THENEXTPRINCE, Chapter 26: Charan’s role.
Within the Royal Palace today, there was a special bustle. This was because a significant social event, the unveiling of one of Atsawethathin’s successors, was being held. People from all walks of life flocked to participate, making the event crowded.
The ambassadors, royal princesses from other cities, children of ministers, politicians, and media from various branches, both domestic and international, all gathered here, making it a grand event that caught the attention of many.
Charan was dressed in a tailored tuxedo, meticulously crafted with a perfect fit. It made the person wearing it look more than just good, but rather outstanding. The adornments on his body were not excessive, but each piece had a value far beyond what an ordinary person could afford to wear.
The intimidating, dignified, and majestic aura emanating from Charan’s poised demeanor made him a captivating sight in the eyes of the eagerly waiting media.
“Charan, may we take some pictures, please?” A brave member of the media requested politely amidst the anticipation of others.
Sure, pause for a moment. Before posing.
It was true that he rarely appeared in front of the media unless it was necessary. So, when granted permission, numerous flashes from all directions descended like a rainstorm.
The young man stood still, maintaining decorum. Then, he stepped inside the banquet, adorned with luxurious decorations, greeted by many people dressed in expensive formal attire, with wait-staff providing service around.
Charan knew well that he was here only as a working individual. However, his vigilant spirit remained open and alert. Therefore, the young man swept his gaze around to assess the people.
His sapphire eyes wandered and halted on one person whom he could remember very well. The tall, prominent figure, fair complexion, a pleasant and non-confrontational face to anything, with distinctive features. Prince Kalavin Li, a royal heir from a neighboring country.
If he remembered correctly, the other party wasn’t particularly fond of attending social events like this. However, it was speculated that this time Prince Kalavin Li might have been compelled by his father to come and demonstrate his friendly and readiness to connect with Emmaly.
As far as Charan recalled from old news about the Li family from the neighboring country, they often provided support to one of the family members competing for the position of Sovereign King and this time they probably came for the same purpose.
Selecting the competition team to support.
Kalavin Li sighed boredom as he glanced at the golden-yellow drink in the tall glass he held. The champagne here tasted good, but the atmosphere at the moment was undeniably dull enough.
The scent of nobility, the daunting stature they have faced since birth. There’s nothing particularly new or surprising, Kalavin avoids conversations and interactions with anyone. The young man skillfully avoids the crowd, letting the guards surround him like armor.
“That’s Prince, Kalavin.” Whispering sounds from the media outside, blocked by barriers, echo and disturb the nerves of the figure as he walks closer to the area where the media is waiting.
And only a few offices have the opportunity to enter the inner zone, but Kalavin doesn’t care much. Partly because he has heard news related to his name so often that it has become mundane.
It’s certain that no matter what, people will always talk about him the most…
“Is that Jae? Jae Jirat, the stage actor?”
“Is he attending this event too? How did it happen?”
Just as the conversation topic changes abruptly, Kalavin flicks his finger, beckoning the waitress to change the champagne glass. Meanwhile, he intends to find a quiet place to sit and wait, but the offensive words from Nin force him to pause.
“Perhaps I should ask the media who used to be friends to find a way in, the media badges are hanging there.”
“That low, are there any benefits to attending conventions?”
And another critical analysis that Kalavin dislikes, causing him to be slightly displeased.
He doesn’t hate provocative speech, but Nin’s dismissive actions and negative comments, just a moment before Kalavin walks away, give him a chance to see Jae Jirat, that stage actor.
Light brown hair, petite face, a small mouth, a slightly raised nose, and drooping eyes… a pitiful appearance.
Oh… genuinely pitiable. Hoping that someday the other party will be able to escape from these wicked accusations.
Charan’s gaze returns from the royal person to his wristwatch. In five minutes, it will be time for the royal debut ceremony according to the schedule. The lights in the grand hall dim, leading to another eruption of nervousness among the leaders as they try to hide it.
“The Sovereign-King arrives.” A proclamation from the noble calls for Charan to proceed to the opened door to await the ceremonial tribute, and the tense conversations in the surrounding area are no different from the scattered bird nest returning to silence, no different from the arrival of a royal lion in the great forest.
The highest man on the platform looks majestic and regal, despite being in old age. All the guests bow with respect according to tradition, waiting for the person with the highest power in the country to give the opening speech.
“We are delighted to welcome all of you. Enjoy the event tonight.”
That whisper indicates that the debut of someone is imminent. Charan admits that today’s event makes him feel nervous, not because of attending a grand social function.
But because he spent the whole day and night thinking about certain people and… realizing that he himself is truly a malicious person as alleged.
“You… you’re so heartless, do you know that? You brought me here, left me behind, and disappeared… Have you ever thought about how I would be?”
Charan feels guilty, and because he thinks that way, he decides to have a conversation with the young lord to let him know. The clock’s needle reaches one o’clock as the spotlight illuminates the stage again, and the person in contemplation appears with a grand piano in the background, emanating a bright sound.
The young man stands tall before freezing for a moment when the spotlights shine, and the people lost in thought suddenly burst into applause.
Khanin Atsawathewathin. Dressed in the same color as the musical instrument, he resembles a renowned painted image created by a master artist, composing a melody born from his nimble fingers, creating a pleasant listening experience.
The first note and the enchanting melody that captivated everyone’s gaze, at that precise moment, as if spelled by magic.
Particularly Charan, the young man couldn’t take his eyes off, until he felt his heart fluttering in an unfamiliar way.
The sweet and melancholic voice blended with the chosen love song. Khanin, who cleverly used Emmaly’s most famous love song, which was known by everyone for its challenging vocals and interesting musical notes.
However, the grandeur of the introduction of Atsawathewathin, the Royal Heir, surpassed that. Because Khanin brought new interpretations to all the songs and compositions, singing in a unique style that stood out.
His gentle and charming demeanor, not to mention the majestic appearance of a singular royal heir, a combination that melted all flaws, invoked awe and admiration from the crowd.
“Absolutely splendid, Young-Lord Khanin.”
“Is it true that he was raised as a commoner?”
“Such a pure voice. His musical skills must be impressive to watch.”
Proving his worth beyond doubt. Khanin, a scion of the Atsawathewathin dynasty, managed to silence those who despised and harbored grudges against him.
Thunderous applause echoed throughout the hall as the performance of the young royal descendant concluded. Khanin stepped forward, paying utmost respect to Dhipabawon. Tarin followed suit. Then, he stood tall in the center of the stage, gazing serenely at everyone, receiving their adoration and respect.
“We are delighted to have everyone gathered here. We sincerely thank you for the applause and warm welcome as a fellow citizen of Emmaly, thank you to all who contributed to this event, and thank you to our neighboring countries who have traveled here. Thank you to those who have flown from afar. Thank you for being part of this memorable night. In the name of Atsawathewathin, we will hold everyone’s kindness, and we will never forget.
Thank you.”
Khanin’s concluding remarks softened, expressing his humility towards those who had shown him respect. The surrounding flashes illuminated Charan, feeling overwhelmed… No, it wasn’t just Charan, but everyone in the hall, including Dhipabawon.
It was partly because of the lengthy sentence just now. Khanin didn’t merely speak in Emmalyan, but each sentence changed, showcasing his communication skills for other foreign leaders to acknowledge.
Japanese for the representative from Japan, English, Chinese, and many more followed, leaving many in awe, except for Tarin, who revealed a subtle smile. While Charan himself couldn’t take his eyes off.
Khanin handled various situations better than Charan thought. He admired that, but at the same time, felt a twinge of envy deep within his heart when their eyes briefly met.
Charan was confident that Khanin saw him. It was because the young man deliberately stood in a spot he knew Khanin had to look through, pausing a little when their eyes brushed past each other.
But that’s it… just a momentary pause before passing by, as if not being close to each other, and it made Charan’s chest feel warm, as if a large fire engulfed him.
The multiplying negative emotions intensified when the owner of the alabaster physique descended from the stage, accompanied by the SovereignKing to engage in a conversation with Prince of that city, this city’s princess, and many others according to the protocol.
It was part of the duty… but Charan couldn’t help but feel uneasy, unlike ever before.
“Prince Kalavin, the nephew should know.” Because standing not far from the conversation, Prince Kalavin who used to be, with an indifferent expression, never disrespectful towards anyone, seemed much more lively now.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise, that song you sang was amazing. I loved it.”
With just one glance, Khanin could tell that those compliments came from the heart. So, he thanked them with a smile before they shook hands in a friendly manner.
“Thank you, I’m glad you liked it.”
The introductions seemed simple enough, but Charan looked at the two of them as if he saw a dangerous weapon about to destroy the world. The leader of the heavenly guardian clan, with a calm and intimidating face, became even more composed.
The young man felt an itch in his heart, unable to express his feelings in words. He thought to himself that no matter what happens, he will not wait any longer. Tonight, he must find a moment to approach Young-Lord Lek and have a conversation.
“I enjoy listening to music too. I’ve heard this song before, and you have an interesting way of singing it.”
“Thank you. I hope you, Kalavin, can remember the song in the way I sang it.” Khanin responded to the compliment with a smile, looking at Chakri with a twinkle in his eyes, partly because of what Chakri had said earlier.
The story of Prince Kalavin. Chakri mentioned that the other party was the main sponsor and a potential ally who could help him in the competition. However, Khanin didn’t want to approach directly without layers of strategy.
The young man chose to talk about music instead of making a straightforward formal introduction, but in his last sentence, there was an implicit meaning.
Dhipabawon and Tarin had moved away, but Khanin still noticed a pair of eyes looking at him. In truth, being an important prince, being watched was normal.
However, those eyes were different. Khanin noticed Charan’s gaze. The dark eyes of the young artist and renowned owner of the art school. A famous name that couldn’t be ignored.
Unlike anyone else, Khanin tried not to care because the other party seemed unaffected and claimed that he wouldn’t feel anything. That was a bluff. As soon as their eyes met, a lingering feeling in his heart that he thought would fade away expanded into an overwhelming desire to avoid looking at someone with a malicious heart.
However, deep down, Khanin couldn’t deny that he still had a lingering curiosity. He wanted to know if Charan had taken his words to heart from their previous conversation.
Is it the same… that swirling feeling in his heart that he tried to find something to forget?
Just then, a waiter served a glass of wine. Khanin accepted it, confident that he saw… that gaze that seemed to want to communicate something from Charan. It looked restless… it seemed to convey more feelings than the past few days.
Khanin hated himself. Because deep down, he was waiting for an opportunity, but as mentioned, he was tired of chasing. Charan was different, unwilling to be pursued!
He wouldn’t try anymore. He might just find a way to stimulate a reaction from someone.
Father once said that when someone speaks up or approaches a quiet party, that’s when you should be cautious and it becomes scary. He will make Charan aware of how being evaluated feels.
The music from the orchestra informs the next sequence of Khanin’s performance, prompting people to have an escape plan from the maze. Khanin steps into the center of the dance floor, following the rehearsed positions.
He sees Ramil, EvPetai, and even Charan himself stepping in, prepared in the same manner. People from all around move in and surround them.
Now, Khanin stands in the center of the dance floor. In front of him is a beautiful lady who resembles the daughter of a minister. On the other hand, someone makes a gesture to withdraw first. The young nobleman quickly bows and counts the other side according to tradition.
Khanin cannot deny that he is experiencing an inexplicable nervousness. The more he sees other dancing couples in their prepared poses, the faster his little heart beats.
Who would have thought that someone as ordinary as him, born and raised in obscurity, would one day find himself in a situation no different from a movie or a scene from a series he has watched.
His eyes dodge to one side, and from that angle, he sees Chakri standing not far away. The other side looks back before his father, his family’s representative, sends him a determined gaze to cheer him on. It calls for encouragement so that people can let out a smile.
The beautiful curve of a smiling mouth is worth admiring. But as he turns around, he sees a few people standing not far away. Khanin restores his composure, appearing stiff. The young man pretends not to care about Charan’s gaze that keeps coming his way. He turns back to his own dance partner before gently interlocking their hands.
The music begins with the strings, followed by the piano. The waltz melody creates a magnificent atmosphere for the young men and women in the ballroom. The royal lineage and the high society all dance gracefully according to the rhythm.
Khanin tries to count the dance beats to be a perfect leader for the young lady. The first turn, she returns a smile that touches his heart. He smiles back in response.
“It is an honor to open the event with the Young Prince.”
“I am also delighted. But if I make any mistakes in the rhythm, I apologize. I am not particularly skilled at dancing.” The conversation helps alleviate the tension and anxiety in Khanin’s heart.
“You were splendid nonetheless.” The young lady uplifts him with a smile, before the song being performed escalates in speed.
The piano slows down again, signaling the need to change dance partners according to the tradition. The first dance partner of Khanin bids a sweet farewell, and they exchange smiles as a gesture. They rotate to find new dance partners, but the spiritual connection tells that Charan’s gaze is still fixated on the little girl.
Khanin’s eyes meet that gaze. Even though he pretends not to care, he cannot deny that it bothers him. He deliberately leads his own dance partner to step back.
He wants to escape to the other side of the floor, but he cannot do so inconspicuously. Khanin turns his attention to his second dance partner. Even though his true emotions are not present, he strives to feign interest.
He converses with his dance partner as part of the ritual, leaving a lingering smile as if someone unknowingly felt it in their gaze. It is not just a matter of not feeling… but feeling too much.
Charan’s actions seem like playing a teasing game. When he chases and distances himself, it makes Khanin only look for him. Finally, the lingering feeling compels Khanin to choose to face the gaze.
The young man decides to turn and look at the moment when the final verse of the performed song ends, just before the dance partners reach their turn. Their eyes synchronize.
Their intense gazes resemble a magical spell. They mutually lock eyes as if wanting to use their powers to read each other’s minds. Everything around their bodies moves slowly, as if time is nearly standing still when the melody of the played song gives a chance to change partners.
Pause!
Khanin turned to his left, but this time he made a mistake. The young prince stumbled over his own feet… He was about to miss a step. Just as someone came in and held his waist together, allowing them to continue dancing seamlessly.
The forefront of the royal party was the leader of the Phitakthewa clan. The flashing lights in all directions combined with the sound of pressing shutter buttons caused the young man to become more flustered than before.
However, none of them had affected the attention more than the majestic figure of Charan and his warm hands that touched each other.
“Be cautious, Your Highness.” The soft, muffled sound came from the older person, almost like a whisper.
Khanin pursed his lips tightly, allowing the other party to lead and help him regain his footwork in sync with the rhythm of the dance.
Then he reluctantly raised his face to meet the gaze. The first thing Khanin received was not a scornful or teasing look, but a reciprocal one. The eyes of the other party were so gentle that it made people think and worry.
“…”
“Your dancing steps are not as impressive as your swordsmanship…” Charan fell silent after receiving no response to his first remark. After a brief pause, he ventured to mention something that caused the corners of the listener’s mouth to twitch.
Khanin had wanted to remain silent and not respond, but…
‘Damnit’ The brave warrior’s spirit compelled him to speak harshly and not give in!
“Do people who are not present at teaching have the right to say anything?” The cute face remained composed. Khanin didn’t smile as brightly as he did when dancing with others in the past. He remained still…trying to concentrate on the music, but finding it difficult to do so.
“Teaching dance is not my duty…” His mouth uttered those words, but then his thick hand reached out and firmly grabbed Khanin’s waist, making him flinch.
Teaching dance is not your duty? Then what is Charan’s duty? Someone who keeps staring until he almost pierces through like this… That is the duty of the other party.
The beautiful eyes measured and glanced at the person speaking, causing a twinge in the observer’s heart. Some phrases that even Khanin himself couldn’t answer as to why they resonated so deeply.
“Protecting Khanin, taking care of Khanin, being honest and faithful to Ahawteawann…” Those were your duties.
“…”
“But I forgot that it was all a lie.” Not wanting to leave it at that, Khanin uttered a deeply cutting remark. He kept his cold facade intact, masked with a chilly demeanor. He didn’t react to the person in front of him, but those things had a detrimental effect on Charan.
“And if Your Highness were to exceed your duties, it wouldn’t matter, right, Your Highness?”
The tempo of the dance accelerated as Charan’s thick hand moved to tighten their waists closer than before, amidst the sound of the music gradually fading. Charan brought his face closer, causing Khanin to catch a faint scent of mint coming from the other party.
Their synchronized eyes, bodies pressed close without any room for air to pass through, surrounded by a hushed silence, while the occasional flash of light remained.
At this moment, Khanin no longer cared about the people around him. He only cared about the lips of the person in front of him, which were moving to communicate something.
Something that seemed to have made the speaker hold back for a long time…so long that they finally gave up their reservations, and looked at each other with such longing, before the lights in the hall dimmed.
“Let’s talk outside, Your Highness.”
It’s not easy to get the important Charan to engage in conversation at a time like this, but it’s not less powerful than Charan’s force. He received some cooperation from Khanin, and finally found a peaceful space to talk.
The silence resembled the medium of communication in a deserted garden at twilight. Khanin hugged his chest and stood still, not even looking into the faces of those around him. The fragrance of jasmine flowers filled the air, but it couldn’t calm the restlessness in his heart.
“If you don’t speak, I will leave.” Because the other person is just staring at each other like a person who has forgotten the sound box. Khanin took a deep breath and exhaled loudly without considering etiquette.
He intended to go for real while the stone sculpture of Charan began to move. The thick hands of the older man held out in front of them, a face full of experience, previously had, now looked hesitant.
One truth is that Charan never yielded to anyone, never being in a situation where emotions had more power than the brain. The awkward young man, but in the end, his reluctant lips agreed to release a word.
And of course, it’s words. Khanin waited to listen…
“Your-Highness, I am sorry.”
Sincerity could be seen through both voice and gaze. Khanin was pleased that at least everything he had invested seemed not to be in vain, but because he had been chasing after so much, this time he wanted to try reversing the roles.
“Sorry, about that?”
“About everything that has happened.”
“…”
“Sorry for being cruel.”
“Do you realize it?” The sound collided and pierced through the cut-off person. Khanin still refused to meet the gaze of the conversation partner, causing the agitated person to step back into the circle of eyes.
“I know, Your-Highness, I intended to apologize.”
The sound of music from the banquet could be heard not far away while they stared at each other. Charan glanced again. Those eyes were filled with so much, and it affected the emotions of Khanin.
“You made me be alone.”
“Your-Highness, you have Chakri by your side…”
“It’s the same. Chakri is for Chakri-related things. Can you replace him?”
“…”
“Rejecting me again… As soon as I say something, you refuse, do you know how hurtful it is?” In truth, Khanin had thought that this time he would speak less, be quiet, but when it came to reality, it wasn’t like that.
The spirit of a shooter refuses to leave the body, and because of this reason, it has had the opportunity to confront someone again, and ask what Charan can do, besides…
“Your-Highness, I apologize, Your-Highness, I fear I might make you lose face again.” after being allowed to complain and seeing that he’s not going anywhere. Charan glanced at the person hugging his chest, clearly expressing dissatisfaction. The young man was angry, but didn’t feel as suffocated as he did when he was criticized before.
Conversely, the slightly awkward posture of the young Lord with his sculpted lips that rarely anyone had seen invited the feeling that Khanin… was incredibly adorable.
“It’s certain, it’s your duty, you said it yourself… That you would protect me, take care of me for real. But when it comes to this point, you just abandon me like that. What kind of cruel person… If…”
“Your Highness.”
“I don’t deserve…”
“Your Highness..”
“What?” The person who was hurt and frowned, when they saw Charan with a small smile on his face while looking at each other, they felt strange and had to put on a blank face to escape.
“There’s something that Your-Highness, I want to tell you… It’s not an apology, but I want us to understand each other.” “Well, say it then.”
Come on.
“Actually, Your-Highness’ my duty has been completed since Your Highness arrived safely at Emmaly.”
“…”
“After reporting to the Sovereign-King, it can be considered that the duty of taking care of Your Highness has ended… The Sovereign-King allowed me to cease the duties that are suitable for what others can do… Your-Highness, I wouldn’t have come to visit if there wasn’t something necessary.”
“But now that we’ve met, just greet each other a little, don’t you realize that you’re being too cold… Even though I trust you already.” The final sentence lightens clearly. Khanin takes a deep breath before asking a question that squeezes the lump in the left side of Charan’s chest fiercely.
“…”
“For me, we’ve been through a lot together… But you act as if I don’t exist. Maybe I’m just a kid. Holding on to the person who passed, passed through death together with me, but deep inside… You never think about me at all, do you?”
“…” It’s more than just those words, it’s scarier than that for Charan.
“Am I the only one… who wants you…”
“Your-Highness… is about to exceed the duties.”
This time, it’s Khanin who wants to smile, but he has to maintain his dignity. He purses his lips, making himself look calm and clear. In the moment when their eyes turn to each other.
“You said it yourself that you would do it, so when will you do it?”
“Your Highness… What does Your-Highness want me to do?”
Khanin couldn’t hold back anymore. He breaks into a wide smile. Because, in the end, what he hoped for has come true according to the plan.
Just as you said. Drops of water fall on the stone every day would weaken it, and even the softest heart of a person can withstand it.
“Come back to be by my side.”
“Understood. Done…”
“Not just in a neutral listening way. I saw Ramil with Petai, so I went to ask Chakri. Chakri said that Young Princesses and Young Princes can have close companions. I will ask your grandpa to have you as my companion like Ramil has Petai.”
“…”
“Or maybe you can fulfill the bodyguard role as well. You would feel like you’re doing a beloved duty… And if you don’t want to confront others in the competition, that’s fine, their faces don’t matter. Even though I want you to join the team, I won’t force you.”
Khanin doesn’t know what made Charan reluctant to confront others, but he’s afraid to ask. Because he’s worried that it’s something the other party doesn’t want to disclose.
He doesn’t want to compromise the other party’s desires and desires.
“…”
‘But just so you know… I really want you.’
“…” Everything said so far is surprising, but it doesn’t compare to the latest sentence I heard. Charan knows well that Khanin grew up in England, is skilled, and speaks English more than Emmalianese.
But the speaker’s tone in this particular sentence… Okay. Khanin probably doesn’t know, but in Emmaly, they use this sentence pattern for lovers who want to express longing, desire, and in another sense, it’s a phrase that lovers use to talk about wanting to have carnal relations together…
Khanin doesn’t understand what Charan knows, but the mixed feelings that arise in his heart along with symptoms of flushing and a hot body, he can’t control them.
“Seriously. Your body is so good, tall arms, long legs, excellent… I really want you. Mmmhpf…” Before the conversation goes too far, Charan chose to raise his hand to hold the talking person’s mouth who hasn’t finished speaking, glancing with a stern voice.
“Don’t say such direct words.”
“Ah, oh my…” Khanin frowned, trying to escape. Meanwhile, Charan remained still, trying to find words to explain.
“Not…”
“Why not? I haven’t even finished speaking yet. I want to say that I want you to join the team.”
“Your Highness understands, so I have to say that I want you… Saying those words at Emmaly isn’t the appropriate way to speak to others.”
“I’ll say it and who will… Uh, I can change my words, but there must be an exchange.” Initially, the rebellious child seemed resistant, but at one moment the woman, Nokan, changed to a flickering smile, painting the face of an enchanting beauty.
“An exchange?”
“You have to stop using royal language with me, and then I won’t say these words again if it’s not necessary.”
“Your Highness cannot…”
“I want you…” Khanin deliberately spoke gently to stop the rejection from an older person, which had the expected effect. Charan looked annoyed, contrary to the white-skinned beauty who was not bothered.
“Don’t…”
“I want you, I really want you, I want Charan so much… Mmmhpf.” The thick hand of the grown man reached out to cover the mouth again. Khanin intended to struggle fiercely, but because Charan knew enough to use his strong arms to block the skinny person, he succeeded.
“Okay… fine, but you’ll only speak like that when we’re alone together.”
“Yes… finally… do you know, I’ve been going crazy, everyone, Your Highness this, all of you, like that, Your Highness that, like this, it’s unbearable… no one talks to me like a normal person… ugh.” Because I’m always so happy, I didn’t notice how close we were. Until the moment I turned and felt the warm breath of the tall figure on my skin, on my cheek… that’s when I felt it.
“It’s been a while, we should go back inside.”
“Yes, it’s been a while, and Chakri is worried…” Khanin mumbled.
After that, both parties grew distant. Charan remained silent. Khanin remained silent, but this time it didn’t feel suffocating at all.
The sound of insects echoed throughout the area, they blinked at each other once again, before Khanin asked about the main purpose that led them to this particular place.
“So, are we okay, in summary?”
‘Nin, on the other hand, you have to ask yourself…’
“Oh…”
‘In summary, do you still feel anxious?’
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