Magnate's Blood Crown

Thirty Seven

The air between Ohm and Joss crackled with the weight of the unspoken agreement that hung in the balance. Joss, ever the proud and fierce warrior, was about to do something he had never imagined—strike a deal with the Supreme Majesty.

Joss took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering as he looked into Ohm's eyes. "I want to send Chalerm safely back to his home," he said, his voice firm but laced with an uncharacteristic vulnerability. "If you allow me passage through the Thai nation and assure that no one will stop me until I reach Narathiwat, I'll do whatever you ask—whenever you ask."

Ohm's expression remained stoic, but there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Joss was not a man who made deals easily, especially not with someone he wasn't particularly friendly with. Ohm considered the offer for a moment, weighing the possibilities. "I could arrange for Chalerm to be taken safely to his home," Ohm began, his tone measured. "You don't need to involve yourself further."

But Joss immediately shook his head, his voice firm and unwavering. "No. I need to do this myself."

Ohm's gaze sharpened, a hint of curiosity now mingling with his surprise. "Why?"

Joss shifted Chalerm gently in his arms, the weight of the unconscious omega grounding him. "Chalerm is no longer just any beta," Joss replied, his voice softening as he spoke. "He's a recessive omega, and I... I can't just leave him in someone else's hands. I need to see him safe, to make sure he gets home before I return to Panthara. If I don't, I won't have a moment's peace."

The raw honesty in Joss's words took Ohm by surprise. This was not the Joss he had known—proud, fiercely independent, and guarded. But here he was, opening up, revealing the depth of his feelings for Chalerm. Ohm understood the weight of love, the way it could change a person, drive them to do things they might not have done otherwise.

After a moment of contemplation, Ohm gave a slow nod. "Very well. You can take him yourself. But remember, when the time comes, you will owe me a favor."

Joss nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Agreed."

Ohm's gaze softened as he looked at the unconscious Chalerm in Joss's arms. A rare emotion flickered in his eyes—concern. Chalerm was not just any omega; he was Ohm's brother-in-law, a connection that deepened the weight of this moment. "Take care of him," Ohm said, his voice quieter, almost gentle. "Chalerm is family. His safety means everything to me, to Nanon. Make sure he gets home in one piece."

Joss, surprised by the genuine concern in Ohm's voice, nodded with renewed determination. "I swear on my life. I'll protect him with everything I have."

Ohm turned to Anol, his trusted commander, who had been silently observing the exchange. "Anol, accompany them and ensure that they reach Thammarat safely. I trust you to handle this with the utmost discretion."

Anol stepped forward, his expression serious but tinged with understanding. "As you command, Your Majesty."

Joss shifted Chalerm gently in his arms, feeling the weight of the unconscious omega as if it were the weight of the world. The thought of returning to Panthara without Chalerm was unbearable, and now, with Ohm's assurance, he felt a glimmer of hope.

"General Pawat... Ummm... Your... Majesty," Joss said quietly, his voice softening as he glanced down at Chalerm, "thank you."

Ohm gave a small nod, the concern in his eyes lingering.+

With that, Joss, Anol, and the unconscious Chalerm began their journey.