New Year

As the last customer left the shop, Minseok stretched, feeling the familiar ache in his muscles from a long day of work. 

The shop was quiet now, with only the soft flickering of candlelight illuminating the shelves of remedies and bandages. 

He looked over at Elira, who was packing up the last few supplies.

"Well, I guess that's a wrap for today," he said, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

Elira grinned, wiping her hands on her apron. 

"We make a pretty good team, don't we?"

Minseok chuckled. 

"I'd say so. I'll give you credit for making this day go by so fast with your jokes, it also felt nice that you kept giving me complaints"

She winked. 

"That's because you're doing great, Your Highness. But before we head home, there's something we still need to discuss"

Minseok raised an eyebrow. 

"And what's that?"

"The New Year festival!" 

Elira's grin widened, "You're going with me, and we're going to have a blast"

I already have plans to go dress shopping, and you need to pick out something to wear"

Minseok hesitated. 

"You're really insisting on this, huh?"

Elira crossed her arms, her posture casual but determined. 

"Of course. It'll be fun, trust me. You're not getting out of this one"

He sighed dramatically, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. 

"Alright, alright. I'll go with you"

Elira clapped her hands together. 

"Perfect! You'll see, it's going to be the best time. I'll meet you at my house in an hour, we'll grab a dress for you, and then we'll talk strategy for the festival"

An Hour Later

Minseok stood at the door of Elira's home, hesitating for a moment before he knocked. 

He had never really been one for these kinds of social events, and the thought of wearing an elaborate dress made him feel like a fish out of water. 

Still, Elira had made it clear this was important and, in a way, he knew it could help him with his larger goal of changing Seraphina's fate.

The door opened, and Elira greeted him with an enthusiastic smile. 

"Come in! I've already got a few dresses laid out for you to try on"

Minseok stepped inside, his eyes immediately taking in the spacious and beautifully decorated room. 

Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and the faint scent of lavender filled the air. 

Elira led him toward a small alcove where a variety of dresses were hanging.

"I know you're not exactly excited about this, but I promise I'll make it painless," Elira teased. 

"Pick one, and we'll get you looking like a queen"

Minseok sighed but couldn't suppress a small smile. 

"I'm trusting you to make me look decent"

Elira laughed. 

"Oh, don't worry. You'll look amazing"

She pulled a dress off the rack, a soft, flowing gown of pale blue with intricate silver embroidery that sparkled faintly in the candlelight. 

It was elegant but simple enough to match Minseok's personality. 

"This one, I think," she said, holding it up. 

"It'll be perfect for you"

Minseok examined the dress. 

"It's... beautiful"

"I knew you'd like it. Try it on, Your Highness," Elira urged her tone light and teasing.

Minseok groaned, knowing there was no getting out of it. 

"Alright, I'll try it on"

Elira led him to a nearby changing room, and a few moments later, Minseok emerged in the dress, the soft fabric flowing around him as he stepped into the main room. 

He felt a little awkward, but Elira's approving look eased his discomfort.

"Well?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. 

"Do you think it suits you?"

Minseok hesitated before nodding. 

"I have to admit, it's... comfortable. I thought I'd feel ridiculous, but this isn't so bad"

Elira clapped her hands in delight. 

"See? I told you! You look stunning"

Minseok smirked, the weight of the situation momentarily forgotten. 

"Alright, now that I'm dressed for the part, what's the next step?"

Elira's eyes sparkled with excitement. 

"Now, we prepare for the New Year festival"

"We're going to make sure the nobility sees you as someone they can trust. It's all about making an impression, Your Highness"

Minseok sighed, his earlier doubts creeping back in. 

But this wasn't about him, it was about changing Seraphina's fate, about taking control of the future that had been laid out for her.

'I guess I can keep up my act a bit longer'

"Let's do it," he said, his voice firm.

Elira grinned. 

"That's the spirit. We've got this, Seraphina!"

As the two of them made plans for the festival, Minseok couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a simple event. 

'Father must be planning something… it's not like the old man to let me do what I want for this long…'

But with Elira by his side, he felt a little less uncertain, and he looked forward to what was to come.

Minseok stared at his reflection in the mirror, adjusting the pale blue gown that had been carefully chosen for him. 

He let out a dramatic sigh, running a hand down the soft fabric. 

"Okay, I admit it. I might like this," he said with a wry grin, turning to Elira. 

"Who knew wearing a dress could be this comfortable? I think I've found my new look"

Elira raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. 

"Are you seriously telling me that you've become comfortable in that thing already?"

"I'm telling you," Minseok replied with a smug smile.

"I feel like I could strut down the royal halls and no one would bat an eye. It's like wearing pajamas, but make it fashionable"

Elira laughed, crossing her arms. 

"I think that's the first time I've heard someone call a dress comfortable. But hey, if you want to start a new trend, I won't stop you"

Minseok struck a mock pose, twirling dramatically in the gown. 

"It's not just a trend, Elira. This is the future of royal fashion. I'm basically starting a movement"

"Right, the Princess Fashion Revolution," she teased. 

"I'm sure the kingdom will be thrilled"

Minseok chuckled and adjusted the bodice once more. 

"Well, maybe not, but who knows? Maybe the next time I need to run, I'll be wearing something this breezy"

Elira grinned, clearly amused by how easily he moved in that dress, like a fairy dancing on the petals of a flower. 

"Just try not to trip and fall in front of everyone tonight. That would be a great start"

"Don't worry, I've mastered the graceful stumble," Minseok said with a wink. 

"If I fall, I'll just get up and pretend I was showcasing my 'delicate royal poise'"

"Sure, that'll work," Elira said with a smirk. 

"Just make sure you don't do it in front of the king. He might take it as a sign of weakness"

Minseok groaned. 

"Don't remind me. I'm already dreading the royal court"

"You'll be fine," Elira reassured him, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. 

"You're Seraphina Lumastra. You've got this. And if nothing else, you look great in that dress"

Minseok shot her a playful look. 

"If this whole 'royalty' thing doesn't work out, I could always open a dress shop. I'll call it 'Seraphina's Secrets' for all your royal fashion needs"

Elira laughed. 

"You're going to be a fool tonight, right?"

"Hey, at least I'll be the most stylish," Minseok said with a grin, smoothing the gown once more. 

"Alright, alright. Let's get this show on the road. Time to charm the kingdom with my fashion-forward self"

Just as he was about to step out, there was a light knock at the door. 

"Mia?" 

Elira called.

The door opened, and Mia, one of the maids, peeked inside. 

"Your Highness, the carriage is ready. The other guests are already beginning to arrive at the New Year's celebration"

Minseok gave a smile and a nod. 

"Thank you, Mia. We'll be out in just a moment"

Mia nodded and quickly exited, closing the door softly behind her.

"Well, I guess that's our cue," Minseok said, giving Elira a dramatic glance. 

"Let's go show the kingdom that even a princess has her set of teeth"

Elira chuckled, walking over to him and playfully tugging on the dress sleeve. 

"You're going to have to live up to this, you know. No backing out now"

With one last look at his reflection, Minseok straightened up, forcing himself into the confident posture of a princess. 

"Let's do this"

1 Hour Later

Minseok took a deep breath as he stepped out of the carriage and onto the grand palace grounds. 

The night air was cool, the sounds of the festivities spilling out from within the palace walls. 

Something was overwhelming about it all, the shimmering gowns, the ornate decorations, the soft hum of conversations from nobles and guests alike. 

He could feel the eyes of the kingdom on him, but he had learned to tune it out. 

He was here to make sure things turned out differently for Seraphina because he promised her that things would change.

"Ready?" 

Elira asked, glancing over her shoulder at him.

Minseok straightened up, pulling his shoulders back and offering her a confident smile. 

"Ready as I'll ever be"

They walked side by side toward the entrance, with Elira leading the way, effortlessly greeting the familiar faces around them. 

She didn't pay much attention to the formalities of it all, and Minseok appreciated that. 

For once, someone treated him like... well, him. 

Not the princess, not royalty. 

Just a person.

"I still don't get how you're so calm about all this," Minseok muttered, nudging her lightly with his elbow. 

"Have you been to these kinds of events before?"

Elira flashed him a playful smile. 

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. I promise it's just a bunch of people pretending to be more important than they are"

Minseok chuckled at that, nodding along. 

"Right, right. All just for show"

The two of them continued, mingling with the crowd as Elira worked her way through a few quick introductions and polite conversations. 

Minseok nodded along, offering a greeting here and there but mostly staying in the background, blending into the sea of nobility. 

He wasn't sure what he had expected from tonight, but it certainly wasn't this. 

The music, the chatter, it felt like a dream. 

A dream where everyone expected him to be something he didn't quite know how to be. 

Elira was busy chatting with a few familiar faces when one of the palace attendants came over to them. 

The servant gave a brief bow before speaking, "Your Highness, the King is expecting you shortly in the main hall"

Minseok nodded, keeping his face neutral, as the servant stepped away to deliver the message. 

His stomach twisted slightly at the mention of his father. 

He knew at some point that the old man would call for him, but this was rather quick.

But Minseok had a job to do now, and that meant dealing with whatever came his way.

"Shall I go say hello to my dear old Dad?" 

Minseok said lightly to Elira, trying to keep his tone light despite the edge of unease in his chest.

Elira rolled her eyes but smiled. 

"You make it sound like you have to hug him. It'll be fine. He'll probably be too busy with all his guests to care"

"Lucky me," Minseok muttered as they walked toward the main hall.

As they entered, the grandeur of the room was impossible to ignore. 

The walls were adorned with rich tapestries, golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and guests mingled beneath them. 

His eyes caught sight of the King in the distance, talking to a group of foreign diplomats. 

The sight of him made Minseok's heartbeat a little faster, but he pushed that feeling aside. 

He was here for a reason, he had a job to do, even if it meant spending an evening with the very man who had indirectly set Seraphina on her tragic path. 

He wasn't going to let that distract him. 

"You're already getting the attention of half the room," Elira commented with a smirk as Minseok scanned the crowd. 

"Try not to make too much of a scene"

Minseok glanced down at his gown and grinned. 

"With this dress? Impossible"

Before Elira could reply, the King's gaze landed on them from across the room. 

Minseok straightened up, keeping his expression as neutral as possible as Elira led him forward.

"Seraphina," King Feran said as they approached, his voice formal and cold. 

"You made it. I trust you're enjoying the evening so far?"

Minseok offered a polite nod. 

"Yes, Father. It's a beautiful event" 

He could feel the weight of his words, each one calculated, careful.

The King gave a curt nod, his eyes scanning the room. 

"Good. Be sure to mingle with the guests. You know how important tonight is. I expect you to make a good impression"

Minseok simply nodded again, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.

 It wasn't like he could do much about his treatment. 

But that wasn't something Minseok would dwell on. 

He had bigger things to focus on.

Elira leaned toward Minseok once they were out of earshot. 

"Well, that was charming"

Minseok grinned, trying to keep his tone light. 

"Just what I needed to hear to get the party started. 'Make a good impression.' Oh, sure, no pressure"

"Well, now that you've survived him, want to get something to drink?" 

Elira suggested, already leading him toward the drink table.

Minseok laughed, though there was a trace of bitterness in his tone. 

"I could use something stronger than whatever's in those glasses"

"I'm sure you could," she replied with a playful wink. 

"But maybe just a little wine for now. You have to save room for all the other fun tonight, right?"

Minseok's eyes scanned the crowd again. 

"Right. The 'fun.' I'm sure it's just waiting for me"

As they grabbed their drinks, Elira chatted away with a few other nobles, while Minseok kept drinking.

He leaned against the table, swirling the drink in his glass as his eyes briefly landed on his father. 

The King stood with a group of his closest advisors, their conversations low but no doubt strategic. 

The man had his own agenda, and Minseok could see the glint in his eyes whenever he looked at his daughter, his political tool, the perfect pawn. 

Minseok sighed and downed the last of his drink.

Then, a sudden silence filled the hall. 

A magic orb, glowing with a faint ethereal light, hummed to life at the far end of the room, drawing the attention of everyone present. 

Minseok instinctively straightened up, as he knew what was coming. 

The King's booming voice soon followed, and the room fell into an expectant hush.

"First, I'd like to thank all of my guests who have come from afar, to join us on this lovely night, the night of a new year and of a new motion!" 

The King's voice rang through the hall, resonating with authority.

Minseok stifled a groan, though he was well aware of what was coming. 

His father was about to give another one of his speeches, this time, most likely about his beloved crown princess. 

Minseok couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Tonight marks not only the beginning of a new year but the beginning of great changes for the Kingdom of Lumastra," the King continued, his voice full of exaggerated warmth. 

"As you all know, my daughter, the crown princess, has been making waves across the kingdom. She has proven herself to be more than just a figurehead, she's been instrumental in our victories in the war against the Kingdom of Veldrin"

Minseok froze, his grip on his glass tightening. 

'Great, he's pulling this bullshit again'

The King gave a brief, calculated pause as his eyes scanned the room. 

"It was the crown princess's brilliant strategy that turned the tide of the war"

"She planned out key attacks that decimated the enemy's forces and saved the lives of countless soldiers"

"Her courage in the face of danger is unparalleled. You've all heard the stories"

Minseok felt the weight of those words more than he'd like to admit. 

He had been there, a part of those strategies, those battles, but that wasn't the whole story. 

The rest of the kingdom didn't know about his quiet efforts, his healing, his medical skills, or how he'd saved soldiers with his knowledge of medicine. 

He had been able to patch them up, but no one knew how much effort it took. 

The King continued, oblivious to Minseok's thoughts. 

"And as if that weren't enough, the crown princess has even opened a shop that provides essential medicines and healing supplies to the people"

"A small yet vital contribution to our great kingdom" 

His eyes flicked to Minseok then, as if the words were a warning.

Minseok didn't flinch. 

He could feel the undercurrent of the King's gaze, this was not a praise, but a veiled threat. 

The King knew about the shop. 

He knew about the secret dealings Minseok had, the fact that he'd been selling medicine on the side, ensuring that the people who had been left behind during the war could still be taken care of. 

But he wouldn't say anything.

For now.

"And of course," the King's voice rang again, louder this time, "we must consider the future of our kingdom"

"As much as my dear daughter has accomplished, it is now time to secure an alliance with another powerful kingdom"

"And what better way to ensure our future prosperity than by marrying the crown princess to a respected noble?"

Minseok froze, the wine in his hand suddenly feeling too heavy. 

He glanced at Elira, who seemed to have caught onto the shift in tone, her eyebrows lifting slightly. 

She was watching him carefully, but Minseok could already tell that everyone else had their eyes on him. 

The King turned toward Minseok with a tight smile. 

"The crown princess will, of course, be wed to a noble from the Kingdom of Feran"

"An alliance with them will strengthen our rule and provide much-needed stability for our people"

The room fell into a murmur of approval, but Minseok's mind was spinning. 

'Marriage? To a foreign noble?'

It didn't surprise him, not really. 

The King saw his daughter as a tool, nothing more than an object to secure alliances and power. 

But Minseok wasn't sure what was worse, the fact that he knew this, or that it would be expected of him to just accept it.

"Your Highness," a noblewoman spoke up from the crowd, "the union is a brilliant idea. The prosperity of our kingdom is in your hands"

Minseok couldn't stop himself. 

"I'm sorry, I don't recall being consulted about this"

The room quieted, the weight of Minseok's blunt words sinking in. 

Elira's gaze darted to him, trying to suppress a smile as the King's face twitched with irritation. 

"I understand this may be difficult, my dear," the King said, his tone suddenly icy. 

"But as crown princess, this is your duty. Your personal feelings are secondary"

'Yeah no fuck that you old sack of–'

Minseok barely contained his grimace. 

"I reject it"

The room stilled again, this time in shock. 

The King's eyes narrowed, but Minseok stood his ground, his voice unwavering. 

"I will not marry for political gain. Not now, not ever" 

Minseok looked directly at the King, his tone calm but firm. 

"I have my own path to follow"

The silence that followed was thick, the tension palpable. 

The King's gaze darkened, but the moment passed quickly, his lips twisting into a tight smile.

"As you wish, my daughter," he said, his voice tight with unspoken fury. 

"But remember, this is the path you choose. There are always consequences for defying the crown"

Minseok held his ground, even as the whispers swirled around him. 

He had already made up his mind, he would not marry for politics. 

He had bigger plans.

As the King turned away, Minseok took another drink, trying to silence the buzzing thoughts in his head. 

'One step at a time'

'Just one step at a time'

Elira appeared at his side once more, her eyes still glinting with that mischievous spark. 

"Well, that was certainly dramatic"

Minseok let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head. 

"If only they knew half the story, Elira"

She gave him a sideways glance, but the playful glint never left her eyes. 

"Something tells me, Your Highness, that you're a lot more than what they think"

Minseok looked over at her and smiled faintly. 

"Let's keep it that way"

4 Hours Later

The cool night air on the balcony was a welcome relief after the heat and noise inside the ballroom. 

Minseok leaned against the stone railing, staring out at the twinkling lights of the kingdom below. 

For a moment, he could almost forget the responsibilities pressing down on him, the expectations that weighed heavily on his shoulders.

"Taking a break from the chaos?" 

Argi's voice cut through his thoughts. 

Minseok turned to see her standing beside him, her blonde hair moving with the breeze, her blue eyes catching the moonlight.

"Something like that," Minseok replied with a faint smile. 

His hands rested on the cool stone as he leaned forward, looking out at the city, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Argi stepped beside him, casually leaning against the railing. 

"You look like you're thinking about something. What's on your mind?"

Minseok chuckled softly, though it lacked the usual humor. 

"Oh, you know, just the usual. Keeping up appearances. The princess life isn't exactly a walk in the park"

Argi raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. 

"I'm sure it's a lot to deal with, especially with all your recent... achievements," she said, her tone light. 

"Helped in the war, starting your shop, I'm sure there's a lot on your plate"

Minseok's lips curved upward at the mention of the shop. 

"Yeah, that's been keeping me busy. A bit more than I anticipated" 

He let out a small sigh, running a hand through his long platinum-blonde hair, undoing it and letting it flow with the wind. 

"But it's for a good cause, I guess. People need it"

Argi smiled knowingly. 

"Of course. I've been glad to help with supplies whenever I can. You're doing good work, even if no one knows the half of it"

"Yeah, it's better that way," Minseok agreed, though his voice was tinged with something a little darker. 

"The fewer people know that a princess is behind it all, the better"

Argi gave him a side-eye but said nothing further. 

She knew that some things were meant to stay private, and with Minseok, she sensed there was more beneath the surface than he let on.

A brief silence passed between them, the sounds of the celebrations inside the palace faint in the background. 

Minseok glanced at Argi and saw the concern in her eyes. 

Despite his best efforts, she could always tell when something was off.

"You're not saying much tonight," she said softly. 

"Everything okay, Princess?"

Minseok nodded, forcing a smile. 

"Yeah, it's just… sometimes it gets overwhelming. People expect so much. I can't help but feel like I'm playing a role I didn't ask for"

Argi gave him a sympathetic look. 

"I get it. But you're doing well. You're helping people, and that's what matters, even if it doesn't always feel that way"

Minseok met her gaze, his smile flickering as he fought to keep his composure. 

"I'll keep doing what I can. But that's all I can do, really"

Argi didn't press him further, instead offering a small smile. 

"Well, you've got at least three people who believe in what you're doing. And I as one, will always have your back, no matter what"

"Thanks, Argi," he said, the weight of his words carrying more than he intended. 

"It means a lot"

Argi just gave him a knowing smile, her gaze softening. 

"You don't need to thank me. Just do what you do best"

Minseok turned back toward the view, letting the sounds of the celebration inside wash over him. 

He wasn't sure what the future held, but for now, he was determined to keep moving forward, even if it meant carrying the burden alone.

A breeze fluttered through, and Minseok brushed a strand of blonde hair from Argi's face, the action feeling almost too natural. 

He looked at her for a moment, his expression lightening.

As the fireworks went off, illuminating the sky as well as their faces, Argi could see his genuine smile, the care and love in his eyes.

She mumbled something he couldn't make out but let out a small chuckle nonetheless.

"Thank you but don't worry"

"After all, I am Seraphina Lumastra"

Argi smiled, the tension in the air dissipating as they stood side by side, a quiet understanding passing between them. 

No matter what challenges lay ahead, Minseok knew this was merely the beginning of something far bigger.