His Enigma

In the waning light of the evening, the courtyard of King Kongpob’s palace buzzed with anticipation. Servants scurried about, making final preparations for the grand birthday celebration that would soon commence. As the king surveyed the scene with a satisfied nod, a servant approached him, bearing a huge, ornately decorated box.

“Your Majesty, a gift has arrived for you,” the servant announced, presenting the box with a reverent bow.

Kongpob’s interest was piqued. “A gift? From whom?” he inquired, eyeing the intricately adorned box with curiosity.

“It bears the seal of Prince Vikram of Lionheart, Your Majesty,” the servant replied, his voice tinged with deference.

A shadow passed over Kongpob’s features at the mention of Vikram’s name, his suspicions instantly aroused. With caution, he accepted the box, fingers tracing the delicate tiger like stripes patterns etched into its surface. “Prince insists it to be opened at the celebration, your majesty” The carrier from lionheart informed stuttering.

“Very well.” Kong nodded the gift to be taken away. He mindlinked his General Wad to check the gift before it was brought to general attendance of tiger shifters.

" I think you should see it before bringing to general attendance” Wad’s cautious tone over the mindlink made his hackles raised.

“Anything I would want Prince Vikram’s head for?′ Kongpob mindlinked.

“May be ..maybe not” Wad said nonchalantly.

Kong promptly visited the cellar where the box was placed. Carefully, he lifted the lid, revealing its contents.

In the dimly lit cellar, Kongpob lifted the lid of the inner box, revealing its contents. His breath caught in his throat as he beheld the magnificent creature within.

Before him laid General Arthit Rojanapat, the majestic Tigrilon, injured and battered. His once beautiful white fur was marred by missing patches, evidence of the brutal treatment he had endured. Kongpob’s heart sank as he noticed the tail, once thick and luxurious, now cruelly cut at the end, branding Arthit as a traitor.

But it was the sight of the slave tattoo branded onto Arthit’s back that sent a shiver of rage down Kongpob’s spine. The symbol of bondage and oppression, stark against the Tigrilon’s fur, served as a cruel reminder of the injustice inflicted upon him.

Arthit laid chained in thick, blood-crusted chains, his beast bearing the marks of his suffering. Kongpob’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, his gaze flickering with a mixture of rage and sorrow.

“What do you want me to do with him?” wad asked.

" Remove the chains and clean his wounds. Find him clothes and feed him.”

“Don’t forget his fool lion heart got him in this trouble Kongpob” Wad advised in his cryptic style “Atleast he has excuse of lion foolery running in his blood, you don’t”

“What do you mean to say?”

“You can’t take away his chains before Prince Vikram presenting him at court.”

“I bloody well can. ”

“Yes, you can. But not before branding yourself as traitor sympathist or an unfit King. You know Prince Vikram is playing for this outcome.”

“Then what do you want me to do? Let him rot here like this?”

Wad frowned ” Do something that will get him out of this chains and not tick the elders of five felines. ”

“What do you want me to do ?”

“Grow a brain your majesty.” Wad retorted bowing.

“Do you know if you weren’t my brother you would have been executed thrice a day for contempt against throne”

“If I wouldn’t be here to stop your foolhardiness, You would have been the second Princess Achara .the only difference would have been that this half lion general would have devoured your stupid head instead of your dick” Wad retorted over mind link.

" He is not a half lion. He is Tigrilion. ”

" That’s such a stupid name” Wad frowned.

" What do you suggest then? ”

“Tigon. It has a royal feel. or the best would be Imperator (General) Arthit Rojanapat ” Wad supplied ” We don’t need to caste him in categories we know. He is neither Lion nor tiger. He is a league of his own. ”

Kong nodded.

“Send a message to Prince Vikram that we accept his Gift and It has delighted us. Clean his wounds and feed him before bringing to court. ”

" understood, your majesty ” Wad formally bowed.

" And present him in human form, in clean clothes.” Kong requested over mindlink.

Wad nodded and ordered clean clothes in Arthit’s size.

" Healer Kathawut ( Aim) thinks Imperator Arthit is sedated. ” Wad informed over mindlink ” Lionhearts must find him a handful to handle while awake. ”

" First get his wounds cleaned. Administer him necessary healing potions and anti sedative. Then if he is able to shift , provide him clothes fit for his stature.”

The air in the grand hall of the palace was thick with tension as Kongpob’s birthday celebration commenced. The flickering torches cast dancing shadows on the ornate walls, and the sound of hushed whispers mingled with the soft melodies played by the musicians in the background.

Several allies and friends were presenting King Kongpob with the prior approved gifts. Prince Vikram, adorned in regal attire, approached Kongpob with a sly grin playing on his lips.

“King Kongpob of tigerstealth ” Prince Vikram declared, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd, “Lionheart and Tigerstealth has been allies since centuries. Today, I stand here with a gift that will once agin prove that Lionheart considers tigerstealth truest Friend and closest Ally.

On your birthday, Lionheart present to you a gift fit like none other.” Prince vikram Signalled the pal bearers who pulled off the cloth covering the box that itself was decorated with silver and Gold tiger patterns.

" This hybrid abomination,” He pointed to Arthit who was much to his surprise stood in human form- cutting an intimidating figure despite being bruised and battered. “This beast stands accused of treason against the crown Of lionheart and Tigerstealth as well as whole Alliance of Five felinia. Every kingdom had been impacted by his treachery and lost things dear to them, yet the loss he caused you is immeasurable and irreparable. Lionheart feels it is only right that you pass the judgement upon him.” Vikram pushed a confused Arthit on his knees ” Take away his sight as he has taken yours. Peel away his skin and let this abomination feel the pain you have felt, you will feel for your entire life. Let his screams be music to your ears. “Vikram kicked Arthit to the ground and pressed his shoes on his neck “Lionheart relinquishes all rights upon him. He is yours to do as you please.”

Kongpob’s expression remained unreadable as he regarded Arthit, his eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of fresh wounds on the bound man. Prince Vikram must have found a way to torture the man further. It boiled Kongpob’s blood. But before he could respond, Prince Vikram continued, a hint of challenge in his tone.

“We have heard of Tigerstealth’s iron handed justice. I am sure you will Give him a death that would give nightmares to any heart even thinking about treason. Let us see how Tigerstealth deals with its traitors.

A ripple of anticipation swept through the room as all eyes turned to Kongpob, awaiting his decision. But instead of seizing the chance to assert his dominance, Kongpob raised a hand, silencing the murmurs that had begun to rise.

“Prince Vikram,” Kongpob spoke, his voice steady and commanding, ” I appreciate your gift, I assure you the traitor will be dealt with a fate he deserves. please unhand him” he gestured to vikram’s foot on Arthit’s nape.

“Of that I have no doubt” Prince Vikram, smiling slyly, give a pretend respectful nod and took his seat.

" Tigerstealth Thanks Lionheart for always having his back. I assure on all our behalfs that nothing can be more pleasurable gift than serving justice to a traitor who had almost uphauled the peace so painstakingly created and descended us in chaos. ” Kong paused, swiping his gaze over all the weres presented.

" As for our former coalition General’s punishment- I personally think death is a punishment so small for the crime as big as treason against trust of all feline community. A person who had cheated his own brotherhood does not deserve to be laid off so easily. Death will be a mercy on him.”

The approving growls reonated through the hallway.

The crowd cheered in delight. Kongpob smiled ” I have decided Arthit Rojanapat will live to see his failure each day. Arthit Rojanapat will serve Tigerstealth that he had put his all to destroy. He will serve its King that he had blinded.”

Tigers roared with approval. Prince Vikram frowned, undecided where it was leading.

“Arthit rojanapat from today will be stripped of his right to shift . He will serve his entire life to me and my Kingdom as my chosen mate.”

A stunned silence fell over the courtyard, the tigers frozen in disbelief as they struggled to process their alpha’s unexpected declaration. Mate with the enemy? The very thought seemed inconceivable, a betrayal of everything they had fought for and believed in.

“You would mate with the enemy?” a voice called out from the crowd, its tone filled with incredulity and disbelief.

Everyone looked at each other. A cougar Prince stood up “Since when is being a mate to a King a punishment?”

Wad smirked “Being a mate to a King definitely is not a punishment. But being an alpha while being in that position definitely is. Or would you like to exchange take up the position, Prince Keya?”

Few other dignataries snickered as Keya totally embarrased, sat down. The Tigers looked quite pleased.

Prince Vikram stood up quite delighted “I Have only heard of Tiger’s venegance, King Kongpob. The reality is even more regal.”

*clap..clap*

Arthit clapped, laughing hysterically, the clinking of iron chains on his hand only added to thr hollowness of the ominous site. “You are quite delirious if you think I will ever submit to You Kongpob Suthiluck.”

The crowd gasped at the audacity of the prisoner. Arthit took the chance to pull the sword from scabbard of a guard near him. The onlookers took a step back, while Wad took a step towards Arthit. “General Rojanapat, drop the sword”

Arthit swished the sword wildly, still calculated enough to not actually harm Wad ” Back away” he snarled. “I will die before I will be reduced to Bed warmer of your little King. ”

“King Kongpob had granted you another life..be grateful Imperator” Wad chided. The Stubborn Lion prince was not ready to listen. Arthit raised the Sword in air to stab himself in heart.”

“Now...“Wad yelled . Before anyone could understand anything. Kong lunged from his throne, shifting mid air. His powerful Tiger form Landed over Arthit, taking him to ground while Wad snatched the sword away.

Kong stood over the human with a paw over his chest. ” Bathe him, scent him and adorn him in an attire befitting to Tiger King’s mate. Tomorrow, at the first hour of moonrise, I shall Take Alpha Arthit Rojanapat as my mate.” Kong ordered to his men then turned to Arthit ” Either you can accept your fate or you will be dragged naked— bound and chained to altar Alpha Rojanapat” He warned ” Prepare yourself, We have a mating ceremony to attend tomorrow”

A soldier came running with Anti shifting collar , Kong shifted to human form, with gloved hand he put the collar to a wildly thashing Arthit. “The more you fight it, the more it will hurt you. Don’t even try shifting or death will seem sweet ” Kong told Arthit but The Tigon had no understanding bone in his body. His thrashing form, promising all kinds of miamimg to Kongpob, had to be dragged away by tens of soldiers.

“Let it be Known that Alpha Arthit will not face punishment at our claws,” Kongpob announced, his voice unwavering in the face of their uncertainty. “Instead, he will serve the imperfect King and Kingdom he hated, with his wit, soul, strength and ....body.”

Several princes snickered at that.

“But what if he betrays us again?” another voice called out, its tone laced with hesitancy and fear. “He will definitely retaliate.”

Kongpob’s gaze softened, his expression one of understanding and empathy. “Then he will face the consequences of his actions,” he replied, his voice gentle yet firm. His eyes turned to Prince Vikram ” If Tigerstealth knows how to embrace their friends , they know how to behead their enemies too. ”

The crowd roared in agreement. Prince Vikram was roaring the loudest.

Arthit was sent to be cleaned and bedecked with appropriate attire and Jwellery, meanwhile all the guests were invited to Royal banquet hosting royal feast.

As the feast unfolded in the grand hall of Kongpob’s palace, laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the aroma of sumptuous dishes and the clink of goblets. Amidst the revelry, Kongpob’s sister May’s jest cut through the jovial atmosphere like a sharp blade, drawing attention to Prince Vikram with a pointed remark.

“Prince Vikram, I heard you washed your hands off a dying horse, coloured as gift to our King” May quipped , her tone light but laden with implication. ” quite cunning, I must say.”

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Prince Vikram, anticipation hanging in the air like a heavy cloak.

Wad, ever the provocateur, seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. “Ah, yes,” he chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “They say a gift is the best a person has to offer. I wonder if Lionheart has a different definition of gift.”

Prince Vikram’s pride bristled at the barb, his jaw clenched in indignation as he struggled to maintain his composure. Sensing the tension in the air, he turned to Kongpob with a steely gaze. “Lionheart definitely has a bog heart like its name. I would be honored if the King would let me know wgat he thinks is a gift worthy of him ?” he demanded, his voice laced with thinly veiled irritation.

But Kongpob remained unfazed, his expression remained calm and composed .

“A gift, Prince Vikram, is given freely, without expectation or demand,” he explained, his voice carrying across the room with quiet authority. “If I were to ask for something, it would cease to be a gift and become a demand.”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd at Kongpob’s words, the tension in the air thickening with each passing moment.

Vikram was now visibly frazzled ” Lionheart is known for its most beautiful omegas throughtout Feline Kingdom. I open my personal collection to Prince Kongpob. He can choose any omega he wants — for as long as he pleases. ”

Like a bolt from the blue, the jaguar prince Bright interjected with a jest of his own, his words cutting through the silence with razor-sharp precision.

“Perhaps Prince Vikram is adamant on gifting used things to Kongpob,” he quipped, his tone light but tinged with mischief. ” Does Lionheart only have great things that are dying, temporary or used ? ”

In response, Prince Vikram’s expression jaw tightened, a flicker of rage dancing in his eyes as he considered Kongpob’s request. And then, with a gracious nod, he made his offer.

“Seems like this gathering is adamant on misunderstanding my most honest feelings. Let that be. I present to you, King Kongpob, a gift that will hold light to none you have recieved so far” Prince Vikram declared, his voice ringing out across the hall with solemnity. ” Call omega Aroon. ”

" He is beautiful like God’s creation, untouched like first rays of sun. Subservient as dream of an alpha. ” Prince Vikram described. “He is exact definition of a true omega. Perfect combination of beauty, skills and grace. You will never hear a complain from his lips nor will you ever have anything to complain about him.”

“He can not complain even if he wanted to” Wad provided over mind link “This bastard had his tongue removed. ”

Kongpob did not show any outward sign of revulsion, instead he accepted the gift with a gracious bow, ” How can I deny gracious offer of a dear friend ” Kong replied smiling. ” I must say, your taste in things are finest of us all. ”

Prince Vikram was filed with pride, he smiled at Kongpob. ” I must commend your taste too Prince Kongpob, it takes one to know one.

" If I haven’t personally seen him shift in to a lion, I would think he is a peacock ” Wad commented over mindlink to Kong.

" He truly have a pea-cock ” May snickered over mindlike while Kong gave a stern warning ” behave.”

" I must say, I did not expect you to grow a brain so soon your majesty ” Wad snickered over mind link.

Wad, may and Kongpob shared a triumphant look, a sense of victory filled the air, marking a turning point in the course of events to come.