Chapter Text
“How can he call him self a prince! He has no power!”
“The crown should’ve to the second prince not him!”
“The downfall of Hayeon has finally arrive it seems.”
“Someone as powerless as him shouldn’t be in such a high position!”
——
The sound of steps could be heard in the hallway, along with the quiet sound of the wind rustling against the leaves.
Han Yoojin, First Prince of Hayeon, stood by the balcony, gazing out at the moonlit gardens. His dark hair fell softly over his eyes.
A prince with no magic in a kingdom where mana flowed like rivers.
While His younger brother, Yoohyun, the Second Prince, wielded fire that could rival the sun, while Yoojin had nothing.
At least, that’s what the court whispered.
——
“Tch, how could those bastards think I’m weak?!” Yoojin boasted aloud, “They don’t know what trump card I have up my sleeves!”
“If you keep yelling like that, people will think their prince is also deranged.”
Yoojin spun around, glaring at Yoo Myeongwoo. He was no noble, but his skill had earned him a place in Yoojin’s inner circle. And he was also an amazing cook.
“I thought you were on my side, Myeongwoo,” Yoojin huffed, crossing his arms.
Yoo Myeongwoo chuckled, “I am. But you’re not exactly subtle, shouting your secret plans to the moon. What’s this ‘trump card’ you’re so proud of? You better not get yourself hurt this time.”
(‘Or else the Second Prince will really lock you up’ he thought with a worried smile.)
“Marriage of course!”
Yoo Myeongwoo choked.
“Marriage?!” Myeongwoo sputtered, “You’re going to propose a marriage alliance? To who?”
Han Yoojin grinned, leaning back against the balcony railing. “Not just anyone, Myeongwoo. I’ve got my sights set on the biggest fish in the sea, Sung Hyunjae, King of Seseong.”
Myeongwoo’s jaw dropped. “The King of Seseong?“
“Yup,” Yoojin said, popping the ‘p’ with a smug smile. “If I marry him, Hayeon gets Seseong’s protection, and those court vipers can choke on their own words about me being powerless. It’s the perfect plan.”
Myeongwoo stared at him, dumbfounded. “You… you think you can just waltz up to a king like that and propose? Yoojin, you don’t even have magic! What makes you think he’d say yes?”
Yoojin’s grin widened, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Charm, Myeongwoo. Charm and a little bit of strategy. Besides, I’ve heard he’s coming to Hayeon next week for the Harvest Festival. I’ll make my move then.”
Myeongwoo groaned, rubbing his temples. “Yoohyun’s going to set the palace on fire when he hears this.”
“Let him try,” Yoojin said with a wave of his hand. “I’m the First Prince. I’ve got this under control.”
——
He, in fact, did not have a plan. He was just getting desperate, he didn’t want to be a burden for his younger brother.
Han Yoojin flopped onto his bed, rolled onto his side, clutching a pillow to his chest.
“Marriage to Sung Hyunjae,” he muttered to himself, the words sounding absurd now that he was alone. “What was I thinking? He’s a king. A king who could probably snap his fingers and turn half of Hayeon to ash if he wanted. Why would he even look at me?”
Yoojin’s mind raced, replaying every rumor he’d heard about Sung Hyunjae. The King of Seseong was a figure shrouded in awe and fear, a man whose magic was said to rival the gods, whose golden eyes could see through anyone, and whose charm could sway even the most stubborn of hearts.
He sat up, running a hand through his dark hair. “Okay, think, Yoojin. You’re not powerless. You’re…resourceful.”
He tried to convince himself, but doubt crept in like a shadow. What could he offer a man like Sung Hyunjae? Hayeon was a small kingdom, wealthy in trade but lacking in raw magical power compared to Seseong.
A marriage alliance might benefit Hayeon, but what would Seseong gain? Yoojin had no magic, no grand achievements, nothing but his wits.
He got up and paced around the room, his bare feet silent on the cool stone floor.
“Could I really charm him…?”
“How do you even charm a king who’s probably heard every flattery in the book? I can’t just bat my eyes and hope for the best!” He stopped, catching his reflection in the polished bronze mirror across the room.
He groaned, throwing himself back onto. He didn’t want to be a burden to Yoohyun, who was already carrying so much as the kingdom’s shining star.
Every time Yoojin overheard the court’s whispers, every time he saw the way they fawned over his brother while dismissing him, it felt like a knife twisting in his chest.
——
The festival had arrived faster than he planned
The Harvest Festival in Hayeon was a spectacle of light and color, with vibrant banners fluttering in the breeze.
The palace courtyard buzzed with nobles, merchants, and envoys from neighboring kingdoms, all gathered to celebrate the season’s festival.
Han Yoojin stood at the edge of the grand pavilion, dressed in a finely tailored robe. He adjusted his sleeves, trying to look composed despite how nervous he actually was.
Tonight was the night. Sung Hyunjae, the King of Seseong, was here, and Yoojin had to make his move.
Beside him, Han Yoohyun, the Second Prince, his sharp, dark eyes scanned the crowd with an intensity that made even the boldest nobles hesitate to approach.
Yoohyun’s fire magic was practically a legend, and his presence alone was enough to command respect. Yet, his gaze kept flickering to Yoojin, protective and wary.
“Hyung,” Yoohyun said, his voice low but edged with concern. “You’ve been acting strange all week. What are you plotting now?”
Yoojin flashed a grin, hoping it looked more confident than he felt. “Just enjoying the festival, Yoohyun. Can’t a prince have some fun?”
Yoohyun’s eyes narrowed. “You’re not fooling me. You’ve got that look, the one you get before you do something reckless.”
Before Yoojin could retort, a ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd. Heads turned, and the air seemed to shift, charged with an almost tangible presence. Yoojin’s heart skipped a beat as he followed the crowd’s gaze.
There he was, Sung Hyunjae.
The King of Seseong moved through the courtyard with an effortless grace that made the world around him seem dimmer.
His golden hair gleamed under the torchlight, and his tailored red and gold coat accentuated his tall, commanding frame. His golden eyes, sharp and unreadable, swept over the crowd, and for a fleeting moment, they locked onto Yoojin’s.
A faint, almost amused smile curved his lips before he turned to greet a cluster of bowing nobles.
Yoojin’s stomach did a flip, ‘He’s even more intimidating in person.’
“Hyung,” Yoohyun said sharply, snapping Yoojin’s attention back. “Why are you staring at him?”
“No reason!” Yoojin said quickly, waving a hand. “Just observing our honored guest. It’s polite.”
Yoohyun’s frown deepened, his hand. “Stay away from him, hyung. Sung Hyunjae isn’t someone you can just talk to like he’s Myeongwoo or Yerim. He’s dangerous.”
Yoojin rolled his eyes, though his brother’s concern warmed his heart. “Relax, Yoohyunie. I’m not going to challenge him to a duel or anything.”
‘Just propose marriage. No big deal.’
As Yoohyun grumbled under his breath, Yoo Myeongwoo appeared, weaving through the crowd with a tray of delicate pastries.
“Yoojin, I made these for you,” Myeongwoo said, offering the tray. “Figured you’d need something to calm your nerves before whatever it is you’re planning.”
Yoojin grabbed a pastry and took a bite, savoring the sweet, flaky goodness. “You’re a lifesaver, Myeongwoo. How do I look?”
Myeongwoo blinked, then glanced at Yoohyun, who was now glaring at Yoojin with renewed suspicion. “You look fine but, Yoojin, you’re not seriously going through with that marriage idea, are you?”
“Marriage?” Yoohyun’s voice was dangerously calm, his eyes narrowing. “What marriage?”
Yoojin choked on his pastry, coughing as he waved a hand. “It’s nothing! Just a hypothetical! Right, Myeongwoo?”
Myeongwoo, caught in the crossfire, looked like he wanted to sink into the ground. “I, I need to check on the kitchen!” he blurted, fleeing with his tray.
Yoohyun stepped closer, his voice low and intense. “Hyung, if you’re planning something with Sung Hyunjae, you need to tell me. Now.”
Yoojin sighed, running a hand through his hair. He couldn’t keep dodging Yoohyun’s suspicions forever. “Fine. I’m considering a marriage alliance with Seseong. With Sung Hyunjae.”
Yoohyun froze, his expression a mix of shock and fury. “You—what? Hyung, are you out of your mind? He’s a king! A king who could crush Hayeon if he felt like it! And you think you can just… marry him?”
“It’s a strategic move!” Yoojin protested, keeping his voice low to avoid drawing attention. “If I marry him, Hayeon gets Seseong’s protection. No more whispers about me being powerless. No more burdening you.”
Yoohyun’s expression softened for a moment, pain flickering in his eyes. “Hyung, you’re not a burden. You’ve never been a burden.”
Yoojin looked away, his chest tightening. “You don’t have to lie to make me feel better, Yoohyun.”
Before Yoohyun could respond, a smooth, melodic voice cut through the air. “Am I interrupting a family moment?”
Yoojin’s head snapped up. Sung Hyunjae stood before them, his golden eyes glinting with curiosity and something else, amusement? Interest? It was impossible to tell. The king’s presence was overwhelming, like the air itself bent to his will.
Yoohyun instinctively stepped in front of Yoojin, his posture tense. “Your Majesty,” he said, his tone polite but cold. “We were just discussing family matters.”
Sung Hyunjae’s smile widened, his gaze sliding to Yoojin. “First Prince Han Yoojin, isn’t it? I’ve heard much about you.”
Yoojin’s heart pounded, but he forced a smile, stepping out from behind Yoohyun. “Good things, I hope?”
“Intriguing things,” Sung Hyunjae replied, his voice smooth as silk. “You’re quite the topic of conversation in Hayeon’s court.”
Yoojin laughed, though it came out a bit shaky. “I’m flattered to be so memorable.”
Yoohyun’s hand twitched, and Yoojin could practically feel the heat radiating off him. ‘Please don’t set anything on fire, Yoohyun.’
“Your Majesty,” Yoojin said, seizing the moment before his brother could intervene. “Might I have a word with you? Alone?”
Sung Hyunjae raised an eyebrow, his smile turning almost predatory. “Alone? How bold of you, First Prince.”
Yoohyun grabbed Yoojin’s arm. “Hyung, no.”
Yoojin gently pried his brother’s hand off, giving him a reassuring look. “It’s fine, Yoohyunie. I know what I’m doing.”
He didn’t. Not really. But he had to do this for his dear brother!
Sung Hyunjae gestured toward a quieter corner of the courtyard, away from the bustling crowd. “Shall we?”
As Yoojin followed the king, he could feel Yoohyun’s burning gaze on his back and Myeongwoo’s worried one from the edge of the crowd. His stomach churned with nerves, but he straightened his shoulders.
‘You can do this!’
Once they were out of sight, Sung Hyunjae leaned casually against a stone pillar, his golden eyes studying Yoojin. “So, First Prince, what’s this about? I’m not often pulled aside by charming young royals with no magic.”
Yoojin’s smile faltered, but he recovered quickly. “I’ll get to the point, Your Majesty. I want to propose a marriage alliance between Hayeon and Seseong. Between you and me.”
For a moment, Sung Hyunjae was silent, his expression unreadable. Then, to Yoojin’s shock, he laughe, a low, rich sound that sent a shiver down Yoojin’s spine.
“Marriage?” Sung Hyunjae said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re full of surprises, Han Yoojin. Tell me, what makes you think I’d consider such an offer?”
Yoojin swallowed, his mind racing. This was it. His chance to prove he wasn’t powerless. “Hayeon may not have Seseong’s raw power, but we’re a key trade hub. An alliance would secure your kingdom’s access to our ports and resources. Plus…” He hesitated, then leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “I’m told I’m quite charming.”
Sung Hyunjae’s smile widened, and he stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “Charming, indeed,” he murmured. “But tell me, First Prince, what do you gain from this? Besides the obvious protection for your kingdom.”
Yoojin met his gaze, refusing to back down. “I gain a chance to prove I’m more than what the court whispers.“
For a moment, Sung Hyunjae’s eyes softened, “Bold,” the king said softly. “And intriguing. Very well, Han Yoojin. I’ll consider your proposal. But know this, I don’t make decisions lightly.”
“That’s all I ask, Your Majesty.”
As Sung Hyunjae turned to rejoin the festival, he glanced back, his smile enigmatic. “I look forward to seeing what else you have up your sleeve, First Prince.”
Yoojin watched him go, his knees feeling weak. He’d done it. He’d actually proposed to the King of Seseong. Now he just had to survive Yoohyun’s inevitable wrath and figure out how to make this insane plan work.