Chapter Text
Han Yoojin groaned, his head was aching. While he was blinking black spots out of his eyes he noticed how cold the ground felt. He froze feeling the stone texture of it. It was not the softness of a bed.
He urged himself to blink faster.
The stone floor accompanied the dungeon he was currently housed in.
There was a dripping sound and he moved on instinct. Chains on his hands restricted his movement. They rubbed harshly against his skin. Still, he looked towards the sound.
The dripping noise was from a leak in the roof. Water would drop from it every now it then. It seemed they didn't care for the quality of their dungeons.
Han Yoojin watched the water as he tried to make sense of what happened. He remembered relaxing in his room until that fae came. It all came together, his throat throbbed at the reminder of the Winter King's hands on him.
He should of know there was something off about the Winter King. He was always glaring at the prince. He obviously didn't like him.
What did the Winter King even want with him?
Han Yoojin was just a human that was of no use to him. He didn't belong to any court, and he didn't really belong to the human realm either. He was just a nobody.
There wouldn't be anyone to save him. He rested his head on his knees, thankful that at least his legs weren't chained up. The prince did not care for him. He was sure the prince would move on and continue the competition. Han Yoojin was easily expendable.
What would his brother think?
Would he even realize?
Han Yoojin could not leave his brother without any family so young. He would not let himself die here.
There was also Young Chaos and Yoo Myeongwoo. They did everything for him to make he would live. Han Yoojin would not let their sacrifices be in vain.
First he examined what he had on him. He always kept some weapons and Yoo Myeongwoo's equipment on him. He couldn't move his hands to see but he didn't feel their weight on him.
They likely took those off him when he they brought him here.
However he had noticed that there was no chaffing on his skin from the chains. There were no marks or bruises at all from his kidnapping.
He backed his head against the wall and something pressed against him as he did.
The necklace was still on him!
Those idiots.
Han Yoojin rubbed his neck against the wall trying to remove the necklace. It must have been a ridiculous sight. It took a while for the clasps to be undone from his rubbing.
Eventually, he felt his neck feel more exposed. The necklace dropped and he quickly brought it into his palm.
Then someone opened the door.
Han Yoojin hid his hands behind his back and looked up to see the Winter King.
"Your finally awake! I wasn't too hard on you, was I?"
Han Yoojin stared at him coldly, not giving him the satisfaction of a response.
"Oh piss off. I'm not even killing you."
He tilted his head, "You are not killing me?" his voice sounded hoarse. He wouldn't be able to drink water to help. They had taken his earrings.
The Winter King was pleased by his response and walked closer. "Killing you would only be a waste."
"That prince loves you doesn't he? I wonder what makes you so special." He touched at his chin. He had to resist making his displeasure known, the grip felt slimy thankfully it only lasted a moment.
The man however was wrong. Han Yoojin once believed he had a semblance of care but he no longer held that ridiculous notion.
If he was here because of some misplaced idea then once the truth was revealed they would easily discard him. He had to get out now.
He focused on shifting the necklace as the man continued.
"I'm not letting that bastard be King." His lips curled in hatred. Han Yoojin really wanted to know the story behind his hatred.
"He got everything fucking handed to him and now he gets his own kingdom!"
"Aren't you a King?" Han Yoojin asked. He hardly could see why it mattered so much that the prince got crowned. The Winter King was a king in his own right and had his very own kingdom to run.
The Winter King smiled in response. "You really don't know anything."
The necklace shifted into a lock pick he could use. He slowly started using them to unlock his cuffs. The brief chance at freedom anxiously consumed his thoughts. He couldn't stop his hands from shaking.
"He won't just become King of the Summer Court. He'll become King of all the courts." he stomped his foot. "How is that fair? I should be King of the Courts. I just know that bitch is behind it."
He couldn't help but compare his behavior as something akin to whining. He was acting like a child. His little brother was much more behaved than that as a child.
As for who the bitch he was referring to….could it be Crescent Moon? So was that why she was pushing this marriage so much? That way he'll be King of the Courts? He felt that there was more too it. Especially with how she was acting.
"They'll all see that when I duel him tonight." He clenched his hand into a fist as if imagining it. "I'll win and then steal his wife right in front of him!"
"His wife?" Han Yoojin questioned. His stomach dropped, had the Consort Competition already concluded? How long had he been in this dungeon?
"Do you think I'm dumb?" The Winter King rolled his eyes. "My court officer told me all about it. Your little secret meetings at night. He even saw you guys dancing."
He was the wife?
Ignoring the issue with being called a wife. The notion was completely unfathomable! What did this guy even see?
"The whole competition was a farce wasn't it? The prince just needed to find a way to marry a human. He really thinks he is so sly."
The Winter King laughed to himself. Han Yoojin could only think that guy was completely ridiculous. It only made it easier to unlock his chains.
He quickly collected himself as if embarrassed by his outburst. "I should get ready. He'll be here soon."
The Winter King walked out of the dungeon. He didn't leave anyone to guard the room. Did not check Han Yoojin was secure at all.
The prince would never arrive. Han Yoojin knew that well enough.
But Han Yoojin wasn't going to be there either.
He let the chains that had already been undone fall to the ground. He shifted the necklace into a dagger.
Han Yoojin only waited a moment to be sure the Winter King wouldn't be there before exiting the dungeon entirely.
The hallways were extremely narrow. He had to slowly walk through them keeping an eye out for guards or servants. Maybe they were confident in keeping a human trapped as he never saw any.
He walked passed through another corridor and could only groan to himself. He felt like he already passed this one. The issue seemed to be leaving this place. Was it built to be so confusing?
He heard the echoing of footsteps and pressed himself near the wall. Shit. He could only hope he was hidden well enough.
"Where the hell is he? He's pissed," A voice said out loud. Han Yoojin couldn't see the silhouette from his position against the wall.
"He could not have gone far," A voice replied adding a bit hesitantly, "I hope."
They had to have been talking about him. If they walked a bit closer they would be able to see him. He was deciding between running or fighting when a loud noise rumbled across the building.
It was the sound of thunder. It was bit shocking to know that the fae realm also experienced the hardship of bad weather. It had always been peaceful while he was staying in the Summer Court.
The two faes shuddered upon hearing it. It appeared to motivate them to move faster. With them heading so close Han Yoojin no longer had the option to run.
"He is here! Stop him!" One of them shouted. Han Yoojin didn't hesitate to stab them with the dagger. It was morbid to see how easy it went through. As the person groaned to the ground he focused on the other opponent.
With such a hulking figure it would be hard to stop him. Han Yoojin tried to remember what Young Chaos taught him.
The man was not confident in his fighting abilities at all. Claiming he was too delicate to make a solid attack. Instead, the man taught him how to defend and immobilizing against other opponents.
As the figure rushed towards him, he pulled his foot out. The huge hulk of muscle came crashing into the narrow hallway.
Taking advantage of the diversion he pulled his dagger out the body. A hand came reaching upwards. He jolted briefly and cleanly sliced at the neck to make sure the person was dead.
He debated using his now freed dagger to kill the other person. He decided against it and started sprinting out. It would not be worth the risk of dying or wasting too much time.
The sound of thunder loomed over him as he tried to find an exit.
Han Yoojin saw stairs leading upwards. It was no direct way out of the building but he'd figure he would take his chances. Maybe there would be an exit on another floor.
It was a terrible idea.
There were so many people running around panicking. He had no notion of what they were running from and decided to take advantage of it at first. They hardly noticed the human walking among them when they were so busy flustering around.
Until lightening started striking the floor.
He understood what they were freaking out about. Han Yoojin now had to move against large bolts of energy as he tried to find an exit. None of the people seemed to be running to anywhere in particular so they were no help. They were too panic stricken to be rational he assumed.
Han Yoojin felt a gust of wind, frigid to the bone. He shivered but it brought him hope. The cold air had to come from somewhere.
He moved in the direction. Any exhaustion he may have felt before was gone as he rushed forward once again.
The dagger felt awkward in his hands so he shifted it into a bracelet to move easier.
Dodging bolts of lightening and swarms of people he felt it get colder and colder. He completely understood the Winter faes choice of clothing. A thick jacket is just what he needed.
Just as he felt like he getting close and hand clasped tightly onto his arm. It held extremely tight, he let out a noise of pain.
"I got him!" The captor shouted out a hint of desperation was found in the voice.
The crowd of people no longer flailed around, they all started moving with a renewed purpose. They all grabbed at Han Yoojin. His arms, chest, and arm. He struggled against all the grips but it was too much.
He was even powerless to use his bracelet.
"Hurry, let's take him to him!" Someone in the crowd pleaded.
Han Yoojin didn't want to see the Winter King. He could already predict what would happen. The prince never showed up and he would take out all his anger on Han Yoojin. He'd be dead in a second.
Pushing against all the arms. He attempted to struggle even harder. Some hands did let him go but there was just so many that it hardly mattered.
Would this really be it?
He never even got to see his brother.
His poor brother who would be all alone in the world. He would have just liked to see him just one more time. He wouldn't ask for too much.
A tear started to drip down his cheek but he quickly blinked it out. He wouldn't let them see him cry. He didn't want them to see they got to him.
The direction they were taking him seemed to be right where he was running towards. Maybe he never did have a chance at escape after all.
The lightening kept striking as they dragged him out. Maybe it'd reached him before the Winter King did. A part of him hoped for it.
Light finally entered his vision as he was taking to an outer courtyard of some sort. The snow was pouring down, but he could make out the figure of the Winter King.
He looked terrible. Streaks of gold was pouring down his face and body. Bruises lingered all across him.
The Winter King look almost relieved as he saw Han Yoojin. "See! I told you I didn't kill him."
Then another figured stepped out.
Han Yoojin was shocked to see it was the prince. Had he really come for him? He wanted to feel relieved but something was off about him.
The golden eyes seemed almost cold. He examined Han Yoojin deeply and saw the tight grips of hand all across his body. "Let him go," he said it simply but everyone quickly heeded his words.
The hands let go of him and Han Yoojin could at least finally breathe. He sat there on the ground taking a few breaths. Their grips were far too constricting.
Small steps came walking toward him. Even despite all the chaos, Han Yoojin could still only focus on the prince.
A familiar hand caressed his cheek. Golden eyes stared at him in concern. "Are you alright?"
"I told you he was fine!" The Winter King shouted.
The warmth of those eyes became devoid of any warmth as if it was just an illusion. "I was not asking you."
The Winter King seemed like he wanted to argue against that and the prince was growing even more harsher. "I'm well," he swiftly cut in to avoid a fight. "Just a little exhausted."
For some reason the prince took that as a reason to carry him. He only had said he was tired not unable to walk. Yet the prince's chest was warm. A relief against the frigid winds.
"Let's go home," He said gently and yet Han Yoojin froze.
The Summer Court would never be his home. His brother wasn't anywhere near there. Had he grown too comfortable there?
The prince misplaced his discomfort as something due to the temperature. He shrugged off his long coat and put it on Han Yoojin. He was freezing mind you but that wasn't the reason he was so stiff.
He continued to walk with Han Yoojin carried in his arms. Perhaps he really did intend to walk all the way to the Summer Court. Maybe it was entirely possible. Han Yoojin had no clue how far each court was to each other.
"Wait! Your just going to leave?!"
Han Yoojin did not know how someone so idiotic became a King. If he was truly smart he would learn to let things go.
The prince stopped and tilted his gaze toward the Winter King. He never said anything but the Winter King seemed to take it as an invitation. "I got your wife back. Faes don't give for free, I'm sure you know I'm expecting something back."
"Wife?" his gripped tightened slightly as he looked down at Han Yoojin. His gaze turned amused. Han Yoojin glared at the bastard. He was no wife and had no plans to be.
"Yes, your wife." He hadn't seem to realize the confusion. "In exchange I want the title of King of Courts."
The prince laughed. "I hardly see it as a fair exchange seeing as you took my wife."
Han Yoojin's heart beated faster in anger, hating the way that sounded.
The Winter King chocked up, "It was a simple misunderstanding. I'd say he enjoyed his time here."
"Really?"
The Winter King made to reply but he couldn't get the words out. Instead, multiple streaks of lightening came pouring out him at once. He moaned and groaned as he started bleeding gold.
Han Yoojin stared up at the prince, so that is where the lightening was coming from. He had always wondered what his ability was.
Cold golden eyes stared at the Winter King. The lightening did not stop until he was only a pile of ashes. He stared at it briefly before dismissing it entirely.
Once again continuing the walk to the Summer Court. Han Yoojin's exhaustion was finally catching up to him. He shook it off a few times before eventually succumbing to sleep. He had no worries anyway. The prince had come to save him after all.
The Consort Competition had paused in his absence. Whether it was because of Han Yoojin's disappearance or merely because the said prince of the competition had run off to save him. Regardless, Han Yoojin appreciated the sentiment.
What he did not appreciate was that the competition continued to be paused even after he arrived safely in the Summer Court. He understood making sure he was healthy the first few sunrises. However, it seemed excessive at this point.
That was not even taking into account the prince's changed behavior. He was being overtly….kind.
He had Han Yoojin moved into the most lavish quarters he'd ever seen. The bed was large enough to fit four people! He heard some mutterings about it being the Queen's quarters but he was hoping that was false. He could easily dismiss this behavior as a way of keeping him safe.
However, That did not explain all the flowers he would bring.
They would always appear when Han Yoojin would wake up at his bedside. Always in the color pink. He had thought that the prince was intending to tease him. Yet it seemed he honestly liked the color.
There was just too many flowers. The servants had already pleaded with him to not ask for anymore vases. It was a shame, it felt like such a waste. He wondered what the man even intended.
The prince kept spending time with him as well. They had private meals together. Would take walks to the gardens together. Han Yoojin meant to bring up the competition every time but he would always forget.
Han Yoojin couldn't help but enjoy their time together. It was only when he was sighing hand did he realize he had gone too far. He couldn't lie to himself any longer, he had falling in love with the prince.
His heart did not beat lightly at the realization, it dropped to his stomach.
He could not love the prince.
Han Yoohyun was still out there. His brother needed him. He stood up and began pacing. He would have to forget about his feelings. Han Yoohyun was more important. He needed to get out of here.
How long had he idled by with the prince?
There was only one competition left. Just one and he could find Han Yoohyun.
Knock. Knock.
Was it the prince?
Han Yoojin wouldn't let him dismiss the competition any longer. He would give him a piece of his mind. There time spent here was nice but that was all it could ever be. Just two people spending time together.
Only when he opened the door it was not the prince.
Young Chaos narrowed his eyes at him. "You look thinner."
"Wait let me see-" Yoo Myeongwoo shoved his way into the room.
How they got here, he didn't know. Han Yoojin jumped with his arms wide. The old man groaned at the sudden weight but he did not let go. Yoo Myeongwoo rested his arms around his shoulders.
"I missed you," Han Yoojin whispered.
Young Chaos did not respond, he only tightened his grip.
The hug was brief and Han Yoojin was let go.
"Why are you here?"
Young Chaos did not respond but Yoo Myeongwoo inputted, "We heard that you got kidnapped. We were about to go into the Winter Court himself. You should have seen how fierce Young Chaos got I-"
Young Chaos interrupted with crossed arms. "Why are you still here? I thought you meant to lose the competition?"
"Well there was a child…" Han Yoojin drawled out.
Young Chaos sighed. "I should've known. I was right when I said you shouldn't compete."
Han Yoojin said firmly, "I don't regret my decision."
Bak Yerim was now safe and sound away from the competition. He would never be able to live with himself if she got killed.
"I didn't come here to criticize you," The old man shook his head and his red eyes grew serious. "While we did want to know your safe, it isn't the only reason we came."
"What happened?"
"The Moon has gone mad," Yoo Myeongwoo said.
Han Yoojin was already picturing the worst scenarios. She had not wanted the pause in the competition at all, had she? She must've lost her mind with things slipping so out of her control. He only hoped no one died.
"She's not happy." He responded, not sparing any of the details. "Why is the prince halting the competition?"
Han Yoojin bit his lip. "I think he's worried about me."
Young Chaos eyed him dubiously. "The prince is worried about you?"
He didn't know why he was so shocked about it. The prince wasn't that unkind. Was is so wrong to care for your fellow participants?
"I don't want to know." He said as he watched Han Yoojin's varying expressions. "Can you get him to continue it? I fear what the Moon will resort too"
"Why does she want the prince to marry so badly?" Han Yoojin had to ask.
"She wants to be known." Young Chaos said simply.
"Is it because she is a spirit?"
"You know about that?" Young Chao's eyes widened before gaining focus. "Yes, she is desperately trying to gain any identity she can. If the prince gets married she'll get to be the mother of the King of Courts and a mother-in-law to the Queen."
Two identities would be easily gained. Still he wondered why she was so desperate for an identity. Was it the trait of being a spirit or a necessity?
What happened to a spirit with no identity?
Han Yoojin had an idea.
"I take my meals with the prince. I'll convince him to resume the competition." Han Yoojin dismissed. "I'll be ending this competition by the next moon rise."
Young Chaos sighed. "I just know your going to be reckless. I beg you to be careful."
"I will." Han Yoojin promised and he found he meant it. "I have to find my brother after all."
"You know the lakes are lovely during this time. The sun rises and encases the water entirely. Truly a sight." His lips curled into a smile as if imagining it. "We should visit-"
"Or…" Han Yoojin interrupted matching his grin. "We could continue the consort competition."
The prince froze at his response. "Would you not enjoy the lake?"
"I'm sure it would be a great time." Han Yoojin agreed. He did enjoy every moment they had so far. Visiting the markets had been fun. "I just think we wasted enough time together. We should finish the competition."
He wondered what the other participants had been up to during this time.
"Wasted?" The prince asked, the word foreign on his tongue. "Is that all you thought of it?"
Han Yoojin did not respond. He sipped at his tea leisurely.
The prince scoffed, "If the competition continues you will die."
Now it was the prince's turn to sip at his tea and not provide any further explanation.
"No, I won't."
"You are just a mere human you won't be able to survive-"
Han Yoojin shrugged, "You are just a mere fae." He passed over a few egg tarts into the prince's plate. "I understand your concern. I also did enjoy our time together but I have to find my brother."
The prince laughed but this time it was more sincere. He picked up the egg tart and stared at it briefly. "The competition will continue at sun rise."
Han Yoojin's couldn't help but smile, "Thank you."
"Spare me your gratitude. Faes don't do thank yous." He said coldly and left the room.
A sigh left his mouth at the sight. Faes always seemed to be so dramatic.
There was no secret meeting between the prince and Han Yoojin at nightfall. He truly would not know what the next competition would be. He did not find himself to be as anxious as he expected.
He was able to finally finish the fae romance book. He did not find himself particularly liking the ending. Once the characters were finally together it seemed like all the plot points were lost. The book finished two chapters after what a disappointment.
There was no need to prepare anything because he planned to end it before anyone got hurt. If Crescent Moon was in such a foul mood as they say the last competition would be nothing short of torture.
He dreamt of his brother once he managed to fall asleep. Han Yoojin kept running to reach him but he would always be just out of his grasp. His brother was younger in the dream. The same age he did his deal. As if was another reminder of who he was dealing with.
Grasping while he woke up, he scrambled to get out of his bed. He struggled among the many sheets that made up his bed. It didn't help that it was so large.
There was no flower left at his bedside. Han Yoojin swallowed slightly and urged himself not to be so heartbroken about it. The prince was just being moody.
Though what right did he have? He was too old to be acting like such a child!
No private meal would be provided either he assumed. Han Yoojin wondered if he would be able to go the Dining Hall. It was where the other competitors must have been eating. Though he did not know if he would be able to withstand being around them.
Especially when he was the reason for the competition pause.
He decided against it. Instead he found a servant in the hall and asked if they would kindly guide him to where the competition would be held. They seemed to frighten slightly in fear as he approached but were all too willing to guide him.
The servant brought him to the same courtyard where the Consort Competition all begun. It must have been intentional. The competition would not begin yet but Han Yoojin would wait.
He heard the sound of movement and made eye contact with golden eyes. He was standing once again above Han Yoojin. The prince didn't say anything and neither did Han Yoojin.
Turning his gaze to avoid the prince he stared at the garden. Yet there were no flowers. He frowned in confusion. The stems seemed to be cut cleanly off.
Han Yoojin didn't dwell on it. They were just flowers. He instead focused on what he planned to say Crescent Moon.
"Are you well?" A voice asked and Han Yoojin startled. Crescent Moon had appeared right beside him.
She did not wait for his response. "You must be if your here. Let's not carry any more fusses, Hmm?"
There was no warmth emulating from her tone like it normally would. Crescent Moon looked different. Her hair did not shine and her skin did not glisten. She looked like a husk on her feet.
Han Yoojin nodded back obediently. Her skin seemed to pull into a gently smile instead of seeming to come on naturally.
She positioned herself next to the prince. Even the way she flew seemed off. Like she was being pulled instead of gliding.
The weather seemed to match the odd mood. It was cloudy, allowing no sunlight to bar through.
The other contestants joined them after only a few short moments. They didn't chat with each other or pass a few jokes like they normally would. They acted like soldiers heading to battle. Solemn and standing straight.
Han Yoojin recognized the look on their faces. It was fear.
"Welcome to the last competition." She beckoned her arms out. It looked completely unnatural. "Who's excited?"
No one responded.
Crescent Moon didn't like that! Crescent Moon didn't like that! Crescent Moon didn't like that!
"We are!" The contestants including Han Yoojin shouted out.
What the hell was that?
It seemed Crescent Moon no longer compelled others to do things. She seemly controlled them directly. It was frightening.
"Let me explain the challenge." She begun.
Han Yoojin curled his fist to contain his nerves. "Crescent Moon!" he shouted.
Her gray eyes locked onto him. A hurl of Crescent Moon didn't like that! Came streaming into his head but he didn't stop. She tilted her head towards him and a deeper frown grew on her face. She seemed prepared to kill him.
"I'd like to make a deal." he finished.
His head became quiet as she paused. In fact everyone around him seemed to be in a state of shock. He took a quick glance at the prince but his expression revealed nothing. Though what was Han Yoojin even thinking, expecting anything out of that bastard.
She smiled, this one did not seem false. "You are always such a delight, Honey!"
His chin was lifted up and her face appeared right in front of him. "What do you want?" She asked. Her gray eyes were wide and Han Yoojin saw his reflection in them. Their eyes were the same but in this moment they couldn't look more different.
"I think this competition has gone on long enough. I would like to easily end it here." Han Yoojin began.
Crescent fell for the bait, eager to end the competition. Her eyes lit up, "And how will you do that?"
"Have the prince make his choice now." Han Yoojin stared up at him. The prince was smiling at him.
"Your putting a lot of faith in his choice." She said. "Do you really think he'd choose you?"
No. Han Yoojin wasn't fooling himself. He had already made that mistake before. The prince made his position known that he would not marry.
Han Yoojin did not respond to her question and only continued his deal. "And Crescent Moon won't involve herself at all in the marriage."
"You must think so lowly of me." Her eyes twinkled as she laughed. "I would never get in the way of his choice."
The consort competition proved against her words. When had the Crescent Moon respected the prince's choice?
Of course he would not say that.
"I only want to be certain." Was what he said instead.
He brought his hand out ready to seal the deal once again.
Only Crescent Moon did not take his hand. "Certain of what?" Her eyes narrowed, she had suddenly grown weary of the deal.
Han Yoojin could not let her get suspicious. He took away his hand with a dismissing notion. "Maybe I shouldn't do the deal," he said. "After all what if the prince doesn't want me?"
He started to walk towards the other competitors as if he had given up on the deal and was ready to compete.
"No no no!" She stopped him. Her eyes once again took on a desperate sheen. "I thought your deal was lovely."
She was the one to bring out her hand this time.
"The prince will choose his own person to marry and Crescent Moon will not involve herself in the marriage."
"Give me your name and its yours."
He took her palm and shook it.
"Han Yoojin." he whispered.
The world shifted into a blaring colorful array but perhaps he had grown used to the odd colors of the fae realm. The colors barely bothered him. He found himself calmly waiting.
Crescent Moon's eyes crinkled into a smile and he knew the deal was done.
Han Yoojin slowly walked up the staircase to the prince. He wanted to enjoy his last moments of the Summer Court. He found himself looking up to see Golden eyes already watching him.
The prince walked up and curled a hand around his hair. The strand was pure white. Another similarity between Han Yoojin and Crescent Moon.
Another mark of their deal.
"Well," Han Yoojin started as he saw the prince wasn't going to. Too busy caressing his hair. "Tell everyone your choice."
The competitors had watched everything with bated breaths. Han Yoojin were sure they were all focused deeply on the prince's words. Whether at the hope to win or to finally finish this consort competition.
The prince dropped his hands. "My choice?" He seemed surprised by even the notion.
"It's what you wanted. Isn't it?" Han Yoojin asked. "I'm just fulfilling my part of the agreement."
The man nodded slightly before turning to address the crowd.
Han Yoojin admired the sight. It would be his last time seeing it. The prince would announce that he had no intention to marry and Han Yoojin would leave in search for his brother.
Except that wasn't what happened.
"I will marry Honey." The prince announced.
That man had ruined everything.
Han Yoojin barely managed to utter, "And the deal is done."
Crescent Moon began screaming. She had no place in this world. After all, she chose not to involve herself in the marriage.
Han Yoojin could hardly pay attention as she disappeared. He only stared blankly at the prince. He managed to weakly grasp at his arm. "Why?"
The prince merely shrugged, "I was simply following the deal."
And so the two of them got married.
The preparations were swift. Crescent Moon had prepared everything perfectly for a marriage the next sunrise. It was a shame she wouldn't get to see it.
Everyone seemed to walk on footsteps around him. As if unsure how to treat him. He was suppose to be their Queen and yet he killed their precious goddess.
He did not bother to try to change the situation. Though Han Yoojin behaved perfectly obedient throughout the wedding preparations, he did not want to be Queen.
On his special day, Han Yoojin wore a veil thick enough that no one would see him. It was also prevented himself from seeing anything.
Not wanting to see the look of Young Chaos or Yoo Myeongwoo in the audience.
He did his bows obediently. Not looking at his husband at all. The cake was the only part of the wedding he managed to enjoy. Whoever the cook was, perhaps he would have liked to marry instead.
They entered the bridal chambers but they did not make love. Han Yoojin did not have the passion for it. Instead, he began packing his things.
The prince or he guessed it was now King only watched.
At sunrise, Han Yoojin left the Summer Court.
He was going to find his brother.