Once the preparations for the coronation flowed smoothly, Seonghwa finally had the time to introduce Aodhán to the other rulers. He invited everyone to celebrate the new life together and to announce the day of his coronation.

On the big day, everyone gathered. The rulers of each kingdom with their delegations, Seonghwa's family, his diplomats, and Aodhán. It was a major festivity, and the servants spent two weeks preparing the Moon Castle and all the foods requested for dinner. The seamsters worked tirelessly on Seonghwa's gown and the matching clothes of his husbands. Even little Aodhán, who had a full head of sweet blond curls now, matched the royal silver of Seonghwa's heritage.

Seonghwa got his dress fitted in his room hours before the event began. Most guests already arrived, and Hongjoong excused Aodhán from his studies for the day. Currently, the baby sat in Yunho's lap in the conversation pit and learned how to pet Buddy instead of yanking on his fur. While Yunho showed him patiently, Wooyoung sat next to them and watched with silent jealousy.

The white silk cascaded down Seonghwa's frame like water. It matched the open curls of his hair and the filigree circlet adorning his forehead with amethysts and whimsical vines. He fitted it to the necklace San had gifted him, and his bare feet adorned by flimsy chains kept catching Yunho's attention.

Yeosang was also here. Clad in a long tunic that fanned elegantly around him like the head of a tulip, he readied himself for their appearance.

Once Seonghwa was suited up, he gathered his companions. Merry, they followed him outside to group up with the guests. Babbling Aodhán hung from Yunho's strong palms.

"You look magnificent today as well," he smiled at Seonghwa as they descended the stairs.

"As do you," Seonghwa responded elegantly.

His other husbands were already downstairs to mingle. Since this was no official ceremony, there was no need for a parade. Yet, every head bowed, and the music paused when Seonghwa entered the dining room. Upon his beckon, the elves picked their harps back up.

"Your Highness! What a stunning sight you make. Is this your offspring?" The eldest daughter of the Heavenly King swooped in on the arm of her father. Seonghwa had known her for a long time and their parents occasionally discussed political marriage, but the topic lost itself when he found love. By now, she was happily married and had her own child. She forfeited her right to the throne to her brothers, the princes higher in the line for the throne than San. She was his cousin.

Yunho presented Aodhán proudly. They left the thick dog blanket behind and wrapped him in glimmering white fabrics.

"It is. His name is Aodhán," Seonghwa smiled as he caressed his child's cheek. It was rosy and supple, soft below his curious eyes, that tried to gather up all the new information inside the room.

Charmed, the princess waved at the little one.

"He reminds me of my little Rowan so much. I'm sure San must agree! Perhaps they can meet one day and play together," she cooed. Her brilliant wings were white as snow and drool gathered on the corner of Aodhán's mouth as he stared at her. Chuckling, Yunho wiped it off.

"That would be delightful. Please, sit with me. Let's soon plan for such leisure activities."

He accompanied them to the table, and the Heavenly King nodded at Seonghwa, full of respect.

"You recovered skilfully. Finally, your presence illuminates our round again."

With a polite bow, Seonghwa held the princess's hand as she sat down.

"I am most thrilled to catch up with everyone. Thank you for waiting for me."

Fond, they looked after him as he walked down the table and greeted his other guests. The sole mage present, Hongjoong sat next to Seonghwa's mother at one end of the table and both of them lit up when he drew near. Some rulers sat to partake in the conversation, while others mingled in the area. Hlin's rowdy voice was audible three rooms over, but Seonghwa was relieved to spot the Demon King seated next to the mighty dryad eldest.

"Son," the emperor greeted him as he stood. His fond eyes found Aodhán, and he stretched out his hands to hold him while Seonghwa settled. Yunho found his seat next to King Albrecht, and they went right to gushing about the baby.

"Please ask everyone to gather so I may start the evening," Seonghwa told Seungyoun. The servant hurried away and one by one, the other guests of honour claimed their seats. Mingi stuck to the golems on his other side, not daring to lift his face to the one-horned king. San regarded Seonghwa full of pride where he towered at the tip of the table, an idol of grace and dignity.

The same golem as the last time during official festivities visited today, as well. The golems had a valid reason not to send their eldest, for they were basically immobile. Used as their speaking device, the youngster sat bored in his place until Jongho joined him. His golem child toddled between their unused plates, sparking conversation.

Hlin carried her jug of mead in her hand when she dropped on her seat. She kissed Eldrid's cheek, then she toasted at Seonghwa.

"To Wooyoung's beautiful wife who is, for whatever fucked-up reason, able to have children. Speaking of, is he yours, chick? He doesn't have wings." As quickly as her clamour rose, it fell when she turned to the sunken gryphon-born between the two ruling women. He looked like a child next to Hlin's bulging, tattooed muscles.

Though the Demon King scowled at her in distaste, she thankfully overlooked it. Seonghwa took the word before Wooyoung got caught up making excuses without humiliating Seonghwa again. When he stood, everyone directed their gazes at him and his beguiling glow like the moon that dictated their senses.

"Thank you, everyone, for gathering here tonight. Time passed since we last shared a meal, but fresh faces joined us in return." When he held out his hands in his father's direction, the emperor stood to transfer the white bundle with the comically large ears into Seonghwa's arms. Aodhán glowed merrily after spending a day out on the balcony with San and Mingi, so the bustle of the palace wouldn't overwhelm him. When he squirmed against Seonghwa's chest, he cradled him fondly.

Coos and mutters rose around the table. Most were charmed with the little elf, others were fascinated by how Seonghwa not only got pregnant so quickly but also handed down the celestial gene despite his partner being no celestial match. In his 789 years of rule, his father only had two children who healthily survived childbirth. Others had been unfortunate in their development in the womb.

"Meet Aodhán," Seonghwa introduced as he took his son's small fist. He wilfully ignored how the Demon King's eyes raked down his body and instead concentrated on the greetings everyone called at his son.

"He is sun-born as my father and brother are, and I wish to educate him as my heir. Please accept him as my firstborn once I climb the Crystal Throne," Seonghwa spoke, voice steady. His husbands glowed with pride between the other guests and Yunho ducked his head when the King of Men patted his back.

"He has the face of a future king," the Heavenly King praised with a grin. He exchanged a fatherly glance with the emperor as Seonghwa coddled his little one.

"Does that mean your coronation is near?" The dryad eldest spoke up, voice old and creaking like a tree in the wind. He didn't intimidate the other powerful rulers, and Hongjoong sat with his legs crossed and sharp fingernails playing with his cane.

Seonghwa nodded, and more whispers passed between them. The youngster golem asked Jongho if this was relevant information to remember. Jongho told him that listening was the least their folk could do.

"Yes. I plan to step up to my father's throne this autumn when the fogs rise and the trees colour. This winter, I hope to show you my fortitude as your new emperor." He handed Aodhán to his mother, and she rocked him in her lap as the crowd listened to him. They matched each other's grave expressions now.

"For now, I focus on further alliances outside our borders and supplying our folk with their needs. The elves are apprehensive to make a pact with the orcs, but they showed interest in ceasing their violent ways. If we can settle our war and reunite those lost with the Crystal Sphere, we'd overcome the biggest threat of the mainland."

"Are you equipped for that? Your brother joined hands with them just so recently and the orcs were ready to shoulder the wrath of the empire if only they got their hands on Your Highness. They must be higher in number than we think," King Albrecht threw in. The man knew how to understand his militia and the elves were anything but fighter folk.

Seonghwa sunk into his seat and beckoned the servants to serve the food. Soon, the scent of it eased the frowns on the topic. Hlin ate without abandon with a goat's leg in one fist and her mead in the other and the two golems monitored in silent marvel.

"We waited for a long time to gain any leverage in the orcs' favour. If this is the first opening, we must strike immediately. My father can brief you on the developments but we believe that exiling my brother showed a strength the orcs admire. Even if they plan a ruse, we can observe them and introduce them to peace for long enough to sway their hearts."

Invested, the other rulers discussed it with each other. Seonghwa's father added the information he gathered. Though it was a topic easily heated - especially from the side of the demons, who shared so many character traits with the orcs, everyone soon settled. Seonghwa pursued peace, and that was what they wanted from an elven ruler. Though the sun led them so far, the moon didn't shine less brightly.

Seonghwa tasted Hongjoong's magic in his wine, soothing his touchy stomach, depending on what he ate. It would take him some time to return to normal concerning his organs and he barely needed his sorcerer's help anymore, but it was sweet to know Hongjoong both had an eye on his well-being and double-checked for poison.

"Until then, however, my focus lies on the coronation and Aodhán's education."

"You are the Magus Maximus now, yes? What is the mages' involvement with the child's magic?" The Heavenly King addressed Hongjoong. Rumours spread already, especially after the prince so often left with him to the spire. While Hongjoong guised his answer in graceful words to keep the nasty snarl from the Demon King's lips, Seonghwa sipped his wine.

They talked lots that evening. Most was politics, and minor matters concerning the empire and its development. The rulers each had their priorities within their own countries that needed Seonghwa's cooperation so they wouldn't interfere with his plans. Especially the Sky-reaching Highlands and the Glistening Walnut Grove bordering the orc lands needed to stay on a higher alert than one would normally demand from them.

Otherwise, they also shared laughter. Hlin and the Demon King insulted each other a bit, but no one got hurt. Mingi got addressed by his king only once in a brusque snort that he didn't own Seonghwa properly and how this child wasn't his. Again, Seonghwa soothed the fight quickly, and they moved on.

Jongho and the other golem sat outside in the gardens when the evening slowed and smaller groups split off to catch up with one another. Yunho and King Albrecht stood with the gryphon-borns as they shared their passion for dogs and gryphons. San's eyes followed Seonghwa through the room, but he listened politely to his conversation partners.

The moon traced the elf's shape through the windows as he blessed their midst with his otherworldly presence. He poured everyone the special wine the elves made to celebrate the birth of a new child and carried the flat basin between the assembled groups. His husbands stood out with their shining white clothes and reverent smiles.

Hlin found the drink lacked some alcohol. The dryads wanted to sit outside with the golems. Together, they watched the little golem Hongjoong made toddle around, not able to form words yet but gathering everyone's attention.

Thanks to Seonghwa's excellent hosting, the evening ended a success. Everyone looked forward to his coronation and hung in memories along with his father. Though a new era began, Seonghwa was so established in their midst, such a formidable presence.

Though some were more obstinate than others, everyone agreed he would be a good ruler. And none of the allies saw a reason to question him or use the timing to claim the throne.