Interminable

A strange tune, an unorthodox stance, yet having an undeniable charm, lulled the audience into quietude. The song's words fit her as if bespoke; that skin glowed, and those cheeks were so radiant that the white powder couldn't obscure them. With each passing moment, her smile sent hearts racing. And when her dark eyes unintentionally glanced in this way, something inside the onlooker pulsed faster than the Thai classical ensemble's drum.

 

She had a sweet face and a smile that was a joy to behold, and her graceful poise lured a sharp gaze before its owner was even aware. With fingers splayed and the eye twinkling so brightly, leaving a young noble, who had just had the honour of attending the royal court for the first time, spellbound as though something within him had been yanked free.

 

Even the ornament on her was outshone by those eyes, and the white garments only made the wearer more endearing. Those vivid, rouge-painted lips were bewitching, and the garland beside the cheek couldn't rival them, not to mention the tapered waist, which caused a heart to leap when she glided. Might she be an affiliate of the Royal Court Music Department?" The deep voice asked the confidant next to him.

 

"I daresay so, Master. I believe she is one of Luang Sanor Duriyang's protégées who rehearse the Chui Chai dance in honour of His Majesty."

 

"So ravishing..." The low-pitch voice mumbled, only to be heard by two of them. The master's manner amused the young man as he glanced at the tender face of a svelte girl who was performing the Chui Chai dance before him. Once he gazed back, he found the eyes of his nobleman locked on her with an unwavering stare. 

 

The youthful visage, the delicate frame that seemed meant to be held, and the dance entwined with the music, effortlessly enticing; all were so dainty like a true lady, making it difficult to look away. Rather, the young aristocrat's heart was certainly stolen.

 

"I shall see if I can find a way to ask around, sir," said the young man, while the master just nodded driftedly.

 

The music ended, yet the nobleman's gaze still followed that slender back until it was out of sight. It was only then that he could pull his attention back to the ceremony. 

 

The content smile still left its trace on the man's plump lips, giving the other high-borns, who also had the first opportunity to join the royal ceremony before His Majesty, collectively wild fantasies. His striking face, with its prominent nose and distinct fair complexion, apparently indicated a mixed heritage, not entirely of Siamese blood. Yet, no one deemed him a misfit. Because he was able to attain the Chao Men Samur Jairatch position at such a young age, he must truly be as capable as the rumours claim and deserving of His Majesty's high regard.

 

Furthermore, a finely chiselled face, much coveted by many, caused everyone to overlook his other cachets.

 

Khun Yai, Chao Meun Samur Jairatch, of the royal court; The definition of beauty, though, couldn't surpass his fidelity to the land and the breadth of his talents, which made him so sought-after that many ministers in the capital wanted to have him work under their patronage. Especially the minister of the Treasury, his adoptive father, who, undisguisedly, gratified Master Yai even more than his true-born son had since Master Yai's childhood, confident in passing all responsibilities into trusted hands.

 

Owing to a solid upbringing, Khun Yai was well favoured by most bureaucrats.

Had the tragic incident not occurred, Chao Men Samur Jairatch should have been ranked as Phraya, as his adoptive father had hoped.