My Enemy, My Love

𝔓𝔯𝔬𝔩𝔬𝔤𝔲𝔢: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔐𝔢𝔢𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰

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THE CIRCULAR BASIN in the center of the Temple roared with fury as the five Kings, their sons, and the Lords of the provinces gathered in the poorly lit chamber. Each man remained among his own company, murmuring in low, steady voices. Around them, the Temple of Pattaya towered magnificently above their heads - each stone of its foundation a testament to the hands of the great Lords and warriors who had built it out of loyalty to the crown. At the foot of the temple steps, a monk in an orange robe recited prayers in hushed tones, delicately swinging a pendulum from side to side with the languid motion of his wrist. 

Not a single voice interrupted the monk's solemn rites. Around the fire basin, thrones had been arranged for the noble Kings, state officials, and governors. With cautious fluidity and poise, Lord Chuo of Kalasin entered the chamber, his head held high with authority and dignity as he approached the crowd of men. To his left, Lord Sunai of Phuket nodded respectfully in acknowledgement of his presence and with fleeting gesture, directed Lord Chuo to his designated seat - next to Lord Saetiao of Kalasin. The two Lords did little to greet -- or irritate -- one another, aware that tonight's meeting was not in association with their interpersonal difficulties, but with that of the crumbling stability of their nation. 

As the monk's chants faded, so did the talk among the nobles. Lord Ayak, the initiator of the gathering, emerged through the cluster of men, lifting a frail hand to silence the assembly. His face was stern, his motives inscrutable. Clad in a dark robe adorned with swirling gold patterns and a regal silk cloak draped over his shoulders, he wore a headband encrusted with white diamonds, framing the black gem of Kranaya at its center - a symbol of immense power, though even he could not rival the Kings of the five Kingdoms. 

Lord Chuo shifted in his seat, evoking the unwanted attention of Saetiao, whose gaze locked briefly on his, a history of hatred, war and jealousy flickering in their dark, merciless eyes. Lord Chuo turned away, disinterested, but his rival's bitter glare only intensified, as if instigating a non-verbal threat. Chuo did not rise to provocation unless absolutely necessary, but Saetiao never failed to crawl under his skin at the most inconvenient of times and places. 

Just as he was on the brink of rising to vexation, Lord Ayak's voice cut through the chilling silence of the Temple, his tone urgent and steady. "My Kings, Princes, and Lords," he began, observing each man with a cold, calculative stare. "The time has come to discuss matters of state, warfare, and justice. Our country sits on the edge of war with the Eastern Kingdoms. The Kings of Prachinburi, Rayong, and Sa Kaeo threaten to attack our borders, disrupt the peace we have sworn to protect, and bring destruction to our lawful systems," he continued, prompting grumbles of agreement from the circle, but pressed on. "In order to stand above the Eastern Kingdoms, we must unify our lands and strengthen our defences. These matters are costly, I am aware, and will be discussed openly in due course. I urge you all to speak honestly, and with patience tonight, my Lords." 

The King of Phuket rose first, acknowledging Lord Ayak with a firm nod. Lord Chuo flashed a knowing smile and relaxed complacently in his seat -- Sunai's next words were predictable,  infamous at every council meeting. The King was recognised for his dedication to peace, his charitable donations to his subjects, and paraded his religious beliefs and his favorability with the Gods. Even Lord Saetiao's lips curled up in a grin, his mind revisiting the King's foolish tirade at the last gathering in April. 

"I wish to speak of the Gods," he began, extracting tired groans from the nobles. Lord Saetiao bowed his head as he desperately tried to hide an oncoming laugh. "We must remember that in times of unrest, the Gods generously reward good deeds. I urge you all to connect with your subjects -- for they suffer greatly, and their needs -- "