"You are sweet like a candy and dazzling like a gem.
I found you, the love of my dreams."
Snow Candy

After the dinner that day, the whole country's interest on Second Prince's relationship increased ten-fold. Of course, it's all thanks to the exaggeration of all those reporters. The unexpected thing is Ohm suddenly have a fan club. Yes, you all read it right, a fan club. That day, all the pictures of him in the black suit came out really nice. Beside his handsome face, he has a tall body, with ideal proportions. He regularly exercise; thus, he also toned with muscles. The suit praised his good body. Ohm looked just like a model. Many young girls start to idolize him. Social media are fulls of compliments from his fans. Many people show support for the couple. Supporters point out that Alethea is an open-minded country where people can get marriage no matter gender; then class titles should not be a thing to judge either. The Prince has the right to love anyone.

OhmFluke might have gained supporters; but, there are still some people comparing Ohm to Fluke's recent ex, Dylan. They say that Dylan is more suitable. He was born as a Royal, he understood Royal setting. Thus, he can help Fluke in political events and such. It might be fine to have opinions from both sides. However, these non-supporters take a step further by slandering Ohm. They still pressed on the fact that Ohm acted unethical, purposely flirted with his patient. It is a war on all social media platform.

Meanwhile, the couple of attention is ignoring all of those comments. After they received the green light from their parents, they have nothing to fear. Things are already out in the open, they can't just hide from the reporters forever, missing each other everyday. Therefore, Ohm and Fluke decided to date like before, publicly. Go watch movie, eat out at their favorite restaurant, watch the stars, go to the night market (this gave Fluke's security guards great headache), and many other couple things. Their pictures are taken not only by the reporters anymore, but also their shippers. People can get diabetes just by looking at their pictures.

It's not only OhmFluke that gives Alethea the feeling of love, there is also the Crown Prince and his boyfriend, Kao. After over two months of appearing by Earth's side, people are expecting Kao as the future Royal Consort. Kao received tons of compliments from the public. He has outer appearance, title, power, nice personality.... a man that everyone dream of. Alethea is waiting for the wedding of the decade.

The King and Queen are also ready just like their citizens. That is one of the reason why they allowed Kao to accompany Earth to some politic meetings, especially military-related meetings. Kao's knowledge and inheritance can support Earth when he become King in the future.

Earth had talked to his family. He told them about his feeling. He is waiting for the right moment to propose. His parents didn't want to push him, waiting for him to decide the time. They already felt happy that Earth was able to find someone from the list they have given.

Time keeps on moving its wings, flying its course in the universe. Alethea moves deeper into winter. Another year is about to end, a new cycle of season is about to begin all over again. It's already the last weekend of the year.
Alethea's Royal Family has a tradition. On the last weekend of the year, they will hold a Year-End Ball. It is a live broadcast ball to celebrate all the good things that had occurred in the year. The other purpose of the ball is to raise money for charities. Attenders are required to donate a minimum of 10% of their income of the year. The ball is attended by Royals, military officials, big business owners, some famous celebrities, and foreign ambassadors. Therefore, the amount of money raised every year is enormous. 

Each year, the ball is planned by the Queen. However, Fluke had asked his mother to let him assist her. The Queen was shocked at first; but, she agreed later. She was content that he offered to help. Fluke has experiences with planning other small events; thus, it wasn't exactly hard for him. After 2 weeks of preparation, the Grand Hall is finished with the desired decorations. All they have to do now is attending the ball.

Since 6 p.m., the front of the Royal Palace is crowded with reporters. The Grand Hall is also equipped with cameras for the live broadcast. Attenders slowly arrived in their expensive cars, wearing the best outfits and accessories. The cameras are working simultaneously, catching every details.                                                                                                            

In the spacious Grand Hall, it is filling up with attenders. The hall is decorated in white and light blue tone. The fragrance of blue and white hydrangea gives a calm feeling. An orchestra is playing a sweet melody, mixing in with the conversations around the room. Servers are moving around, offering refreshments and light foods. There is also a bar at the end of the room, 3 bartenders are working non-stop, filling out the drinks for all the guests. A few TV directors are adjusting their cameras for the best angles. Everyone is waiting for the arrival of the Royal Family.

At 7 o'clock sharp, the announcer rings a bell, disrupting all the noise in the room. Everyone turns their attention to the door that is used only by the Royal Family to the Grand Hall.

"Your Majesties, The King and Queen of Alethea." Everyone immediately bow their heads, showing respect. The King enters with the Queen a few steps behind. Both of them are smiling at the cameras, which are directed at them.

"Your Highness, The Crown Prince of Alethea and Your Lord, Earl of Dechaphatthanakun." This time, Earth and Kao are walking in together, Earth's arm is hooked to Kao's elbow. They are both wearing matching white/navy suits, various medals on their right shoulders.

"Your Highness, The Second Prince of Alethea and Mr. Thitiwat." Last but not least, it's Fluke and Ohm. The cameras are especially focused on Ohm tonight. People are curious to know more about him, "the lucky man who holds a Prince's heart." The couple uses white and black as their color tonight. Fluke is wearing a white vest with light black lines, white pants. While Ohm is wearing a black and white checked vest and black pants.

After the Royal Family members arrived at the front of the Grand Hall, the King gives a speech of greeting and gratitude to all the attenders. He appreciated all their works in any form for the country. When he finished, everyone raise their glasses for a toast, wishing a good new year to come.
The ball officially begins. People start to flock over to the Royal Family, chattering away.

One hour.... two hour....

Ohm could not hold his bladder anymore, his face's muscle is tired from constantly smiling. He needs to use the restroom. Ohm turns to Fluke, whispering into his boyfriend's ear that he is heading over to the restroom. Fluke nods his head with a smile, releasing his hand from Ohm's elbow.

Ohm heaves a sigh of relief while washing his hands. His mind is spinning. He had met a ton of people in the last two hours. Every time someone approached them, Fluke would whisper to him on how to greet that person. What is it with different ways of greeting Royal people? Why can they just say a simple hello sir/miss? Remembering who is who or what title that person hold is even harder than studying for his doctor license.
Things don't even end there. The whole time, he can see many men threw daggers at him with their eyes. If look can kill then he might have died a thousand times. Ohm can tell those men are people who want to be in his position, walking beside Fluke, dancing with him on the dance floor. He considered himself lucky to be by Fluke's side tonight. He could die million more times from those eyes and still choose to be here tonight.

Ohm dries his hand then fixes his hair a little. He hears the restroom's door opened and sees Dylan walks in through the mirror. Ohm only takes one last look at himself in the mirror and ready to leave.
At this point, Dylan is already standing beside Ohm. He mockingly says, "I'm surprise you are still here, thought you ran away already."
Ohm ignores Dylan, continues to head toward the door. Dylan speaks up again, sounding a little annoyed. "It's about time you should break up with him. You looked like an idiot out there who have to be babysat on how to greet people."

This time, Ohm is not keeping quite anymore. He stopped his legs from walking and turns around, "Seems like you love to watch us out there. Are you perhaps our fans?"

"Fans my ass." Dylan hisses. "You worthless shit need to leave him. You don't know how things in the Royal circle works, don't understand the politic games, or don't even know the Royal etiquette. Back off from here before you embarrassed yourself even more. The only worthy person to be on Fluke's side is me. Stay in your lowly place."

It's funny how everything Dylan had said doesn't even anger Ohm. Instead, he felt that this guy is pathetic. Feeling angry toward such a pathetic guy only make himself pathetic like Dylan. Ohm was about to say something; but, someone has already stopped him.

"You forgot something, Dylan." Kao steps out from one of the restroom stall at the corner. "He certainly doesn't know how to cheat, unlike someone." Kao talks to Dylan without even looking at him, like Dylan is not worthy to even look at. He just washes his hands at the sink.

Ohm was shocked to see Kao, he thought it was just him and Dylan in here. Dylan's voice broke his thought.
"Cheat? What are you talking about?"

      "Acting innocent, i see. Everyone in the Royal Circle knew you cheated on Fluke. Nobody said anything because your father took care of it, fearing your shameless behavior would ruin your family's name. Consider yourself lucky that Fluke didn't say anything to his parents. Otherwise, you won't be here." Kao responds while looking at Dylan now. His eyes full of authority.

      "So what? A little mistake any man made. Plus, if my father took care of it, then there is no proof. The public still loves me, many people think I'm worthy to be on Fluke's side." Dylan answers, still maintaining his arrogance attitude.

      "Don't make me give those reporters the evidence that you paid for those comments?"

      "What? How do you get your hands on that?" This time, Dylan is a little panic. Nobody should know he paid people to comment badly about Ohm.

       When Dylan saw the news that Ohm was invited to dinner at the Palace. He was furious. None of Fluke's past boyfriends received such invite from the King and Queen, not even him. So why Ohm? Not only that, many people start to support them, saying how Ohm looks good together with Fluke. Dylan wouldn't sit still to see that. He refused to lose to someone like Ohm. Thus, he paid people to slander Ohm and comment that he is better than Ohm.

      "Pfff... I was just bluffing; but, I didn't expect you would confirm it. Well, such a nice conversation had been saved on my phone." Kao laughs out loud, taking out his phone from his pocket. He waves it in front of Dylan's face, angered him even more.

      Dylan lunges toward Kao, trying to grab the phone. With quick reflex, Kao dodges, making Dylan to stumbles forward. 

     "Back off. I know you are not stupid to cause a mess tonight. You don't want your face to be on the front page tomorrow for trying to pick a fight. Leave the Royal Family and Ohm alone." Kao threatening says. He then turns to Ohm and signal him to leave together.

      "Mind your damn business! You are just a pawn for your father's plan. Don't be fucking cocky." Dylan yells out, trying to insult Kao a little. However, Kao doesn't pay attention to him, opening the door to leave.

      After Ohm and Kao had put a good distance from the restroom, Ohm finally speaks up. "Thank you for back there, Kao."

      "No worries, buddy. I'm glad to do it. Don't pay attention to him and what he said. I support you and Fluke." Kao gives Ohm his words of encouragement.

      "I understand. Thank you for your support!"

      "Anytime. Let's get back to the ball! Your boyfriend might be worried." Kao winks. Ohm can only smile at Kao's tease.

      Once they are back at the Grand Hall, they notice that the Royal Family is talking to a middle-age man, who resembles the King. Both Ohm and Kao recognized that the man is Prince Tul, the King's brother. Standing by Tul is a young lady in a red gown. She has fair skin, wavy hair, and a gorgeous body. It's Lady Mild Suttirat, Prince Tul's daughter. Both Kao and Ohm pay respect to the Prince and his daughter.

      "It seems like the Royal Family will have at least one wedding next year." Prince Tul says, looking at KaoEarth and OhmFluke.

      "I hope so as well. It will be a busy year if that's the case." The Queen gladly responses.

      "It doesn't matter when the wedding will be. It will still be the same before or after the wedding.... No heir for the country." Tul's voice is flat and yet his words are burning. The Royal Family no longer smiling.

       "That won't be hard anymore. With the current medical technology, a heir will be produced, carrying Suttirat Family blood." The King sternly responses.

       "I don't understand why Your Majesty let the Crown Prince do this. He should carry out the duty of the heir by having a normal family. Not marrying a guy." Tul huffs, no longer hiding his disgust face.

      "I don't see anything wrong. Love has no boundary. I think you should learn to understand more and abandon your prejudice, Tul." Although the King's face is still with no emotion, his voice is absolutely authoritative, warning his brother.

      Despite the festive atmosphere around them, the mood among the Royal Family is chilly. Tul Suttirat is a person who had refused to serve in Court since his brother became King. Since they were small, the two were polar opposite. Tan Suttirat is a warm hearted Crown Prince, who received a lot of love from citizens. Meanwhile Tul Suttirat is cold and didn't open to anyone. They always have opposite opinions and views in almost all issues; thus, they weren't close. When Tan became the King, Tul stopped involve in politics nor helping his brother. He and his family moved to a different city, only come to some Royal events. The gap between two brothers grew even more. Not only that, Tul is strongly conservative. Many times, he showed his hatred to his nephews for being homosexual. This gap within the Royal Family is at the impossible point to mend. 

      The Cold War that seems to never end is interrupted by Tina. She came to inform that it's time to take family pictures. They finally ended awkwardness and head over to the designated area for the pictures. Since Kao and Ohm are not family yet, they also stand nearby and watch. However, as a free spirit, Fluke asked Ohm, Earth, and Kao to have couple pictures. The King and Queen can't help but smile to their child's request.

      After the pictures, they came back to the party. It continued smoothly late into the night.