Why will you be alone when we are here?" came a chorus from the door. Nanon turned and jumped with excitement, seeing his three brothers there.

He ran to hug them all. "When did you all arrive?"

"Aunt Lawan called us. She asked us to accompany you," Lek answered.

"Chalerm, you were away since morning for this?" Nanon asked.

Chalerm smiled. "Aunt asked me to deliver the message to our brothers, so I had to leave. I apologize."

"Come on, let's get ready," Yao said.

"But are you wearing that?" Lek asked, pointing at the bed.

Nanon looked confused. "I thought it was the best of the lot."

"No. I don't think any of this will be a good fit for a royal ceremony. We three can wear anything, but you will have to stand next to the royal family," Chalerm observed.

"True. We should have bought something for you on the way. Now we don't even have time to prepare anything," Yao pondered.

Nanon panicked, glancing at everything behind him. "I... I'll make do with this..."

"FOURTH MASTER!" Mai came running into the room. "THERE ARE FOUR CARRIAGES FULL OF CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES OUTSIDE THE HOUSE!" she exclaimed loudly and happily.

"Huh?" All the brothers gaped at her, unable to understand.

"C-Ch-Chief General has sent it all for you. Chief Commander Yai and Chief Commander Direk are here themselves to deliver it," Mai said, pointing at the balcony.