Thien startled, then dropped to his knees, bowing low. "Your Highness …" He hesitated, then asked what had been gnawing at his heart. "Does the lord often ask to take performers into his service?"
"Quite often," the prince replied. "Some become dance masters, others his household’s entertainers. Some personal attendants. If lucky… a consort."
"A consort?" Thien’s voice rose in surprise.
"Beautiful dancers are sometimes taken as wives or concubines. If fate favors them, perhaps even as royal consorts."
Thien swallowed hard.
"I am content to serve under Your Highness," he said quietly. "And… I’m not even sure what role the lord had in mind for me. As you said, I am not yet very skilled."
"You’re sulking because I said you’re not yet skilled?" the prince raised an eyebrow.
"No, Your Highness. I understood your words were a gentle refusal for my sake. I am grateful for your protection, and I wish to remain in your service always."
The prince gave a thoughtful nod.
"What day, month, and year were you born?"
Thien tensed. The royal astrologer had warned him never to disclose this, especially not to the prince. The prince was rumored to be gifted in astrology, even being praised by the late king.
"I don’t know, Your Highness. I was orphaned at birth. KhunPraNai took me in, then sent me here when he saw I loved poetry and dance."
********************
STORY: Teerinthorn Watchman
Editor: Niphon Thiangtham
Illustrator: Pauoon
Genres: A historical romance with LGBTQ+ themes
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