Seonghwa found his place by his mother's side at one of the numerous small tables that dotted the dining hall instead of a big one. It was more convenient for the groups of people and though everyone shared the space; the races liked to stay among themselves. Glad no further fights broke out, Seonghwa exhaled as he dropped by his mother's side. With a chuckle, she helped him disentangle the chains spilling over his chest.

"You are doing marvellous, my star." Her fingers traced over his cheek, soothing his frown. When they found back in her lap, Seonghwa picked up his chalice.

"I had hoped he wouldn't come, but I had to invite him. Hopefully, father won't be too irritated." Seonghwa glanced the way the two had disappeared to. He spotted his father already on the way back, greeting those who halted to bow before him and congratulate him.

"Nonsense. Everyone knows how belligerent their kin is, the king most of all. Though I am repelled to hear how he talks about you, it's by far not the first time."

Their history as foes was too recent to be buried. As in the works with the orcs, it would take a long while to find peace and educate the brutes.

Seonghwa's father returned to their table and grabbed for his wine. Seonghwa ducked his head.

"Excuse this disgraceful display, father. And thank you for intervening."

The emperor waved a sluggish hand. He donned veils of gold and amber, shining like a star in their midst.

"I can never bear that fellow's opinions for long. You deal with him well. The peace in your heart honours you."

"Thank you," Seonghwa said with another bow.

They dropped the topic and talked about his travels instead. Seonghwa told them about meeting the rulers of each kingdom and how different they had been. His father was concerned about the eldest of the dryads and promised to send a letter soon so they would contact him. Since the treaty got signed, however, they must be fine. If their reparations required help, the Crystal Sphere would heed their call.

Though their conference was political, Seonghwa eased during the time he spent with his parents. Music and food accompanied them with a joyous atmosphere and Seonghwa revelled in the praise he received for his good manners.

They probably would have mulled over the profound history of diplomacy through marriage all night if Seonghwa's husbands didn't find him. Yeosang was the only one who dared to approach the royal family in their corner, and he came to stand next to Seonghwa with a skip in his step, acting as a spokesperson for the rest.

"Mother, father," he grinned at the royal couple before he seized Seonghwa's hand. "The dancing has started! Won't you dance with us, Hwa? San has been glancing at you longingly for an hour, but he didn't want to interrupt."

When Seonghwa craned his neck to find the seraph, he spotted the scarlet of his uniform before his shining wings in the doorway. He watched, apprehensive about sending Yeosang ahead. The dryad was ever so nonchalant.

With a grin, Seonghwa looked at his parents.

"Go dance with them. Have fun. We can talk later."

"You are always welcome to bless us with your dances as well," Seonghwa offered as he slipped from his chair. Then he waved at them before he let Yeosang tug him away.

San's face brightened when they drew nearer. On his way through the door, Seonghwa linked their arms. The bright smile on his face was genuine and undeterred by his courtly restrictions, and it made the people around them whisper in awe about the glowing prince.

"I hope you settled on an order because if you fight over me in front of my guests, no one gets a dance," Seonghwa pretended to threaten them as they made their way into the ballroom. Yeosang gladly parted from his side.

"I'll leave the first one to San. Whisk them away, you two." He blended with the crowd, waiting patiently for his turn next to Jongho. Yunho, who danced with Buddy's front paws, glanced up in glee when Seonghwa's skirts came to a halt next to him as they waited for the next beat to join in. San cradled Seonghwa's hand mannerly; the other found his waist. The deep fondness in his eyes made Seonghwa smile, and the crowd swoon.

"You look breathtaking," San whispered, because he didn't have a chance for that yet. His appreciative gaze trailed down the line of the dress on Seonghwa's body.

"You too, my prince," Seonghwa purred before he made the first step to guide them into the melody.

Seonghwa had danced many times in his life. He had jumped with Yeosang through the gardens and he learned every courtly roundelay to impress his teachers and the guests of his father. There were better and worse memories, yet none of them filled Seonghwa's heart with as much glee as dancing with his husband.

San's step was secure and elegant, his body a solid anchor for Seonghwa to hold on to. His wings balanced every step behind him, never knocking into the other guests as they twirled past with the enchanting rise and fall of the music.

Laughter stuck in Seonghwa's throat, for he felt so carefree. He felt safe in San's grip, and inexplicably cherished by those specific pairs of eyes that followed him through the room. As if all others disappeared, Seonghwa stopped to worry about all others. Only his husbands counted to him.

"You make it difficult not to kiss you in front of everyone," San muttered as he pulled their chests flush together. With an affectionate smile, Seonghwa tilted his head.

"I wouldn't deny you if you did."

San grumbled as he twirled them around for the grand peak. Seonghwa's spine curved over his arm when he bent backwards with the others, held firmly.

San couldn't resist. He leaned in to press a kiss to Seonghwa's cheek and the crowd applauded for them, the dancers, whatever. It didn't matter when Seonghwa straightened and beamed at San.

The seraph retreated politely, and it was Yeosang's turn. When he asked the musicians for a more fun and light-hearted performance, everyone gladly went along.

With their hands in each other and twirling in mindless spins and circles, Yeosang and Seonghwa laughed about each other's silliness. Around them, everyone celebrated the same, and the room was warm with carefreeness.

Seonghwa was breathless by the time they slowed and bumped into each other. The deep giggles in Yeosang's chest were music to his ears, and they hugged, fondly swaying on bumbling legs as if they were drunk.

After Yeosang came Jongho and though his every step was prudent and stiff since he feared to do something wrong, Seonghwa was proud he studied how to dance for this day. The elf guided him patiently, and Jongho relaxed into his lead soon enough.

Wooyoung stood in line for more fooleries, as did Yunho. They danced together as four with Buddy, and the surrounding groups copied their roundelay. Seonghwa's throat was parched with exhaustion and laughter afterwards, but everyone had fun and the glow of his husbands' eyes on him made his chest swell.

Ever the gentleman, Hongjoong brought a cup of wine for Seonghwa to drink before they continued. He made sure the music calmed and Seonghwa was hydrated before the last dance announced the perfect conclusion of the evening.

The Magus Maximus hadn't joined the festivities. But the assembled mages monitored with respect as Seonghwa displayed his affection and favour to all those he swore his loyalty to. All races were satisfied. They would go home knowing the crown prince cherished them and didn't cast differences between them.

When the dance ended and Seonghwa and Hongjoong bowed to each other, the mage's electrifying hand lingered in Seonghwa's. All of them stuck close as their crown prince addressed the room. His breath was still quick and stars dusted a blush over his cheeks, but his shining soul glowed through his skin.

"Everyone, thank you for joining my festivities today. Those of you who wish to stay before their travels back home, please consult my servants. I wish everyone a good night."

Applause and well-wishes rained upon Seonghwa and, once more, he was swept away in goodbyes and wishes for a safe journey. His husbands lingered about, sending their people back home and assuring them they would be in contact if anything happened.

As the halls emptied, Yongguk, their father, and Seonghwa's mother approached the crown prince.

"There is no more to say. You mastered the skill of diplomacy and you know to please your crowd," his father said with a shine in his eyes. Behind him, Yongguk and Yeosang snickered among each other.

"Thank you, father. Will you stay the night?"

"Delightfully so. We will catch up with you before we leave for the Crystal Palace, and then you can tell us more about your future projects with your husbands. Your smiles are very telling, son."

Seonghwa clasped his hands to his cheeks, afraid the mask of perfection had slipped. When his parents laughed at him, his mother continued.

"It's a charm to see. I'm sure your relationship with them inspired everyone tonight. Tell us about it tomorrow," she asked as she tucked a loose curl behind Seonghwa's ear. Blushing, he ducked his head.

"I will. Rest well."

They took off and Yongguk stayed to jest around with the others. He liked Buddy, and they hung out together while Seonghwa guided the leaving guests outside and received the last well-wishes.

The bustle didn't stop once the doors shut. The servants got the remaining guests settled into the west wing and began their cleaning to accommodate everyone again in the morning. Seonghwa was weary with the weight of his crown and all the excitement today. Upon his return to his husbands, they perked up.

As his eyes slid through their rows, he noticed one missing. He liked to become invisible and a mass easily swallowed people but now that everyone left and he wasn't there, Seonghwa peered around.

"Has anyone seen Mingi?"

They glanced at each other.

Worried the Demon King might have taken him away, Seonghwa made for the door. The demons had left early, bored with the ceremonies and Seonghwa's occupation with his spouses. Did they kidnap Mingi? An act of revenge?

"We can help you search," Yunho offered, as concerned with the man's disappearance as Seonghwa. What if he fell into a ditch and couldn't find the way out? Countless dangers lurked in nights of distraction.

Hongjoong had closed his eyes and when he opened them, the gold glinted as if molten into dark pools.

"No need. He's in his room."

A weight lifted from Seonghwa's chest. He smiled at them and their pretty uniforms.

"I will check on him before I go to bed. Is there anything you need for tonight? What about you, Yongguk?"

Everyone shook their heads, happy and sated with the visit of their people, good food, and the fun of their dancing.

Yongguk patted Seonghwa's shoulder to praise him for his tireless patience with the festivities.

"Go look for your husband and rest. There is no concern we couldn't discuss in the morning."

While Yunho sneaked away to indulge in the leftovers of the buffet, Jongho offered himself to accompany Seonghwa upstairs. The golem wanted to get out of his uniform as fast as possible so he could become a formless rock in the gardens and recharge after the night of prudence.

They dispersed and Yongguk retreated into his room next to the one the emperor shared with his wife.

Jongho waited with Seonghwa on his arm as the elf knocked on Mingi's door. A rustle, then a hum sounded in the quietness of the upper floor.

"Mingi? It's me, Seonghwa. Can I come in?"

Jongho fiddled with his collar and Seonghwa helped him unbutton his jacket while Mingi decided. Then, after a while, he conceded.

"Fine."

With a thankful smile at Jongho's service, Seonghwa parted from his side. Jongho took off while Seonghwa opened the door to the darkness of Mingi's room and his heels clicked faintly as he pushed it shut behind him. Soothing and cool after the night of glimmer and shine, the void engulfed him.