Arthit's mind was a fortress, cool and composed, thinking of further precautions to be taken as his soldiers moved swiftly under his silent orders, removing every sharp item from the room.
Daggers, knives, even the small ornamental blades, all were carefully collected, leaving no hint of a weapon in sight. Arthit set the example himself, unstrapping the hidden daggers from his waist, ankles, and arms, handing them over without a moment's hesitation. His unflinching resolve was clear: no risks would be taken tonight.
Kongpob watched the quiet procession with an uneasy feeling twisting inside him. It was all because of him. Shame flushed his cheeks as he voiced out, cautiously . "Roaming unarmed in hostile territory... it's not safe , General Rojanapat. Please don't risk your saftey because of my irresponsible behaviour"
"If any person behaved irresponsibly tonight, its the King of Panthara - Adiratna. He has failed you as kingn, an alpha and a family member. " Arthit paused, meeting Kongpob's gaze with calm certainty. "Don't worry about my safyey; I have my claws," he replied, voice steady, "and they're more than enough." He released the last dagger from his arm, passing it over.
Seeing Kongpob sighing silently, shoulders dropped in defeat, Arthit could guess Kongpob was feeling guilty.
"The feeling of despair," he continued softly, "can strike you when you least expect it, Prince Kongpob. And when the fear overpowers, rationality evaporates. I'm not taking chances tonight."
Kongpob swallowed, guilt simmering beneath his surface. "I promise," he murmured, "not to touch another weapon... "
Arthit's lips curved in a gentle, reassuring smile. "Let's keep the room weapon-free, just for tonight, okay?" he said, bargaining with a warmth that left little room for argument.
Kongpob nodded reluctantly. It's not like there is much value of an omega's word for alphas. He was lucky for not being mocked for such atrocity, rather was rebuked gently "As you wish, General." he parroted the standard response he was taught.
Arthit gave him a curt nod and stood up, inspecting the room himself.
..............
Once the room was finally devoid of any potential danger, Arthit turned back to Kongpob, observing the tension still lingering in his shoulders, the way his fists clenched and unclenched, as if fighting against his own unsettled thoughts.
"When I'm too stressed to think straight," Arthit began, his voice gentle, "I find that a bath can help. Clears the mind, steadies the heart. Try it-you might feel better."
Kongpob looked at him, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. He did not want to bathe right now but he also did not want to anger the alpha who was going out of the way for him, so he nodded.
Arthit gestured for his soldiers to prepare the bath, and they quickly filled the tub, steam rising from the water with a faint scent of calming herbs. Kongpob stood there, unsure, realizing he didn't have anything to change into.
Stupid , Kongpob !
" Do you need anything else Prince Kongpob ? " Arthit enquired.
Though alpha Rojanapat may not have outright said it, Kongpob heard the hidden, gentle rebuke. 'What are you waiting for? Scented candles? '
"I... I don't have anything else to wear," he admitted softly, fidgeting with his robe. "Uncle would not let me access my possesion-"
" Oh..my bad" Arthit, without a word, crossed the room to a large chest near his bed. From within its depths, he pulled out a deep purple robe, its fabric rich and soft, the shade unmistakably royal yet subdued. He approached Kongpob and held it out to him, his gaze warm.
