Magnate's Blood Crown

Thirty

In the grand halls of Chaiyapura Palace, Prince Mongkhon paced restlessly, his worry plain to see. His sister, Tharinee, sipped her tea with annoyance, watching her brother. Emperor Borom, ruler of Chaiyapura, looked at them before turning his gaze to his second consort, Consort Panit, the omega prince of Siamrath and the Emperor's most beloved consort. Panit was also the father of the royal twins, the heirs to the throne. He pressed his lips together, signaling to Borom to stay calm.

Borom nodded and stood up. "Prince Mongkhon, why are you so troubled? Shouldn't we be happy that the sovereign is strong once again?"

Mongkhon and Tharinee looked at him with disbelief and anger. Mongkhon walked closer, his voice tense. "Will you really accept him just because he has power over the army?"

Tharinee added, her tone sharp, "He may be the lost prince, but how do we know if he is fit to rule? Besides, you have the support of Siamrath." She looked at Consort Panit. "Isn't that right, Consort Panit?"

Panit paused for a moment before smiling and standing. "Sister Tharinee, I'm glad to hear you consider Siamrath an ally. I had thought you felt otherwise."

Tharinee's glare didn't soften, but Panit continued calmly. "My father, Emperor Theeravat Suriyavongsa, has always been loyal to the throne of Suphannarat. My brother, Crown Prince Vajiravudh Suriyavongsa, and I were raised to believe in the unity of our nations, built by a wise leader. If that leader left this responsibility to his only son, we should support and strengthen the alliance. A strong union will ensure the prosperity of our nations."

Tharinee scoffed, unable to hide her irritation. "As expected, you are nothing but a cowardly omega."

"Tharinee," Borom said sternly, "I advise you to show the same respect to Consort Panit that you expect for yourself."

Mongkhon pulled Tharinee back to his side. "Emperor Borom, please forgive my sister's arrogance, but we are concerned. You will lose your power to make decisions if this union is crowned. Think of Siamrath and Chaiyapura—two strong nations. Together, no one could break you."

"Don't use your ambitions to play politics," a voice interrupted, and they all turned to see Crown Prince Vajiravudh of Siamrath entering the room with a smile. He looked at Mongkhon. "My brother-in-law knew you came for this discussion, so he asked me to speak with our father and give you a clear answer."

"Greetings, Crown Prince," Mongkhon said, forcing a smile.

Vajiravudh smiled back. "You forgot to bow, Prince. After all, I am a crown prince, and you are not."

Mongkhon glared, while Borom and Panit hid their smiles. Tharinee clenched her jaw in frustration.

Mongkhon reluctantly bowed. "Greetings, Crown Prince Vajiravudh. Please accept the greetings of a mere prince." He added the last part sarcastically.

Vajiravudh nodded. "Greetings, Prince Mongkhon. Greetings, Empress Tharinee."

Tharinee grimaced and turned away.

"Siamrath stands for peace, and we support the union of the sovereign. It's not just about the army seal. Our loyalty is to the supreme majesty," Vajiravudh said.

"So, you're all ready to become servants?" Mongkhon asked.

"We are all servants, Prince Mongkhon," Borom added. "As rulers, our job is to work for the peace and protection of our people. Before the partition, everything worked well because the nation was united under one rule."

"And don't forget, even as chief lieutenant general, Ohm Pawat Chittsawangdee was a force to be reckoned with, admired by all. He doesn't need the army seal to win," Vajiravudh added.