Magnate's Blood Crown

Twenty One

As Chang and Nanon brought Book back to his chamber and laid him on the bed, Nanon turned to Chang. "Call Prince Jiratchapong."

"Yes, master." Chang nodded and turned to leave.

"No need," Book's voice made both of them turn to look at him now sitting normally on the bed.

"Wh-what is... how?" Nanon looked at him confused.

Book smiled and winced as he pulled his feet up. "Just a little scratched. Otherwise, I am okay."

"What do you mean?" Nanon rushed to sit beside him. "You were on that coal for so long."

"I had already applied a remedy on my feet," Book said, showing Nanon a bottle. "An oil that prevents your skin from burning for a few incense sticks' time." He smiled.

Nanon looked at him, bewildered.

Book shook his head and held Nanon's hand. "That's why I was asking you to stay calm and trust me."

Nanon pulled back his hand and stood up. "You have no idea how worried I was, Prince Kasidet!" He showed his displeasure.

Book looked at Chang and gestured for him to leave them some privacy to talk.

As Chang bowed and left the chamber, Book pressed his lips. "I understand your reaction." He leaned and pulled Nanon's hand to make him sit beside him again. "Yesterday, when Chang and another maid were arranging Empress Tharinee's room, they saw Charlok place a tray of coal on the side. When Chang informed me, I discussed it with Prince Jiratchapong. Today, when I rushed to my chamber to change my clothes because Princess Mimi suddenly fell ill, I found Prince Bunsong waiting for me. He asked me to apply the oil on my body before meeting Sister Tharinee. When I asked for the reason, he just said that Force had asked him to give me this and pass this message. When I returned to you, before I could talk to you, Sister Tharinee had already entered the court."

Nanon sighed and shook his head. "I was so scared. But..." He took the bottle from Book. "What is this oil?"

"If your skin absorbs this oil, it prevents burning for a while. But since I did not have much time for it to get absorbed properly, I still have a few scratches on the palms of my feet. But it was still bearable. And thankfully, you helped me end it earlier." Book smiled and hugged Nanon from the side, leaning his head on Nanon's shoulder. "But now I am worried."

Nanon was unhappy with the whole situation. He patted Book's hand and leaned his head on top of Book's. "Why are you worried, Prince?"

Book sighed. "Bunsong gave me a message from Brother Ohm as well."

Nanon paused, patting his hand, and listened quietly. "What did he say?"

"They asked me to keep you away from any confrontation with Sister Tharinee."

"Why?" Nanon pulled back and asked immediately.

Book straightened himself. "Maybe because you are not staying in the palace yet, and he has no way to always keep an eye on you? Sister Tharinee can do anything."

"What can she do? She can just play such games. It's not like someone will die," Nanon blurted.

"It can happen," Book said. "Tharinee alone is not a threat. The king of Chaiyapura is unpredictable. Whenever he visits anywhere, there are incidents that no one can predict or prepare for. Though it rarely happens in Nakhon Si Thammarat because Thammarat is more powerful than Chaiyapura."

"I think you all are just..." Nanon was about to argue when Chang came back running into the chamber. "Apologies, master. But there is bad news." He looked scared and worried. "P-Princess Mimi had a miscarriage."