The King and His Consorts

The Harvest Ceremony

Before I start the story I have to say that the picture used for the cover is in no way drawn by me I found it on the internet so all credits go to the owner of the picture if anyone has any idea who's drawing that it or owns the drawing please let me know since I would love to give credit and ask for permission to use the picture.

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Everything was perfect form the beautiful red ceremonial robes to the elegant white jade pendants hanging from the exquisite yellow lotus lantern drawing a picture like a scene for an immortal to descend from heavens but of course, as always one thing was missing. Like a flog of scared chicken the servants and ritual acolytes were running around the palace searching for the King. "Your Majesty," was heard everywhere.

"Consort Suradet have you seen his Majesty?" The consort was grabbed as he was about to pass by a group of servants all of them looking at him with hopeful eyes. Bas could only sigh seeing their expressions. "Did he run away again? Don't worry I will go look for him." Consort Suradet put the servants at ease with his words before turning in his heel to walk back towards where he came from."Your Majesty..." As expected, there he was surrounded by small animals and flowers his Majesty was sitting in a green lush field in one of the imperial gardens. Hearing the voice calling out to him he turned around with a confused look. "Bas, why do you look so worried? Is everything alright?" His Majesty asked with concern in his voice. "Everything alright? Everything alright?" Consort Suradet was about ready to scold the young king until his ears were ringing but with the whole ceremony on hold until the king was found there was no time for this.With a sigh, he just looked at the sky before turning back to the king. "How come you are eight years older than me and still I am more responsible. Your Majesty the ceremony is about to begin everyone is only waiting for you." His Majesty finally stood up. "Are you saying I spent hours sitting here without realizing it?" His Majesty asked in disbelieve. Consort Suradet couldn't even believe his ears. This was not the first time or even the tenth time something like this happened so without a reply the consort pulled his king along towards the ceremonial hall.The ceremony to invite the harvest spirits and get their blessing for a good year was underway. The imperial palace was opening its doors to let in the common people to bring offerings and receive blessings. The ritual acolytes were busy helping the priests. The servants were busy welcoming the royal guests and government officials. And in the middle of all this chaos was his Majesty getting ready to address his subjects and invite in the spirits for another good year of harvest.Consort Suradet was standing on one side of the big imperial balcony his presence completely hidden as he looked over to the other side where another consort was standing just like himself waiting for the King to step outside. Soon the big heavy door was opened and his Majesty was stepping onto the balcony. With an ethereal expression and elegant movement, the ceremonial robe caressing his body in the most flattering way he looked like a heavenly king, not like a mortal.His features were handsome with his thin lips, thick eyebrows and clean-cut chin like chiselled by the most renowned craftsmen. Just with him stepping closer to the edge of the Balcony the crowed silenced and some even fainted their eyes never leaving the young king. He was elegant, fair but resolute, well-loved by many and the pillar holding the country together. For many, he was the ideal picture of a man. But the truth only the palace servants and his consorts knew."His Majesty Varodom Khemmonta." The voice of the imperial consultant sounded announcing the king's arrival. Right away everyone kneeled in respect. His Majesty opened his arms in an elegant inviting gesture. With as ethereal expression he addressed his subjects."Tonight, the moon of the harvest is shining upon us. Once more we are gathered here to invite and welcome the spirits of the harvest into our midst. May they bring us a good harvest and may their blessings be with us for another year. Hundreds of years ago this land was nothing but barren ground with the blessing of the harvest spirits and the hard work of our forefathers we have risen to a country of plentiful crops and fruits. May the hard work of our forefather be with up again and may we honour them by working just as hard to harvest even more. Spirits of the harvest we invite you once more to walk among us and to bless us all with your presents."The speech was the same as every year and like every year its effect was the same everyone was lowering their heads closing their eyes chanting the invitation ritual for the harvest spirit. Soon light exploded in the sky and two elegant young men dressed in all white appeared on the left and right of the balcony making the crowd break out in cheers and screams. Everyone knew that this was just show part of the ceremony of inviting in the spirits. These two men were the personification of the harvest spirit walking amongst them.Consort Suradet gave Consort Panuwat a look as they both stood on the sides of the balcony indulging the people below and their king as they followed through with the most important part of the ritual. Only after the sacrificial food and items were given to them did they once more hide their present disappearing as another firework exploded in the sky. Only after that were, they free to return to their jobs.As imperial consorts, they had the job of entertaining royal visitors and governmental officials. The banquets hall was filled with that type of visitors as tonight's events were the biggest and most important event of the year and no one was willing to miss out on it. With his long slim spike lute instrument resting elegantly against his arm and his white robes surrounding him, Consort Suradet sat on a pillow. With only a few notes did he grab everyone's attention and soon the other musicians arranging themselves behind him added the sound of their instruments to produce a beautiful composition.Soon after the music settled down and found a constant rhythm and sound Consort Panuwat entered with the imperial dancers. Taking over the free space in the middle of the hall they presented elegant movements with every one of their dances from sword-dance to fighting fan wielding they were proficient in any kind of dance presented at banquets like this.The banquet was as pompous as last years. Nothing was missing not even the king himself. The whole royal staff and all high-ranking government official were gathered and enjoying the festivities his Majesty was showing himself from his best side following through with political discussions and socializing with anyone who could be important in the future. Times like this Consorts Suradet and Panuwat really wondered how it came that the king they knew was in constant need of supervision and care when right now he was doing his job perfectly by himself.As every year most of those searching to elevate their social status had brought along their daughters in hopes that someone would take an interested in them especially his Majesty who still hasn't chosen his queen giving some of the more arrogant young women hopes that he would choose them. But his Majesty only had a few polite words for them before moving on to more engaging conversations.It wasn't that he didn't consider choosing a queen since it was his obligation as a king to produce an heir for the thrown it was just that he had high standards in what he was looking for and honestly until now he hadn't found any girl who would meet those standards.Consort Panuwat finished his dance performances quietly returning to his Majesty's side as he engaged in conversation with different people. Consort Suradet was still entertaining the guests with his music. He was praised by many cultural experts as one of the best musicians of this time with his music being enjoyed by many some were even willing to pay horrendous amounts of money to be able to hear him play.While Consort Panuwat was praised for his silver tongue. He was well learned and knowledgeable many scholars would visit the palace every year just to hold discussions and conversations with him. Politics, culture, philosophy, mathematics and other science he was well versed in them all and with a smooth tongue and a soft voice, it was a pleasure listening to him. Every year different royal universities would stumble over themselves eager to invite him for a guest lecture.Compared to them his Majesty was wild, unrestrained and rough. He was trained in the arts of war since young and has raised his sword in many battles defending this country. He was like a raw cut diamond beautiful and elegant but with a roughness to his character. The three of them were the centre of the country balancing perfectly with each other giving the people something to stand on and to raise proudly.But of course, that was only how the world saw them, reality is always somewhat different from fantasy after all and even though all three were seen and the most eligible bachelor of the country both consorts were devoted to his Majesty since birth and the king himself was just not the same person people thought he was.Consort Suradet and Consort Panuwat were the king's childhood friends ever since they could remember they were by the king's side. When they were younger the king had taken care of them but as time went by Consort Suradet and Consort Panuwat started to take care of the king. Even since they were able to speak, they had been raised to one day be the king's right hand and his most trusted consultant. But only after the king's coronation on his sixteen's birthday were, they announced to take on the title of consort.Consorts are not exactly what you expect them to be in a way they are just the most trusted of the king's servants. They have an elevated status and sworn loyalty to the king for all eternity. They took a pledge to abdicate all worldly and heavenly desires only serving to fulfil and follow the kings every desire and wish.After they officially were given the title both Consort Suradet and Consort Panuwat took over administrative roles in leading the country and helping out their kings. But the truth was not exactly that. Some things only the innermost palace servants knew and amongst them it was the biggest gossip. The king was a total airhead and his brain only filled with adventure, battle and his own leisure. Both Consorts Suradet and Panuwat were well aware of the king's true character and had found ways to live with it. Most days they would take over all administrative works leaving the king to his own games.But on days like today with big ceremonial feasts and festivals, the king had to give up on his freedom and yield to his position as leader of the country. Of course, he was not alone in his task having Consort Panuwat by his side to elegantly lead the conversation while making the king stand out and keeping himself in the background. And if nothing else worked Consort Suradet would intentionally change the flow of the music to give the king and Consort Panuwat a reason to change topics.The three of them really worked perfectly together and truly were the pillars of this country but in a different way than people would expect. Since the reason for them working this tightly together was not to make the country flourish but to hide the king's shortcomings. The fact that under their watchful eyes and skilled hands the country was expanding and developing was just a by-product.Festivals like this would go well until the next day and after staying up all night and most parts of the next day Consorts Suradet and Panuwat finally escorted the last guest to their horse. "Let's get his Majesty to bed and then I will sleep until next week." Consort Suradet yawned slight tears dangling in the corners of his eyes from the lack of sleep. Consort Panuwat nod in agreement unable to hold back his yawn as he saw the other yawn without care. "Agreed let's get some rest. I will go dismiss the palace servants for the day you go find his Majesty we will meet in the Pavilion of Snow." With that, they parted ways.The palace servants had been working for days without rest to get everything ready in time and with one look, Consort Panuwat could see the exhaustion in their face. "Everyone listen up." He spoke up to grab the attention of everyone in the room. "The festival was a true success due to everyone's hard work. I know that there is still a lot to do but in all honestly, I can see most of you only barely still standing upright. Everyone let the work be for today get some rest and return for work after you can actually stand straight without falling asleep." With a few words of praise and encouragement as well some wit he quickly dismissed the servants and turned to leave himself."Consort Panuwat..." A voice spoke up behind him. Turning around he saw Chef Thanapon. "What is it, Chef?" The Chef looked like he had something to say but wasn't speaking up so Consort Panuwat encouraged him to continue talking. Carefully looking around to make sure no one was watching the Chef stepped closer. "It's his Majesty yesterday the kitchen personal prepared the sweet offerings for the harvest spirits and the great ancestors but when we returned to the kitchen after the feast half of them were gone. The kitchen stuff things some of the errant boys stole them and I couldn't tell them it was his Majesty can you help the errant boys out?" The Chef was wringing his cooking hat in his hands his face filled with worry.Consort Panuwat let out a deep sigh giving the Chef a nod. "I will go safe the errant boys don't worry. Just make sure we have enough offerings for the next week." With a thankful expression the Chef nod turning around on his heels to walk back to the kitchen. Consort Panuwat on the other hand let out another deep sigh as he left the banquet hall to go safe the young runner boys from the kitchen aunties."You know how busy the next week will be and we will need every one of the errant boys at their full strength. On top of the week of offerings, we also have some diplomats for neighbouring countries visiting. Can't you let them off just this once?" Consort Panuwat was reasoning with one of the kitchen aunties to get the three errant boys she had caught out without trouble. Looking at Consort Panuwat's honest expression and listening to his soft pleading even the kitchen aunty could no longer stay angry and she waved the boys away."Consort Panuwat thank you for saving us. We really didn't steal the offerings." The boys were eager to gather around the young man constantly thanking him and professing their innocence. Consort Panuwat smiled as he listened to them. "Don't worry I know it wasn't you. Now go get some rest and after you should go asked Chef Thanapon if he needs any help with preparing the offerings." He shooed them of watching them run away laughing and playing around.The scene really made him feel nostalgia. It had been years since he, Consort Suradet and his Majesty had played like that. Shaking his head with a smile he turned around to finally return to the Pavilion of Snow."Did something happen?" Consort Suradet looked up seeing Consort Panuwat's smile. The other just shook his head throwing a meaningful look towards his Majesty. "Nothing really just some of the sweets prepared by the kitchen stuff as offerings have disappeared." He spoke offhandedly while walking over to Consort Suradet's side helping him to make up his Majesty's bed and help the king change into his nightgown.Hiding his smile in behind the blanket Consort Suradet gave Consort Panuwat a quick glance since he knew exactly what happened to those offering sweets. "The kitchen stuff must have been furious has the culprit been found yet? The kitchen aunties must be ready to scold whoever was it until their ears fall off." Both Consorts acted like they didn't see the king flinching when the topic of scolding <was brought up continuing their conversation. "They suspected some of the errant boys to be the culprits when I got there the kitchen aunty was about ready to spank them all with her wooden spoon. Lucky, I managed to convince her not to punish them without evidence."Consort Panuwat really had the perfect poker face not once during his story did, he give away any of his thoughts while his Majesty showed every reaction clearly. When he thought he got away with his deed and instead pushed the blame on the errant boys his face showed relief but when the wooden spoon was mentioned he showed fear and when Consort Panuwat said that in the end they still didn't know who the culprit was he showed worry."Well let's just hope they manage to prepare for the missing sweets by tomorrow or else we will have trouble with the ceremony." Consort Suradet added his face showing interference while in his mind he was laughing in victory finally seeing remorse on the king's face. "True with the diplomatic legation visiting just to witness the ceremony we really can't allow any errors and with so much offering sweets going missing the kitchen will have to work double-time to get everything ready."Consort Panuwat really didn't show any mercy as he continued on hearing the same victorious laugh inside his head as he saw the remorse on the king's face deepen. "Your Majesty the bed is ready you should sleep now to be rested before tomorrow's ceremony." Consort Suradet smiled softly watching the king get into bed and after making sure he was comfortable and would rest well both Consorts left the Pavilion of Snow.Only when they reached the Garden of Fragrance did they finally give in to their urge to laugh. "Honestly when did his Majesty even have time to steal the sweets? Weren't you by his side the whole time?" Consort Suradet turned to look at Consort Panuwat as they stopped in a small garden pavilion looking over the beautiful scenery in front of them. "I have no idea. But you know him... If there are sweets, he will find a way to steel them." Consort Panuwat shrugged laughing along."But it's good that he showed some remorse especially after hearing that the kitchen stuff has to work double and that the ceremony might be in danger." Consort Suradet pushed away from the small railing he had been leaning on and walked out into the flower field. Spinning in the middle of the field his white robes were dancing around him. Some flower petals were caught in the wind swirling around the young man making it a truly beautiful scene.Consort Panuwat sighed with a soft smile once more wondering when was the last time they had time to feel free and just run through these gardens without no worries in their hearts. "Bas hurry up we should also get some sleep before all hell breaks loose tomorrow." Consort Suradet nod as he heard the other call out to him.After walking through the Garden of Fragrance they reached the Forbidden Room. This was the part of the Palace only Consorts and his Majesty himself were allowed to enter. Walking past the guards standing by the entrance gate the two of them quietly entered the big courtyard. It wasn't really just a room as the name suggested it was a small residence. The elegant design of the siheyuan and the big gate serving as an entrance made it feel like it was separated from the palace entirely.Since the place was forbidden to enter for anyone but the consorts and his Majesty Consorts Panuwat and Suradet were taking care of the whole place themselves which also meant that the courtyard was not as expected covered in beautiful flowered but rather served as a small field for medical herbs and useful plants. "Is it your turn to tend to the herbs or mine?" Consort Panuwat asked with a weary expression making Consort Suradet chuckle. "I will tend to them quickly before sleeping. Get some rest Copter you look horrible and tomorrow you have to play harvest spirit again. Looking like that the children will run away in fear." Consort Suradet shoot the other off towards their sleeping quarters while getting ready to tend the garden.After quickly watering the herbs and doing only the most pressing tasks Consort Suradet quickly followed Consort Panuwat towards their sleeping quarters. Consort Panuwat had already made the beds for both of them and with a soft smile, Consort Suradet quickly got ready for bed since tomorrow would be even more hectic than today."Your Majesty please stop complaining and get up I know it's early I know you want to sleep more but you have no more pillows to throw at me and even if you had it wouldn't change the fact that we have to get ready for the ceremony."Consort Suradet was evading the pillow while trying to talk his Majesty into getting up. "Get out Bas I want to sleep," rang a voice from under the blanket. "Your Majesty you need to get up or I will see myself forced to use more drastic measures," Consort Panuwat spoke form the other side of the room where he stood watching Consort Suradet evade pillows and trying his best to coaxing the king into getting up. "Shut up Copter not like you can do anything to me I'm the king."His Majesty murmured waving his hand dismissively at the treats Consort Panuwat made. Consort Suradet sighed without a word or even looking at Consort Panuwat he just stepped aside knowing the other well enough to know that what would follow was better to be avoided.Consort Panuwat stepped closer to the bedding the king was hiding in. Without showing any mercy he leaned down grabbing the blanket and ripped it away exposing his Majesty to the incoming sunlight. "Your Majesty please get up it's a beautiful day and we need to get ready for the ceremony." His voice was full of indifference as he passed the blanket over to Consort Suradet and instead grabbed the bowl of water meant for washing slowly pouring the contents of it over the king's head. He didn't care about the bedding since it needed to be washed and dried anyways."Cold," With a low scream his Majesty finally sat up his face filled with indignation. "If you had woken up when I first came to wake you the water wouldn't have gone cold." Consort Suradet replied with the same indifference Consort Panuwat was showing. He started folding up the blanket and gathered the pillows while ignoring the look of pure injustice on his Majesty's face."Would you please get up? I will send one of the servants to fetch some more water for you." Consort Panuwat turned to leave and get one of the servants. On the other and his Majesty finally got up for the bed sulking like a little child. Not at all fazed by any of his Majesty's actions Consort Suradet went on to fold up the bedding and take it outside to hand it over to one of the errand boys for him to take it to the laundry room."I can't believe you two. If anyone would see you, they would not be able to hide their shock seeing how you treat this countries king." His Majesty was complaining as both Consorts came back inside. "If anyone saw this scene, they would rather die of shock at their king's behaviour than condemn us for handling your Majesty so well." Consort Panuwat said walking past the king to get out his robes for today.Consort Suradet, on the other hand, helped the king with his nightgown and after receiving a new bowl of water took care of cleaning and sorting the king's hair which was still wet from the water Consort Panuwat poured over him. After getting the king dressed and ready to attend the ceremony both Consorts couldn't help but smile with a feeling of accomplishment it wasn't much but still, it was hard work to get his Majesty out of bed and ready for the day.Children were laughing, running around and asking everyone they came across for harvest sweets. It was tradition that after the morning ceremony and after offering the spirits and the great ancestors offering the adults would pack up the sweets offered to the ancestors and giving them out to the children to close the circle.This was what his Majesty was currently doing. Consort Suradet was standing in the big city plaza where on normal days the Bazar would be found with a basket full of sweets and a group of children surrounding him. A little to his left was his Majesty also giving out sweets while trying to sneak some here and there but under the watchful eyes of Consort Panuwat, it was impossible. Consort Panuwat wasn't giving out sweets he was standing right next to his Majesty with the diplomatic legation explaining to them the ceremony and everything else surrounding it."Consort Suradet do you have any more sweets for us?" A group of four little girls came over shyly pulling Consort Suradet's robes asking for more sweets. With a smile, he bent down handing them some of the small candies in his basket. Seeing the sweet treat appearing in their hands the girls smiled with such innocence Consort Suradet couldn't help up softy pat one of the girls' head. "Now go find your parents I'm sure they have prepared some things for you all."When Consort Suradet was about to straighten his back again after dismissing the girls one of them shyly grabbed his sleeve handing him a soft pastry. "My mom always says that I shouldn't take things without giving something in return." Consort Suradet smiled accepting the small pastry. Just after he took it the little girl turned to run over to her friends.Still smiling Consort Suradet bit into the pastry savouring the sweet and sour flavour of the fruit filling. He didn't really like sweet flavours too much but these harvest pastries with the sour fruit tastes to them were exactly to his liking. "Enjoying the food?" Consort Panuwat's voice suddenly sounded next to Consort Suradet's ear making him turn around."Where did you come from? What about the diplomatic legation?" Consort Suradet quickly asked trying to hide how flustered he was by the sudden appearance of the later. "They wanted to try giving out sweets too so I left them with his Majesty and a group of children. I just wanted to see what you were doing and red-handed caught you eating." Consort Panuwat laughed at the other's reactions."One of the children gave it to me." Consort Suradet defended himself but he knew that the other was just joking with him so he didn't go into it further. "How are things going with the diplomatic legation?" He asked looking a little concerned. "It's going ok they really want to build relations between our countries especially since both sides have a lot to gain by trading with each other through their capital is a three weeks travel from here there seem to be a lot of merchants willing to do the journey."Consort Panuwat answered his voice sounding distracted and his eyes looking a little unfocused. "What's wrong?" Consort Suradet asked picking up the other's distracted tone and stare right away. "Nothing wrong at all I just found something quite interesting." Even more, confused by that answer Consort Suradet shook his head softly. "And what would that be?" He asked indulging Consort Panuwat since he could tell by the tone of voice the other was using that he was up to something.Smiling as he saw the other indulging him Consort Panuwat stepped closer his hand quickly catching the others chin forcing him to till his head. Not really bothered by Consort Panuwat's behaviour Consort Suradet just followed along tilling his head until the left corner of his lips was right in front of the others face. With one quick but gratifying movement, Consort Panuwat licked away a smell rest of pastry filling from the corner of Consort Suradet's lips. "Hmm, plum filling." He smiled as he let go of the other."Really? That's what you were after?" Consort Suradet could only shake his head as he laughed about the other's stratified smile. "You knew it was plum filling before you tired it so don't act like you did that to figure out the taste." Consort Panuwat laughed along since there really was no need to answer that question, they both knew exactly why he did it."Your Majesty let's head back to the palace we still have to hand out sweets to the children in the palace." Consort Suradet called out from the carriage as they were getting ready to leave. "I saw you two getting all cosy before." His Majesty spoke as soon as the carriage door was closed and it was only him and his two consorts left. "We were betting on that." Consort Panuwat answered with a shrug. "You still dare to steal the sweets even after the kitchen stuff had to work all night yesterday to make up for what you ate." Consort Suradet continued as if the two topics had any relations."We even planned to bring you some sweet plum pastries and cherry cakes tonight but look at how you still haven't learned your lesson maybe we just have to eat those sweets alone." Consort Panuwat continued finally making the link between both topics clear for his Majesty. "You know I can just order you to bring me those pastries and cakes." His Majesty crossed his arms pouting in the corner of the carriage. "But is it as much fun if you order us to bring those." Consort Suradet answer with a playfully sarcastic expression.