King&Knight

IX

That night, Sky was lying on the bed while Rain was counting money that Phayu gave him, “You already counted 3 times…”

Rain looks up at Sky and grins, “I don’t trust Phayu! I’m making sure that it’s 20 thousand silver coins”

Sky stares at Rain with a serious face before he gets out of bed. Sky sat next to Rain and both started counting money.

“…What are you both doing?”

Both Sky and Rain quickly look up, startled and sigh in relief when they see it was Shan, “Phee! What are you doing here?!”

“Nalin told me about everything, someone wants Sky to be in a contest that’s why they frame all this..” Shan spoke as he looks at Sky

“Maybe it was a coincidence?” Rain suggested but both Sky and Shan shook their head as no

“Someone giving me a coin could be a coincidence but then 2 people come and buy all the calligraphy… that’s too much..”

“You both should be alert, I will try to find out who is behind it. You need to be careful of people surrounding you…” Shan pats their back before he leaves to avoid suspicion.

Meanwhile at the King's study room, PraPai and Phayu sat side by side while the King and Queen sat in front of them. Fang and Un sat in a corner trying to be invisible.

“Just tell us clearly if you are interested in Khun Kai, you sent Un and Fang to make sure that he wins the task” King spoke in frustration while PraPai remained quiet

“Phai, if you like him! We are happy to accept it but don’t act so reckless, what if it leaks out?” Queen said gently

“And you! 20 gold coins plus store deeds? What were you thinking?” King looked at Phayu who avoided his eyes.

“Steward Jun managed to handle everything among the guards but what the hell were you both thinking with this move?” King continues.

Phayu sighs before he responds, “I’m interested in Rain…”

The Queen gasped, her eyes sparkled which made Phayu quiet. He looks at his mom with a pleading look as he continues, “Don’t! Let me handle it on my own. This competition isn’t letting me develop much of a feeling , that's why I planned this trip to confirm my feelings for him..”

“Mom approves! You have my full support!” Queen almost shouted due to excitement and then looked at PraPai in annoyance, “What about you? Don’t say that you were bored so join for fun!”

“Aunty! I’m not that bad…” PraPai paused when saw the Queen glaring at him and continued, “Khun is really interesting, but I have my own reasoning to approach him.”

“You like him?” Un spoke suddenly making PraPai sighs

“No, I don’t. He just triggers my interest, that's why I went along with Phayu’s plan..”

“PraPai! You can’t play with others' emotions. Everyone here joined to marry, not for a game of cat and mouse!” Queen spoke angrily

“…That’s why I want to know too, why he’s here…” PraPai whispered under his breath. He smiles brightly as he spoke,

“Just let us spend some time alone with them, after returning we will tell you what we have decided!”

                  The next day, Rain and Sky stood in the corner while guards rushed to make last moment preparation. Sky yawns already feeling bored, soon two chariots were prepared.