Elves never disrupted their surroundings as they passed, so Seonghwa's step treaded the white carpet so delicately it seemed he was floating. Since he was so used to the silence of those who wandered the crystal halls like ghosts, the seven pairs of feet shuffling behind him appeared obnoxiously loud. Wooyoung's talons clicked through the carpet at every step, Jongho might crack the floor with his mass, and Yunho dragged his feet.

Seonghwa, ever the graceful host who had learned not to dwell on such irrelevancies, guided them down the path. The men behind him were stunned into silence aside from the clicking of armour, grinding of stone, and panting of the dog. Some of them dared to express their amazement at the Moon Castle with subtle sounds, but they didn't converse with each other.

The nature of their affiliation had them all meet for the first time today; with Seonghwa, as well as among each other. Only Yunho and Buddy, or Seonghwa and Yeosang, could claim kinship.

Seonghwa's even voice filled the corridors of the castle and its song swelled as if fortified by listening to him.

"Congratulations on winning the jousts. I hope no matter your motivation, you find a new home here. Though it is my utmost priority to accommodate you in my country and these halls, an arranged marriage can be dreadful in so far that you place your lives in the hands of a stranger," he spoke. His melodic voice beguiled them; drew them like moths to light. The tension in the air dissipated when they mumbled all over each other.

"We knew whose exquisite charm expected us and fought to be the ones to gain your favour," Hongjoong's clear voice cut through their mumbles. When Seonghwa rewarded him with a smile over his shoulder, the pompous sorcerer grinned back. His stride had his coats flare, making him look like a prince of darkness.

"I made sure for the joust to be adjusted to the capabilities of each race. Attendance was voluntary, but I know of the custom of electing only princes and knights as participants to create a suitable match with me. For those of you who aren't that; fret not. I created the tournament with my advisors and, as its winners, you are in the right place. Everything else can be moulded as we see fit." Seonghwa continued to soothe their strain.

"Can you elaborate? I can't reckon how a fair joust could look for a blind man to win. Its purpose is to find the ablest of all, no?" Ever so sharp, Hongjoong's wit cut like a whip. The others fell into his shadow, as they were too intimidated or too irked by his involvement to speak up.

Since he was the source of interest, Mingi responded in Seonghwa's stead. His voice was like the rumble of a mountain; fathomless and ominous, full of secrets. The noise of their feet helped the demon find his way, but his hands insecurely floated ahead of him so he wouldn't run into someone.

"It was easy! My friends dared me to play, but it was a ball game, and I could hear it rolling on the floor. I don't suspect luck played a role, but I kicked the thing where it belonged and was pronounced the winner," he cheered. Yunho hummed in admiration.

Seonghwa tilted his head.

Anybody was invited to the joust held in the Cavern of Nightfall, even those from the lower social ranks. Carrying the crystal ball to its destination through a maze of traps and vicious attackers was a feat only a handful of their mightiest warriors could best.

Had his disability aided him? Or had Mingi been incredibly lucky?

Before Hongjoong could inhale and comment on the rather dubious matter, Seonghwa took the word. He didn't turn as he explained. In front of them, the servants opened the doors throughout the palace. Confident in his step, Seonghwa guided them to the distant noise of a crowd.

"I wished for no blood to be spilt in meaningless battles against your brothers for the hand of one you never met. As the gryphon-borns raced each other on the backs of their magnificent animals and the mages demonstrated their skill through rare spells, Mingi so happened to have a sense for my crystal ball in the dark." Although even Seonghwa cringed on the inside when he imagined his precious magical ball getting kicked around in some dungeon.

Hongjoong gave in so as not to enrage him. Though he accepted Seonghwa's reasoning, he had a hard time believing Mingi's story.

"I think it's great even those who aren't likely winners could compete! As we can see, sometimes the most unexpected people emerge victorious. Good work, comrade," Yunho grinned. He patted Mingi's shoulder and the demon's tension eased. He dared a demure smile.

Already, Seonghwa could predict how their personalities would clash. He had expected as much and prepared accordingly. Above all, they had to get along with him, not among each other. So as long as Seonghwa was the web binding them together, their median, this marriage would be blessed by the stars.

"I understand this isn't what some of you foresaw for their lives, or even a recession for others. Once we step through the doors ahead of us, I ask you to cooperate for the sake of our political bond. Not everyone is suited for a diplomat's torturous task, and some seek love over social gain. I will dedicate my time to helping you be who you wish to be. At least that much I can do for you after restricting you from your regular lives. For now, however, let us be who we are required to be," Seonghwa asked. His rich voice knew how to lead, knew how to win the masses. If his beauty wasn't enough, his eloquent speech was proof of his education.

And who could resist a man both beautiful and resourceful?

At least, that's what Seonghwa's parents taught him. What his teachers taught him. What he had worked hard to become.

"What are we doing again? I don't have a speech prepared or anything," the golem grumbled. Contrary to his appearance, his voice was soft, almost chanting his every tone. It resembled the voice of the crystals, as if song was soothing to every rock in the world.

"Follow my lead," Seonghwa offered. In front of him, the doors swung open and the cold breeze of the night greeted them. As its name suggested, the Moon Castle was shrouded in perpetual darkness. It was soothing to Seonghwa, and he craved it as others craved the sun.

The balcony surged into the night sky that was clear of all clouds. A big, round full moon hovered above the castle, shrouding it with its silvery light, as if obsessed with its owner. The same went for the crowd that had assembled in the courtyard.

When Seonghwa stepped to the crystal railing, light doused his frame and made him glow from the inside. The silver blood in his veins accented his skin from below, and his eyes shone brighter when they met the night they belonged to.

The majority of the audience were elves native to these lands. Woodland elves, shadow elves, and elemental elves gathered below to lend their ears to their ruler. Each of the kingdoms enveloping the Crystal Sphere also sent its delegation. No king found this formality worthy of their presence, but their scribes came to witness a successful union. Most were unperturbed, but the demons shifted restlessly, ever so displeased by having to mingle with the seraphim.

Delicate hands settled on the cool balustrade. As Seonghwa's gracious eyes swiped the masses in the squeezed square, they calmed for his voice with rapt attention. The flawless smile on his lips sent a murmur through their midst.

"Thank you for your forthcoming. Finally, after many trials and months of wait, we identified the seven champions who will join my side to rule the empire. Though I am not your king yet, nor do I hope to be for a long time, I vow to bring prosperity to our lands. These seven men shall help me achieve it."

Polite claps and mutters agreed with his promise. The gryphon-borns in their corner hooted boisterously, and Wooyoung's eyes sparked when he spotted them.

"May I become someone worthy of the throne. May the kingdoms join in harmony."

"May the kingdoms join in harmony," the crowd echoed. Enraptured, they stared up at the sole celestial elf in their midst. The royal family were beacons of light and, though his kin bore an ethereal charm few could claim for themselves, Seonghwa's unmatched refinement was lauded even among his own.

When he turned to his husbands, their eyes hung to his hair, mesmerised by its shimmer in the night.

"Please gather your hands in our midst," Seonghwa asked as he beckoned them to form a circle. He slipped into place next to Mingi, guiding him with a hand on the small of his back so the dazed demon found his position.

Yunho was the first to put his hand down. By his feet, his dog waved as he tried to do the same, stupefied by the happenings but educated not to disrupt.

Yeosang used a mossy hand that was closer to an ordinary limb than a branch. Though Yunho stared at it in consternation when it touched the back of his hand, he didn't flinch away.

Jongho put his palm down next, uncaring of how massive and different it was from the others. Little grace carried in the movement, and Wooyoung shuffled next to him to accommodate his broad frame. His wings were in the way and almost got caught on the rough rock, but they made it work.

In the meantime, San also joined hands with the others. He stood tall and proud, another shining beacon by Seonghwa's side.

Once Wooyoung's hand entered, Hongjoong glanced at Seonghwa. When the elf lingered in patience, the sorcerer sighed and put down his hand first. Across their spread, Wooyoung and he glared at each other. The sorcerer pinched Wooyoung with pointed fingernails. Matching snarls painted their lips.

In all dignity, Seonghwa hovered his hand over Mingi's that fumbled about, searching their hands without striking someone by accident.

"Allow me to guide you," he muttered. Once more, his skin smoothed over that of the demon and Mingi stiffened by his side.

"O-Oh, yes. Thank you."

Seonghwa gently led his hand and settled it above Hongjoong's. His own fingers landed on top, sealing their bond.

"We vow to bring prosperity and unity to our kingdoms. May we all be equal, and may we all treat our allies with kindness. All concerns shall be conveyed through these champions so I may tend to them," Seonghwa said loud enough that the wind could carry his voice down to the people. They applauded as the treaty was formed.

"Under His Majesty the Celestial King, Emperor of the eight kingdoms, we promise our servitude under the stars we have been born of."

Now it was time for proper cheers. The elves succumbed to the rush of joy and celebrated with the guests from the other kingdoms.

As soon as their hands were released, Wooyoung rushed to the balustrade to wave at his people. They bawled back at him.

Hongjoong stuck to Seonghwa's side as the others called pledges to their people to take their tasks seriously. Only a single mage in a dark cape witnessed the ceremony, and they left right after.

Too busy waving at those begging for his attention, Seonghwa upheld his poise and overlooked the heavy eyes of the sorcerer on his face. On his other hand, Mingi lingered in the shadows.

"Is this everything? Or do more politics await us, uhh Your Highness?" Yunho fumbled.

Seonghwa turned. His veils dragged behind him as he crossed the spotless balcony.

"For now, you can rest. Let me invite you to dinner with my family so you may recover from your travels. Calling me Seonghwa is sufficient."

As he strode back into his castle, the group of men followed to engage in the celebrations. Outside, the crowd dispersed to do the same among each other, looking forward to a bright future now that their beloved crown prince ensured peace for many years to come.

*****

This book will have 84 chapters btw!