"I am baffled how you never lost even a trifle of your beauty. No matter the years that passed and no matter the scars you bore, you still shine the same way."

Seonghwa lifted soft eyes from where he had been dusting off his sleeve. He wore a graceful combination of a long-sleeved top that exposed patches of his torso with filigree swirls of fabric tugging over his chest. The wide pants rode low on his hips, shimmering in the colour of moonlight. As usual, expensive jewellery adorned his feet and hands, matching the pins in his hair.

Hongjoong leaned in the door, entranced by the elf's grace. He moved fluid like water, leaving not a clue about the torment in the orc lands. His injury healed and his body recovered from the strain of his pregnancy.

"Would you have despised if I grew worn with fatigue?" Seonghwa chuckled as he ran his eyes down the suit of crimson his sorcerer donned. It matched his black cane and the fire blazing in his eyes.

"Truthfully speaking, I am confident you would be stunning, no matter your years. Elves are notorious for their ever-lasting beauty and the celestial ones seem to radiate particularly." Hongjoong flashed him a grin. The others already assembled in the foyer and their voices travelled down the corridor. Yunho taught Buddy a new trick and he wouldn't stop showing everyone.

"I am glad to hear you won't bore of me soon. Though your infatuation with me was always evident, it might have been fleeting until you gained what you sought."

With long strides, Seonghwa crossed the room. Like liquid light, his clothes fluttered with him. Hongjoong's magic floated his fur-lined coat closer, and the sorcerer took it to tug it around Seonghwa's shoulders. With an elegant dip of his knees, Seonghwa accepted it. When he rose back up to smile at Hongjoong, the wonder in the sorcerer's eyes was ever so devoted.

"I could never, Damiana. If there was ever a doubt about the depth of my feelings, it evaporated with every day I see your shining beauty. Your glow becomes brighter and brighter and I boast with the knowledge I am partly at fault."

Endeared by his smug husband, Seonghwa grasped his jaw in delicate fingers. His lips ghosted over Hongjoong's, relishing the way his tension fell off to melt against Seonghwa's chest.

"I am honoured you discovered more in me than my status. I cannot imagine a life without you now. You or any of the others."

"Don't mention them while it's just the two of us," Hongjoong grumbled. Seonghwa giggled and appeased him with a kiss.

"I cherish you, Hongjoong. Thank you for being by my side, even if some days bring suffering."

Soothed, Hongjoong tugged him closer to kiss him properly. For a moment, they lost their feeling of time and the urgency to depart in the waiting carriages. Hongjoong's lips tasted of the sweet honey candy he and Wooyoung always fought over.

Seonghwa's eyes batted open and glanced past Hongjoong's head when steps neared his room. He pulled back, leaving the sorcerer with a yearnful sigh.

Yunho appeared in the doorway with a sly smirk.

"Need more time, dove?" His eyes raked over Hongjoong's frame, over the moment of vulnerability in Seonghwa's embrace before the sorcerer gripped his cane and whirled around. He marched past Yunho without looking at him.

"I'll be right there," Seonghwa promised. He glanced about the room still foreign to him, so grand and colourful in the Crystal Palace. Though he had another conversation pit installed since he would exchange the late nights lounging with his husbands for nothing in the world, the pillows felt too new and the scent too fresh.

He promised himself he would return to his place of comfort soon. He made tremendous progress and once no lockdown was needed anymore, he, too, could go home.

He had yet to adorn his crown, though he might forgo it. Though he spoke to the folk as their emperor, he would like to reassure them as their friend.

Spirited to convey that promise to his people, Seonghwa left his room. In their travelling outfits, his husbands awaited him in the foyer. They shared their representative red tones, though each of their outfits matched themselves and their preferred comfort. Yeosang coyly played with the red asters he sprouted. Next to him, Mingi had Morana climbing all over his arm and shoulder with clumsy movements, trying to grab for his horns. The other hand held Aodhán's, who bounced up and down in his eagerness to go on a trip.

Wooyoung's face lit up when Seonghwa appeared and subtle dimples dug into San's cheeks.

"Ready to go?" Jongho asked as he switched the colours of his crystals to match their red. Buddy sat by his feet, panting in a smile. His red ribbon was back, making him the most handsome boy.

Seonghwa beckoned them to go ahead, and his happy family made their way down the stairs. They chattered and joked, none of their past tension remaining. So proud and ever so fond of them, Seonghwa trailed behind.

They had to travel with more guards than Seonghwa would like, but the situation left them with no other choice. As his warriors sidled about on the backs of their mounts, Seonghwa climbed into the most protected carriage in their heart. He sat with Wooyoung, his kids, and Mingi. The former shared his excitement about the world with the little ones, showing them every knight and every animal. Mingi sat next to Seonghwa quietly, but a smile dashed over his features when the elf took his hand to hold it.

They took off to the main town. The roll of their wheels was without hurry and Seonghwa had some time to revise the words in his head to bring his meaning across. His father would be there to support him. He already left early in the morning to aid the preparations and make sure no orcs preyed on a moment of vulnerability from the emperor.

The fairies waving at him from the forests assured Seonghwa that no evil dwelled between the trees. He greeted them back and listened to his kids' gasps of wonder when the nimble creatures floated closer in curiosity.

Though there was no grand celebration once they entered the paved roads of the town, the people were glad to see Seonghwa. He left them in the dark for a while and they heard only fleetingly of his defeat. The moment Mingi stepped from the carriage with the second child on his arm, a murmur went through the crowd. They didn't bear in on him, watching as their gorgeous emperor exited with Wooyoung's help. The gryphon-born put Aodhán on his shoulders, carrying the giggling child dressed in expensive silks.

"Your Majesty... Is this your daughter?" A stunned elderly elf asked, squinting distrusting eyes at the darkspawn. Morana hid in Mingi's chest, similarly shy. He soothed her with a peaceful hand, knew no danger threatened them when Seonghwa was near.

"Truly, she is. I will introduce her to you soon," Seonghwa smiled as his troupe assembled. Together, they followed the path the people created for them. Seonghwa bowed at them, thanked their patience and trust. Their smiles were relieved, and many morphed into shock or delight when they spotted Morana.

His father greeted him at the wooden platform erected on the town square. Everyone gathered here and watched with rapt attention as Seonghwa neared. Marvelling at him as they did to the moon.

Seonghwa's father noticed the lack of a crown but merely smiled about it. There was no need to announce Seonghwa's status to anyone. Anyone who glanced at him knew he wasn't common folk.

"No orcs in the crowd or hiding nearby. We control the land and the air, so you should be safe to go," he reported as if he were Seonghwa's commander. Thankful, Seonghwa nodded at him. His husbands stuck with his father to exchange pleasantries while he scaled the stairs. When he stepped forward, their whispers fell silent.

"Inhabitants of the Crystal Sphere and any guest who made the journey past the borders. Thank you for gathering to hear me out. I laud your patience when I imposed sudden rules upon you without an explanation." He nodded his head at them, posture regal yet compassionate.

Some mumbled answers under their breath, but he continued.

"As many negotiations passed the palace before I could inform you, I came to convey the reality of our new situation. We have entered an era of political warfare with the orcs of the west. As their being has little interest in trading and truces, we fear an invasion every day, and that is why I wished for your safety."

This time, the crowd got loud. They cursed the orcs, yelled over each other in confusion and demanded justice.

Seonghwa lifted his hands, and they quieted, though the tension didn't leave their faces.

"We do not plan for a full-out attack and we hope the orcs never venture one, either. I failed my mission to retrieve the elves kidnapped from our lands and got attacked on their soil. Now, as our strength recovers, we find ways for a peaceful triumph. The nymphs of the Singing Swamps promised us their alliance, and we seek to visit the giants to plead for their understanding."

Calls of hope.

"That's our Seonghwa!" Some man croaked and a group of children nearby cheered at him. Seonghwa smiled back.

"I do my utmost to protect our empire and its people. It is my duty to retrieve those in agony while ensnared by the orcs. Until we don't know them safe, I cannot rest. Slaughter is never our way, but I hope for a safe kingdom for our children and loved ones."

He turned, beckoning at his husbands. They spread out on the platform behind him, gaining the calls of some admirers. As none of them was unattractive and their devotion to the emperor resonated with the folk, they gained a sizable adoration from Seonghwa's people. Especially San was popular.

Jongho came forth with Aodhán and Morana. The two gaped at the enormous crowd, at the many colours and faces.

"You know my son, Aodhán. While escaping the orkish lands, my daughter was born. Her name is Morana and she shall be the heir to my throne, as fated by the stars."

Reluctant to holler at her, the crowd cooed softly.

"Is she elven?" A woman near the platform asked and Seonghwa shook his head, adjusting Morana's coat so her horns became more apparent.

"She is a child born of the moon and the demonic depths. As she became a ray of life in a moment of despair, I hope my promise will bring you solace. Please heed your safety and have patience for a while longer. Together with the other kingdoms of the empire, I will bring us a newfound peace. While I cannot predict the reaction of the orcs, and the other rulers have their own methods of speaking their minds, I wish you to be assured that I dedicate myself to this duty."

Polite claps hailed upon him. Aodhán clapped as well, happy with the attention. He showed his grin and waved coyly, giggling when they waved back.

Morana peered around Jongho, uncomfortable with the noise. San picked her up to hide her back in the shadows, where she could rest.

Seonghwa stayed for a while to answer any questions coming his way. His people were concerned about his trip, so he tried to tell them the truth without judgment upon the cruelties of some. He couldn't forget that not all orcs were belligerent. In allowing people to hate all, even those who wished for peace would succumb to malevolence.

No interruption brought mayhem. Seonghwa stayed with them until the evening and accepted the fruit some vendors brought to him for taking his time. As he ate with his people, he sat on the platform, coming as close to them as he could.

Ultimately, it was the impatience of his children and husbands that had him bid his goodbyes. His father announced the suggestions of a curfew and of going in larger groups if they ventured around. Many birds promised their support in surveilling the woods and the movement of the earth.

Seonghwa left with Morana on his arm and retreated with his husbands. San and Yunho both offered him their hands to climb into the carriage.

Seonghwa's smile was dazzling and relieved he had his folk on his side.

"Let's go home," he offered, and they gladly accompanied the moon that brightened all bleak darkness.