The delicate hum of an elven choir accompanied the soft thud of steps on a thick carpet. No coherent words, but the invisible harmonies of flutes and harps accompanied the sublime voice. The singer sounded lonely. Her cry blessed the ears of any who roamed the hollow castle with joy, but her tune yearned for an unknown emotion. Whenever this song echoed through the tall and lofty Moon Castle, a haunting melancholy touched upon the few who listened.

Filigree silver jewellery glimmered pale like moonlight on the bare feet threading the white carpet. It was forged from the finest metal from the depths of the southern mountains and crafted in hours of work to be worthy to decorate the one bearing it. As if in love with the task it had been given, it jingled with every step; curling around his ankles and the middle one of his toes to cast a fragile web of silver across his feet.

Another step. Fluttering white veils from his airy cape and the gown clinging to his lithe frame dragged across the carpet behind him. The sheer fabric playfully swirled the milky spread of his long legs. It cast large slits up to his upper thighs where the fabric layered to hide everything from view that shouldn't be shown. Across his stomach, it grew cheeky once more. A deep V exposed part of his chest, dipping under the curve of his pectorals that were as if carved from marble. His sleeves, airy and wide like the blossom of a flower, grazed upon his fingertips to obscure the wristlets and rings he bore.

The song of the castle played just for him, accompanying its treasured ruler through the corridors resembling ice. Immaculate angles and corners shaped the white crystal into elegant archways and pillars and bathed the insides in light.

Black hair fell to his waist. Whenever the moonlight outside the windows reached with greedy fingers to touch upon it, it shimmered a deep blue hue, like that of the night sky. The metal flower pins braided into it shone like tiny stars as his hair was pulled from his features in intricate half-open waves.

The face that wandered the twilight and brought light to the lonely hum of the castle was so beautiful even the stars wept for him. Long, black lashes fanned below strong brows to frame eyes that resembled amethysts. As if they had fallen to serve him, stars brought a twinkle to those eyes that some may name as humour, others regarded as the healing magic of the gemstones that found their home in him.

A tall nose sloped across fair skin to call attention to plush lips. Their colour was a hue not even the prettiest of pearls could dare to call their own and they were parted in anticipation of what expected him at the end of this corridor.

As if forlorn to see him go, the choir quietened in the distance. It was never quite gone, for it was the castle itself that sang for its ruler and his elegance. Once his last step fell before the door and his head tilted with the flow of his dangling earrings and black curls, it held its breath as if in shared nervosity. The tall tips of his pointed ears came to peek between his hair.

The doors opened to a light-flooded hall. Ten pillars carried the vaulted ceiling, the crystal here sheer like glass to let the light through. To the left, a set of heavy doors led to the balcony overseeing the inner courtyard. To the right, and shrouded in white curtains that fell from the ceiling, the Moon Throne awaited him.

When his bare feet padded in, the assembled guardsmen and servants sunk their heads in deep bows. In awe of their graceful ruler, they lined the path to the throne, beseeching him wordlessly to take a seat on the cushions of amethyst.

Never lowering his chin, he followed their tracks. The throne was shaped to symmetry, crystals growing like a star behind the backrest. They vibrated with their very own song to bless the spacious hall.

As soon as he sunk into his seat and the pillows cradled his body with reverence, the servants dared lift their heads. The head servant next to the throne bowed humbly when he offered out a scroll. Foxy ginger hair fell around his tall ears.

"Your Highness."

An elegant hand slipped from the settled veils. His rings looked delicate, but they were sturdier than steel and their gems twinkled with more worth than a hundred men.

The parchment unrolled almost by itself. In the pale hue of moonlight brightening the castle, it looked to be written on moonlight itself. The black ink flowed like a raven's flight in the night.
When the prince spoke, his voice was like velvet, rich and smooth. It enthralled everyone hearing it, like a magic spell. Who could deny him?

"Brief me."

The servant by his side hurried to straighten. With his face turned towards the middle of the room, he summarised the occasion in curt words.

"With the coming of age of the crown prince of the Crystal Sphere, His Royal Highness Prince Seonghwa, the seven kingdoms have been tasked to each hold a joust. Only the most formidable competitors in their lands were to be sent to the Moon Castle to marry the prince and strengthen the bonds of our kingdoms."

He turned on his heel, sinking into another deep bow in front of Seonghwa. With his legs crossed elegantly and his back straight, the prince occupied his throne.

"My Prince, the seven kingdoms heeded your call and sent us their most able champions. All seven have arrived and are ready to meet you."

Seonghwa nodded serenely.

"Grant them entry." He handed the scroll back, and the servant retreated. Upon his beckon, the doors opened, and he raised his voice to announce the first visitor.

"From the Cliffs of Zephyr arrives Wooyoung, son of Ulfr. Race: Gryphon-born. Rank: Scout. Comment: None."

With poise, Seonghwa lifted his bedazzled eyes to the man entering the open gates. The moonlight fell onto his frame to engulf the tall wings on his back. Their feathers were silver as his hair and whitened towards the tips where dark spots dusted them. From his knees down, he stood on the gnarly feet of a bird. Otherwise, he had two arms and a head, nothing out of the ordinary.

His hair was overgrown and wild in its choppy cut. It fell into his eyes when he sunk to one knee in the middle of the room. The jarring screech of his sharp claws on the crystal floor through the carpet had several servants flinch.

Unperturbed, Seonghwa regarded him. The bow of his head was imperfect, but Seonghwa had expected as much. The lithe frame of the gryphon-born wasn't used to the stiff courtesy of royalty.

"Rise, Wooyoung."

In an instant, he was on his feet. The mischief of his eyes was young, younger than Seonghwa. Yet his fire burned brightly as he clasped his hand to his chest. Seonghwa could tell he had memorised his speech. Few weren't stunned upon meeting him the first time, and as this marriage was arranged by politics, everyone dealt with it their way.

"Your Highness. The tales of your vision don't do justice to the sight before my eyes. I won our tournament through my wit and my speed, now serving under your guidance. I look forward to our shared marriage. May... uh- may our kingdoms prosper." The words were almost too stiff from his lips, sounding foreign in his mouth.

Yet, Seonghwa rewarded him with a graceful smile. It made the man perk up and beam with joy, growing more youthful as Seonghwa's attention fell to the mole on his lower lip.

"May our kingdoms prosper," he agreed. He beckoned Wooyoung to wait on the side with a slender hand, and he hurried to comply. Though his talons got stuck in the carpet and he cursed under his breath, Seonghwa never lost his focus.

The servant announced the next visitor.

"From the Spire of Magic arrives Grandmaster Hongjoong. Race: Mage. Rank: Grand Arch-Mage. Comments: We have sent the most powerful of our sorcerers. May he serve the empire well, for he trained all life for this position."

Seonghwa perked up. He, too, spent all his life refining his skills and becoming a suitable crown prince. He had always known he would marry the influential successors of the seven lands one day and become the bridge fanning from the Crystal Sphere.

The man who marched in looked every bit like the sorcerer he was. He carried no staff, for his magic was inert to his bloodline. In turn, his calf-high heeled boots hugged black pants and a matching black jacket that was short at the front and long at the back. The lapels were a deep blood red that matched his cape and golden jewellery dangled from his ears, neck, and wrists. His hair was a cold black on one half and white on the other, a fashion statement rather than a profound interpretation of white and black magic.

His face was small, the features almost faery-like with how detailed and pointy they were. However, in his golden eyes burnt the flame of magic and his lips held enough power to eradicate anyone in his way.

He sunk into the same spot Wooyoung had knelt and his cape fanned out around him.

"Prince Seonghwa," he greeted. He lowered his head, but his eyes never left those of the man seated on the throne before him.

"I am Hongjoong, Grand Arch-Mage of the Spire of Magic. I come to accept your marriage proposal and to serve as your link to my home country. Accept my humble self as the husband by your side. I have finished the highest studies at the Academy of Magic and passed all trials to become the one most suited to your affection."

Seonghwa greeted him with a nod.

"Rise, Grandmaster Hongjoong. You may rest in this place, for no more trials require your attention. Please join my side." He gestured towards Wooyoung, who shifted from one leg to the other. Upon the attention on him, he stiffened like a stick, though he expressed envy of Hongjoong's smooth introduction.

The sorcerer gave him an appraising look when he found his position at an unnecessarily large distance from Wooyoung.

"From the Sky-Reaching Highlands comes Jongho. Race: Golem. Rank: ... Golem. Comments: ... ..." After a long, conflicted pause, the servant huddled to Seonghwa's side to show him the scroll.

"My apologies, Sire, but..."

Seonghwa glanced at the parchment. Under the profile that was filled out with clumpy, wobbly handwriting, someone had drawn the shape of a rock.

A faint smile graced Seonghwa's lips. When he allowed the servant away, the doors opened to let in the next visitor.

As expected of a golem, he was more solid rock than he was a man. He imitated one, creating arms and legs and a head to fit with them, but the grinding of stone against stone was ever-changing. The fire bringing him to life burnt in an icy blue in his skull, and mosses and gemstones grew from his shoulders and knees.

When he said nothing, Seonghwa took the word.

"Welcome to the Crystal Sphere, Jongho. I shall accept you in my castle."

Jongho turned his head left and right to study his surroundings. The grey of his skin was rough, the stone uneven and jagged. He imitated their features, and though they looked off, Seonghwa appreciated the effort.

When he grunted in approval, Seonghwa pointed him to stand with the rest. The golem trudged away, and the ground quivered under his thunderous steps.

"From the Vault of Heaven comes Prince San, third nephew of His Majesty, the Heavenly King. Race: Seraph. Rank: Knight. Comments: Take our greatest warrior as your own, Your Royal Highness. May he become your trusted guard."

Seonghwa leaned back on his throne, elegant to the tips of his toes. Dark hair framed his features watching the next man enter.

Engulfed by a halo of shining light that didn't fall into the palace naturally, the angel stepped into the hall. Three pairs of wings grew from his back to outline his sides. His feathers were white as snow and shone as brilliantly as the armour covering his muscular frame. Golden accents matched his pure appearance as he sunk to the ground in the middle of the room. His blessed sword swooped behind him, held by a dignified hand.

"Your Highness," he greeted with his head bowed low. Blond hair fell into his eyes that were like the gaze of a wildcat in features chiselled from light itself.

"I have come to serve our empire by your side. Your wish is my command."

"Let us rule in concord," Seonghwa replied. He attended the powerful lines of San's body as he rose and crossed his arms to show the sign of protection over his broad chest. His armour clicked when he joined the side of the others. Wooyoung watched him with eyes full of jealousy and awe, while Hongjoong stared at the eastern wall in ignorance. Seonghwa couldn't tell if Jongho was still awake, for the light in his eyes had died out.

"From the Glistening Walnut Grove comes Yeosang, best friend of the Crown Prince. Race: Dryad. Rank: Unknown. Comments: H-Hey, Seonghwa." Sweating, the servant glimpsed over to the crown prince, but he wasn't punished for speaking out of line. Seonghwa rose to his pale feet and expected the next person's entrance.

Yeosang came through the door most naturally. His green skin was healthy from all the sunlight he had bathed in while waiting outside, and he brought a bird and a squirrel with him that nested in the walnut tree growing from his back and right shoulder. Their chirps mismatched the haunting melody of the castle, but Seonghwa cherished it. With a cluster of fly agarics sprouting from his right leg that was more or less a log and the right hand that ended in a sprouting green walnut branch, the dryad limped inside. With him came half a forest.

"Yeosang," Seonghwa smiled when they embraced. The dryad patted Seonghwa's shoulder with his mossy hand and cursed under his breath when crumbs of earth tumbled on the white fabric. Brushing them off made it worse for a few attempts, until Seonghwa was unblemished once more.

"I made it. Lots of weird people outside. Have you been fine so far?"

Seonghwa nodded, watchful since his new husbands heard his every word.

"I have met some of them. Your presence makes it all the better. Please wait as I greet the others." With a hand on Yeosang's back that was part tree, part person, he guided him to San's side. The steadfast knight didn't peek at their odd relationship, but his eyes met Seonghwa's when their curiosity entangled. Instantly, San glanced away.

Seonghwa sunk back into his chair, but his mood had lightened. From time to time, he threw Yeosang smiles, and the dryad made faces back at him to lighten the mood.

However, his hands were tense in his lap. He knew which champion had to come next, and he dreaded this one most. Their kingdoms weren't in as big of a dispute as the Vault of Heaven, but they shared similarly opposite viewpoints.

"From the Cavern of Nightfall comes Mingi, um, a... birth... defect? Does that say defect? - of a demon. Race: Demon with a question mark. Rank: Birth... Comments: ... ... I- Your Highness, I don't think I can read this to your ears, I-"

Seonghwa lifted his hand to stop him. A frown had fallen upon his composed features and he felt the eyes of his new husbands on him. When he got up from his seat, his steps covered the whisper of the head servant with someone else, asking who filled out that paper. Usually, it was the king sending the champion, but occasionally, a scribe sufficed.

The door opened when Seonghwa neared. He spotted the tall frame of a man squeezed against the wall ahead. Mighty horns curled from the top of his head to reach for the skies as if wanting to impale them. His red hair hung into his eyes, and his sleeves covered half of his clawed hands. They felt along the wall and the door frame to find their way in.

When Seonghwa halted in front of him, the demon glanced up.

"Ah, excuse me. I'm here for the crown prince. I think I was supposed to enter once my name was announced... Ish. Could someone-"

Seonghwa caught his flailing hand in mid-air. The demon froze, startled by the contrast in temperature. Seonghwa ran cool, and the grey-skinned demon in front of him burnt like a furnace. His fingers twitched, so much larger in Seonghwa's palm. The black claws matching his horns could tear his ribcage open like a piece of parchment.

"My name is Seonghwa. You can't see?"

Stunned into silence, the demon stared at Seonghwa through the curtain of his hair.

"O-Oh. Yes, I'm blind. I'm an eighth fae and my genetics didn't mix well, so I was born without sight. Though I must confess it's better here. Not as dark as in my home. I see silhouettes." When he lifted his second hand to feel for Seonghwa's shoulder, a guard hissed, but Seonghwa silenced him with a glance. He let the towering demon touch him, finding a hold on Seonghwa's frame.

"I will walk you into the room and leave you to stand with the others. May I?" He couldn't underestimate a demon. Even without sight, they were powerful opponents, and Mingi won the joust.

"Thank you." His full lips pulled into a smile, grateful for Seonghwa's guidance. Seonghwa left him next to the others, where he stayed with his hands behind his back and idling feet. Upon Seonghwa's beckon, his head servant got rid of that parchment.

"And the last one: Sir Yunho from the Kingdom of Man. Race: Human. Rank: Guard. Comments: Our champion will bring his dog."

Intrigued, Seonghwa leaned closer. He had little contact with the animal companions of humans before.

The tall man who came striding in was youthful and confident. He wore regular traveller's clothes and his hair was a warm brown, but he brought handsome features. By his side trotted a dog reaching near his knee, with golden fur and its tongue lolling from its maw.

Seonghwa crossed his legs and placed his hands on top of his knee. Attentive, he tilted his head.

"What a sight! I never saw an elf before, but marrying the crown prince is a feat few can claim for themselves. Well, these six, apart from me. Greetings, gorgeous prince! My name is Yunho, and I come from the Kingdom of Man. This is my best buddy, Buddy." Excited, he gestured to his dog, who wagged his tail in response.

"An honour to make your acquaintance, Yunho," Seonghwa replied. His eyes studied the animal with as much interest as San and Yeosang. Hongjoong looked put off.

"I never encountered a human dog before. What can he do? Can he grow three heads? Shape-shift? Ah, is he like a familiar?"

Yunho snickered.

"None of that, Your Maj- eh, Highness. Let me show you." He crouched in front of his dog, and the animal looked up at him with absolute attention.

"Sit," Yunho said. The animal complied, and Yunho cheered at him. When he glanced at Seonghwa and the curious expression hadn't left his features, he held out his hand to his dog.

"Paw."

Buddy lifted his front leg and placed it in Yunho's waiting palm.

"Good boy!" Yunho cheered as he handed the dog a snack from a gritty-looking pouch at his pelt. With sharp canines, the dog chewed on it, tail wagging.

When Yunho turned to Seonghwa, the prince's brow had risen.

"Magnificent, right? He is trained so well!" Yunho swooned when he mistook Seonghwa's confusion for disbelief.

Since he couldn't tell if he was being tricked, Seonghwa smiled in bewilderment. When he asked the rest to come over, they assembled in front of the throne. San sunk to his knee without hesitation and, after a moment of consideration, Yunho did the same. The others stood at attention.

"Once more, I welcome you to my castle. Please follow me. Some political procedures await us, then you can settle down for some well-deserved rest."

The moon elf stepped from his throne and his veils billowed behind him when he left first. The others pursued him with a respectful distance; a bunch of mostly strangers from different kingdoms and races, unified through Seonghwa's hand in marriage.