don't lose your head. {6/6}
City life suits them. Well, that’s a lie. Life at court suits them. The villa they’ve been given -it has both their names on the paper, Park Kyung next to Ahn Jaehyo-isn’t as beautiful as their palace in Old Ytheria. But it’s luxurious and provides them with all the comfort they could wish for whenever they desire to be in Nalina’s rainbow capital.
“Are you ready, my darling?” Kyung turns around from where he’s been entertaining some of the younger kids with floating pebbles and sparkling illusions. He gently shoos them to their parents, telling them to take whatever from the garden-he’ll restore what they’ll take once they get back (and get off). The common people flock to their mansion like moths to flame. Kyung supposes that’s the effect of their kindness. He doesn’t exactly mind; he likes seeing people’s eyes light up
“You cut your hair” Kyung notes as he reaches out to take one of the soft strands between his fingers. He had let it grow over the past few years, but now it’s back to the same length it was when they met. Jaehyo beams at him when he leans in to kiss the star. “I like it.”
“I knew you would. You’re a sap.” Kyung rolls his eyes, especially when Jaehyo’s hands settle on his shoulders. He feels his warmth through the thick fabric, feels it slide down his shoulders as the star smoothens down the creases in his robe, takes his elbows for a moment.
“Well, I’m your sap. Now let’s go, I believe we’re expected somewhere.” Jaehyo offers his arm, and Kyung takes it. Under the watchful eye of the commonfolk they step in the carriage. Without wheels to steady it the contraption rocks underneath their weight before Kyung steadies it with a hint of magic. It draws itself, and the journey is smooth as there are no potholes or bumps to jostle them.
Twenty minutes later and several threats to withhold sex and kisses for the rest of the month if Kyung kept 1) looking at him like that, 2) put his hands in that spot again or 3) did anything else in an attempt to have sex with him in the carriage, they arrive. He honestly thinks it’s a little bit unfair. Jaehyo looks amazing and the rulers wouldn’t have minded that (much. He hopes. For future opportunities).
The moment he sets foot on the palatial grounds the nervousness washes over him like a wave. His finger tightens around Jaehyo’s arm without his notice or permission. A warm hand settles over his; a smile directed at him manages to loosen the knot a bit. He can do everything, after all. As long as Jaehyo is there.
They stride through the palace with a grace learnt rather than born, their chins raised. Kyung boldly meets the dark looks of witches who’d been vying for his spot, of people who think Kyung has no right to be here due to his heritage. They look away, in fear of being told on. It pleases him immensely.
They pause in front of the tall doors. People whisper, ready to announce them by their correct titles. Jaehyo takes Kyung’s hand in his, their rings slide again each other. Their fingers fit together perfectly. The celestial leans forward and presses a reverent kiss to fluorite circlet that lays on top of Kyung’s now-golden hair, before sneaking in a kiss to his nose. His smile is goofy as he pulls away to stare at Kyung.
“Now who’s the sap, hmm?” Kyung asks as he reaches up to brush his fingers over Jaehyo’s matching circlet. The stone is warm underneath his touch.
“I’m just admiring you. Looking at you.”
“And what do you see?” It’s meant to come out as a joke, as most things are with him. But instead it comes out a little more serious than he would’ve liked. Yet Jaehyo’s face never loses that soft edge.
“I see” he starts, “somebody who has really grown into himself and his potential. Somebody who might’ve been a little lost, but found his way now. He might’ve gotten a little bumped and scratched during the way, but he’s home.” He pauses. “And somebody who’s really hot.” Kyung feels a little fuzzy on the inside as he leans up to kiss him. Jaehyo cradles his head in two hands as they lose themselves a little. His fingers brush over the ever-sensitive elven markings. Mage. Brother. Respected.
Somebody scrapes their throat and they pull apart. If Kyung is flushed then it’s because he’s out of breath, not ashamed, really. Sunhye, Yukwon and Minhyuk all seem vaguely amused. Jaehyo is definitely blushing now, Kyung just knows it. He’s still just flushed.
“Mind if we go first?” Sunhye asks with a small, teasing grin. “Before the two of you steal all the spotlight.”
“N-no, no, go ahead!” Jaehyo is quick to say. “We’ll see you later, okay?” They nod as Jaehyo and Kyung step aside. The three straighten up, looking regal and proud, rather than arrogant as Kyung had first thought. Over the past few years he’s learned that elves have a lot to be proud of. They are proud, persevering people. Kyung is proud to be one of the children of nature. Part of the clan.
Kyung hears the voice boom through the hall as the three step inside, amplified with magic. They are presented by their names and their rank-Representatives of the Elvenfolk. Nowadays, that title is paired with more esteem and respect then when it was first introduced. It makes Kyung insanely proud of the steps they’ve set so far. They are baby steps, he knows. Elven liberation is one thing; giving them the same rights another, but getting people to actually respect those rights? They still have a long way to go. But the respectful silence that falls as they step inside is promising.
He faintly hears them being greeted by the king and his wife, but Jaehyo’s tugging on his hand and demanding his full attention.
“Are you nervous?”
“Are you?”
“Just a little bit.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“It’ll be alright.”
“Of course. You’re with me. The greatest witch in history.”
Kyung inhales, exhales. Wraps his magic around them like an armour as they turn to the grand doors. Their hands slide together, fingers tangling. The fluorite crown is heavy upon his head. His markings throb a little.
The doors open. There’s a lot of nobles and unfamiliar faces there, Kyung can see. But there, next to the dais and close to the King of Nalina and the Queen of Melind are familiar faces. Little has changed over the past five years. Taeil is still small and bespectacled, Jihoon by his side with Tomtom in his arms. Mino is standing near the window, talking to the clan prince with the other elven ambassadors keeping a watchful eye, dressed in the finest elven cloths Kyung has seen. Jiho, alive and well at Jiseok’s side, giving him a small wave.
Kyung might not even meet his real family. He doesn’t know the feel of a mother’s embrace, or what it’s like to be taught hunting rituals by his father. But he does know a star’s love. Kinship with a prince. Friendship of a bunch of loner librarians. A clan’s teaching. A sun’s love.
He’s happy.
A thunderous applause goes up as they step inside with billowing cloaks of nebulae and gold.
“I present to you, Celestial Lord Ahn Jaehyo and his consort, Elven Royal Witch Park Kyung. Greatest witch of all history.”
(Kyung is suddenly very glad Jaehyo rejected his attempts to have sex in the carriage.)