ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗙𝗧𝗬-𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡
─◌✰್ 𝗁𝗂𝗌

Finally, you were back at the Lee castle. And better yet, you were waiting for all of your friends.

After he let you all know that he had a speech prepared for the next day, your dad had sent Changbin and Lanhua on their date. They'd gone to Lanhua's favorite cafe in Moonstone, before sitting by the river and feeding the ducks.

It sounded like a lovely day, and you had heard all about it over text. She had been buzzing in the group chat with the two of you and JJ. But you still hadn't seen either of them in person since you'd escaped the dungeon.

In fact, you hadn't seen any of the others for almost an entire day, including Minho. You had hugged and kissed, before he had to leave to check in on his mom, and release the other parents. She had essentially been in hiding the entire time, staying out of her husband's way, as he'd destroyed their relationship in one fell swoop. During that time, you'd gotten ready for bed, and slept for over twelve hours straight. It was the best night of your life.

But as much as you were glad that he was taking care of the remains of his family, and that you got to sleep to your heart's content, you were quite grumpy that you couldn't spend time together. You had never been much of a clingy girl, let alone in a relationship, but now look at you. You couldn't get enough of that salty, gorgeous prince.

But you didn't have much time to wait now. It was the next day, and your friends were supposed to come over soon to get ready for your dad's speech! Both kingdoms were in turmoil after seeing the way the dating show had ended, and they were scared about the fate of their kingdoms. But as understandable as their fears were, you knew your dad would lay them to rest immediately.

"Tess, where are you??" You turned from your spot at your vanity mirror, where you had sat for the past half hour. You wanted to make sure that you looked perfect for today. Afterall, it was the first day you were properly engaged — and soon to be properly married, you hoped too — to Minho. His jaw better be on the floor for you.

"What do you think of this??" Lanhua marched up the stairs without invite, and into your room. She twirled around in a stunning gold dress, glittery accents dappled through the skirt, glowy like the sunrise.

You gaped at her. "Girlll you look amazing!" you marveled. "After this, you gotta let me borrow it, I'm absolutely obsessed."

She grinned, nodding. "Duh. Now show me what you're going to wear, you've spent enough time on your makeup!"

You glowered, the huffed. "Ugh, how did you know??" you sighed. "I just want to look perfect for today!"

"It's not just about the speech," JJ added in understanding, as she casually walked in after Lanhua. She wore a dark blue sheer twill dress with blueberries printed on the skirt, layered dark blue skirts underneath so it wasn't see-through, with her hair piled on top of her head. It looked like she was pulling out all the stops, too. Could it be to impress a certain dark haired duke?

You went to your closet, before tugging on your gown for the day. You had hemmed and hawed over which dress was best suited for your father's announcement. It wasn't as formal as the courting ceremony, but it also wasn't a simple picnic by the lake. But when your eyes had landed on this dress, it was just meant to be.

"Okay, what do you think?" You came to stand in front of the rest of the girls, who had followed Lanhua and JJ in.

They all turned to look at you, and simultaneously started oohing and ahhing at your appearance. You had chosen a dark green velvet dress that hit an inch above your knee. It cinched in at your waist, and flared out at the skirt, with small gems across the bodice, and leaf designs along the bottom. You wore matching dark green makeup, but kept it subtle. You hoped Minho would remember the significance of this dress.

"That's absolutely gorgeous," JJ said sincerely, smiling at you warmly.

"I love it!" Robin declared. "You'll be a trendsetter across the kingdom."

"Nature chic, anyone?" Alaska added excitedly. "I'm so into it!"

The rest of the girls were also wearing their dresses, and had found spots on the floor or in chairs to finish the rest of their makeup. Thank god your room was large, or it would feel cramped. You smiled at them. Everyone was just as excited as you were for today.

"I was up all night thinking about what to wear!" Mya was saying from her spot on your bed. Alaska was applying sparkly pink eyeshadow to her lids, while she did her own hair.

"I had this dress picked out for a special occasion." Alaska nodded in assent. "I just didn't know this was going to be it! It's perfect, huh?" She motioned at the flirty fuschia dress she wore. "I hope it gets heads turning. Or just Felix's."

"I wanted to wear sweats, but I didn't want to upstage the rest of you," Riley joked. She wore a simple black knee-length dress with a white rose detail around the waist. "So I settled for this."

The rest of the girls continued chatting as they worked on their hair and makeup, eagerly awaiting the chance to see their men, and hear what your dad had to say.

After another half hour, everyone had finally finished their makeup and hair. You had even put the final touches on yours. You just couldn't help yourself.

"Oi, are you girls ready yet??"

You all simultaneously turned your heads towards your bedroom door at the sound of Seungmin's agitated-but-amused voice.

"Yeah, give us a moment!" JJ called back.

"And you better give us a standing ovation!" you shouted in agreement.

After giving yourselves final once-overs, you all made your way to the top of the stairs, ready to head down and reunite with the men.

JJ and Lanhua were first. They grasped each other's hands, and headed down together, arms swinging back and forth. You couldn't help but smile at them. Your two closest friends, walking hand in hand towards the guys they cared for, made you so happy. And after everything that had happened, it felt like everything was truly going back to normal.

As they walked down, Hyunjin and Changbin looked like their eyes were about to pop out of their sockets. Hyunjin beamed in appreciation, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. Changbin's jaw was on the floor, as he gawped obviously at the countess. Lanhua and JJ both beamed, smiles blindingly bright. Lanhua tucked her arm into Changbin's, while JJ carefully fixed Hyunjin's hair. Hyunjin offered JJ his arm too, and they both led the girls outside.

Next went the Golden Trio, all three girls linking arms as they descended the stairs.

"Clap for your queens!" Alaska joked.

"Better be down on one knee!" Riley nodded firmly, smirking at the three guys at the foot of the stairs.

"Be nice!" Mya exclaimed, but she giggled behind her hand.

Before they had even made it down, Felix had started the clapping, an overly enthusiastic sound. Jeongin joined in eagerly, and Christopher added his in agreement, as he stared at Riley the whole time.

Alaska jumped into her man's arms, and he carried her right out the door. Oh, she was going to be spoiled for the rest of her life, wasn't she? Riley hugged Christopher tightly, and they shared a light kiss, before they headed out, arm in arm. Jeongin pressed his lips to Mya's forehead, before grabbing her hand, holding the door for her with the other.

Renee and Robin glanced at you with matching smiles, before holding their hands out to you.

"Ready?" Robin asked, taking your hand before you could respond. She wore an inky purple dress that was so long, it draped along the floor. You had lent her a pair of your basic black flats, and her hair was down in long waves. You knew Jisung was going to love it.

You nodded, taking Renee's too. In her simple but beautiful pale blue dress and white sandals, each seam pleated crisply with no wrinkles in sight, she looked like a refreshingly clear spring sky.

"I've never been more ready," you said in response, beaming at them. The three of you had spent the most time together during your stay at the mansion, and you had become surprisingly close. Even through all the drama and arguing, getting through it all had bonded you in a way you hadn't expected. It just felt right to be walking down these stairs with them now. You squeezed their hands, before leading the way down.

The moment your feet hit the first stair, your eyes caught Minho's. He was staring at you with that same heated gaze that he had way back when, during the courting dinner. But now, all the animosity was gone, replaced with affection. It felt like he wanted to eat you alive. His eyes drifted from yours, down your entire body, taking in your appearance with great approval. Your skin smoldered at his perusal, biting your lip as you made your way towards him. You knew that the other two guys were also watching their girls, and yet... it felt like there was only one. Just you and Minho, in your own world, as always.

When you finally reached him, his hands were immediately at your waist, grabbing you and pulling you so close, both your chests collided. You looked up at him, a knowing smile playing at your mouth. Who knew he was so clingy?

"Can't get enough of me, huh Prince Lee?" you teased, reaching up and running a hand through his styled hair. Now that you were able to look at more than just his gorgeous eyes, you realized just how good he looked. He wore a basic black suit, with sleek shoes to match. But he'd included a dark green pine sprig in his coat pocket, somehow matching your dress perfectly. Was it possible that he remembered?

He chuckled quietly, leaning into your touch. "You wore the dress," he whispered, voice deep and raspy. "I had a feeling you would."

You smiled, cheeks flushing. "I can't believe you knew."

He raised his brows. "How could I not? I told you to buy it."

You rolled your eyes, nudging him in the side. "I don't listen to everything you say, you know."

But it was true. Back when you had been icing him out, there had only been one time you had spoken to him that wasn't during a meeting, or when it was absolutely necessary. You were at one of the many balls held at the Lee castle, and you were talking to Lanhua and JJ about your dress choices.

"I love the green on you!" Lanhua had gushed, eyeing your dress.

"Me too, you should buy some more, it's so your color." JJ nodded.

"I agree."

At the sound of his voice, you'd whipped around, knowing exactly who it was.

"What did you say?" you snapped, voice filled with more venom than you had intended.

Minho just shrugged, that irritatingly unbothered expression on his face. "I said I agree," he repeated. "I saw one at the store down the block. It's pretty similar, but it has leaves. It might look good. Just a thought."

And then, he'd walked away, leaving you feeling stunned, and fuming.

"That was weird..." Lanhua had stared after him.

JJ just stood there, mouth agape.

"Whatever, fuck him," you'd muttered in response. And then, for the rest of the evening, you'd tried to forget him.

But it hadn't worked. Because the next day, you'd gone straight to boutique he'd mentioned, and bought the damn dress. Even when you thought you hated him, you were obsessed.

"You ready to follow the rest of the group?" Minho cut through your memories, and you nodded quickly. He grabbed your hand, and led you out the door.

Then, the sixteen of you made your way to the same ceremony room that you had all stood in where you were chosen to join the dating show. Now, your dad and Queen Lee stood in front of two matching podiums. There was no one there except you all and a camera crew, who would be live-televising your dad's speech to both kingdoms.

Right when the lead cameraman saw you, he raced over, leading you all up onto the stage to sit behind the podium. You were all to be in the background of the announcement, so you could be seen together, and well. It would alleviate more of the citizen's concerns.

"Are we ready to start?" Your dad glanced back at you all, when you finally got situated. He smiled tenderly at you, before looking at the rest.

You nodded, beaming back at him. You sat between Minho and Robin. He didn't let go of your hand, squeezing it tightly in his.

Queen Lee looked at Minho, a sad but kind smile lighting her face. You could tell she felt bad for everything her son had gone through, but she was proud of him for sitting there, stoic as always.

Without another word, the cameramen started filming, and your dad and Queen Lee began their announcement. You wondered what they would say. You had a few inklings, but your dad always surprised you.

Your dad spoke first. "Good morning citizens of Moonstone and Obsidian," he began. "Queen Lee and I come to you live from Moonstone with some important announcements. We know that you are all confused and scared, especially in regards to the wellbeing of the sixteen people who were chosen for the dating show, led by Yeonjun. As you can see, they are all healthy, and united. We are forever grateful that they are safe."

Queen Lee continued the speech. "In regards to the laws that were changed before the dating show started, both King Lin and I are making some changes. As for the law allowing arranged marriages, that is being overturned. We are no longer allowing arranged marriages. Everyone is able to choose who they want to be with, regardless of kingdom affiliation, or social status. This is not only in effect for the contestants on the dating show, but also all of you."

She turned to your dad, and he took over, saying, "you may be asking why we are overturning this law, so soon after it was created. That is because..." he paused, gathering himself. "After the blatant treason that occurred between King Lee and Queen Lin, Queen Lee and I have come to a groundbreaking decision: Moonstone and Obsidian are no longer at war. We have called peace between our kingdoms. And not only that but, from this moment forward, Moonstone and Obsidian are becoming one kingdom. You may still say you are from Moonstone or Obsidian, but those are now towns under a larger kingdom. We are henceforth called the Light kingdom. You will all treat each other as you would your neighbor, or friend."

You covered your mouth, holding in a gasp of shock. All of these announcements were more than you had anticipated. You had hoped that your dad would overturn the arranged marriage law, but you had no idea that they would merge Moonstone and Obsidian. It was going to take some time and acceptance for all the citizens to learn to get along.

Queen Lee nodded. "And one final, and potentially most important, announcement. Everyone is confused as to why the dating show even happened, and why it ended the way it did. Yeonjun, the man who arrived here and hosted the dating show, manipulated us all into believing he was doing the right thing by helping us change our laws, and creating a dating show. We blindly went along with it. In reality, he wanted to tear us apart. King Lin and I are deeply regretful for everything that transpired, and all we can say is... those who were responsible are being held accountable, and Yeonjun will never be able to harm any of us again."

"But because of our hand in the danger we put our citizens," King Lin stepped in, "Queen Lee and I will be stepping down as your king and queen. From this day forward, there will be a new king and queen of the Light kingdom."

"So, please welcome your future king and queen, Prince and Princess Lee!"

Your dad and Queen Lee motioned you and Minho forward.

You stumbled forward most ungracefully, heart thudding in your chest, unable to keep the stunned expression from your face. Looking at Minho, you could tell he was much better at hiding his emotions, but you knew him too well. He was freaking out inside.

What?? You mouthed to your dad. But he just smiled back at you, reaching out and taking your hand. Queen Lee did the same to Minho.

"My daughter, and Prince Lee have proven themselves time and time again to be strong, empathetic, leaders," your dad said. "They have united under marriage, and have proven that kingdom differences don't mean anything to them. They love and fight for one another, and they will do the same for you."

"And now, we will begin the crowning ceremony, where both Prince and Princess Lee will be officially made king and queen," Queen Lee finished.

You stared at Minho, then at your dad, back and forth. Was this real? Were you to become queen, right here, right now? Were you ready for this?

After a lifetime of people telling you that you were less than capable of leading an entire kingdom, your gut instinct was hell no.

But before you could even attempt an escape and run from the stage, a light flashed before your eyes. Just like the one that had appeared when Jacheongbi and the light spirits had appeared before you. And although no spirits descended upon you this time, you knew. It was a message from Yeonjun. He was telling you that you could do this, and that he approved of you becoming queen. He knew you were ready.

And when you met Minho's gaze, those eyes filled with reassurance, just as they always were, you knew you were ready too.

———————————

"Do you, Prince Lee, swear to protect your kingdom for the rest of your able life?" Your dad asked Minho, his crown held aloft in his hand.

"I do," Minho responded firmly, jaw set with pride as he stared back at the former king.

"And do you, Princess Lee, swear to protect your kingdom for the rest of your able life?" Queen Lee asked you, her crown also held above your head.

"I do," you responded as well, heart resounding throughout your chest. This was it, the moment you had dreaded and looked forward to all your life: you were going to be queen.

"Then, I present to you, the first king and queen of the new united Light kingdom, King and Queen Lee!" your father pronounced, as the crowns were placed on your heads. He reached out and grabbed your hand, Queen Lee taking Minho's, as they moved you both towards the cameras.

"You will do amazing, darling. I would never have asked this of you if I thought you couldn't do it," your father whispered in your ear, as he held his and your hands, still connected, high above your heads. At his words, your heart expanded with pride.

Behind you, all of your friends began whooping and cheering in approval, in a most un-royal manner.

Both you and Minho turned around to face them, huge smiles on your faces. As unexpected as this moment was, you had to admit, it felt right. The two of you symbolized the joining of your two kingdoms, and the peace that it would bring.

And when Minho reached his hand out to you, you felt throughout your entire being that as long as he was by your side, you could do anything. Even rule the kingdom.

laska's note —
everyone, welcome the new king and queen lee! 🤭 were you expecting minho and tessa to actually become king and queen already?? clearly they didn't! but we know they're going to be absolutely amazing, and moonstone and obsidian are going to flourish with them leading. even yeonjun approves! now, there's only one more chapter left before the epilogue, and the end of the book. it's so sad to say goodbye, but i'm incredibly excited for what's to come! how do you think this story is going to end? 🤭

𝖭𝖤𝖷𝖳 𝖴𝖯：
𝟱𝟴 - 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹.
┊ ⇄ ◁◁ II ▷▷ ↻ ┊