My Enemy, My Love

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔑𝔦𝔫𝔢

The fire basin's flames rose and fell with an ancient rhythm, casting shadows that moved like spirits across the faces of Thailand's most powerful rulers. Each king and lord sat in solemn silence, their brows furrowed and their minds heavy with the gravity of their gathering. Above them, the smoke from incense drifted upward, carrying with it the murmured hopes of those desperate to avoid a return to the old days of strife.

At the center sat the King of Bangkok, his shoulders squared and his posture commanding as he looked out at the men gathered around the fire. His voice cut through the silence like a blade. "The unrest in the West threatens our unity. This is no longer a matter of speculation or hearsay." He leaned forward, his eyes dark and unyielding. "Reports of dissent grow by the day, and their forces gather, far from the eyes of our northern patrols. We cannot ignore these threats as mere rumors."

The circle shifted uneasily, a ripple of worry passing through each ruler as they considered the words. Saetiao and Chuo  exchanged a lingering glance, memories of a far different tension from a summer party slipping between them like ghosts. Their silent glances bore that same feeling of private heat and an unspoken rivalry. 

One of the senior lords, his face etched with years of experience and cautious ambition, cleared his throat. "It would be a grave error not to act, Your Majesty. If we do not move, the West will see our hesitation as weakness, and any hint of weakness invites chaos." His gaze swept the room, catching the nervous eyes of others before resting on the king once more. "We should ensure that our allies along the borders are prepared. Strengthening defenses isn't merely an option; it's a necessity."

Nods of agreement passed around the fire, the glow illuminating the creased foreheads of men who had once known peace and were reluctant to part with it. The King of Chonburi, a tall, lean man with a face worn by both sun and battle, leaned forward to join the debate. "To our fortune, we've secured our eastern and northern borders with the upcoming union," he noted, glancing at the King of Bangkok with a nod of respect. "This marriage alliance should guarantee a foundation of peace, one that will allow us to turn our attention to the more... immediate threats."

"Yes, yes, the wedding," came a muttered grumble from a lord across the circle, his voice laced with veiled displeasure. He was known for his skepticism, his distrust of alliances sealed by love or blood rather than steel. "One can only hope this match will hold and not descend into the usual political squabbles. Still, I suppose unity is as much as any marriage can offer us."

Another voice chimed in, far gentler but no less firm. "This union will prove a stabilising force, I believe. The people of both Bangkok and Chonburi look to this match with hope. The symbol of unity alone may carry more power than we think."

Lords around the fire murmured in response, some nodding in agreement while others glanced away, their faces etched with lingering doubt. But the King of Bangkok raised his glass in a silent toast, and one by one, the others followed suit, lifting their cups as the flames reflected in their eyes. They all understood, if only grudgingly, what this marriage symbolised for their kingdoms and provinces.

"To peace," the King of Bangkok intoned, his words rolling through the temple as steady as the crackling fire. "And to our alliance through my son and Chonburi's heir."

The gathered lords and kings drank deeply, their movements slow and deliberate as they absorbed the reality of their toast. For some, it was an earnest gesture; for others, a mere formality. As their voices grew hushed and the assembly began to disperse, only a handful of men lingered in the dim light of the fire, discussing quieter matters or relaying news from their own provinces.

Lord Saetiao, however, lingered, his gaze following Lord Chuo as he moved toward the temple's exit. An almost indiscernible hesitation tugged at him before he called out, his voice echoing slightly in the stone chamber, "Lord Chuo, a word, if you please?"

Chuo paused, turning back with a raised brow and a slight smirk. "What is it, Saetiao? Have we not discussed enough tonight?"

"Not nearly enough," Saetiao replied smoothly, his expression unreadable. "I wanted to ask... about the Lady of Yala. She seemed taken with you at the party." There was a calculated pause, and then he continued, his smirk fading slightly. "Will you be considering her?"

Chuo chuckled softly, his smile holding a touch of amusement as he shook his head. "No, Saetiao, I won't be."

"And why not?" Saetiao pressed, his voice gaining an edge as his hands clenched by his sides. "She seemed eager enough."

Chuo's laughter grew, tinged with a subtle mockery that did not go unnoticed. "Do you care so much about my affairs, Saetiao?" he asked in a tone that was more curious than accusatory. "You're more invested than I would have thought."

Saetiao narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening at the challenge. "Perhaps I simply don't see why you'd hesitate. If I were in your position, I wouldn't."

"Is that so?" Chuo's voice was filled with wry amusement as he took a slow, measured step closer, his gaze sharp. "Then perhaps the reason I haven't accepted the Lady of Yala is... simple. My options are open." He tilted his head, his eyes holding Saetiao's gaze. "The Princess of Chiang Mai's offer is far more tempting."

At this, Saetiao's fists clenched tighter, his mouth a grim line. "You truly think Chiang Mai's offer will remain forever? That they won't find someone more... fitting for their promises?"

Chuo's eyes glinted with something between disdain and amusement. He shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at his mouth. "The Princess wouldn't have made the offer if she hadn't meant it. The question, then, is... are you hoping I'll reconsider?"

Saetiao's expression darkened, a flicker of something unresolved and frustrated flashing across his face before he scoffed, brushing off Chuo's words with a cold, practiced ease. "I'd expect you to do what's best for Kelasin."

"Then have no fear, Saetiao. I always do what's best," Chuo replied smoothly, adjusting his cuffs as though the conversation had been nothing more than a minor amusement. His eyes gleamed as he cast one last dismissive glance over Saetiao before turning away, his steps echoing through the chamber.

Saetiao stood motionless, a strange mixture of fury and something closer to regret simmering within him as he watched Chuo's retreating form. The flickering torchlight cast long, jagged shadows over his face, each one cutting deep lines of frustration into his brow as the other lords continued to disperse. 

I'll see you at the wedding then, he thought. 

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