Mua Kong's eyes s.h.i.+fted to look at his father. The King also noticed the small response and he proceeded, "Your mother was a woman like no other, a woman that even, I, aspired to be...

When I asked her to spend the rest of her life with me, I promised, I would never be like all the kings before me. I refuse to have a harem regardless if other ministries pushed me to have one. I also promise your mother and myself... I will not make my own children fight for the throne. Because of that, I never have to worry about my own family discreetly trying to kill me. I can focus my time on rebuilding the country. I am the only king ever written in history to live the longest."

The King took another deep breath before continuing, "My son, it's been 3 years... I hope that the longer the time pa.s.ses by, the more life you would have in you. You can't be like this forever. Your brother has finally gotten married last year and will be expecting his first child soon. I want you to continue my legacy. This might make me look silly to ask you because I never married another woman after your mother.... but, I'm hoping that you can look at other woman. Pa Chee is a good girl, I think she suites you well and I hope she can move your heart. I want you to think about moving on and start having a family."

The King looked at his son and still didn't get any response. He expected this to happen which was okay, he said what he wanted to say. After waiting for a moment in silence, Mua Kong still doesn't move or talk, the King finally stood up. "Think about what I just said. In four months is the palace annual fall festival. All the important guests will be at the palace with their daughters. I want your presence at the festival." With that the King turned around and left the study room.

The King hoped that another woman might help ease the pain in Mua Kong's heart. As long as a seed is planted, fruits may grow someday. He made the time to open up to his son and hopefully, those words might help persuade his son to start thinking about having a family.

The next day, Mua Kong got out from his study chamber. Since the disappearance of Hli Ja, he's never set foot back into the room they shared together. Everything in the room smells like her and reminds him of her.

He's afraid..., if he set foot in the room, he might be engulfed in her scent and the memories of her will forever paralyzed him, keeping him lock up in the chamber where they shared their love together.

Yee Len was already waiting outside. He bowed when Mua Kong burst out of the door. "My Lord, won't you have some food first?" He felt like his Lord is looking more and more distant as the time pa.s.sed by. They said, time heals all things and people gets better with time but his Lord actually looked worse.

Mua Kong didn't turn around to look but commanded. "No need. Let's head out."

The only thing Yee Len could do is comply to his Lord's wishes. and followed his Lord to the horse stables.