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sorryimananti-romantic · 2 years

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Take Me Home (Chapter 9)

faerieprince!seonghwa x reader

genre and warnings: fantasy, fluff, angst, suggestive, violence warning

word count: ~15k

synopsis: prince seonghwa, the faerie prince of dark, has been having dreams about his own death by the hands of his friend, prince hongjoong of light, his only hope the girl with an incredibly familiar face appearing in those dreams telling him she'd go back in time to save him- the girl being yena, who's lived her life without memories of her childhood and a block in her mind, now out on a journey to get herself treated, where she'll encounter the princes and find her life changed, in ways she never thought, discovering her powers and her soulmate along the way, love strong enough to survive through multiple timelines

series masterlist

Yena, San and Cheetah were walking in the hall when Hwasa came rushing towards the three, shouting 'the robe, the robe!'

Wheein gasped, and Yena and San stopped in the middle of the hallway, watching Solar and Moonbyul rush towards Yena with a robe, "You have to wear this."

"Oh, right," San took the navy blue robe, putting it around her shoulders and clipping it, "Anything else?"

"Aren't there gloves too?" Cheetah frowned.

"Oh please, it's just us," Yena groaned, "If I had a choice, I'd walk wearing men's clothes."

"That's exactly why you don't," San concluded. "Come on. Everyone's waiting."

Putting one hand back on San's arm and the other in Cheetah's, she walked with them to the throne room, and two of the guards standing bowed to them, opening the doors, making Yena gasp.

She had just seen the throne room a few hours ago- but now it was full of candles, hydrangeas and lavenders hanging from the ceiling, the chandeliers in full glow. The silver carpet ran to where the thrones were, where Yeosang stood.

Seonghwa did suck in his breath when he saw her- she was beautiful. He watched her as she smiled nervously, San leading her slowly and proudly across the hall, the court members on the sides bowing to her.

Yena bowed back her head slightly to everyone, greeting new faces as she went, and noticed familiar faces-

"You guys," Yena almost cried as she saw her friends- Sana, Jihyo, Mingyu and Seokmin from San's court, Siyeon and Jeongin from Wooyoung's court, Hyungwon, Changkyun and Eunha from Jongho's court, Seulgi, Yugyeom and Jaebeom from Hongjoong's court, Yeji, Ryujin and Woosung from Yunho's court, Soyeon and two other from Seonghwa's court, and finally three people from Mingi's court. They all waved at her, smiling widely, especially Seokmin who made her laugh with the way he was smiling.

"When did they all even reach here?" Yena wondered, and San said he would tell her later. The three then walked further, until they reached Wooyoung and Jongho.

"Princess Yena," they bowed, and Yena rolled her eyes, smiling. They gave her a bouquet of hydrangeas and lavender-lilies. Yena thanked them, and Cheetah took the bouquet, Jongho plucking out one small lily and handing it to her, "They'll clip it on you."

Yena nodded, taking the flower, and walking along, smiling at Mingi and Yunho. The two bowed, greeting her and Yunho said, "Welcome home, Princess."

Yena smiled, and Mingi took the brooch- a pretty silver little thing, and took the flower from her, clipping it near her collarbone on her dress, smiling proudly at her.

Yena bowed, then looked ahead at Hongjoong and-

Seonghwa.

He looked regal in black- it really was his colour. The look in his eyes made her flush, and she subconsciously squeezed on San's arm, who only grinned as he walked her to them.

"Princess Yena," The two said in unison, bowing, and she bowed back, "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, Hongjoong," Yena smiled, and Seonghwa took out a ring from the box he had been holding.

"Your mother's ring," he said, and Yena wowed at the elegant silver band with a single pearl in between- her birthstone. "If I may."

Yena took a deep breath, and raised her right hand, and Seonghwa took her hand in his, caressing it before sliding the ring on her ring finger.

They shared a look- and she knew that even if he hadn't said anything to her, he had a lot to say later. Yena bowed, and finally looked at her brother, whose eyes were shining brightly, a silver crown on his head.

"Kang Yena of Space," he announced, and Yena heard shuffling- a number of men and women wearing dark blue uniforms stood in front of Yena, kneeling on one knee. "Your court."

Yena looked in wonder at each of them, asking them to raise. She looked at each of them carefully, smiling, "Thank you."

They all bowed before leaving, and the three stepped on the two stairs, Yeosang a step above them, Namjoon standing next to Yeosang with her crown on a pillow.

Yeosang held a scroll, "Kang Yena of Space, daughter of the Kang bloodline of Space and Spirit, twin to Kang Yeosang of Spirit, blah blah-"

"Yeosang!" Yena scolded, hearing a roar of laughter throughout the hall, and Yeosang told her that it was okay.

"Tonight, you'll be crowned Princess Yena of Space," he ditched the scroll, "I'll make my own speech. You've been unaware of your status as a princess ever since you were taken. At the age of 22, you have thankfully returned to us," Yeosang took a deep breath. "You are Princess Yena, even if you choose not to rule your Kingdom. You'll be Princess Yena of Space, wherever you go."

"I will, eventually," Yena told him, "It will take some time to adjust, of course."

"Of course," Yeosang assured her, "No rush."

With that, he took the crown- a beautifully arched silver thing with midnight blue stones and pearls embedded on it. Yena stopped breathing as Yeosang set the crown on her head- and even though it was heavy, she felt light.

"Long live the Princess!" Someone shouted, and everyone echoed, Yena watching them with surprise as they bowed, and Yena took her throne along with Yeosang, hand in hand.

"Now that the formalities are over, can we party?" Wooyoung asked.

Yeosang rolled his eyes, "Go ahead."

He cheered, and Yeosang got up, taking off his own crown and Yena took off hers, handing it to Namjoon and getting up. "Can I take off this robe now too?"

Yeosang nodded, helping her. "Some formalities we had to deal with."

"You made the speech pretty interesting," Yena looked at him pointedly.

Yeosang laughed, putting a hand on her shoulders. "Mother and father would be the most proud right now."

With a kiss on her forehead, the two walked down the steps, joining the rest. The princes hugged Yena one by one, and then she hurried off to meet her friends.

"Sana!" She shouted, and the two giggled as they hugged, Sana almost picking her in the air. "I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too!" Jihyo joined the hug, "If I knew it was the princess I was healing, I would never have left your side!"

"How's your mother?" Yena asked, and Jihyo looked at her, touched.

"She's fine now. Thank you for remembering us."

"How can I forget!" Yena said, and Mingyu joined.

"It would be a sin to forget," he hugged her, and Yena laughed.

"You giant. I missed you too. And you!" She looked at Seokmin, who came silly dancing towards her, making Mingyu embarrassed.

"I saw you!" Seokmin said after hugging her, "The future Yena- I saw you!"

Yena gasped, "You did?"

"I thought it was normal Yena until you came out looking like a zombie from the Prince's chamber," Seokmin said, referring to the healing session at Antares.

"She doesn't look like a zombie, ever, okay?" Siyeon punched Seokmin's arm, embracing Yena and spinning her, making her squeal.

Jeongin greeted her shyly too, and Yena asked how they had been. Soon, the others joined, and Yena caught up with everyone, sighing when she finally embraced Soyeon.

"Are you alright?" Yena asked her.

"I should be the one asking you," she shook her head. "We never thought that Jinki- of all the people..."

"It's okay," Yena assured her. "I remember him as Seoho- I think I won't be able to forget that side of him- when I thought he was my friend."

Soyeon nodded, "He wasn't too warm, but we had our moments. Even he got used to us."

"Don't resent the good memories if you can," Yena told her, and Soyeon nodded.

Someone touched Yena's shoulder, and Yena knew it was Seonghwa before she turned. "How do you feel?"

"Not Yena," she said, making him chuckle, "You look neat. Glad to see you out of your uniform."

Seonghwa shrugged, "You don't look too bad either."

Yena gave him a side-eye and he laughed, "Do you want to get some air?"

"I'd be glad to," Yena admitted. Taking his hand, she followed him out, the two nodding at Yeosang who just smirked at Yena, Yena returning it with an eyeroll.

He took her to the balcony, and the view was breathtaking- the sea in front of her shimmering pearls, the moon and the sun glowing equally side by side.

"If my castle is not as pretty as this," Yena said, "I'm making Yeosang move out of here."

"Time to pull that card, is it?" Seonghwa grinned, "The pity card."

"Of course," Yena laughed. "He should do that for his long lost twin, shouldn't he?"

"Oh please, your castle is exactly the same. I'd say the view is better there."

"You've been there?" Yena asked, and he nodded.

"Everyone, at some point. Yeosang lives there for half a year every year."

"It must have been hard," Yena thought, and Seonghwa shook his head.

"Let's not be sad tonight," he said, caressing her hand that rested on the grill.

Yena smiled as she watched his hands on her- making her hands feel small. "This is giving me deja vu."

Seonghwa looked at her, surprised, "I guess the memories are still there somewhere for you to have a deja vu. Do you remember us on the terrace in my room?"

"I remember how the moon was brighter, and the sky- starry. Did we talk all night?"

"Pretty much," Seonghwa looked at the sky, and Yena took that time to admire his side profile, partly hidden by his bangs. "That's when you told me about your dreams with the darkling."

"I never knew it was a memory," Yena admitted.

"Do you want to see the memory? Of us on the terrace?" Seonghwa hesitated before asking.

"Sure," Yena was ready. Seonghwa turned, and once again, Yena felt the familiar feeling, a memory creeping up as Seonghwa put his forehead to hers, running their nights in the terrace through her mind.

"That's when I asked you about your wings..." Yena realised, looking at Seonghwa as he drew back, "You showed me your wings, later. Didn't you?"

"In Antares, I did," he admitted. "Do you... remember?"

"Sadly, I don't," Yena sighed, "Can you show me?"

"Here?" Seonghwa laughed, "In your dreams."

Yena realised he was quoting himself. She shook her head, smiling. "Can I... look at you then?"

"Look at me?" Seonghwa asked, confused.

"Just like," Yena tried explaining, taking his hand, tracing the veins on his hands, "Like this. I want to remember... you."

Seonghwa tried to resist the urge to tell her she could touch him anywhere she liked. His throat tightened, and he only nodded, watching her as she examined his hands.

"I think I remember your touch," Yena said, and Seonghwa drew a hand back, hiding his blush, and Yena watched amused.

"I forgot how you say things like these abruptly," Seonghwa admitted, looking at Yena, "If you say it like this, Yena..."

Yena threw her head back, laughing, "Come on. You deserve this after making me blush endlessly for days!"

"It's only been two days," Seonghwa shook his head, "I might take revenge-"

"Save it for later," Wooyoung and Jongho watched the two, amused, "It's time for the dance."

"Dance?" Yena gaped at the two, then looked at Seonghwa for help, "I don't know how people dance!"

"How do you dance?" Jongho asked, and Yena made some weird movements, making them snicker.

"That would suffice," Wooyoung laughed. "Come on."

Yena groaned, and Seonghwa said it would be okay, the formality only lasted for one dance before everyone danced to their own beat.

Entering the ballroom this time, as grand as the throne room, Seonghwa offered to be her dance partner and she gladly accepted, muttering he better make it look like she was an expert. Seonghwa led the dance, Yena trying not to step on his boots, and she realised he was slow- slower than the others dancing for her sake.

The sound of the music filled the air- the faeries in full glory and jewels playing the instruments in one corner. Yena looked around- everyone was dancing with anyone- Seokmin and Mingyu were the highlight couple, Jihyo dancing with San and Sana dancing with Jongho. Siyeon and Wooyoung were arguing even while dancing, Mingi and Yunho decided to be a couple for the night too, Hongjoong was dancing with Seulgi, Yeosang with Solar. Yena smiled at them- they seemed to be having fun.

"Mingi and Yunho always do this at events," Seonghwa told her, laughing. "Wait till you see them dance freely- I might have to cover your eyes."

"I'm curious now," Yena said, "Also, you can match their pace. I'm actually not that bad- I just haven't danced in a while."

Seonghwa nodded, waltzing around with her, hand tight on her waist, not breaking eye contact. It was overwhelming, Yena thought, to look at the man she loved when he was gazing at her so longingly.

"I don't know how, but I still love you," Yena suddenly said, and Seonghwa almost tripped, muttering something about a warning, "How does that work now?"

"I guess you really, really love me," Seonghwa grinned, "To not have forgotten."

Yena's mouth suddenly parted, "You don't believe in soulmates, do you?"

Seonghwa realised she remembered now- at least that memory. "I didn't really, until I met you."

"I remember," Yena's eyes were distant as she thought about the memory- a flash of her and Seonghwa in a room, Seonghwa telling her about the concept of soulmates.

He brought her closer, and Yena focused back on Seonghwa. "Maybe it's because Kieran is gone now that my memories are coming back quicker than I thought."

"If you remember everything without me showing you," Seonghwa smirked, "Where would the fun in that be?"

Yena frowned for a moment, blushing widely when she realised what he meant. "I hate you."

Seonghwa laughed, kissing her cheek. "And I love you."

Yena smiled, and the song changed, a sigh of relief going through the hall as everyone lost it.

—-----------------------

It was a chaotic mess, to put it nicely.

Drinks mixed with a little magic that made you high enough to make you relax and let loose, but not enough to make you forget, were passed throughout the ballroom. As the song changed and drinks were downed, all the faeries in the ballroom had started grooving at their own pace.

It was truly a sight to see, especially as the Eight Princes circled around the Princess, dancing with bright eyes and wide smiles, and Yena herself, feeling high not just because of the drink but the atmosphere, had ditched her heeled sandals and danced barefoot all night long with anyone and everyone.

She had never felt wild and free, not like this. She had never in her life laughed so loud, laughed without a worry, without something holding her back. And this time- she was in her home, with her family. It was a night she would never forget.

Especially the moment when everyone else had left, leaving just the princes and her. They had danced a bit more- the princes had all danced to a song with her while the others cheered, and then they had all gone to the balcony, huddling close to each other as the chilly breeze caressed their skins, and watched the starry sky as the effect of the drink wore off.

"I never thought I'd get to see one of the princes someday," Yena sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "Much less find out that I was one of them."

"And here you are," Jongho, who was sitting next to her, said, "I never thought we'd share a moment like this."

"I know," Yena tucked stray hair behind her ears, "I feel like this is a dream and I'm gonna wake up, and I'm gonna be back in Fomalhaut with the girls and Cheetah- or back in... when- oh, god. This is not a dream, right? I'm not in that little room with... Junyoung, right?"

"You're not, not anymore," Wooyoung, who was sitting on her right, rubbed her back. "You're here, Yena. You're home, and safe."

Yeosang looked worriedly at the panic lacing his sister's eyes, "This moment is real, Yena. I guess it's the drinks making you feel overwhelmed, but you are here, right now, with us. You're safe."

Yena nodded, putting her head on Jongho's shoulder, "I'm so tired. I don't want to sleep anymore- not without the guarantee that I won't have nightmares of that time."

San and Seonghwa shared a look- it really was the drink that was making her talk about her fears so openly.

"You'll sleep okay tonight- this drink won't make you dream tonight at least," Hongjoong assured her, but looked at Mingi while he said it- he, too, looked weary from all he had been through. "The nightmares will go away with time."

"Time," Yena scoffed lightly. "I'm so sick of hearing about time."

Everyone looked at Yena, surprised at the bitterness her tone held as she talked about her own magic. Yena stifled a yawn, her hand going to cover her mouth. "Don't you ever become sick of being used for your magic?"

There was a moment of silence, but then Yunho was the one who broke the silence, to everyone's surprise. "You're not the only one, Yena."

"How so?"

"People expect a lot from the Prince of Water," he scoffed, and in that moment, everyone could relate to Yunho. "They think it's easy to make it rain, to calm the waves when they're strong. They don't understand how my body handles it."

"They think it's easy to change the direction of the winds too," Wooyoung said, "They really think we got it easy, even when they're the same as us, don't they?"

"I hated my magic," Yena confessed to everyone but Mingi's surprise. "It's probably why it took me so long to come back."

"It doesn't matter anymore," Yeosang said, "The important thing is that you made it."

Yena didn't reply, just stared into the distance, her mind blank for once. A few moments later, they decided to sleep- dawn was approaching already. Yeosang decided to give Yena the mansion tour when she was sober enough, and just led her to her room- right next to his. Yena didn't look around, simply laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling, her eyes dry but her heart wet with tears.

A knock sounded and Mingi entered when Yena said yes. He looked around the room once, before coming to sit beside Yena. "Are you okay?"

"I can't sleep."

"I know I should be the last person to say this, but Hongjoong was right. You can't avoid sleeping forever, Yena."

Yena gave him a pointed look- she knew he was referring to the times in the other dimension when she was drained after practising and could have slept, but the fear of having nightmares about her time in Algieba had kept her awake, to Neve's annoyance.

"Now that Neve's not here to tell me how much of a coward I am to be afraid of sleeping, I guess you took over."

Mingi knew she didn't mean it like that- yet his heart hurt a little at her words. She probably missed Neve too. "Don't act like you're the only one who's been having sleeping problems ever since that time."

"Ah," Yena shook her head. "Sorry. And thank you- for teaching me to shapeshift. I know I never thanked you for it, because I used it to sleep to your annoyance, but really. Thank you, Mingi."

Mingi smiled sadly, "I tried it last night. Slept as a salamander. I wonder where you got the idea of sleeping as an animal to avoid dreaming."

"I wonder..." Yena frowned as a memory tugged at her- almost like it was scratching at her.

"At least sleep in your animal form," Mingi scolded her.

"I'll try," Yena promised, and with an encouraging pat on her shoulder, Mingi left, leaving Yena wondering why she wasn't turning into her animal form ever since she came back.

She should have been excited to tell everyone- especially Yeosang- that she had learnt to shapeshift too, during her time in the other dimension. But... It felt like there was a memory related to shapeshifting that she had forgotten- which meant it was probably linked with Seonghwa.

Seonghwa... Yena shook her head, and decided it was best she shapeshift and sleep before thoughts gripped her mind- thoughts she would rather avoid right now.

------------------------------

"Yena's... not in her room."

"What do you mean she's not in her room?" Yeosang's voice raised a little as he looked at Hwasa, who had just checked the room.

"Exactly that," Hwasa said, "Maybe she's somewhere else?"

"But almost everyone is still sleeping... unless-"

"Nah, it didn't look like it," Hwasa winked at Yeosang, who shook his head.

Yeosang, unsatisfied, went to Yena's room, opening the door a little and peeking inside. There was no one there. Frowning, he went to the living room, where Hongjoong, Yunho, Seonghwa and Jongho were already present.

"Did Yena sleep with you last night?" Yeosang asked, and Seonghwa almost choked on his drink.

"She did not," he frowned at Yeosang while the others stifled their laughs. "Why are you even asking?"

Yeosang, more unaffected than oblivious, answered, "She's not in her room. Not in any of your rooms, is she?"

"Nah," Hongjoong said, "Maybe check Wooyoung and San's room- they have a thing with sleepovers."

Yeosang nodded, checking their room, finding only the two sound asleep. Next, he went to Mingi's room, and found him getting ready.

"Yena's not in her room," Yeosang said, "I was wondering if she was here."

Mingi shrugged, "Maybe she's out roaming around?"

"She wouldn't leave without informing anyone- she wouldn't make us worry like that."

Mingi nodded, "Point."

He followed Yeosang to the living room, spotting a white furry thing by the window. "Did nobody notice the cat by the window?"

"What cat?" Everyone looked at where Mingi pointed, and Yeosang started towards it.

"How did that thing enter-" he was held back by Mingi, who was smiling.

"Let her sleep."

Yeosang almost said something colourful, but then a collective gasp of realisation sounded throughout the room and Yeosang had to sit down.

"She learned how to shapeshift?"

"I taught her," Mingi sat proudly between him and Hongjoong, earning a look of surprise from the rest. "She uses it to sleep, mostly. There's not much a cat does anyway."

"Where did she get that idea-" Seonghwa began, but then paused abruptly as he realised it was from him.

"Don't tell me it was you," Yunho laughed.

"He's guilty," Jongho confirmed.

"She doesn't remember it," Mingi told Seonghwa, "She gave me that idea too."

Seonghwa sighed, sitting back as he stared at the majestic fur of a cat. "What can I say? At least she's not a meerkat."

"Not this again," Yeosang groaned, laughing as he threw a pillow at the eldest prince.

"I can't imagine her as a meerkat- she got the good gene I guess," Jongho laughed.

They were laughing when their eyes went to where the cat had been- surprised to find it staring back at them- with obvious annoyance on her face.

"I guess we were too loud," Hongjoong muttered, and the cat, shaking her head, walked lazily to the nearest room- which happened to be where San and Wooyoung were, and disappeared through the little gap in the door, making sure to shut the door behind her.

The princes looked at each other, and burst into laughter. That was Yena, alright.

-------------------------

"Wooyoung, hey," San poked Wooyoung's forehead. "Look at this."

"5 more minutes," he groaned, turning his back to San, but San pulled at his hair.

"There's a cat here," he said, and Wooyoung turned, rubbing his eyes.

Indeed, between them, a white cat was curled, sleeping rather peacefully.

"Where did it come from?" Wooyoung asked.

"It was here when I woke up," San said, lightly touching the fur on the cat's tail, "Do you think Yeosang got one and didn't tell us?"

"He probably didn't tell us because we'd tease him about being a meerkat and not inheriting the cat gene," Wooyoung scoffed, and San laughed.

The cat yawned, opening one grey eye and then stretching, curling back. San and Wooyoung took that as a yes to do whatever they liked with the cat, and they started petting it, rubbing its head and neck, smiling as the cat didn't respond much.

"It’s still sleepy," Wooyoung laughed.

"No, it's because you're doing it wrong," San slapped Wooyoung's hand away, "Watch this."

He dragged the cat- to the obvious annoyance of the cat- closer to him, rubbing its head and neck, then lightly caressing the space between the cat's eyes, making it relax. Wooyoung lightly caressed it under the chin, satisfied when the cat rested its face on his hand, stopping him.

The door abruptly opened, surprising the three as they turned to see Yeosang.

"It's been an hour since we've been awake- what do you think you're doing?"

"You never told us you got a cat!" Wooyoung yelled at Yeosang, and Yeosang gasped as he realised-

"Dumb and dumber," Yena said, having shifted back in an instant, making the two scream in surprise, almost falling off the bed. Yena, amused, stretched like a cat before jumping off the bed, "Dumb and dumber."

San laughed in disbelief, "When did this happen!"

"I had a lot of time in that dimension," Yena smirked. "Thanks to Mingi, I learned."

"My heart almost stopped!!" Wooyoung was still recovering. It was Yeosang's turn to laugh at him.

"I should hide well the next time I sleep as a cat," Yena said, hands on her hips, mouth thin in annoyance, "No one lets me sleep peacefully."

"You should," Yeosang laughed, leading her out. Yena took a good look around the living room, where the princes were still sitting, absorbed in discussion.

"So the castle in Alhena, it's pretty much the same, right?" Yena asked, and Yeosang nodded. "I love it. It's really elegant."

"It is," Yeosang agreed, "Probably the most simple but elegant out of all the castles and palaces."

"I like that," Yena smiled, "I'll join you in a minute."

After refreshing, Yena grabbed a pancake, folding it and stuffing it in her mouth as she stared out of the window, the blue, purple and white flowers in full bloom. She was suddenly reminded of last night when she had been presented with the bouquet, and she smiled subconsciously.

"What are you thinking?" Hongjoong joined her, both in watching the view and stuffing a pancake in his mouth as well.

Yena swallowed the food in her mouth, "Last night was... a fever dream."

"It was," Hongjoong agreed. "Unforgettable. I haven't had this much fun in a long time."

Yena nodded, grabbing another mini pancake, "What was that drink? I think I won't mind getting drunk on that every now and then."

"We keep it for special occasions," Hongjoong laughed, "You should know why."

Yena looked down at her still swollen feet, "Can't promise I won't do that again."

The two shared a grin, and Yena stared into the distance. "Everyone will go back to their homes and get busy now, won't they?"

"We're staying for another day," Hongjoong told her, "We've been gone too long- but we'll be back whenever you ask for us, Yena. You know that, right?"

Yena looked at the princes wistfully, talking and laughing with each other, "If it were up to me, I'd have us like this forever."

Hongjoong smiled as he joined her in watching the princes- in that moment, normal people. "I know. But hey, you have a portal!"

Yena gasped as she looked at Hongjoong, slapping her head, "Now that's an idea!"

Hongjoong laughed, "We can meet up every month now, instead of waiting for a year- only if you want to-"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I meant, if you're okay with doing that magic," Hongjoong said cautiously, and Yena smiled, ruffling his ginger hair.

"Of course I am. Anything for you guys."

Hongjoong smiled, and the two looked at their friends.

"Anything for you guys," Yena repeated.

—----------------------------

Yena spent all day with the princes who gave her a tour around her home, took her to the shore and played in the water, and Yeosang promised to show her all of her land when everyone would be back in their homes. Yena looked forward to seeing her kingdom the most.

It was her last dinner with all of her friends- the princes and the court members- all in the enormous dining hall, seated together, sharing jokes and food. Yena's eyes stung- she was close to tears throughout the whole thing as she realised it would be a long, long time when all of them would gather together like this again.

Yena spent the rest of the night with the court members- mostly catching up with Seokmin, Mingyu, the healers including Sana, and Siyeon- the ones she was the most close to. She cried when they said she was welcome to portal and meet them whenever she felt like it.

The farewell with Cheetah was the hardest- she was leaving in the night time. Cheetah told her she was proud of her and hugged her as she cried- and then the both of them were crying and laughing, promising to make time for each other every few months at least. Yena told her that she was welcome in her kingdom anytime and to expect her within this month- she wanted to get some of her belongings.

"You really grew up for this moment," Cheetah tucked Yena's hair behind her ears, smiling proudly as she tapped her cheeks playfully- like she always did. "I think I saw it before too."

"Really? When?"

"When you came back from the portal after a week, and refused to cry when everyone got scared of you," Cheetah said, "I saw it on your face then- the look that told me that you were made different. I should have known."

Yena scoffed, "Looks like all this information is meddling with your memories- I remember how I was trembling!"

"But still!" Cheetah laughed, "I saw it on your face, Yena. You were always a little different than the rest. I'm just glad you found your home finally."

Yena smiled, "My home is with you too."

Cheetah hugged her, long and tight, before saying her farewell to everyone in the court and leaving. Yena watched her go with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes, and Seonghwa joined her.

"Now it feels real," she laughed, "Now that she left. This place is going to feel so empty."

"Tell me about it," Seonghwa shook his head, "The post-depression after gathering up every year stuck for weeks."

Yena looked at him, "Are you leaving early tomorrow?"

Seonghwa nodded, "In the morning, with the rest."

Yena bit her lip- she really wanted to spend more time with him and get her memories back while making new ones.

"You know, you can always portal to my place, whenever you like."

"I know," Yena smiled.

Seonghwa was about to say something, but then Yena was called by one of the court members, and she got busy again.

After wrapping up, the princes all sat in the living room again- this time, grim.

"I get that you all are leaving," Yeosang said, "But does the mood have to be so... gloomy?"

"I'll miss this so much," Wooyoung groaned loudly, and everyone echoed in agreement.

"Yena~" San wailed, holding her hand dramatically, "After having spent such a long time with you, how am I going to deal with Seokmin on my own?"

"Good riddance," Yena shrugged and everyone laughed, leaving San with a hand on his heart, hurt.

"No, but," Yena shook her head. "Truly. I'm saying it for the first time? I don't know, but it's the last time I'm saying this, so you better not interrupt-"

"Okay," Jongho said, and Yena looked pointedly at him while the others roared in laughter, Mingi doubling over after Yena sent the nearest object- which happened to be a pen she had been playing with- at him.

"Thank you, guys, for all you did for me," She looked at each of them as she said this, "And I'm truly sorry for all the trouble we've been through. I know it's not our fault, but I'm still sorry."

There was a moment of silence, then San said, "This better be the last time you say it then."

Yena smiled, "No more apologising, I promise."

"All that trouble did us one good thing," Yeosang said, "That we're here, today. That you got to know every one of us- the way you should have from long ago. Let's put behind all the bad memories- I know there are more good ones that we all made."

Everyone agreed, and Mingi laughed, "Don't you cry on us again!"

"I'm trying not to!" Yena laughed, looking upwards. "It's hard!"

"No more crying, no more crying-"

"That would make her cry more, San," Jongho scolded.

"I'll be a mess if I cry anytime again," Yena wiped her eyes, "No more crying. Not tonight, at least. Also- don't you dare hug me right now if you don't want me to cry-"

Yena was interrupted by San and Yunho crushing her in a hug from both sides, and then the others tackling them along, making Yena scream for breath as they all laughed loudly.

------------------------------

It was after everyone had gone to their rooms that Yena knocked at Seonghwa's room, knowing he would be up. As if Seonghwa had been expecting her, he opened the door instantly, making her jump in surprise a little.

"Hi," Yena breathed, taking in his figure that towered over her. "Did I disturb you?"

"Not at all. You wanna come in?"

Yena nodded, entering, seeing his clothes sprawled on the bed- he was packing, it seemed. "I was almost done," Seonghwa said, and Yena took a seat as she watched Seonghwa neatly fold his clothes and stuff them in the bag, "What brings you here?"

"I- " Yena paused, and Seonghwa looked at her, "I just... wanted to spend some time with you. You're going back tomorrow."

"Do you want me to stay?" A smirk was growing on his face, and Yena shook her head as she laughed.

"It would be unfair to ask that of you, I'll just portal whenever I miss you too much," she said, "Just finish packing, then we can talk properly."

Seonghwa nodded, speeding up, and Yena took that time to scan him- his bare arms revealed in the half-sleeve black shirt he was in, his bangs falling over his forehead, making her want to tuck them behind. Gosh, she thought, I need to wash my face with cold water.

All that staring made her zone out and she didn't realise when Seonghwa was done and just sat staring back at her from that distance, finally waving his hands after a minute and Yena jerked back to reality, shaking her head, muttering sorry.

Seonghwa came closer, sitting right in front of her chair, on the bed. "You look... distant. What do you keep thinking of?"

"You," Yena admitted, to Seonghwa's surprise. "More specifically, how I realised today that half- maybe the whole reason I learned to shapeshift and sleep was because of... you."

Seonghwa scanned her face, "You want me to tell you about it?"

Yena nodded, and he inhaled, "I had nightmares too. The ones that Junyoung- Kieran- planted, where either I died or I killed Hongjoong. You saw it too, when we were in Antares- we were living in the same room, if you remember."

Yena grinned, "The dream where you killed Hongjoong- I may have planted that..."

"What?" Seonghwa laughed in disbelief, and Yena told him how she time-travelled to that night when she was practising with Neve.

Seonghwa nodded, continuing, "It's why we're here today, isn't it?"

Yena nodded, and Seonghwa sighed in disbelief- everything that happened was truly meant to happen.

"Anyways, I had that nightmare. I shapeshifted then. I'm a wolf."

"Mingi showed me," Yena smiled, "With that fire thing he does. Can you... show me? It's right there- I can feel it. It's like the memory is scratching at me, I just need to see it to confirm."

Seonghwa nodded, and in an instant, there was a huge grey wolf in front of Yena, making her squeal in surprise before she laughed, and hesitantly brought her hand forward. Seonghwa nudged her, and she finally ran a hand through his fur. "I think I remember now."

Seonghwa shifted back, "What do you remember?"

"Playing with your paws as you slept," Yena smiled. "Progress!"

Seonghwa clapped, "Progress, well done."

"Can I see your wings?"

Seonghwa laughed at how abrupt her question was, "Again? You ask me whenever you get the chance, nothing has changed."

Yena smiled, but her eyes were determined, "It's the first memory Kieran took away. I don't want to say goodbye to you tomorrow without remembering everything he took away from me."

Seonghwa stared at her, taking in her words- she really did want to remember everything. He gripped the armrests of her chair, pulling it so she was closer to him, and then he took her hands. "You don't have to feel any sort of pressure-"

"It's not that," Yena put a hand on his, "I really, really want to know how I fell in love with you, how I still feel that even when I have no memories. That's not wrong, is it?"

"Of course not," he met her eyes, "Should I tell you everything?"

Yena nodded.

Seonghwa took a deep breath, "Do you want to see?"

"I do," Yena said.

Seonghwa nodded slowly, bringing himself closer as he put her forehead against Yena, and memories started flooding Yena's mind- the first timeline, their endless conversations in the nights, the healing sessions, up till Seonghwa' death- when Yena drew apart, catching her breath.

"That's the first timeline," Seonghwa told her, and let her sort her thoughts out.

"I remembered most of it," Yena nodded, "I guess the real damage was done to the memories of this timeline."

Seonghwa nodded, "Are you ready?"

Yena nodded, and Seonghwa put a hand on her neck, cupping her cheek and caressing it as he stared in her eyes. Yena felt overwhelmed- she mirrored his expressions, tucking his hair back, scanning his face- the face she was miserably in love with.

"I miss you," Yena said, and Seonghwa drew closer to her, hesitating. But Yena closed the distance, bringing her lips to his, testing the feel of it, making him groan as he pulled her closer.

God, he missed her so much, he realised as he kissed her, desperately at first, forgetting that he was supposed to be showing his memories for that moment. Her hand caressing his face and the other fisting his shirt was enough to make him forget about everything else.

They drew apart for a moment, and then Seonghwa kissed her gently, showing her the memories- their pointless arguments, their time in the library, their first kiss and the awkwardness that followed, their time in Antares when they shared a room and Seonghwa realised he was in love with her. He showed her each memory, imprinted in his mind like a burn, and he realised Yena was crying when he drew back, his hand that had been holding her face wet.

Yena breathed, but broke down, putting her face in her hands as she recalled everything- how could she have forgotten? It was such a violation of her mind that Kieran took her most lovely memories, and threatened to replace him with his own self, as if he could ever succeed.

Seonghwa made her get up and sit on the bed, sitting next to her as he held her while she cried. "What happened to no more crying?"

Yena laughed in between crying, "I'm sorry."

"What happened to no more apologising as well," Seonghwa laughed, wiping her face. "Look at me."

Yena wiped her eyes and face with her sleeves, sniffing as she did.

"It's okay, Yena. Everything's okay now. You're here, with me. That's all that matters."

Yena nodded, bringing him in for a hug, holding him for a good two minutes, "I missed you so much, Seonghwa. It's been so much longer for me- I missed you incredibly."

"It might have been a week or more for me, but that was enough to drive me insane," Seonghwa admitted, breathing in her familiar scent, "I missed you too."

Yena drew back, her arms still linked back at his neck, "Let me look at you, Seonghwa."

Seonghwa smiled as she scanned his face, taking in every detail- the grey eyes that were so warm, his sharp features, his plump lips, the hair she loved running her hands through. She kissed his forehead, then his nose, then began planting butterfly kisses on his face.

"You're testing my patience," Seonghwa groaned, making her throw her head back and laugh. Seonghwa shook his head, holding her by the waist as he turned, making her fall on her back on the bed, Seonghwa on top of her.

"Remember this?" He smirked, and Yena rolled her eyes as he kissed her jaw, trailing down to her neck, "And this?"

"I guess you're going to make me relive those memories now," Yena shook her head, and he smiled as he kissed her, slow and passionate.

"We have the whole night for that," he whispered in her ear. "If you're up for it."

"Don't make me fall asleep then, I guess," Yena smirked and Seonghwa promised she would be dreaming about this night from now on instead of having nightmares anymore.

—---------------------------

The princes and Yena all sat for breakfast the following morning after getting ready. Yena had been awake the whole night, courtesy of Seonghwa, and had only slipped in her room after making the both of them sleep for two hours before they had to arrive for breakfast.

"Is it just me," Wooyoung said, "Or she reeks of Seonghwa?"

Seonghwa choked on his bread, but Yena casually bit on hers, "Of course I do. What did you expect?"

It was his turn to choke, and there was a collective hustle on the table as everyone shifted in their seats, half of them scolding Wooyoung for pointing out the obvious while the other just trying not to laugh.

"Oh come on," Yena laughed. "I'm joking... Or am I?"

"Okay, stop," Hongjoong waved his hand, "Before Wooyoung loses it."

"It's because I can smell it on her!" Wooyoung yelled, earning a slap on the back of his head by San.

"What did I tell you about not saying stuff like this out loud?"

"This is reminding me of that time when he sniffed Yeosang on her," Jongho laughed, "And thought-"

"And that's enough, don't make me kick all of you out of my house," Yeosang cleared his throat, casually buttering his bread. "That's on Wooyoung being dumb, by the way."

They bickered back and forth for the rest of the breakfast until it was time for everyone to leave. Seonghwa and Yunho were leaving together, Hongjoong on his own, San, Wooyoung and Jongho together and Mingi on his own as well- all of them accompanied by their court members.

Yena went to say her farewell to the court members first, sharing a hug with everyone. She made Siyeon and Jeongin promise they would visit often, told the healers they could come here as a group anytime, made Seokmin and Mingyu promise they would tease San less than they already did and visit often as well. They all told her she was welcome anytime as well, and Yena waved a final goodbye, teary-eyed.

She went to Hongjoong first, sharing a long hug with him, "Thank you for teaching me all about my magic. I couldn't have made it this far without you."

"I'm so proud of you, Yena," Hongjoong kissed her forehead. "I'm proud you made it so far. Do come visit me whenever you feel like it."

"Aren't you busy?" Yena teased, and Hongjoong laughed, saying never for her.

"Wait till you actually visit him," San said, coming to hug her. "He's gonna ask you to wait and forget you came."

"I know," Yena laughed, and Hongjoong scowled at the two.

"I'm gonna miss you so much!" San held her by the shoulders, taking a good look at her face, "I'll feel lonely now."

"Should I not have asked Seokmin and Mingyu to go easy on you?"

"Hey!" San threw his head back and laughed, hugging her again and Yena kissed his cheek, "Please visit this weekend, will you?"

"I will," Yena promised, and Wooyoung joined them.

"Take me with you when you do," he sighed dramatically, crushing them both in his arms, "I'm gonna miss this so much!"

"It's not like we can't see each other again ever, stop being so dramatic," Jongho shook his head at the three, who just stuck their tongues out at him.

"Say that when you find yourself missing us tonight!" Wooyoung said, and Yena pinched Jongho's cheek, making him smile the gummy smile that she adored.

"I'll miss you, Jongho bear," Yena smiled.

"What was the story behind 'Yunho bear'?" Yunho asked.

"I thought you'd be the bear, since you're..." Yena scanned his figure from head to toe, "A giant, basically."

"I wish I was," Yunho pinched his nose bridge, "Being a water dragon is boring."

"It's not! You have to show me the next time I come," Yena said, and Yunho promised, hugging her, teasing at how small she was- she didn't even reach his shoulders. Mingi joined in the teasing, and Yena looked for help around but everyone was just laughing at them.

"I'm normal sized! It's you both that are giants!"

"Come on now, I've seen taller," Mingi flicked her on the forehead. "Good luck being a princess."

Yena cringed, "Gee, thanks for the reminder."

Mingi laughed, sharing a brief hug, and then Yena looked around, meeting Seonghwa's eyes.

"Should we leave you two alone?" Yunho teased.

"Nah, you can enjoy the show," Yena retorted, leaving both Yunho and Mingi snickering.

"So, we part ways," Yena smiled at Seonghwa. She had no regrets now.

Seonghwa hugged her, rocking her back and forth, "If you can't sleep, you know where to find me."

"Of course," Yena said, and Seonghwa broke the hug, kissing her forehead.

"Take care of yourself, Yena."

"You too," Yena squeezed his hand, and the two stared lovingly at each other while the rest watched, cringing.

"What's wrong with Seonghwa's eyes?" Wooyoung shook his head.

"He looks like he's gonna- no!" San covered his and Wooyoung's eyes as Seonghwa kissed Yena briefly, sending the rest including Yeosang roaring at each other.

"We should have left!" Yunho wailed, "My eyes!"

"Did you have to do that in front of me!" Yeosang groaned dramatically.

"I never asked you all to watch us!" Yena pouted, flushed because she, too, hadn't expected this very public kiss. She glared at Seonghwa, who was smirking.

"All right, let's go before they take it further," Hongjoong announced, and Mingi slapped his arm, laughing.

Yena and Yeosang walked them to the castle entrance where the court members were already waiting. With a final goodbye, they watched everyone leave and disappear into the distance.

"This feels like a dream," Yena wiped her eyes, "I know I can visit them, but I miss them already."

"I know," Yeosang patted her back. "Come on, let's go inside."

Wheein and Moonbyul smiled at her as she passed them in the hallway, and a thought struck Yeosang. "Do you want to see our parent's room?"

Yena looked at him, surprised, "Sure."

Yeosang led her to the room next to his chamber, saying his room used to be their parents but they moved out after his coronation. It no longer looked alive- their belongings were in a trunk and the room was pretty much empty.

Yeosang brought a trunk forward where they sat on the couch, fishing a key out of his pocket and opening the lock to reveal what looked like their mother's dresses and jewellery. Yena wowed, opening the glass box and examining the pearls and diamonds.

"You can take whatever you like, whenever you like. After all, it's all yours."

"Hmm," Yena looked around, "What were they like?"

Yeosang leaned back on the couch, facing Yena as he thought. "Very caring," he finally said, "They missed you a lot. I didn't get much time to spend with them since they were always either busy with this job or searching for you, but whenever they spent time with me, they made sure I didn't feel distant."

"That's... good, actually," Yena nodded. "I worried about that part- you being neglected because they were too busy trying to find me."

"There's only so much they could do," Yeosang sighed. "But as kids, we spent more time with each other, us princes and the court members. We weren't that lonely. We're probably lonelier now."

Yena laughed, agreeing- as kids, it was easy to get along with everyone. As adults, however, it got complicated. "Not lonely anymore, I'll make sure," Yena smiled.

"To be honest, I'm glad we're comfortable with each other," Yeosang admitted. "Probably because you got closer to the others and it felt more like being with a friend."

"I know!" Yena smiled in agreement, "I was so nervous about meeting you- but I think the others helped with breaking the ice. It would have been awkward otherwise, don't you think? Since I barely have memories of you."

"I think my memories are mixed with my imagination too," Yeosang shook his head.

"Understandable. I only got that memory back thanks to Seonghwa."

"So," Yeosang wiggled his brows. "Seonghwa, huh? I never got to ask how it happened."

Yena made a face, rolling her eyes, but smiled, "I think I liked him in the first timeline too. He was different- he was distant at first but somehow, we got close that one week we spent together. When he died and I went to save him, he was... completely different from the Seonghwa I knew."

"How?" Yeosang was intrigued now- he hadn't seen these sides of Seonghwa.

"He was... an arrogant, stubborn bastard, to put it simply," Yena said and Yeosang burst out laughing, "Yunho was so nice to me. He believed me when I gave him the proof- that I was Kang Yena. But Seonghwa? I don't know why, but he refused to believe it. Probably because of the dreams he was having."

"Seonghwa has always been such a... mother, to us," Yeosang shook his head, laughing. “So I can't really imagine this… so how did you two..."

"Well," Yena smiled, "We grew on each other. When I showed him my memories, he recalled everything from the previous timeline and realised that- well, that he liked me. He found himself falling for me again, according to him."

"I don't know whether to barf or cry."

"Do nothing, idiot," Yena slapped his arm. "But yeah. I like him."

"He likes you a lot too, it's so obvious," Yeosang laughed.

"Do you believe in soulmates?" Yena asked, and Yeosang nodded, "Seonghwa said that with faeries, the concept of soulmate went... deeper?"

"More intense is the right word," Yeosang said, "It's what we believe. You know how there are some people we just don't get along with, no matter how hard we try? Or some people we just dislike?"

Yena nodded, and Yeosang continued, "We believe that it's because our souls didn't get along, from the place where they came from. Call it a past life or an abode for the souls. So with people you just click with, you just get along so well, it's because our souls have a connection with them. People theorise that it might be the magic instead of the soul that causes it."

"Ah," Yena nodded slowly, "So with... romantic partners?"

"I haven't had an experience- I think Seonghwa is the first one out of us who found his soulmate."

Yena's heart skipped at the words, and Yeosang nodded, smiling, "With romantic partners, everything is more intense. You instantly feel a connection- your magic just... embraces each other, I guess. It's like our magic and our soul knows- and we, our minds try to reject it. Did you feel it too?"

"How would you know it's a soulmate when it's your first time with someone?"

"I'd say go ahead and try with someone else," Yeosang laughed, "but you wouldn't be able to do that now, would you?"

Yena rolled her eyes. "I think it's a little late for that."

"I think the most obvious proof is that even when Kieran took away your memories, you didn't forget," Yeosang's eyes were sure as he said it. "There is no way you could have remembered your love for Seonghwa after all that if he wasn't your soulmate."

Yena frowned in surprise, "I thought it was because his magic wasn't as strong?"

"No," Yeosang shook his head, "Think about it. The magic he did years ago- you're still recovering from it. Your memories still aren't back. But this time? He couldn't take away what your magic, what your soul knows."

"Wow," Yena breathed, "So it's... true?"

"It is," Yeosang said, "Congratulations on finding your soulmate- not many faeries do."

Yena inhaled- it felt unreal.

Yeosang smiled at her state, "Also, you're free to choose what to do with your life. You can live with me and learn about this kingdom, go to yours and explore your land, or... live with Seonghwa, if you wish. Or settle as a normal faerie anywhere on this planet- whatever you like."

Yena smiled at him, "Thanks for giving me the choice, Yeosang. I think I'll learn about what being a princess means- the job. I owe it to my parents, and the people-"

"You don't owe anyone anything," Yeosang shook his head.

"It's not just that, Yeosang. I want to, really," Yena was sure, and seeing the look in her eyes, Yeosang nodded.

"Once I learn, can we go to Alhena? I'd like to see my land."

"Of course," Yeosang said, "I'm planning to go there next month anyway."

"And finally," Yena exhaled, "I'll think about the future when I get there. I have all the time I need now, don't I?"

"All the time in this world," Yeosang smiled.

—--------------------------

"Jaemin, I swear to god, if you crack one more joke while we're having a meeting, god help me I'll-"

"Calm down, Yena," Taeyong laughed out loud, rubbing her shoulder. "Blame Hyunjin- she keeps fueling his flames."

"Literally," Yena sighed, putting her head in her hands as Jaemin laughed out loud, the evil evident in his laugh, "I'll ask Yeosang for a new court-"

"Okay, that's my cue to take charge," Haseul got up, clapping and grabbing everyone's attention. "Let's not give our princess a hard time-"

"Let's not give the court a hard time, what say you, Princess?" Renjun smirked.

Yena stared at each faerie sitting with her in the meeting room around the table, shaking her head. "Where did Yeosang find you lot? And why did he keep the sane ones?"

"You think they're sane?" Olivia pinched her nose-bridge, "You'll thank us after spending time with them."

"Crackheads, every one of you," Yena muttered, finally getting up from her chair. "Alright, enough of fun and jokes- I have more to do. Yeosang arrives today. I think you all know what needs to be done, don't you?"

"Yes ma'am," the group said mockingly.

Yena smiled, "I believe in you guys- you've always handled stuff like this so well, haven't you? I don't even know what I'm doing here ordering you around- as if I could! You guys should be telling me what to do-"

"Finally," Jaemin grinned as he got up, only to be held back by Taeyong as everyone laughed out loud at the mischief in his tone.

"Yena," Taeyong squeezed her hand, "You're the princess. We'll manage everything, but it's after you give us the order, after you make the decision."

"What Taeyong means is you need to man up-"

"I'll help you with kicking out some court members," Haseul raised her hand, making Yena laugh and look pointedly at Haechan, who was grinning widely.

"Fine. It's been two months since Yeosang has been here, so let's make it... grand. Yes. Let's surprise him."

"Since we've always welcomed him normally," Jeno commented, "Anything you do at this point would be 'grand' to him."

Yena grinned, "That's a good point. But let the chefs prepare his favourite dishes, and let's brighten up the hall and the chamber. Maybe we should have a little party tonight while we're at it."

"Half his court is arriving with him, it would be chaotic," Haseul pretended to wipe sweat from her forehead and Yena watched as the men and women of her court brightened up at the mention of their friends arriving.

"We should definitely have a party," Yena's mouth stretched into a smile as she began to plan.

-------------------------

"What did I miss?" Yeosang stood in the middle of the hall as he looked at the court members, all dressed up rather formally, and then finally at Yena who was also... overdressed. "Is someone else coming too?"

"Come on, can't we tidy up for you?" Jaemin smirked, making Solar and Moonbyul double over with laughter.

"Is this coming from the same person who never got out of his pyjamas even during official meetings?" Yeosang raised his eyebrow and Yena gasped, looking at Jaemin.

"Pyjamas? But... I've been to every kingdom and I've never seen any of the court members in pyjamas, not even this lot..."

"Ah, I guess they're finally acting as proper court members," Yeosang scoffed. "And everyone of them is guilty of this, in case you think Jaemin is the only guilty one here."

Yena looked pointedly at Taeyong and Haseul, who were elbowing each other trying not to laugh. "I guess you all are doing something for your princess after all."

"Come on," Chuu- Yena's healer- whined, "We dress up sometimes when you arrive too!"

"That was only because Wooyoung was arriving with me," Yeosang sighed, shaking his head.

Everyone broke into giggles and Yeosang nudged Yena forward, the two entering the Princess' personal chamber. "It's really weird to see them act like professionals now- it's making me proud."

"They really do work hard," Yena smiled, "You shouldn't have been calling them lazy bums."

"Now you know why I called them that," Yeosang looked at her pointedly, referring to the court members putting effort to look their best everyday thanks to the Princess being home now, "Also, why do you keep smirking?"

"Nothing," Yena shook her head, "Anyways, tell me about how things are back there."

Yeosang began to narrate the events of the past two months- He had finally left Yena here with a heavy heart after living with her for five months, in which Yena had drunk every drop of knowledge about magic and history.

Yena had spent her initial days sticking with Yeosang throughout the mornings, monitoring how running the kingdom worked. She realised just how big a role the court members played and had already started feeling indebted to her own court members whom she had only met briefly once. They all seemed too young to have this burden on their shoulders.

During the first few nights, Yena always woke up screaming and crying, Yeosang always by her side to help her get through this. At times when she felt too overwhelmed and felt as if the present was an illusion, she would open a portal and Seonghwa would come through, comforting her throughout the night.

The first month had been the hardest, and she had started getting therapy from the very skilled healers of Yeosang's castle- Hwasa and Yoongi. It had eventually gotten better from there, until she could finally sleep alone throughout the night.

When Yeosang had come with her to the state of Castor finally and made way to Alhena where Yena's castle was, she had been welcomed at a grand scale. The people of Yena's kingdom had been carrying blue and white flowers with them and the kids had given her the pearls from her sea. Yena had cried throughout the way, but it changed into laughter as she entered her castle and met her court.

Her court.... it was truly a family she had gained. She had interacted with everyone by now but she was closer to the people she had to interact with on a regular basis. She had an immense amount of respect and love for everyone who served in her court.

Taeyong and Haseul- her Right Hand and 'Left Hand', as Solar had dubbed it- had taught her a lot about being a princess and her duties. The two months had passed in a flash- especially because she was still getting to know everyone in her court, still getting used to her duties and making time to meet any of the princes during her free time.

Portaling was a second nature to her now, especially considering how huge the distance was. But with everyone being so busy, they all hadn't been together since right before Yena left for her castle, where everyone had been present in Yeosang's castle, spending the last night before Yena began performing her duties as a princess. That had been two months ago.

After Yeosang was done narrating what happened in the past two months without Yena at his castle, he yawned wide and good, stretching. "I think I'm going to sleep. Or take a power nap. I think I'll take a nap- wake me up after a few hours, will you?

Yena nodded, leaving him and nearly rushing out of her chamber, where Jaemin, Haechan, Yves and Gowon were already waiting for her. Yena usually hung out with them the most- she supposed it was the reason she was able to laugh so loudly these days.

"I was just gonna put Prince Yeosang to sleep," Gowon rubbed her fingers, and Yena shook her head- she had a unique power, truly, and Yena was often tempted to ask her to put her to sleep when she had trouble at nights.

"He's fast asleep, don't worry," Yena walked with them to the hall, where the court members awaited. "Sorry for the delay. What's the plan?"

-------------------------

Yeosang woke up to an empty chamber but the distant sound of music filled the air. Freshening up, he knocked at Yena's room, wondering if she was inside, but the door opened itself and Yeosang peeked inside.

Yena had changed her room a lot- there were fresh lilies in a vase on her table, photos that she had clicked for the first time with the princes two months ago on the wall- a group photo and individual photos with every prince, some with her closest friends from different courts- it looked like she had the most friends in San's court. Yeosang spotted a messy drawing, frowning when he bent to get a closer look-

It was Mingi's handwriting- a boy with little fire sparks around his head and a girl with little planets around her head. Yeosang smiled- he had to ask Yena when exactly Mingi made this.

Leaving the room, Yeosang walked to where the sound of the music was coming from, figuring the court members must be having a little party with Yena or bothering her- but when he opened the doors, his jaw dropped at the sight of his friends.

"Now when did you all arrive!"

"Yeosang!" Wooyoung cheered, rushing to hug him, "We've been here for about an hour now but Yena insisted we let you catch up on your sleep."

"And it was a wise decision," Jongho scoffed, "You're not getting more sleep tonight."

Yeosang looked at Yena- she was truly glowing as she smiled at him, winking. "I knew something was up the way you kept smirking earlier."

"You might need to notch up on your acting," Yunho teased, Yena slapping his arm.

"I say she's a pro at acting," Hongjoong laughed, "I didn't even realise it was her- I was looking down at documents and I kept listing things to her- I didn't realise it was not one of my court members until she slapped me with that very list."

The princes burst into laughter. "I wasn't lying when I said Hongjoong forgets you're there," San shook his head.

"So," Yeosang looked around, "It looks like we're partying."

"Mingi's singing," Seonghwa started laughing, "Brace yourself."

"I feel like singing today!" Mingi laughed as he waltzed around, Yunho joining him, and Yena watched the two, shaking her head.

"Who wants drinks?"

All it took was one hour for the drinks to settle for Yena to realise that the princes might be competitive but her court members weren't any less.

"Do it, throw it hard!" Hwasa shouted at Jaehyun, who was trying to flip the disk but failing. On the other hand, Wooyoung was cheering for San who looked like he would flip the disk anytime soon-

"Yes!" Jaehyun threw his fists in the air and the court members cheered, Taeyong immediately hugging him, the two jumping as they hugged, Yena joining and sticking her tongue out at the princes.

It was the princes versus the court members plus Yena in every match- they had been playing different games for hours and so far, the competition had been so strong- they really couldn't decide which team won and none of them wanted to settle for a tie.

"I should ban the drinks in our kingdom," Yeosang pondered, making Yena giggle as she stood by him to watch the chaos as everyone argued about who the winner was.

"I used to love silence," Yena scoffed, "I'm so used to this amount of noise now that it doesn't even affect me."

"Spending my childhood with Wooyoung did that," Yeosang smiled as he looked at Yena. "If you can tolerate Wooyoung, you can tolerate anyone."

"Point," Yena laughed as she looked at Wooyoung, who was, indeed, the loudest in the room. Seonghwa truly was the mother of the group, Yena realised, as he tried to break the argument and make them settle.

Seonghwa spotted Yena, sighing as he joined the twins. "Can you like, I don't know, portal them to the desert? They ought to shut up once they find themselves there."

"That's a very nice idea," Yena actually pondered for a second. Yeosang sighed, saying he was going to get another drink because his head was finally starting to hurt due to all the noise.

"Come on, let's get out of here," Seonghwa took Yena's hand.

"It wouldn't be fair to leave them here," Yena pouted.

"We'll come back. We have all night, after all."

Yena smiled, following him to the balcony- their favourite spot to hang out, where the purple moon shone on the Pearl Sea, the sight often reminding her of the starry sky of Seonghwa's kingdom.

"How have you been? I missed you so much," Seonghwa wrapped himself around Yena in a back hug, her hands automatically going to hold his.

"We met like two days ago Seonghwa," Yena smiled.

"Are you saying you didn't miss me?" Seonghwa mumbled in her ear, burying his nose in her hair.

"Of course not," Yena teased and Seonghwa tickled her, making her laugh out loud. Seonghwa had been hearing a lot of laughing from Yena lately- and it was music to his ears.

"Are you okay these days?"

"Perfectly fine, actually," Yena said, turning around, her arms around his waist now, "Are you okay?"

Seonghwa nodded- though it hadn't been as bad for him as it had for Yena, he also had trouble sleeping with the nightmares, and Yena had made him promise to signal to her if he was having a hard time- the signal being the magic Yena had slipped through his mind as a brace a few months ago as a precaution, which now worked as a call.

It made Yena almost cry out with frustration that he would rarely use it, pretending he was okay, when he had been reliving dying in his dreams every few nights, but she couldn't exactly blame him- she, too, had resorted to his help only when it felt like she couldn't take it anymore. But it looked like Yena depending on Seonghwa when she had trouble sleeping helped him too, and they both had gotten used to sleeping with each other every other night, just laying in each other's arms knowing they wouldn't have a nightmare.

"I don't believe you," Yena shook her head, "Promise me you'll tell me if something's wrong. Or else... I won't portal to you again."

Seonghwa scoffed, making Yena laugh- they both knew she was bluffing. "I'm fine, Yena. But that doesn't mean you can skip on portaling every other night- you know I can't spend two days without seeing you."

"Gosh, you're such a softie," Yena poked his chest, smiling as Seonghwa kissed her. "Well, what can I say? I thought we wouldn't have much time to see each other, but I have the most convenient magic it seems."

"You're truly blessed to have that," Seonghwa smiled, "Thanks to you, we all can have time to relax."

"I finally love my magic," Yena laughed. "Gosh, I can't believe I once wanted to get rid of my magic."

"I know," Seonghwa nodded, "It's a love-hate relationship with magic. It's normal."

"I guess it is," Yena buried her face in his chest, listening to his heartbeat. She couldn't believe how safe she felt in his arms.

"Shall we get back inside now?" Seonghwa almost whispered, rubbing her back, "Someone's gonna come complaining any second now."

Yena smiled, "Let's wait and see who comes this time-"

"Ha, here they are, the lovebirds. Seonghwa, Hongjoong's cranky because you've been gone so long," San shook his head at the sight of the two clinging to each other and pouting because they weren't letting go.

"Ask Hongjoong to stop being a cranky-"

"That's my cue," San interrupted Yena, laughing as he walked to the two and started unwrapping their arms, "Come on now, don't be so whiny."

Seonghwa finally let go, out of breath from all the laughing, rushing to see what was up with Hongjoong while Yena stood, stomping her feet with a big pout.

"Come on, it's not like you don't see each other everyday," San shook his head.

"Every other day," Yena corrected, and San slapped her head.

"You should be seeing one of us then every day," he scolded her. "And then I'll call it fair."

"Next time I portal to your place," Yena threatened, "I'm gonna spend time with Seokmin and Mingyu and Sana and Jihyo instead of you-"

"Alright, alright, come on, let's go inside," San took her hand and the two laughed as they started to walk.

"You weren't serious though, were you?"

"Maybe I was," Yena smirked.

-------------------------------

Epilogue

"Is it possible to die because of nervousness?"

"If it was possible, I wouldn't be alive right now, Yena," Gowon shook her head. "Even when it's not me who's getting married."

"Okay, true," Yena grinned, looking at the mirror, tendrils of curled hair falling free from her hair tied in a messy bun, her cheeks flushed, "Do I look okay? Is the bun too much?"

"Gowon, don't answer that," Olivia, who was making sure Yena's nails looked okay, said, "She's gonna ask you again in a minute."

Yena glared at Olivia, "Who put Olivia in charge today, I just wanna know-"

"Calm down," Taeyong came in, laughing, "The Princes are ready, everyone's ready. Your call now."

"And where's Yeosang?"

"On his way," Taeyong patted her shoulders, looking at her in the mirror, "I'm gonna cry."

"Taeyong," Yena laughed, "Don't!"

"I am so proud right now, I'll be right back," Taeyong pretended to wipe a tear from his eye as he turned his back dramatically, spotting Jaemin, Renjun and Haechan, "And the troublemakers are here."

"Yena~!" Renjun started wailing, "I can't say I'm sad about you leaving for what- a month, Haechan?"

"Yes," Haechan confirmed, "We'll finally have the castle all to ourselves!"

Yena picked a hairbrush and sent it flying in their direction, Haechan catching it and scowling at her, "Maybe I should ask Yeosang to stay here, what do you say?"

"Oh please," Jaemin scoffed, "Like he'll agree."

"I might," Yeosang stood in the doorway, arms folded as the boys started grinning, embarrassed to have been heard, "I guess Yena wasn't joking about the change of a court..."

Jaemin gasped, a betrayed look in his eyes as he looked at Yena, who just laughed, "You did not!"

"She did not," Yeosang grinned. "But now I know it's true."

"He tricked us!" Renjun sighed, "Alright, enough of the jokes. We came to cheer you up because we knew you would be a nervous mess."

"You might want to cheer up Gowon more," Yena looked at Gowon who couldn't stop fidgeting.

"On it," Haechan said, and everyone left the room, leaving Yeosang and Yena alone.

"Have you been... crying?" Yena looked at Yeosang, who shook his head no, "Come on, your eyes are red!"

"My eyes are very itchy today," Yeosang scoffed, pretending there weren't tears surfacing again, "You look beautiful, Yena dear."

"You look pretty neat too," Yena winked, "I hope someone catches your attention tonight."

"Tonight is all about you, I won't be looking at other girls."

"Oh come on," Yena laughed, nervous now that she checked the time. "Is everything ready?"

"As ready as it can be," Yeosang said, and Yena got up, straightening the wedding dress, Yeosang taking out the crown and settling it on top of her head, "This is the last time you wear this crown as Princess Yena of Gemini. After the vows, you'll be Princess Yena of Gemini and Aries."

"Woah," Yena breathed, her hair rising at the thought.

"Our parents thought we were too 'young' to be called kings of our kingdoms, which is why we've always been princes. But Yena... I was thinking we need a change."

"Don't tell me..."

"Queen Yena of Gemini and Aries doesn't sound too bad, does it?"

"Yeosang," Yena laughed nervously, "That sounds too much!"

"We're gonna be kings and queens sooner or later, but we thought we could start with the oldest, this occasion makes sense," Yeosang wriggled his brows, making Yena bite her lips.

"I have a better idea!" Yena said, "When one of us has a child and eventually crowns them, we can be called Kings and Queens so they can be called Princes and Princesses!"

"Yena, with marriage comes kids, sooner or later, but even if you don't have kids, you should be called Kings and Queens," Yeosang rubbed her shoulders, Yena nodding. It made sense.

A knock sounded, and Haseul peeked in, grinning at Yena, "I'm ready when you're ready."

"Give us a minute," Yeosang said, hugging Yena long and tight, "I wish you all the happiness in the world as Queen to Seonghwa."

"Thank you, Yeosang," Yena rubbed his back as he shook, making her tear up as well, "Let's not ruin our makeup by crying, okay?"

Yeosang smiled, drawing back, wiping her eyes and Yena mirrored his action, "Let's go."

The two of them walked out of the room, her hand on Yeosang's arm, and Yena's bridesmaids - her court ladies- cheered, all of them dressed in light blue gowns and pearl jewellery. Haseul took the lead, falling right behind Yena, lilies and hydrangeas in everyone's hands as they walked behind the twins.

The room she left was the closest to the main garden where the wedding was hosted, and as she exited the castle building, she was glad to see that it was cloudy and not too sunny- the perfect weather, though she suspected Wooyoung might have a hand in that. Yena stood at the foot of the long path she had to walk, the male court members taking position right next to the bridesmaids, Taeyong leading them next to Haseul. Yena nodded at them, and finally looked ahead.

The monochrome theme wedding decor was Seonghwa's idea- white for Yena and black for Seonghwa- the perfect balance. White and black roses adorned the path, an occasional blue popping somewhere, thanks to Yunho who insisted blue was 'necessary'. Obviously it hadn't been because blue was also Yunho's colour.

Yena spotted Wooyoung, San, Yunho, Mingi, Hongjoong and Jongho waiting for her at the end of the altar, sliding to the sides when they were near to reveal-

Seonghwa.

Just one look and Yena was down memory lane:

"I've always wanted to take you here," Seonghwa rubbed Yena's hand.

Yena wowed as she looked around- they were at a cliff, right near the edge, the Diamond Sea glowing fiercely under them. The sky was just as starry, putting even the moon to shame.

"I can see why this is your favourite spot," Yena turned to look at Seonghwa, her breath stopping when she saw him-

On one knee.

"Kang Yena of Space," Seonghwa breathed, revealing a diamond ring, "Will you marry me?"

Yena exhaled, dropping to her knees in front of him, "I wanted to propose to you, you beat me to it! I've been planning and planning-"

"Someone had to do it first," Seonghwa grinned.

Yena took his hands in hers, "Yes. Yes, I will marry you."

Seonghwa smiled, sliding the ring on her left hand. It was exactly to her liking- a single diamond on top of a silver band. Yena admired the ring for a second before looking up at the man she loved.

"I love you."

Yena brought her hands to his face, running it through his hair once before cupping his cheeks and finally hugging him- she was overwhelmed by the way he looked at her.

"I love you more."

Yena felt like her breath had been knocked out of her- he was beautiful. His black hair were slicked back, tendrils falling rather stylishly on his forehead, and his eyes glowed as he looked at her.

Seonghwa couldn't breathe either- Yena looked like she didn't belong to this world- white really was her colour. As she walked closer and closer, her smile grew wider, especially when she met eyes with the princes, sharing a grin.

"Seonghwa," Yeosang nodded and before Yena could take a step, Seonghwa was there with his hand extended, and Yena smiled, putting her hand in his as she ascended the three steps, facing everyone once before looking back at Seonghwa and grinning- she couldn't help it.

"Someone's nervous," Seonghwa laughed.

"Rich coming from you- San told me you felt queasy the whole day."

Seonghwa only shook his head, and an elder fae of the castle smiled at the two, motioning for them to read the vows, which were poetic lines about life and death, about two souls joining and remaining till the end.

Hongjoong, who stood with the elder fae, waited with a crown made for Yena- a diamond and pearl crown, a crown for the King and the Queen. After the elder fae made them recite the vows and took his leave, Hongjoong stood in front of the two.

"I know you all would have me as a King if need be," Hongjoong said, "But I want this tradition to start with you two- the strongest union there could have been. Prince Seonghwa of Dark, and Princess Yena of Space."

The two smiled and nodded at him, before Hongjoong announced, "Prince Seonghwa of Dark, please crown your Queen, Princess Yena of Space."

Seonghwa took off the crown that Yena wore- her princess crown, and tears stung Yena's eyes as she felt the new crown settle on top of her head.

"Princess Yena of Space, please crown your King, Prince Seonghwa of Dark."

Yena smiled through the tears as she crowned Seonghwa, the crowd cheering.

"King Seonghwa of Aries and Queen Yena of Gemini, husband and wife!" Hongjoong announced, clapping as the two hugged, Yena smiling through the tears and Seonghwa drawing back to give her a kiss as everyone hooted.

The two turned and finally looked at their friends, eyes blurry with tears, everyone's faces bright with smiles and tears. Yeosang came forward, hugging Yena and Seonghwa, tears rolling down his cheeks.

"You better take care of my sister, Seonghwa."

Yena rolled her eyes, "Here it starts."

Hongjoong joined, wiping his own tears, "You better take care of Seonghwa, Yena."

"Right," Yena scoffed, "If you are done-"

"Yena!" Wooyoung and San motioned at her to come down and Yena did, the three sharing a group hug, "Congratulations on your double promotion!"

"Shut up," Yena laughed, Mingi, Yunho and Jongho joining, congratulating her.

"You like what I did there?" Yunho motioned at the blue flowers, and Yena nodded.

"Monochrome with a pop definitely looks better."

"All hail Queen Yena!" Mingi and Jongho saluted, making Yena laugh, "Here comes the King!"

Yunho crushed Seonghwa in a hug, patting his back, "You're one lucky man."

"I am," he looked at Yena, winking.

"I meant about being the first one to be crowned King-"

"Yeah, yeah," Yena poked Yunho's arm, "We know exactly what you mean."

Yunho winked at her, and Yena watched as the princes shared hugs with Seonghwa, Wooyoung saying he better not bore Yena to death, San threatening to steal Yena if they ever fought, Jongho reminding him that they were a better company to Yena than Seonghwa himself, and Mingi teasing him about how he had just signed himself to a lifetime of Yena, which meant a good amount of tolerance for occasional bad jokes.

"You all are making it sound like I committed a sin," Seonghwa laughed.

"If you ever start to regret your decision," Hongjoong teased, "You know where to come-"

Yena slapped Hongjoong's arm, making him scowl at her, "Why am I the only one getting hit here?!"

"Because they all were in my support, but you're always on Seonghwa's side," Yena pouted.

"Come on now," Hongjoong laughed, giving her a side hug, "You know who to come to if you ever have a problem with Seonghwa."

"Not you, as you've made it clear."

"I was joking!" Hongjoong shouted, Yena finally bursting into laughter.

"I know, I know I'll come to you whenever Seonghwa starts to act up- you're the only one who can put him in place," Yena side-eyed Seonghwa, who put a hand to his heart, hurt.

"I guess I'm not needed here..."

"Bye~" Yeosang waved at him, earning a chokehold from Seonghwa, and Yena spotted Cheetah.

"Yena!" Cheetah hugged her, "Congratulations, Queen."

"Thank you, I'm glad you could make it," Yena smiled, hugging her again. Cheetah had been busy with work and Yena had threatened to portal herself in the middle of the wedding to bring her here if she couldn't make it herself.

"Your friends are here too," Cheetah motioned at her childhood friends- Eun Byeol and Seungyeon, the two waving at her,

After meeting and catching up with them, Yena made time to greet everyone- all her friends were thankfully here, from all courts. Between meetings, her own court gave her a peek at the amount of gifts she had received.

"She won't even know if we take some of these gifts," Jaemin sighed out loud.

"Good luck wearing ladies shoes, Jaemin," Yena scoffed.

Yena changed into a black gown for the night, gifted to her by Seonghwa, an elegant sleek gown with net sleeves, diamond earrings to go along with it. She let her hair loose, and Seonghwa sucked in his breath when he saw her.

"Queen Yena of Dark," Seonghwa said, putting his hands on her hips and giving her a lingering kiss, her arms on his shoulders as they rocked back and forth, "I kind of want to ditch the party and make you portal back home."

"What's with you getting all romantic right before parties," Yena laughed, motioning him to come along before she could decide that his idea was better.

The party was as wild as the one they had on her coronation day, if not wilder. The two shared a dance with everyone in the hall before sharing one last dance, music and laughter loud in the hall.

Yena had to say this one was wilder- she couldn't fathom how her own court had been 'civil' during her coronation party. Jaehyun told her they all had vowed not to take a single drink for the sake of good first impressions, and Yena told him their strategy had worked.

Yena was convinced she had the wildest court- even wilder than San's court, or Yeosang's court. Her court members were full of energy, as bright as Seokmin, as they danced and laughed and cracked jokes. Yena downed another drink, smiling at the sight.

"What do you think?" Seonghwa joined her, downing one drink himself.

"Chaos, utter chaos," Yena confirmed, making him laugh.

"Wanna get some air?"

"You bet."

The couple slipped through the crowd to the balcony, and Yena took a deep breath as she looked at the sea and the city. She wouldn't be back for a month, and she would definitely miss her home.

"I'm realising I've truly been blessed with my magic," Yena laughed. "I can't imagine how we would have managed to be married and running separate kingdoms."

"I guess Yeosang would have volunteered, but yes," Seonghwa nodded, "It would have been very hard."

"I got used to portaling," Yena smiled, "It's been, what, two years since I came to my kingdom? Time flies."

"Well," Seonghwa wrapped himself around her back, "You're finally my queen."

Yena smiled as Seonghwa kissed her neck, "I really, really can't wait to go home."

"Seonghwa," Yena flushed, "Stop it."

"Are you suddenly shy?" Seonghwa teased, nibbling at her neck, Yena biting her lips because yes, she was shy, and yes, she couldn't wait to go home either.

Yena turned around, kissing him before looking at him, caressing his face. "Have I told you you're beautiful?"

"Today?" Seonghwa thought, "Only about a hundred times, yes."

Yena grinned, standing beside him, her arm wrapped around his waist and his arm resting on her shoulder. "And have I told you that I love you, Park Seonghwa?"

"Yes, my Queen," Seonghwa kissed her head, "Only a million times."

----------------------------

A/N: This marks the end of the series. Thank you for reading!

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