PROLOGUE

“Your Royal Highness, the people are waiting for you.”

Ten’s eyes flicker up, meeting their reflection in the huge ornate mirror of his dressing room. The phrai* bows before him, his body rigid as he makes his way outside the door. Ten stands up and adjusts the sleeves of his golden khrui*, careful not to mess with its exquisite embroideries. His hands are bare and his palms cold despite the post-summer heat.  He sighs and closes his eyes momentarily.

Today, he will be King of Siam and the head of Thailand’s long-standing monarchy, and he’s only 20 years old. A first in history.

He opens his eyes and finds a pair of dark brown orbs staring intently at him from behind. The same pair has never exuded as much tenderness and anxiety as they do now.

“Taeyong,” Ten sighs, not realizing he was holding his breath in.

The boy smiles, the sides of his lips twitching awkwardly, accenting his handsome jaw. “Are you ready?” 

Ten laughs frailly. “I’m more afraid than ready, to be honest.”

Taeyong walks closer, his feet waltzing towards Ten with such ease and familiarity. “You don’t have to be. I will be right beside you when