Clad in wide silver pants and a matching top which sleeves opened at the elbows to flutter behind him, Seonghwa picked up Hongjoong at his door. The entrance opened by an invisible hand and exposed the innards of Hongjoong's chamber, which had become populated with his spell-casting equipment. Books lined his shelf, and the floor was full of runes for summoning and brewing potions. Crystals and herbs added for the more intricate spells, and he had tinted the walls and his sheets dark to match his taste.

With a flaring coat, Hongjoong whirled around to join Seonghwa outside. His jewellery formed on his skin as he walked, adorning his neck and ears with gold. As before, he wore black and red, but a fancier silken version for the special occasion.

Together, they walked down the stairs and bid the others goodbye. Seonghwa hoped they would behave, and he was positive they would, since Hongjoong wasn't there to stir up trouble. Yunho winked at Seonghwa, where he tended to Mingi.

They took the carriage to the castle of Seonghwa's parents, but Hongjoong wasn't interested in watching the forest doused in a misty rain. He delved into his book and soon, Seonghwa opened one, as well, sharing a comfortable silence. The rain thrummed on the roof of the carriage as the two loyal mountain goats pulled them to their destination.

When they arrived, his parents' servants awaited them. They opened the door and offered their hands for help, but Hongjoong insisted he was the one to climb out first and help Seonghwa. As he linked their arms, a smile played around Seonghwa's lips.

Shining in all colours of the rainbow, the Crystal Palace rivalled the clear skies. The light broke around the countless asymmetrical surfaces and flooded the halls on the inside. Since it was sunny in this area, Seonghwa couldn't linger to marvel at the wonder of nature that enchanted him time and time again. With his hand shielding his eyes, he let Hongjoong lead him up the stairs. Behind them, their black and white capes mingled in the playful breeze.

In the kingdom's heart, summer lasted longer. The sun blazed with all its might, and the trees stood in lush bloom. While Seonghwa's castle shrouded itself in the mists of autumn, his parents relished in the trickle of sunlight on their cheeks.

Unsurprisingly, Seonghwa preferred the dark seasons of the year.

"This is where you grew up?" Hongjoong asked as crossed the soaring entrance hall. The crystal making up the walls was carved to perfection in elaborate decorative pillars and ridges along the ceiling. Gifts from the other kingdoms celebrated their truce here. Wall carpets depicting landscapes from far and wide, paintings, weapons, and various pieces of art. Hongjoong's people offered a priceless tome, and he lingered at its display, eyes drawn to the ancient writing.

"Correct. I moved to the Moon Castle after my coming of age, but before that, my brother and I spent our childhood chasing each other through these corridors."

"Fond memories, I presume?" A small grin played around Hongjoong's lips, neither wicked nor arrogant. Being alone with Seonghwa, his possessive side simmered low.

"Though I received lots of meticulous discipline, I am fond of my childhood, yes. Few live as safely and tended to as I, and I have a terrific family."

Hongjoong nodded to himself. They entered the dining hall, which bustled with life from all the guests. The emperor kept diplomats and advisors from the other kingdoms around his court at all times. Some of his seven spouses had become the rulers of the other kingdoms and ruled in concord, others stayed at the court. His concubines were also around, including Seonghwa's mother, who rushed to greet Seonghwa as soon as he set foot inside.

"Seonghwa, my star. It's wonderful to see you. Welcome to the Crystal Palace, Hongjoong," she smiled at the two of them. After Hongjoong's headstrong introduction, it came as no surprise to find him by Seonghwa's side as the husband tasked with political representation.

When Hongjoong kissed her hand, Seonghwa's mother swooned.

"The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for your invitation."

They mingled with the guests, some of which used the late opportunity to congratulate Seonghwa on his marriage. Hongjoong was a picture-perfect husband by his side, providing Seonghwa with drinks and massaging his back with his mellow magic while he guided him around the room.

Yongguk found them after yet another polite trade talk with a travelling human merchant. The gummy grin on his lips brought Seonghwa back to the good old days; when they had chased each other around the castle until their ears flushed and they couldn't breathe from laughter.

"Seonghwa, how have you been? Settled in with everyone?" Since Yongguk wasn't the heir to the throne, he didn't have to marry seven champions to unify the lands. His wife was a commoner from town and, despite their difference in rank, they loved each other dearly.

"I made lots of progress on all ends," Seonghwa affirmed when he embraced his brother. "What about you? I hear rumours Circe might be with child. Is it finally time? Your mother has been pushing you for grandchildren."

Where Seonghwa blushed silver, Yongguk blushed gold. Amused, Hongjoong looked between them without leaving Seonghwa's side.

"Let's not spread rumours all too fast; I wish to know for sure first. Though I wouldn't be opposed if it happened. The Sun Castle can need more life. Now, shall we? There are courtly matters to attend."

Led to their seats by Yongguk, Seonghwa and Hongjoong perched side by side. The servants brought them their dinner as everyone caught up around the table. Since the ritual of Seonghwa's marriage had such value for the empire, many were curious to hear about it. Hongjoong's voice was smooth as a river as he assured them of their favourable bonds and Seonghwa's attentiveness. Yet another generation, advisors and scribes were pleased by the successful joust. They made their notes to carry into the kingdoms while the emperor toasted on Seonghwa's success.

The dinner was less about what Seonghwa had to recount and more about witnessing him and showing off his relationship with Hongjoong. Since Hongjoong was on his best behaviour and his silver tongue charmed all those who doubted him, only positive murmurs filled the hall after dinner ended. Some whispered in secret of their jealousy and awe, others came to praise Seonghwa and asked him for his leadership.

As perfectly orchestrated by his parents since the beginning of Seonghwa's life, he filled the mould of the crown prince. Even those who impugned him for his young age or his pretty face had to concede that he would be a good ruler. And his husbands supported him.

After bidding his goodbyes to his parents and the royal court, Seonghwa was glad to step out into the evening with Hongjoong by his side. They became closer in the past week and Seonghwa wasn't as strict with his manners around him as he was in public. When he sighed into the night air and relished the breeze in his hair, Hongjoong chuckled.

"A stroll to take your mind off things before we return?" He offered. Since Seonghwa knew he would be swamped soon with his companions and their needs, he conceded. His arm linked with Hongjoong's as they roamed the dimly lit gardens of the Crystal Palace. The rarest of flowers bloomed here, glistening even at night.

Seonghwa got some fresh air after the stifling atmosphere inside the banquet hall. He was a natural at courtly matters; grew up in them to treat them as his standard. However, though elegance was inert to him as a celestial elf and a person, part of it was still his training. Sometimes, Seonghwa liked to idle without having to think about campaigns and truces and harmony. Sometimes, he just wanted to walk the gardens and stare at the moon.

Hongjoong noticed the shift in his body, how his shoulders relaxed and his natural grace broke through the layers of flawless court manners. The next time Seonghwa sighed in peace, the sorcerer grinned.

"Thank you. Sometimes, I don't notice how stiff these make me. I treat them as normal."

"Anyone would feel put in the spot, having to tend to dozens of people for hours." Hongjoong's voice knew the feeling. He, too, was a figure of public interest and someone who conducted many lessons and speeches. Someone people flocked to.

They entered an open hallway rounding the castle. The garden bloomed to their left, but outside the building, everything was peaceful. No guards milled about, for elves had different ways to secure their grounds against unlikely enemies. Tonight, everyone came for peace. Tensions were for another time.

"Not to mention you spend all day running around at home to look after us troublemakers. If not for your contentment, I should consider your distress next time I fight with them. It shouldn't come at your cost." Through his arm, a healing flow seeped into Seonghwa's body. It spread in his legs, relaxing his muscles and clearing his mind of lingering anxieties.

He chuckled, endeared by Hongjoong's indirect help.

"How about you don't fight with them? If you distress them, I am also distressed."

"I will think about it," Hongjoong muttered, but he didn't sound convinced.

When their slow round ended, they climbed inside the carriage to return home. They sat opposite each other during the trip and Seonghwa felt Hongjoong's eyes on him. Whenever their gazes crossed and he caught the sorcerer looking elsewhere than at his book, Hongjoong's teeth flashed in attractive smirks.

Hongjoong was good at taking things off Seonghwa's mind. When they stumbled inside the corridor and up the stairs with their lips pressed together as soon as they left the carriage, Seonghwa didn't think of anything but him. He pulled the sorcerer closer; let him plunder his mouth as they felt their way up the stairs to Seonghwa's room. Hot fingers slipped under Seonghwa's blouse to grasp onto his hips.

They tumbled through the door and lost Hongjoong's cape along the way. Too impatient to make it to the bed, Hongjoong pressed Seonghwa against the wall right next to the entrance. Their tongues tangled dirtily, searching each other's mouths for anything to rob and claim as their own. Only a second parted them when Hongjoong flung Seonghwa's clothes off. His hair came apart with every pin Hongjoong's extra hands pulled from him to gather in a bowl floating around them.

"Hongjoong-" Seonghwa panted, chasing after his lips when Hongjoong slipped a leg between Seonghwa's. The elf's hips stuttered, fingers grasping at the clothed sorcerer, whose weight pinned him against the wall.

"Bed," Seonghwa whined when Hongjoong nibbled at his chin. His warm rings sparked sensation over Seonghwa's skin and his mind spun as he tried to remember what Hongjoong liked so he could tease him back.

Before they could make it that far, however, something interrupted. A yapping voice, followed by friendly panting by their side. When Seonghwa looked down, Buddy sat there, paws tangled in Hongjoong's cape.

"Bloody mutt," the sorcerer growled as he snatched the cloak from him without getting too close. "Shoo. Go back to your master."

However, Buddy didn't move. He whimpered up at Seonghwa, sitting orderly.

The heat of the moment evaporated when Seonghwa parted from Hongjoong to kneel in front of the dog. His fingers pet those soft ears in the way Yunho had shown him.

"What is it, hm? Did you lock yourself out? Is Yunho with Mingi?"

Behind him, Hongjoong scoffed. Seonghwa glanced over his shoulder.

"It's late; I don't want to bother Yunho. I can have him curl up here. The bed has curtains."

"No, thanks," Hongjoong snapped. He threw his coat over his shoulder and tugged Seonghwa in to kiss him goodnight.

"The sight of that thing ruined my mood. Let's catch up some other time. Rest well." He marched out of the room.

With drawn brows, Seonghwa ruffled the dog's fur.

Maybe it was for the best. Seonghwa would rest longer if he didn't attend to Hongjoong.

"Come, let's get comfy," he offered. When he stood, Buddy skipped along by his side, ready to huddle up with anyone friendly.

Such a trusting animal.

Seonghwa fell asleep with Buddy by his side, warming him and providing company in the lonely room that seemed so big whenever Seonghwa slept alone now. With his fingers buried in his soft fur, Seonghwa unwound and found his precious rest.