Welcome back to book 2 of the MELF series! Definitely make sure to read Silbermond und Honigwein before this and enjoy ^^

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The taste of cranberries notoriously improved the consumer's health and cleared the body of toxic leftovers. Yeosang once declared his favourite and, though they never seemed special before, Seonghwa cherished them now. They were a foolproof way to pamper his best friend.

His half-lowered hair spilt over his shoulder when he lowered the spoon back into the wooden bowl. The crown prince stirred in more pepper as he picked up his humming. It was accompanied by the harps and lutes of the castle, complimenting his otherworldly voice as it filled the kitchens with joy. Though this was usually such a loud and busy place, all maids and cooks moved with reverent caution while he was present. No pots clanged to countertops, and no metal screeched against porcelain. Everyone was mesmerised by their beloved prince and his melody.

Seonghwa's delicate hands knew which ingredients to pick and how to prepare them. The scent of his soup was heavenly and made everyone's mouths water. As he hummed with a serene expression, jealousy filled those who knew he cooked like this only for his husbands. That bunch of miscellaneous races with unique charms, who captured their prince's heart.

A wet nose felt over Seonghwa's bare foot adorned by a delicate web of chains. When he glanced down past his white apron and the light blue of his dress, he found his favourite furry friend by his feet. His golden coat was groomed to perfection by the fairies and they left little braids in the tufts of his back. With a happy pant, Buddy looked up at him with those dear, loyal eyes.

"Hello, friend," Seonghwa cooed. In response, Buddy put a paw on Seonghwa's foot, whimpering for attention.

Seonghwa picked up a piece of apple he put aside earlier while arranging the rest on a plate. He crouched elegantly to feed it to Buddy, mindful of his slobbering tongue that was ever so eager for the lingering tastes on Seonghwa's fingers.

"I can't pet you right now since I am preparing a meal; forgive me," Seonghwa told him with a gentle smile as he went back to his stirring. Buddy trotted off to find his next victim, earning treats at every corner.

Seonghwa stood near the window in the corner, where he wouldn't bother the cooks more skilled and busier than him. The scent of roasted meat itched in his nose, but the spring breeze carried it away to rustle through the first spouts of the year.

Winter shrouded the lands for a long time. Long enough for Yunho to travel to his home lands for two weeks because he missed the seasons there so much. Though Seonghwa offered him to adjust the gardens to his liking, Yunho insisted his mind was only at rest if he revisited the habit. Thus, he left and returned with fresh energy to stick to his elven lover.

Now that the last snow melted and sweet flowers broke through the earth, even in this part of the Crystal Sphere, the scent of spring rejuvenated everyone. Already, Jongho and Yeosang moved their meetings back outside to the gardens.

The song of the birds carried inside as they joined into the ethereal choir that shrouded the kitchens in its spell. Charmed, the cooks worked in concord while Buddy pranced through the open doors back outside to jump around with Wooyoung.

Lured by the song and the presence of his husband, San entered through the same door. He tucked his wings close to his body so they wouldn't knock into the kitchen utensils. By his side, he carried the golden blade in its white sheath, never seen without it. He rid himself of the furs he wore for winter, instead donning a white tunic rimmed with delicate golden embroidery.

He came up by Seonghwa's side and the sunlight from outside caressed him and made his blond hair glow. Though Seonghwa cherished nothing more than the moonlight, he agreed that San's beauty was dazzling under the bright rays.

"My peerless paramour," San addressed him as he halted next to Seonghwa. The sword switched sides so it would stay far from Seonghwa, even in the safety of its sheath. Seonghwa didn't look away from the boiling soup in the tall brass pot as San tucked a stray strand of midnight black hair behind Seonghwa's pointed ear. Calloused fingers skimmed the delicate silver jewellery decorating the graceful arch with the tenderness of a raindrop. Seonghwa wove the feather he once picked up from Wooyoung to an earring and it dangled from his ear to add a charming wildness to his otherwise so refined look.

"It's almost done," Seonghwa promised him with an adoring smile. Ever so stunned by his beauty, San's wing twitched to cradle Seonghwa's frame, shrouding them in privacy. Seonghwa forgot anyone else was with them, though the servants' eyes had long since lost the nosy intrigue in his matters. The crown prince and his harem he was utterly devoted to became a common sight in the Moon Castle.

"I can't wait to taste it," San smiled, leaning in to skim his nose along the elegant line of Seonghwa's hairline down his ivory neck. If Seonghwa's shine brightened just enough to make the stars in the night sky jealous, nobody noticed.

San breathed in the scent of Seonghwa's dark hair, addictive with its scent of moonflowers and a chilly night under the moonlight.

"Could you tuck my hair back up for me, my knight? I'm afraid the pin won't hold it much longer."

San's free hand skimmed through the mischievous strands of long, wavy hair that broke free from their silver prison. He adored touching it, could watch Seonghwa brush and braid it for hours. It was San's opposite and its spectacular gloss always reminded of the night sky.

The sword clicked into place against the cabinet by Seonghwa's side, protecting him while San rounded him. The seraph pulled the pin decorated with delicate metal flowers and amethysts from Seonghwa's unravelling updo and wrung his hair in a gentle twist. When he tucked it back up, Seonghwa's features were free even of the few stray strands San liked to push behind his ears so lovingly.

"Thank you," Seonghwa smiled as San picked up his sword. His touch trailed from Seonghwa's pale skin as he regained a courteous distance.

"I will gather the others in the dining room. Your parents already arrived."

"I will join you soon," Seonghwa promised, exchanging a soft smile with San before he added the finishing touches to his dish. As the seraph disappeared through the door leading into the castle, a maid sighed dreamily after his retreating back.

Seonghwa related all too well.

Buddy came springing back inside, this time with enough mayhem to startle the cooks. He dashed between everyone's legs and wormed his way back to Seonghwa's side. When he halted with an excited bark, tail wagging, Seonghwa lifted a fond brow at him.

"Want more?"

Yunho hurried after his dog, and Wooyoung followed close behind. He was less cautious about his wings, but luckily, most of the food was gathered on the counter to be carried outside.

"Buddy! I said not to bug Seonghwa," Yunho scolded his friend, but he only received a merry yap in return. Buddy cosied his head against Seonghwa's side.

Yunho, as handsome as San in the warmer season, halted next to Seonghwa. He ducked his head in the same way Buddy did when he messed up.

"My apologies for his intrusion. Sometimes he just goes wild thinking about you."

"He's not the only one," Seonghwa reminded him with a chuckle. When Yunho's ears flushed a charming hue, he ushered Buddy in the other direction to join the rest in the dining room.

Wooyoung lingered by Seonghwa's side, peering into the pot.

"What are you making?"

"You will like it," Seonghwa promised, well aware that Wooyoung couldn't associate the taste of the ingredients he might list.

"Is there meat in there? Booze?"

"Neither," Seonghwa chuckled. "But you can combine it."

"Fantastic! I look forward to it." With that, he smacked a kiss to Seonghwa's cheek, making a grin bloom on his lips, before he scurried away to be in his chair in time once the meal got served. Warmed by their affections, Seonghwa discarded his pot. A maid took over to have it served while he unravelled the bow of his apron. His dress was spotless, so he didn't need to change his clothes.

On his way out, he kept his chin up, pace graceful as he crossed the halls of alabaster quartz. The fabric of his butterfly sleeves brushed against the scar on his back at every step; the vile parting gift from his older brother a few moons ago. Seonghwa bore it with dignity. It couldn't take his rank away from him. The sole purpose it served was to remind him of his sacrifices for the kingdom and his undying resolve.

It proved how good of an emperor he would be.

A familiar figure lounged against a pillar in the foyer. His hair was black and white, brushed from his forehead in a manner most artfully untamed. His black clothes hugged his lean frame, and a cane rested in his right hand.

When their eyes met and magic crackled in the air once Hongjoong's gold mingled with Seonghwa's amethyst, a smile broke out on Seonghwa's lips. He quickened his pace to fall into Hongjoong's waiting arms.

"You made it," he sighed as the sorcerer hugged his narrow waist. Hongjoong's black boots made him taller, but he was the one who got buried under his delicate elven husband's enthusiasm. Ignorant of the rows of golden buttons digging into his body, Seonghwa relished his familiar embrace.

"Anything for you, Damiana," Hongjoong purred. He pulled back to kiss Seonghwa in greeting, long lashes fluttering shut over his golden eyes. Seonghwa cradled his chin in tender fingertips as their lips melted into a heartfelt message.

When they moved apart, their smiles mirrored each other. Hongjoong offered his left hand and his cane clacked on the ground to announce his presence with authority as he led Seonghwa to the dining room.

"How are things in the Spire of Magic?"

"Faring sufficiently. We refurbished the quarters for our recruits and tightened the seals on the upper stories so no minor spirits can escape. I looked at more despicable banishing circles last week than in my entire life."

Seonghwa hid his endeared snicker behind his hand. Proud to have made him laugh, Hongjoong's eyes glimmered at him.

They parted when the grand doors opened so Hongjoong could sink into his seat and greet the others. Seonghwa welcomed his parents, who received him with delight. His mother dearly missed him, as she always did when she didn't see his refined features in a while. The emperor still recovered from the loss of his first son, but the hardened lines on his face had eased.

Everyone was gathered, so Seonghwa returned to his seat to be out of the way of the servants. When he passed, Jongho's crystals sparked in their yellow hue of enthusiasm, and Yeosang flashed Seonghwa a grin. Matching it, Seonghwa trailed his fingers over Mingi's horns.

The demon no longer flinched away from him, vigilant to the sound of Seonghwa's soft steps and the sweetness of his presence. Today, too, he wore his hair combed from his forehead and his blind onyx eyes crinkled with a smile.

"Thank you, everyone, for gathering to share a meal with me," Seonghwa greeted his assembled family as he settled in his chair. Yeosang left a little pot with blooming Lilies of the Valley next to Seonghwa's plate, matching his pure appearance. The dryad also sported his favourite shy spring blooms, mindful not to stand out after recent events, but comfortable to trust the ones living closely with him.

"Please relish the food while I catch you up on our recent decisions," Seonghwa invited as the steaming dishes filled the table one by one. There was meat for the meat lovers, plant-based dishes for the rest, and, of course, Seonghwa's soup, which everyone instantly demanded to try first. The cooks indulged them and served everyone while Buddy sat by Yunho's feet, eager to snatch another snack.

Seonghwa's father lifted his cup in a toast. The chair by his side remained empty, but he didn't let it distract his focus from the one who prevailed.

"Let's drink together, everyone. To Seonghwa and his future."

Everyone toasted. Some with booze, some with water, Jongho with an empty fist. Chuckling, Seonghwa glanced at the blooming Lily of the Valley, at its new life.

Indeed, there was lots to tell now that everyone gathered in one place for once.