Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Elunara-where the ocean meets the moon
Golden light slipped through silver curtains, illuminating the chamber. The walls were washed in a soft ivory hue, rose patterns delicately embedded into the surface. Fresh roses of various colors were arranged carefully in ceramic vases, filling the room with a gentle, rosy fragrance.
Silk cushions embroidered with rose motifs were arranged neatly across a low divan near the windows. At the center of the room stood a large bed with a golden frame, silver curtains draped elegantly around it. There lay the Crown Prince of Rosalynn, ever so carefree and peaceful in his own dreamland.
Outside the chamber doors, the prince’s attendants lingered nervously. They dreaded entering the room again, having already failed twice to wake the prince.
Faint, soft footsteps echoed down the hallway, and the servants could not have been more relieved when they saw Dohoon, the crown prince’s confidant and advisor, walking toward the chamber.
Dohoon was dressed in a high-collared, ruffled satin white blouse paired with maroon trousers, further accented by a burgundy cape embroidered with golden roses and vines. A silver brooch bearing the crest of Rosalynn was pinned neatly at his chest.
The servants watched in awe as he passed, as though descending from a stairway carved from heaven itself. No matter how many times they witnessed it, they were never immune to such beauty. The maids’ faces flushed a soft pink as they bowed deeply, murmuring their good mornings, which Dohoon returned with a gentle smile.
Without knocking, Dohoon entered the crown prince’s chamber and sighed upon seeing Jihoon still fast asleep, wrapped comfortably in his dreams rather than preparing for the journey ahead.
“Your Highness, wake up,” he said gently, stepping closer to the bed. “We have a long trip to take care of today.”
The prince groaned in response, turning away without a care and drifting back into sleep.
Dohoon let out a long sigh before raising his voice.
“JIHOON! Wake up right now! Don’t make me ask the maids for a bucket of water.”
Jihoon muttered something that sounded suspiciously like a curse, but Dohoon pretended not to hear it. Instead, he firmly grabbed the prince and dragged him toward the bathing chamber.
Moments later Jihoon finally stepped out of his chambers, fully dressed. He wore a long black coat embroidered with golden roses, paired with matching trousers and a dark cape edged with gold threading. A pearl necklace rested against his chest, accentuating his golden locks and lending him a regal yet sunny appearance. Fastened at his collar was a golden brooch bearing Rosalynn’s crest, a magical golden rose adorned with pearls upon a royal red background.
Meanwhile, Dohoon ensured that every detail of their departure was in place, determined to make the journey as safe and comfortable as possible.
Jihoon walked through the long corridors toward the great hall, Dohoon following a few steps behind. The King and Queen, along with ministers and nobles, awaited their arrival.
The Queen cast a reprimanding glare toward Dohoon for bringing the prince in late.
“Late as always, Jihoon,” the King said playfully, while the Queen laughed fondly as Jihoon offered a series of random excuses. It was expected, Jihoon was their only son, loved and spoiled dearly.
“You can’t afford to be late once you reach Eirlys,” the King continued. “Dohoon, make sure to wake him on time. Drag him if you must.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Dohoon replied, bowing with practiced ease.
That day, Rosalynn was sending its crown prince northward to sign a trade treaty with Eirlys. Due to past conflicts, the two nations had spent many years locked in a cold war. Yet, through the unexpected friendship between the two kings, they had decided to extend a hand toward peace.
The King gave clear instructions regarding the treaty, and Dohoon, who bore the responsibility of drafting and Jihoon who were to present it, listened carefully.
“That is all,” the King said, patting Jihoon’s shoulder. “I hope you represent Rosalynn well.”
Then his gaze shifted to Dohoon. “As for you, there is nothing more I need to say. You have always amazed me with talents that know no bounds.”
Dohoon smiled and bowed deeply, thanking His Majesty for the kind words.
As the King departed the throne room, the Queen approached Dohoon and spoke quietly, her voice cold.
“Keep Jihoon safe, and know your boundaries.”
Dohoon’s smile faded as he bowed once more.
Moments later, the Queen embraced Jihoon, her tone warm and affectionate.
“Take care of yourself.”
They reached the harbor and boarded the magnificent ship designed exclusively for royalty. Rosalynn’s crest was displayed proudly upon its sails.
Dohoon dreaded every step he took onto the vessel.
“Gosh… why couldn’t they be a little nearer?” he muttered to himself.
“Because if they were any nearer, we would’ve already gone to war and the treaty we are signing now would be a truce treaty instead of a trade,” Jihoon replied, draping an arm over Dohoon’s shoulder.
Dohoon rolled his eyes and shoved the arm away, only for Jihoon to place it back again. The two soon devolved into playful bickering, their quiet laughter blending into the sounds of the bustling harbor.
The attendants didn’t bat an eye, continuing their work of loading the ship as if this were entirely normal.
As the ship began to move, sailing into the vast Elunara Ocean, the people of Rosalynn gathered along the docks. They waved and offered prayers for their crown prince, who was embarking on his first official mission. Pride and hope filled their hearts, for the treaty promised not only friendship between the two kingdoms, but prosperity and opportunity for generations to come.
As the ship sailed farther into the open sea, Dohoon began to feel dizzy, nausea curling unpleasantly in his stomach. Jihoon, who had been standing nearby, glanced at him and let out a knowing sigh.
“It’s starting, isn’t it?” he asked.
Dohoon nodded faintly. “Maybe you could knock me out,” he suggested weakly.
“Wow. What a brilliant idea, Lord Dohoon,” Jihoon replied, rolling his eyes dramatically. “As much as I would love to take this opportunity to land a punch on your sculpted face, I’d rather not.”
Dohoon let out a short laugh. “Sculpted face? I didn’t know Your Highness was capable of such compliments.”
He opened his mouth to say more, but his stomach twisted sharply, forcing him to turn and hurry away.
Some time later, Dohoon returned to the chamber looking noticeably worse.
“Gosh, you look awful,” Jihoon said, worry seeping into his voice.
Dohoon asked one of the maids to bring the herbs he had prepared earlier.
“What’s that?” Jihoon asked, nose scrunching in immediate disgust.
“Ginger, peppermint, and chamomile,” Dohoon replied. “It’s supposed to help with nausea.”
Despite the expression on his face suggesting he would rather die than drink it, Dohoon downed the mixture without complaint.
Jihoon watched him with thinly veiled pity. “Does it help?”
Dohoon shot him a withering look. “I just drank it. Effects take time, Jihoon.”
“I’ll be in my chamber,” Dohoon added, steadying himself. “Forgive me for not keeping you company, Your Highness.”
“Stop being dramatic and go rest,” Jihoon said firmly. “I’d rather have you sleep through the entire journey than watch you throw up your guts.”
Dohoon laughed softly, bowed, and retreated to his chamber.
After a day of sailing across the vast Elunara Ocean, Dohoon came out his chamber, pale but steadier. The moon hung low and luminous in the sky, casting silver light across the waves. On the deck stood the crown prince, gazing at the horizon as though lost in thought.
“How are you feeling now, Dohoonie?” Jihoon asked, sensing his approach without turning.
“Better,” Dohoon replied.
Together, they stood in silence, watching as the moonlight kissed the ocean’s surface, the water shimmering softly.
“Have you heard the myth of the Elunara Ocean?” Dohoon asked quietly.
Jihoon shook his head. “No. What is it?”
Dohoon’s gaze softened as he spoke.
“They say long ago there were two lovers, one born of the land, the other of the sea. A prince and a mermaid. Forbidden to be together, they were separated by fate and distance. Every night, the prince would leave the luxury of his chambers and sail a small boat across the water to meet his lover.”
Jihoon listened intently.
“But they could never meet,” Dohoon continued. “Only on nights when the moon was full would the ocean grow calm enough for the mermaid to rise to the surface. When moonlight meets the sea just right, the lovers are reunited, for a brief moment, before dawn steals them apart again.”
He paused, voice quieter.
“It’s said the prince spent the last moments of his life waiting under the moonlight, hoping for one final meeting.”
After a moment, Dohoon went on.
“Because of this, couples still come to Elunara. If they are fortunate enough to witness the full moon, they make their vows and cast flowers into the water. It’s believed that if the ocean accepts them, their love will endure distance, duty, and time.”
Jihoon smiled faintly. “That’s… oddly romantic.”
“Of course it is. The world is full of wonders. That’s why I always tell you to read more,” Dohoon replied.
Jihoon mimicked his tone repeatedly, earning an irritated glare, and a light smack on the head.
After a few more playful exchanges, they fell into a comfortable silence. Together, they watched the moon reflected in the sea.