Chapter Text
The carriage wheels rattled over cobblestones polished by centuries of foot traffic, each stone an echo of the life that thrummed through the town. Yunho's gloved hands tightened where they were placed on his knees, the warmth of the sun unusual as it beamed down on his fur lined cloak through the window. He could feel the beads of sweat forming on his neck, could feel the dampness on his back at the heat. Yunho had crossed from the cold heights of Elaris, through green fields and farmlands into Virelle. The difference had hit him immediately; the air here was soft yet heavy with the scent of salt and seaweed. The warmth here came from the sun and the song of birds, and not from the fur cloaks and roaring fires that Elaris was accustomed to.
The town came to life like a living painting around him as they made their way through it. Houses and shops spilled down the hillside towards the harbor where fishing boats were heading out for the day. Roofs were low and sweeping, tiled in sun bleached terracotta, and the walls stood out in whites and pastel blues, reflecting the sky and sea with grace. The streets were alive with people, their clothing flowing loosely around them in fabrics that caught the breeze, draping over limbs like water over rocks. Each person moved with fluidity, their expressions unburdened as they worked or conversed. The sight made Yunho frown only slightly with a mix of fascination and unease. Such open, unguarded joy was foreign to him.
He noticed a woman bending over a market stall, her skirts of soft cerulean swaying as she arranged bowls of citrus and olives. A group of children ran between the stalls, their laughter echoing through the alleyways. Their tunics, pale gold and ocean green, billowed with every step and the ribbons tied around their hair fluttered in the sea breeze. Even the merchants wore clothing that seemed to honour the rhythm of the wind rather than restrict against it, sleeves loose and collars open.
Yunho shuffled uncomfortably as he took in the sights around him. His cloak, heavy and fur lined, reminded him of his homeland, his training, his duties. He drew a slow, careful breath, tasting the tang of salt and the faint perfume of jasmine drifting from a nearby stall.
The carriage rounded a bend, and the castle came into view. It perched atop the cliff that ruled over the town like a sentinel. It's pale walls caught the sunlight and glinted against the deep blue of the ocean below it. Its towers rose high, tapering into sharp points, and even from this distance, Yunho could see banners fluttering in coral and gold, announcing the royal family that lived there. The castle seemed to lean slightly towards the sea, as though it longed to dive into the waves below, its foundations carved into the rock itself with masterful precision.
Hongjoong adjusted his cuffs across from him as the carriage rattled up the final slope towards the cliffside, his expression tight. "We'll be arriving shortly," he murmured, lifting the curtain to glance outside. His sharp eyes took in the line of guards gathering at the gates, "they've been expecting us."
San, seated beside Yunho, shifted slightly. Even in the heat, his posture remained rigid, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The edge of his armour caught the sun as he leaned forward, gaze narrowing. "I count at least ten at the main gate," he said, voice low and calm, "all armed. Standard formation, nothing aggressive."
Yunho gave a small nod. "This is a kingdom of peace," he said, though the words came out more like a reminder to himself than a statement.
The road straightened, leading them towards the towering gates of the castle. Two massive doors stood open, carved from wood that had been bleached in the sun, reinforced with bronze filigree shaped like flowing waves. The emblem of Virelle - a crest of interlocking shells and a single rising sun - gleamed at the top, catching the light in a shimmer of gold. As the carriage drew near, the soldiers bowed in unison, the movement fluid and practiced as their light armour caught the glint of the ocean's reflection.
When they rolled to a stop, the driver's call was followed by a sharp click of boots on stone as San stepped out first. The air hit Yunho immediately as he followed, warm and perfumed with salt and the faint sweetness of flowering vines that climbed the castle's outer walls. His height unfolded from the confines of the carriage and the full heat of the day pressed against him as he fought to stop himself from stretching after their long travels.
His cloak felt too heavy now. The fur that had been his shield against the chill of Elaris felt wildly out of place here and Yunho wondered whether he should shrug the garment off to relieve his skin from cooking. Instead, he stood straight, hands clasped behind his back. The picture of composure, like he had been taught since he was a child. Hongjoong emerged last, every motion deliberate, his gaze flicking across the courtyard as he noted the details that San had surely taken into account too.
A figure approached from the gatehouse, a man dressed in the ocean's colours. His garments were light and flowing but cut with precision. Pale blue silk layered over soft white linen, the fabric moved like a ripple with each step he took. His hair was a dark brown, wavy and tied back neatly as wisps fell forward into his face.
"Prince Yunho of Elaris," the man greeted, bowing low with one hand over his chest. His voice was smooth, clear and courteous. "I am Yeosang, captain of the palace guard. on behalf of His Majesty, King Seojin, welcome to Virelle."
"Captain," Yunho replied, inclining his head slightly. His tone was measured, polite. "The honour is ours."
Yeosang straightened, offering a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "the king has been anticipating your arrival. If you would allow me, I'll escort you and your advisors to the throne room."
"Lead the way," Hongjoong said firmly before Yunho could respond, earning a sidelong glance from San that quickly melted into professionalism.
They followed Yeosang through the archway, the sound of their boots changing from stone to polished marble as they stepped into the castle proper. The sudden coolness was almost shocking. The entrance hall rose in sweeping arcs with high ceilings supported by slender columns. Light poured in from vast windows that opened towards the sea. The floors were pale marble veiled with silver and gold, polished until it reflected like a mirror and the walls were adorned with murals depicting the ocean and sky in endless motion.
Where Elaris favoured strength, with dark stone, iron fixtures and heavy doors, Virelle was air and water. Everything here seemed designed to flow, to breathe. Yunho's eyes moved across every detail, cataloguing without an outward reaction. Didn't often show one anyway due to his extensive training. It had been drilled into him since he was young. Be controlled. Keep restraint always. Never allow your instincts to take over.
Yeosang walked a few paces ahead, his movements calm and sure. "Virelle's castle was built to face the sea," he explained as they moved deeper down the corridor.
Hongjoong gave a quiet hum of acknowledgement as they turned a corner. He was the advisor, Yunho's eyes and ears and brain while they were here. Yunho knew that Hongjoong would at least remember this information, though he would try his hardest to as well.
"His Majesty awaits inside," Yeosang said as the neared the doors at the end of the corridor. He stopped and turned towards Yunho, bowing once again. "If you are ready, Prince."
Yunho nodded once. "Proceed."
Yeosang gestured towards the guards, who stepped forward in perfect synchronisation and pushed the great doors decorated in gold leaf open. Sound spilled out from within, music, a harp of some sort, and the distant cry of gulls carried in from the open balconies beyond. The floor was a mosaic of blue and white stone, and a long silver carpet stretched down the center leading towards a raised dais where a single throne stood. And seated upon it was King Seojin.
King Seojin sat with the unforced composure of someone who had long ago stopped needing to prove his power. The light caught on the gold circlet at his brow and turned the dark fall of his hair to ink. His robes a deep ocean blue, the outer layers sheer and fluid. A chain of pearls crossed his chest. He had no crown, no sceptre. Just quiet authority.
yunho stopped at the line where silver carpet began and bowed. The motion was exact, not too deep or too brief. Behind him, San and Hongjoong followed, lowering their heads in unison before straightening again.
"Your Majesty," Yunho said, his voice even, "I am Jeong Yunho of Elaris, sent by my father, King Daewon, to honour the agreement between our kingdoms."
King Seojin's mouth curved into a polite smile, "Prince Yunho," he greeted, his tone musical, carrying the resonance of an omega whose confidence needed no declaration. "We welcome you to Virelle. The journey from the mountains is long, may the sea's breath ease your weariness."
"It has been... enlightening," Yunho answered.
Seojin gestured towards the open balconies that framed the room, "the sea gives freely but demands the same in return. in Elaris you must take warmth from the earth. Here, warmth simply comes."
Hongjoong offered a respectful bow, "your Majesty speaks poetically. We thank you for your hospitality."
"I should thank you," Seojin replied, "this union between our kingdoms has been long awaited. Your arrival begins its living form." His gaze settled on Yunho once more, "your father's message said you would remain in the castle until the ceremony, that you may learn our customs. is this still your wish?"
"It is," Yunho answered, his tone unwavering, "I intend to understand Virelle's ways before I stand beside your son."
Seojin's expression softened at the mention of Wooyoung. "Good, he is precious to this realm as you will soon witness, as the tides are to the shore. You will find out customs... freer than those of the mountains. We value harmony above command."
San shifted slightly behind Yunho and Seojin's sharp eyes caught it, "you are?"
"Choi San, your Majesty. Yunho's personal guard." San straightened and his broad shoulders rolled backwards at being addressed. He looked just as an Elaris guard should. Composed, disciplined, a perfect alpha. It was as if he'd been crafted from the mountains where he had been raised.
"And his advisor?" Seojin continued, looking to Hongjoong.
"Yes, your Majesty. Kim Hongjoong of Elaris." Hongjoong was shorter than most alphas in Elaris, but he made up for it with his intelligent mind. He was at the forefront of their battle strategies, was consulted when discussing new trading routes and when he wasn't doing any of that, advised Yunho in his royal duties.
Seojin nodded, satisfied. "You are welcome here as well. The castle will be your home until the wedding. You'll find out people warm, but not without order."
Yunho inclined his head again, "we thank you."
For a moment, silence held, filled only by the distant cry of gulls as they dove into the sea below. The king's gaze lingered on Yunho, assessing the young alpha who stood before him. Yunho didn't flinch, he stood as sure as stone.
"You resemble your father," Seojin said at last, "but you carry yourself differently. Elaris teaches restraint, Virelle teaches flow. Perhaps with your union, together, we can find balance."
Yunho gave no answer beyond a shallow bow, unsure if it was meant as a praise or a warning.
A soft rustle of silk interrupted them as Yeosang stepped forward from where he stood by the doors. He bowed low. "your Majesty, shall I bring prince Wooyoung?"
"Yes," the king nodded, his voice warming instantly, "and have Seonghwa accompany him."
Yeosang bowed again and slipped through the doors, allowing them to close behind him.
the king turned his attention back to Yunho, "before they arrived, tell me. What do you seek to learn of us? Or rituals, our trades, our etiquette?"
"Our people are structured differently," Yunho replied carefully, "in Elaris, hierarchy is.... rigid. I would like to understand the expectations between alpha and omega within your court. Your kingdom."
Seojin's smile deepened. "Ah, you begin with the heart of the sea. Here, an omega may rule as easily as an alpha. An alpha's strength is prized, yes, but so is an omega's ability to temper it. To listen." His gaze held Yunho's for a second too long, "perhaps you will find that your strength, here, must bend before it can root."
Yunho inclined his head, acknowledging without argument. This was his duty, and if he was required to attune himself to the Virelle way, then that was what he would do. Just as he expected Wooyoung to follow suit once they returned to Elaris.
At that moment, the doors opened once more, sunlight flooding the mosaic floor in a blaze of gold. Yeosang entered first, bowing, and behind him came two figures.
Wooyoung moved lightly, the motion of someone who had grown up beneath these ceilings and knew exactly how the air should move around him. his clothing was a shimmering coral lined with gold thread, the other layer translucent enough to catch every glint of light. The tips of his black hair brushed his shoulders, glossy and soft, framing a face that could not have been crafted more perfectly for charm. His mouth carried a hint of mischief even in composure, and when he bowed, it was graceful and measured, his eyes lifting just enough to meet Yunho's with curiosity.
Beside him, Yunho assumed was Seonghwa. His pink hair was wavy and also framed is face, reaching his shoulders. Where Wooyoung radiated youth and charm, Seonghwa was still water, calm and observant.
"Father," Wooyoung said, voice bright, "you called for me?"
"I did," Seojin answered, tone soft, "Prince Yunho has arrived."
Wooyoung's gaze flickered to Yunho, studying him openly now. Yunho could see him take in the Elaris crest on the broach holding his fur cloak fastened, his height, his cold demeanor. The faintest smile tugged at his lips, a mix of shy and bold.
Yunho bowed, "it is an honour to meet you, Prince Wooyoung."
"The honour is mine," Wooyoung replied, his accent softening the consonants in a way that made the words sound almost like music, "I have heard of Elaris my entire life. I didn't imagine its prince would stand so tall."
Hongjoong's brow twitched faintly beside Yunho, and San bit back what might have been a quiet exhale. yunho, however, only straightened. "And I did not imagine Virelle would be so bright."
The king's chuckle broke the moment, "brightness and height. Good beginnings."
Seonghwa stepped forward, bowing politely to Yunho and his companions. "I am Seonghwa, advisor to their Highnesses. Welcome to our home."
Yunho returned the bow, "your courtesy is appreciated."
The king rose then, slow and deliberate. Even in motion, his presence commanded the room. "It pleases me to see harmony already blossoming." His gaze moved to Yeosang, "please see that our guests are settled. The east wing has been prepared for them."
"As you command, your Majesty."
Yeosang gestured for the Elaris men to follow. As they turned, Wooyoung's voice, light but sincere, carried after them. "I hope you find comfort here, Prince Yunho. Virelle is gentler than she first appears."
Yunho paused long enough to incline his head before following Yeosang out into the corridor.
Yeosang led through the corridors once more, his pace measured but unhurried. The sound of their boots echoed faintly off the marble. Every turn revealed another vista of light, archways opening to courtyards where water flowed in narrow channels, or to balconies that overlooked the sheer expanse of ocean.
Hongjoong's gaze swept over the walls as they passed, taking in the artistry of it all. The subtle carvings of shells and seah creatures in the stone, the murals depicting storms and sunrises. "A kingdom that worships its horizon," he murmured, almost to himself.
Yeosang gave a faint smile, hands clasped behind his back, "that would not be untrue."
Yunho walked in silence behind them, every sense on alert though his expression betrayed nothing. His fur-lined clock brushed softly against the marble. The temperature within the castle was mild, yet still far warmer than his body was accustomed to. He could feel a faint sheen of sweat at the back of his neck where his hair met his collar.
At last, Yeosang stopped before a tall set of double doors inlaid with patterns of silver and pale blue enamel. "These will be your chambers, your Highness," he said, bowing low. "His Majesty instructed that accomodations be made in accordance with Elarian tradition. I trust they will be to your comfort."
"You have our gratitude."
"Dinner will be served at dusk," Yeosang continued, "a servant will escort you when the time comes. Until then, you are free to rest or explore the eastern gardens. We will be throwing a welcoming banquet in your honour tomorrow evening." His smile was polite, tone as smooth as the silk of his robes. With that, Yeosang bowed once more and took his leave, footsteps fading down the hallway.
San stepped forward first and pushed the doors open, checking the space briefly before allowing Yunho to enter.
The room was vast, bathed in soft light. the floors were of pale stone veined with silver, cool beneath his boots and the walls were painted in the muted blue of shallow waters. Curtains, almost transparent, hung from the tall windows, swaying with the ocean breeze. Yet amidst the airy beauty, Yunho noted the deliberate touches meant for him. The Elarian rug of woven garnet and grey placed beneath the low table, a clock stand carved from mountain ash, a fur throw draped over the edge of the bed. It was an attempt at welcoming warmth.
A bowl of fruit rested on the table near the window. Bright splashes of colour, figs, small golden pears, and a single ripe orange, gleamed against the silver dish. The scent of citrus mingled faintly with the salt of the sea.
Yunho stepped closer and reached out, fingers brushing the smooth skin of the orange. The fruit was firm and when he began to peel it, the air filled with a burst of brightness, sharp, sweet and clean. The scent clung to his fingertips, unfamiliar and oddly comforting.
He turned towards the window as he worked, absently tearing away at the rind. beyond the glass, the world fell away into the vastness of the ocean. The horizon stretched unbroken. The cliff upon which teh castle stood dropped sharply into a narrow crescent of beach below where the waves curled and folded back upon themselves steadily.
Carved into the rock face, almost hidden by the curve of the cliff, was a staircase, narrow and precise, descending in graceful arcs all the way to the sand. His gaze followed it idly, the final sliver of orange rind forgotten in his hand.
There, a figure moved along the shore. Distant and slow, black hair blowing this way and that in the ocean breeze and dressed in pale linen. The figure's height was notable even from here, shoulders broad, steps measured. Yunho's eyes lingered only for a moment, curiosity flickering faintly before fading into the hum of his thoughts. He turned back to the room, setting the peeled fruit aside.
"Is it to your liking, your Highness?" Hongjoong asked, pulling Yunho back from his inner thoughts.
"The accomodations are.... generous," yunho replied. He leaned against the table, the faint scent of citrus still hanging between them. "Their hospitality is deliberate."
"As it should be," Hongjoong
replied, "a betrothal between kingdoms demands grace, even if it's strategic."
San gave a quiet hum from the near window, his gaze drifting over the sea below, "still, they've been careful," he said. "Guards posted discreetly, corridors wide enough for defense but built for beauty. They know what they are doing."
"They've been at peace for generations," Hongjoong added, "they can afford beauty."
Yunho's eyes followed the same horizon San was studying. "Peace can made a kingdom soft," he murmured.
Hongjoong's mouth curved faintly, "perhaps. Or perhaps it makes them patient."
Yunho reached for the orange once more as a silence fell over the three of them, the bright scent rising to meet his nostrils once more. When he spoke, his voice was low, "we'll rest for now. There's much to learn of this place before the ceremony."
Hongjoong inclined his head, already shifting towards the door, "I'll begin gathering what I can. San?"
"I'll stay a while longer," the guard replied.
Yunho didn't respond, only turned towards the window again, gaze flickering down to the beach once more. The figure on the shore was now gone, only the wind and the sound of gulls remained.
He closed the widow shutters halfway and stood in silence for a moment longer before saying quietly, "Virelle feels like a dream you're not supposed to wake up from."
Then with a slow breath, he straightened, shoulders squared, and the prince of Elaris once more stood, the perfect picture of composure and restraint.