Jongho carried Seonghwa in his arms on the way upstairs. The servants tactfully stayed clear of their huddled group traversing the corridors. Mingi was shaky on his legs as he clung to San's arm and Wooyoung giggled with sleepy joy as Yunho carried him on his back. They were thoroughly worn out and happy with each other's embrace.

They took a bath together in Seonghwa's bathroom, washing each other and kissing sensitive lips. Afterwards, they cosied up in the conversation pit under the soft blankets and furs of Seonghwa's bed. They were sleepy, but happy in the dim shine of the moonlight and the castle singing to them. Cuddled into each other to share warmth, they relished the fruit and wine Hongjoong fetched with a magical trip to the kitchens.

Now that the war ended, and the festivities were settled, they got time to take a breath. Lots of things needed to be discussed, and the pent-up desire in their bodies was just the most pressing. After they were sated, they returned to the matters not yet resolved.

Lots of change was coming their way. Seonghwa was glad he didn't have to go through it alone, but that also meant his husbands might get caught up in the stress.

"So... emperor-to-be," Hongjoong hummed. The topic lasted heaviest on all of their minds. No one was opposed since this was Seonghwa's destiny, but they were uneasy about what it meant to them.

"Will things be different?" Wooyoung asked the obvious; scratchy voice nervous. Since he didn't want them to fret, Seonghwa indulged them.

"I will be busy with more duties, but no single man carries the entire empire. You, too, will face more objectives. Some of you might be offered leading positions in your countries, the same way the Heavenly King was once my father's diplomat." Seonghwa glanced at Hongjoong, the only one not huddled against anyone. He leaned into the corner of the pit, cushioned by two pillows yet poised in his lonely spot.

"Not you, of course."

A throaty chuckle sounded from the mage. He pushed his wet hair back with a sigh, claiming it always looked weird when he dried it with magic.

"I have more than enough to do, yes. Not that it means I will have less of an eye on you. Whenever I can slip away, I will."

Seonghwa smiled, mellow in his affection.

"Another subject is expansion. Once I am emperor, I must negotiate with the neighbouring countries to offer them a place in our empire. As you know, the orcs of the north are both eager and not diplomatic"

By his side, San's fingers flexed into a fist. He didn't put his wrath into words, but he reminded of the most relevant point. Many elves were too scared to allow the orcs among them as their proclaimed allies. To make things work on one side, Seonghwa also needed to convince the other.

"Then there is the importance my mother will express soon... Bearing an heir."

A thick silence spread throughout the room.

Yunho petted Buddy, who had joined them after their bath finished.

Yeosang picked at some dried mosses that lined his arm.

Wooyoung played with his talons.

Seonghwa continued, words slow and purposeful so no one would misunderstand.

"It's best to introduce an heir early into life as an emperor. Like that, the child can grow into their role and fewer troubles bode from those who frown upon the empire. So to say, if they already get to meet their new emperor with a child, they are less keen on ridding the throne of its heir to climb it themselves."

Mingi picked at his nails.

Hongjoong's magic knitted his hair into tiny braids.

"My father took concubines and a queen to his side. I adore all of you too much to marry someone else to be my equal or to be forced to pick among you. Although it would strengthen my bloodline to find a celestial match. Or a princess from a country we are trying to befriend."

Orc females were not half as bad as their males, though Seonghwa's bloodline would be stained and a goblin child wouldn't find support in the empire as the heir to the throne.

Jongho clicked his thumbs against each other.

San preened his wings.

"My mother will suggest I introduce a few women to my court. Numerous children would carry on my celestial bloodline, and I won't have to ditch my duties for them to grow up."

He exhaled, not meeting any of their eyes.

"But," he continued with a frown. This time, Wooyoung glanced up. One by one, the others dared meet his eyes again, curious about his verdict. Though they addressed it before, it was still foreign to some and embarrassing to others.

Seonghwa's hand rested on his abdomen. It was softer than before their roll in the grass, supple with its adjustments to their bodies. When he caressed the skin, massaged his fingers into it, its yearning echoed back through his hand.

"I would prefer to bear your children. If you want that, too." He lowered his eyes, sparkles dusting over his cheeks.

He wanted it so desperately. To bear their fruit, to bring life to those born of love. His husbands would tend to children so well, and so long as his bloodline sustained, he didn't need to take another stranger's hand.

Glum, since his wishes were unreasonable given the obligations that came their way and their opinions, Seonghwa cupped his stomach. Perhaps later? If he couldn't convince them to bear an heir with him, maybe they warmed up to the idea after he had a few other children and time passed. Though they went through a lot together, their differences still created obstacles.

"I know we talked about it just a moon back, but I- If I'm being hasty, tell me. But if I think about children with anyone else, I fear I cannot adore them the way they deserve," he muttered. He sunk into himself, disappearing into San's side and the blanket.

"I would do it for you," Yunho said, finding his voice after long minutes of stunned silence. He flushed when all eyes gathered on him, but he bravely persisted.

"How can I not when it's your wish? Imagining... impregnating you is a dangerous thought I dare not think about further at this moment, but you are right. You need an heir, and I understand your feelings. I would also prefer you to have a child with one of us rather than a stranger."

Relief flooded Seonghwa. Perhaps his request wasn't so unreasonable after all.

Wooyoung pouted to himself and Mingi was too embarrassed to speak up, but Hongjoong nodded along.

"The same goes for me. You want children, so I will give you the most beautiful, capable heir you can imagine."

Bashful at the determination in his voice, Seonghwa whispered thanks. His body tingled at the idea, but now was not the time to indulge. He had to ask his father to wait a while longer to step down so Seonghwa could prioritise his pregnancy. Once his heir was born, he would climb the throne.

San's body was stiff and apprehensive behind him.

"I still believe it's not our place. Tending to children might drain you, especially with your type of stress. Isn't it wiser to leave your body untouched and to introduce a concubine as the bearer? After what just happened, we shouldn't treat your body as a tool for breeding," he mumbled. Though he sounded regretful about disputing Seonghwa's wishes, his concern came from a good heart.

Seonghwa nuzzled into his neck, grateful for being looked out for.

"Thank you, San," he sighed. Careful not to jostle his relaxed, bare body too much, San wrapped an arm around him to pull him against his muscular chest.

"Don't feel obligated just because you adore us. We can bear with any conclusion," the seraph vowed. Though Yunho sulked at that, Seonghwa leaned his head into San's shoulder. His delicate fingertips on his belly were sure.

"I know I want this. For an heir, but also for my relationship with you. If there were no need for a child, I would not ask for one now, but in the future. So yes, I will gladly take you two up on your approval."

A sly smirk spread across Hongjoong's lips.

"Human seed is so feeble. It will have trouble impregnating a being like you. I, however, could gift you with the ablest of heirs, a child of the stars and of magic," he proposed.

Seonghwa had to laugh because even after all this time, even now, Hongjoong was in an endless warfare to be the only one.

"Competitive as ever, I see. Let us talk about it when the time comes. I honour your sympathy." He smiled at the others as well. Yeosang waved it off.

"We are your chess pieces to move as you need us. If you wish for an heir born from this marriage, you, as the carrier, are the only one to make such demands." He gave Seonghwa a winning grin. Despite growing up together and becoming husbands in this odd way, Yeosang wasn't put off by this mature topic. Seonghwa was always meant to be more, to take a path few could accompany him on.

He was incredibly thankful that they guided him. Loneliness would consume him otherwise.

"You are much more than my chess pieces," Seonghwa pledged. He emptied his chalice and settled back into San's side, comfortable against his warm body and soft wings.

"Let's face everything that comes our way together. Most of it, we can't prepare for or predict, but as long as I am with you, I'm not scared," Seonghwa muttered, eyes drifting shut. Around him, the others also settled for a sleepover. Jongho sprawled out in his corner and Mingi put a pillow on the golem's stomach to cuddle him. Buddy rolled on his back, happy to be tickled fondly from all directions.

Soon, they calmed. Wooyoung mumbled 'sweet dreams' in his sleepy voice and several grunts answered him. They slumbered deeply, sprawled over each other without a care, but all gravitating towards their shining median, the moon whose tides drew in their hearts.

Seonghwa dozed in their embrace, relishing in the sound of their heartbeats that mingled with the haunting song of the castle. Though his body was tired, his mind was wide awake with ambitions for their future.

He fell asleep after a while, too cosy not to. When he woke, it was still night and San's arm had fallen from him to free Seonghwa far enough that he rested his cheek against Hongjoong's curled-up legs.

Seonghwa opened his eyes to glance between them. His sorcerer with a sharp tongue and undying endurance. His human with the charm of his dog and a guiding hand for all troubles. His dryad with eternal loyalty and understanding, no matter their conflicts. His seraph with the complex value of justice and kindness. His demon with the gentlest heart and the most mellow claws. His gryphon-born who never hesitated to proclaim his adoration and was ever so ready to defend Seonghwa. And his golem, steadfast and Seonghwa's balance wherever he went.

His soul soared, for he was nowhere more powerful than here. These men had chosen him despite largely not knowing him, and now it was his turn to choose them.

Seonghwa rose from the pit. The moonlight fell through the windows and cast his pale body in a luminous glow. No sound came from his bare feet when he padded towards the balcony.

The frigid air of winter rushed to embrace him when he opened the doors, but it left his husbands untouched. Bundled in their blankets and heated by Mingi's company, they slept unassumingly.

Seonghwa exited onto the balcony. Doused in the dark of night, his kingdom lay below him. Lights illuminated the recovering houses of his people and the forest sparkled with its mysterious fairy dust and the glow of crystals.

Fond and proud of what they created, the stars smiled down at Seonghwa. He basked in their twinkling presence, and he promised them he would become more, would rise to meet them.

But not alone. Never alone.

After a breather, he returned to the pit to cosy up with his husbands. Together, they slumbered to dream of their future written in the stars.

**********

Aaaand here we are! End~

This was such a long one, so thank you to those who stuck around and didn't get tired of it! I hope the melf sufficiently charmed you~ He sure did for me and I was happy to see all your support and love for them

If you have some time, please fill out my little survey here! I'm curious what you thought~ https://forms.gle/tbyT1D2eLVm6E2hn6

As you know, this one will have a part two which will drop in a few months. For updates, find me on my Twitter Susimau_s

I will take two days of uploading pause so we can refresh our minds and then upload a Sanhwa one shot in my one shot book. It has nothing to do with any other stories of mine and features cowboy San x bunny Hwa.

Then, another 2 days free, and then an old series of mine will make its comeback for those of us who missed Overshadow. Again, updates on my twitter, but be warned that this addition is nothing for the faint-hearted.

Otherwise, you can support me by checking out my novel Asorazey on amazon and sending me ateez writing commissions on Twitter!

I hope I will see many of you again once Seonghwa and his lovely harem return. Fair warning that the next book features mpreg so all those who dislike it can comfortably regard this first book as the story end. For the rest, see you soon!