With a regal flourish, Jeonghan parted the curtains, allowing the maids to enter the chamber bearing his new attire fit for royalty. The hanbok, a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship, boasted layers of luxurious red and white silk, creating a striking contrast that symbolized the harmony of opposites. Each fold and pleat of the garment was meticulously tailored to perfection, draping elegantly over his frame like a cascade of silk.
But it was the outer robe that truly captivated the eye, adorned with intricate embroidery of delicate flowers in hues of gold and silver thread. The blooms danced across the fabric, their petals seemingly caught in a perpetual breeze, casting a spell of enchantment upon the beholder. As Jeonghan donned the hanbok, its beauty seemed to transcend mere clothing, becoming a manifestation of the kingdom's rich cultural heritage and the timeless elegance of its royal lineage.
"Your Highness, the jewels and ornaments have arrived," announced the maid, her voice carrying a tone of deference as she presented a tray laden with treasures fit for a monarch.
Jeonghan inclined his head gracefully to acknowledge her, his gaze shifting to the other maid who bore the weighty tray adorned with an array of golden and diamond ornaments.
The necklace, resplendent with its intricate design and shimmering gemstones, caught the light and cast dazzling reflections throughout the chamber. Alongside it lay delicate chains, hairpins adorned with sparkling diamonds, and rings gleaming with the brilliance of the rarest jewels known to the realm.
As Jeonghan beheld the opulent display before him, a surge of delight coursed through his veins, his heart swelling with appreciation for the exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled beauty of the treasures laid out before him.
Indeed, he had always harbored a fondness for jewels, and in this moment, surrounded by such splendor, that fondness bloomed into a deep-seated admiration fit for a prince of his stature.
After he was done wearing the layered hanbok the maids were helping him with his jewels and ornaments, with the traditional and handmade prepared blush and lip tint, Jeonghan stood infront of the mirror his hands clutching the robe sleeves in nervousness as he stared at himself.
"Your Highness, Prince Jisoo has arrived," announced a servant, prompting Jeonghan to swiftly turn his attention towards the doorway. There stood Jisoo, resplendent in his own attire—a dark pink hanbok adorned with pearls and jewels, a vision of regal elegance.
Jeonghan's heart quickened at the sight, his gaze drinking in the sight of his dear friend and confidant. "My goodness," Jisoo gasped in awe as he approached, his strides carrying him with a grace befitting his princely status. "I knew this ensemble would befit you exquisitely. You appear as heavenly as a celestial being," he declared with reverence, though he paused briefly, clearing his throat at the familiarity of his endearment.
Jeonghan offered a warm smile, his eyes alight with affection as he gently clasped Jisoo's hand on his own. "It's quite all right," he reassured, his voice carrying a note of genuine warmth. "And you, my dear friend, are as resplendent as the moon itself," he added, bestowing upon Jisoo a compliment worthy of his radiance.
"We must make haste, for the hour draws near when Seungcheol shall grace the royal dining table with his presence, and all await his arrival," declared Jisoo with a sense of urgency, leading the way with confident strides as Jeonghan followed closely behind.
Mingyu, ever dutiful in his role as guardian, trailed behind Jeonghan with unwavering vigilance, a stalwart protector ensuring the safety of his charge. Together, they approached the imposing doors of the grand dining room, its magnificence evident even from a distance.
As they reached the threshold, the guards stationed at the entrance hastened to open the doors, their movements swift and synchronized in anticipation of the royal guests' arrival. With a flourish, the doors swung open, revealing the opulent interior of the dining chamber beyond.
A wave of crimson greeted Jeonghan's eyes as the rich red curtains billowed gently in the breeze, casting a warm, inviting glow over the grandeur of the room. His heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, knowing that within those walls lay the stage for the evening's events, where alliances would be forged and bonds strengthened amidst the lavish feast laid out in honor of Emperor Seungcheol's presence.
Jeonghan's gaze swept over the assembled guests in the opulent dining hall, taking note of the predominantly male figures and the elegant maids bustling about, their movements choreographed with grace and precision.
"Come on.." Urged on by Jisoo, he followed his lead towards the designated seating arrangement, taking his place three seats away from the illustrious throne, with Jisoo settling in the seat adjacent to him.
"Rise," commanded Mingyu with sharp authority, prompting a respectful response as every individual in the hall stood in deference to the imminent arrival of Emperor Seungcheol.
As the emperor entered the chamber, his presence permeated the air, commanding attention and reverence with each imposing stride. His two guards trailed behind him, a testament to his esteemed status and unyielding authority.
"Be seated," Seungcheol declared with a wave of his hand, signaling the resumption of normal proceedings as the guests relaxed into their seats once more. His gaze, however, fixated solely on Jeonghan, ignoring the rest of the room as he addressed him with a familiarity that stirred whispers among the attendees.
"Ah, how delightful to see you," Seungcheol remarked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement as he directed his attention towards Jeonghan. "I had my doubts about Jisoo's ability to convince you to grace us with your presence at the royal fest."
Jeonghan's response was swift, his words laced with a sharpness that caught even Emperor Seungcheol off guard. "Declining your invitation would have been a simple matter, but I am compelled by a sense of respect and propriety, given the kindness and care you have shown me during my time here," he retorted, his lips curling into a sardonic smile.
To Jeonghan's surprise, Emperor Seungcheol's eyes gleamed with admiration at his boldness, a rare display of appreciation from the formidable ruler. "Well said, my rose. You possess both wit and grace," Seungcheol acknowledged before turning his attention to the rest of the table, his presence casting a commanding aura over the proceedings once more.
"Very well, now that everyone is present, we shall begin--"
"Wait!" Jisoo's interruption halted Emperor Seungcheol mid-sentence, earning a sharp glare from his brother, though Jisoo remained unfazed.
"Warrior Lee Seokmin is not yet in attendance," Jisoo asserted, prompting a frustrated sigh from Emperor Seungcheol. Jeonghan turned his head, scanning the room for any sign of Seokmin's arrival, but found none.
"Prince Jisoo, please remember the decorum befitting royal proceedings--" Emperor Seungcheol began, only to be cut off by Jisoo's sharp retort.
"He is a member of the royal court," Jisoo snapped back at his brother, his tone firm and unwavering, his gaze locking with Seungcheol's in a silent challenge. The tension between the two brothers was palpable, with Seungcheol's disdain for Seokmin thinly veiled.
Before Jisoo could continue, the patter of footsteps echoed through the hall, accompanied by the swift motion of the curtains being drawn aside. In walked Seokmin, his handsome features slightly flushed from exertion, yet his bearing exuded an undeniable sense of pride and authority as he made his entrance.
"My apologies, Your Majesty," Seokmin addressed Emperor Seungcheol, his voice resonating with confidence as he stood his ground. "I encountered unforeseen complications that delayed my arrival."
Emperor Seungcheol's annoyance was evident in his response, though he begrudgingly extended an invitation for Seokmin to take his seat and commence the proceedings.
As the dinner commenced, Jeonghan couldn't help but notice the subtle exchange of glances between Prince Jisoo and Warrior Lee Seokmin. Though discreet, their shared glances did not escape Jeonghan's observant gaze, hinting at a connection that went beyond mere formalities within the royal court.
As the sumptuous dinner drew to a close, Jeonghan was served a selection of fruits and a delectable sweet dish made from milk and cream, intended to aid in digestion. Alongside this palate-cleansing offering, he was formally introduced to the distinguished men who had graced the royal table.
"My rose, allow me to present Minister Moon Junhui of the Sel Empire," Emperor Seungcheol declared, gesturing towards the familiar figure whom Jeonghan had encountered on his first day in the kingdom. Junhui offered a gracious nod in acknowledgment, his demeanor exuding an air of authority tempered with congeniality.
"And this is Jeon, now known as Kim Wonwoo, the esteemed legal advisor of Sel," Emperor Seungcheol continued, indicating the man seated beside Junhui and across from Jeonghan. Though Wonwoo's expression remained stoic, he greeted Jeonghan with a warm smile and a respectful bow.
"He is married to Kim Mingyu, one of our esteemed royal guards," Seungcheol added, eliciting a knowing look of recognition from Jeonghan as he recalled Mingyu's mention of his husband's occupation.
"They have a son, known for his mischievous antics," Seungcheol remarked with a chuckle, the jovial sound echoing through the dining room and eliciting a smile from Jeonghan as well.
Before the introductions could conclude, Prince Jisoo interjected, directing attention towards another esteemed guest. "And that is Warrior Lee Seokmin, the esteemed Royal Warrior and Master of Arms of Sel," Jisoo announced, introducing Seokmin to Jeonghan with a respectful bow. Seokmin returned the gesture with a light smile, though his demeanor remained composed, a testament to his disciplined nature befitting his role within the kingdom.
Emperor Seungcheol rose from his chair first, a signal for the others to follow suit as he gracefully dismissed the dining room. Minister Moon Junhui made his departure first, disappearing behind the curtains with a dignified stride.
"Mingyu, your duties for the day are concluded. You may retire now," Seungcheol declared, earning a grateful smile from the royal guard who hastened to reunite with his husband standing at the door. Jeonghan observed the tender exchange with a soft smile, his gaze lingering on the couple for a moment before Seungcheol approached him.
"My rose, shall we retire to our chambers?" Seungcheol inquired, his hand gently tucking a stray strand of Jeonghan's hair behind his ear. Jeonghan's response was a subtle nod, and Seungcheol's expression softened into a warm smile. Together, they made their way towards the door, signaling the end of the day's formalities.
As they stepped out into the corridor, Jeonghan couldn't help but notice the swift movement of Prince Jisoo, who immediately sought out Warrior Lee Seokmin as soon as Emperor Seungcheol exited the dining room.
A smirk graced Jeonghan's lips as he tore his attention away from the scene, choosing instead to follow Seungcheol quietly, the intrigue of the palace's inner workings swirling around him like a delicate dance of shadows and secrets.
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-Vaish
We have two extra ships now! 😭🎀