Chapter Text
Soon.
Soobin knew destiny was coming to him soon.
Is it a little over exaggerated? Maybe, but the wind is whispering to him and his flowers giggle when he waters their roots. Someone powerful is coming and Soobin’s magic is heightened. He listens carefully as he sows enchanted seeds and sprinkles siren tears over certain leaves.
Fate has always been a fickle thing. It seems to have brought the elder witch a prince, the heir to the throne of the country that borders his little cottage. The wind brings rumors of his pure-heart, his bravery and gentleness. Kind and innocent, nothing like the tainted harbingers of dark magic. Soobin is delighted. What will follow this prince? A wish? A cursed friend? Or perhaps, romance?
Soobin always wanted to be a part of a great whirlwind of a romance story!
❖ ❖ ❖
The prince is as handsome as they say. And just as respectful, Soobin notes. He stands politely outside of the fenced enclosure of Soobin’s land, the only disturbance being a quiet knock.
Destiny whispers. Soobin speaks.
“Place your soul against the gate and see how it fares.”
The prince startles at his voice, whipping around as if Soobin was floating at his shoulder. “Uh. What does that mean, witch?”
He giggles. He can’t help it. “Where’s the fun in that? No, no, you must know.”
After all, Soobin doesn’t lend his magic to the undeserving.
“I see…” Yeonjun crouches and Soobin can’t see him over the fence anymore. That’s fine. He needs to get dressed in case this really is who the fate brought.
Soobin smears a thin layer of fae dust on his eyelids, the gifted ingredient enhancing the foci of his magic core. Though it does have the unintended effect of making him look very odd—glittery and pale like freshly fallen snow. Soobin snorts at that. A snow angel, just his look.
A pull at his mana and Soobin perks up. Yeonjun has figured out quickly how to offer his heart up for examination to Soobin’s curses and traps.
And he has passed.
Then it’s time for Soobin to greet him properly.
Soobin throws open the door to his abode, his white, wide brimmed hat tilted up to show his face. His gossamer robes, sewn of dew and enchanted butterfly silk, float in the wind. He smiles down at the prince’s stunned face and can feel how fate sings back to him. Yes, this is him, the one who destiny brought.
“Greetings, young Yeonjun. You have traveled far to see my humble existence.” Soobin takes a step closer and does not falter at the magic that explodes into existence at the singular movement. Instead, he becomes even more giddy. “What do you seek?”
The prince seems speechless and Soobin does a subtle check down his own form. These robes were relatively conservative, similar to Yeonjun’s own kingdom’s fashion, if a bit transparent. Maybe Yeonjun just isn’t used to the amount of magic in the air? He knows it can make mortals feel a little off on occasion.
“I…” Yeonjun swallows audibly. “Are you the witch? I didn’t realize you were…”
“Not female?” Soobin crosses his arms, though he tracks how Yeonjun’s eyes seem to flicker around his form. He has to make sure the mortal won’t pass out. “It’s an old myth made by cowards who didn’t understand how magic works. Unless this happens to offend you?”
“No! That’s not what I meant- not at all.” Yeonjun takes a step into the garden. There’s an invisible wave of energy that washes over Soobin. “I’ve just had not been informed that you would be so beautiful.”
Soobin falters, his turn to be taken aback. It has been many years without other company and he finds himself woefully unprepared for his sudden assessment of the prince. Shiny eyes, clever eyes, luscious lips, and soft-looking dark hair. Like the perfect storybook, fairy tale prince who waits at every ending.
Wait. No, focus, Soobin.
“I thank you.” Soobin shifts, the breezd softly brushing against his leg. Yeonjun’s eyes seem to zero in on how he shifts his weight from leg to leg. Soobin’s a little self-conscious of how the robes float around his calves. “But I have asked you a question.”
Yeonjun clears his throat before answering. “Yes, I do have something I seek from you.”
“And what is that? Fame? Victory in battle? A cure to a poison?” Soobin takes a step with every question, beginning to circle the prince. “Riches? An enchanted weapon?”
“I want eternal happiness for myself and my kingdom.”
Soobin pauses, just behind the prince. Now, there’s a wish that befits that pure heart. His magic is spreading, warming his skin like golden sunlight and the forest nearby grows ever so slightly more lush.
“You wish for eternal happiness for yourself and your kingdom?” The witch drifts light fingers against the prince’s strong shoulders and whispers into his ear, “I can grant you this, if you give me your first-born child.”
Yeonjun shudders beneath his touch. “My…first-born child?” Curiously, he’s flushed pink, ears tipped a bright red. Soobin giggles quietly. Mortals, always so strange. The magic must be getting to Yeonjun.
“That is all I ask.” Soobin floats ever so slightly, mana swirling in his core. He twirls to look at the prince, gauzy robes swirling around him. His lips pull up into a slight smirk. Soobin’s eyes glow an unnatural shade as he holds out his hand to shake. “What do you say, your Highness? Agree to this contract?”
Yeonjun wets his lips, before clearing his throat. “There will be no other effects? If I complete my end of the deal, you’ll do as you say? No tricks?”
Soobin scoffs. “Please, I’m a witch, not a fae nor a kitsune. I will do as I say, no fine print or trickery of any sort. The only harm wrought will be if you do not deliver on your own side.” That seems to cement something in Yeonjun, the prince reaching out for Soobin’s outstretched hand.
Instead of shaking it like any normal, sensible creature, the crown prince leans down and kisses the witch’s hand. There’s a sudden warmth flooding Soobin’s being and he’s not sure if it's the contract snapping into place or embarrassment. He can’t bring himself to move his hand away, not when the prince is looking up with those dark, captivating eyes, soft lips still pressed against Soobin’s fair hand. His stomach twists and Soobin shifts shyly. It's been a while since he’s felt like this, decades really.
The mischievous wind swirling at their feet breaks their bubble. Soobin quickly withdraws his hand, stuttering ever so slightly, “Well- yes, the contract has been agreed upon. Everlasting happiness and peace shall be carried with you and your reign. Just don’t forget your promise, hm?”
Yeonjun’s features settle back into a gentle, determined sort of look. “Then, prepare your belongings, witch. The ride back to my kingdom is not a gentle one.”
“I’m not sure what you’re saying, little prince. There is no stipulation for me to accompany you. I want your first-born, not you.”
“What are you talking about, witch?” Yeonjun stares back at him, “You must return with me in order to have my child.”
“Oh.” Soobin giggles lightly. “Young Yeonjun, you seem to misunderstand. I don’t have to be at your kingdom to receive your child. The contract will compel me when it is time.” The witch guides Yeonjun out of his little cottage.
“Wait!” Yeonjun catches Soobin’s wrist before he can disappear into his abode. Soobin tries not to react, but he hasn’t been touched by another in years and the prince is so warm. “How will you know? Will the contract pull at you when I’ve bedded a woman? I’m a young, rich, powerful bachelor, witch. You will feel the pull and be disappointed frequently.”
“Ah…you’re not the innocent prince I had heard of.” Soobin muses, although a revelation is starting to slowly dawn on him. He tugs once on his wrist, but Yeonjun just squeezes his hold and pulls the witch into his chest. Soobin lets out a surprised noise. His hand is splayed against Yeonjun’s well-built chest and Soobin burns. He could force his way out but he prefers to not harm.
“I know not what you have heard, but I do know that my first-born will only be conceived with someone willing.” Yeonjun’s voice is low and could quite possibly seduce the horns off a demon. Soobin feels faint, the prince far too handsome and charming, mere breaths away. “I want to fulfill my side of the contract. Won’t you be that someone willing?”
Soobin struggles to find his words. “You- You may have any wench or maiden in the kingdom, it's true. A male witch like myself would not be an ideal person.”
“Well, I have heard stories about you as well.” Yeonjun’s thumb strokes at the smooth skin of the back of Soobin’s hand. “You can perform miracles, healing the sick to shapeshifting. I have no doubt that you could be ideal to bear an heir.”
Soobin bites his lip. How would the prince know of that? “Regardless, a maiden would be far more ideal than I. Many lovestruck princesses have lamented about you to the wind, surely you may have your pick of lovely flowers for a queen and mother of your child!”
“Ah, you do not speak lies, witch. But I much prefer wildflowers to cultivated roses. I find their natural beauty far more captivating than plucked and thornless blooms.” Yeonjun leans closer and Soobin’s mouth goes dry. The prince is truly perfect, a sweet talker with an even sweeter face. “And you have promised happiness for a child. What is that if not marriage?”
Soobin clears his throat, looking off to the side. His flowers are chattering so excitedly, it's just embarrassing. “I- I meant for you and your kingdom! Happiness and my magic are intangible concepts, I did not quantify it as marriage!”
“For me… for me, a long marriage of love, attraction, and trust is happiness. One of convenience will bring me no joy, only misery, especially if it is to one with a woman.” Yeonjun confesses. “Soobin, will you look at me?”
There is a shy touch to Soobin’s jaw and the witch swallows drily, but does glance at the prince. “Ah…”
The raw, undisguised despair in the human’s eyes wrenches Soobin’s heart, magic rising. His magic is one of mercy and comfort. He is meant to help and to protect.
“Please, witch, think upon my words that the royal court may never learn of.” Yeonjun kneels before him, pressing his forehead to the back of Soobin’s hand, the same one he kissed.
Soobin closes his eyes and pulls his hand away. Yeonjun’s face crumples, ever so slightly, lips pressed together and a crease forming between his eyebrows. Soobin’s magic slams at his tender ribs. How could he ignore this plea?
“Oh, young Yeonjun, stand. No prince should kneel before a witch.”
With careful hands, Soobin helps the prince to his feet. “Happiness is a difficult promise to maintain. I created this contract knowing that the delivery of a first-born would not be immediate.” He clears his throat, stifling an awkward squeak in his voice. Oh, the things he does for contract fulfillment. “It would benefit this maintenance of happiness if I knew more of your ideals for it. Why don’t we discuss it in my cottage? Perhaps, over dinner?”
Yeonjun brightens from that carefully hidden sulk and that charming smile sweeps over his features once more. Soobin prefers it. “Why, Soobin, that sounds positively delightful. Lead the way.”
Soobin can’t stop the full smile spreading on his face, like an instinctive response to the unadulterated joy in front of him.
Maybe this won’t be terrible.