Chapter Text
Many seasons ago, in a town in Vordia,
A woman in dark green gracefully walked through the halls of the town's main building, passing through the many soldiers and guards, all on alert in case something goes wrong in the room at the end of the hall. The men all gave the woman questioning looks; considering the urgency of the situation, her being this calm annoyed the onlookers. She looked like walking down the hall to go to maybe one of the most important meetings of the decade was a mere chore to her. After walking at a dreadfully slow pace, the woman finally reached the door at the end of the hall. Her guards immediately opened the door for her, and she, again gracefully, entered the room. Despite having countless armed men from different nations filling the area, the hall remained awfully quiet, all paying attention to any possible sound that might come behind the big thick doors of the room.
"Firstly," the woman addressed the room, her voice carrying a refined tone as she gracefully settled into her chair at the table. "I extend my gratitude to each one of you for accepting my invitation. I do wish the circumstances allowed for a more favorable gathering." A subtle chorus of murmurs rippled around the table, with everyone reciprocating the sentiments, though none found it necessary to vocalize their replies. The meeting's primary focus demanded their full attention, leaving no room for pleasantries.
"I hope everyone is enjoying their stay," the woman continued, reaching for the tea that was prepared in front of her.
"Lady Yeongja," a man in a dark, navy uniform, covered in wolf fur, speaks firmly from her left. "I am sure we all did. However, it is best we start talking about what we came here to talk about." All the men on the left, dressed in similar attire, muttered and nodded agreeingly.
"Yes, Lord Kyubok," a man on the right retorted with an assertive tone. Unlike the other man, he was dressed in dark red attire. "Our purpose here is to address the issue of unauthorized hunting in our seas, which has left us with depleted resources." The men in red on his side vigorously concurred with their leader.
"King Kyubok," King Kyubok interjected, correcting the other man's reference before proceeding. "The region you are referring to lies in the southern waters of the Hiems Sea. As we have emphasized on numerous occasions, it falls within the maritime boundaries of our nation, King Haoran."
As the men in navy showed agreement with King Kyubok's statement, their counterparts in dark red vehemently protested from the opposite end of the table.
"Then we should consider hunting in the Niteo Mountains, as they lie to the north of our borders." One of the red-dressed commanders exclaimed. While his proposal garnered strong support from his compatriots, the opposite side of the table erupted in vehement protest.
The debate grew increasingly heated on both sides, making it challenging for Lady Yeongja to discern the conversation's nuances. She finished her tea with one final sip and then raised her right hand, prompting both factions to halt their arguments out of respect for her.
"The Great Hiems Kingdom stands as a formidable force in the realm, a nation with whom no one wishes to be at odds. They possess abundant resources and boast one of the world's largest and mightiest armies," she began, her tone composed and measured. These words had a pacifying effect on the men dresses in navy uniforms, coaxing them to return to their seats on the left side of the table at a more sedate pace.
"On the other hand," she continued, her graceful smile returning, "the Solidus Kingdom exudes strength and power in equal measure, rendering them a coveted ally for any kingdom worldwide." Her words had a similar soothing influence on the men dressed in red, prompting them to reoccupy their seats on her right with a newfound tranquility.
"Both nations informed me a couple of weeks ago of their intent to declare war on one another," she disclosed, prompting both sides to exchange shocked glances, as if they had not been engaged in the very same endeavor. "Now, I have full confidence in the intelligence of everyone present," she continued, "and I am certain you all recognize that such a course of action would be far from wise for all three nations, including my own."
Lady Yeongja briefly halted her speech, her perceptive gaze scanning the room to gauge the demeanor of the two monarchs and their retinue of influential commanders. With a graceful gesture, she signaled to one of the butlers, silently requesting a tea refill.
"I appreciate your concerns, Lady Yeongja," King Haoran replied, his tone now calm yet resolute. "However, we cannot simply disregard Hiems' incursions into our waters, despite the numerous warnings we have issued."
Lady Yeongja savored a sip of her freshly poured tea as King Kyubok presented his perspective. "King Haoran remains resolute in his refusal to accept that we were merely hunting within our own waters," he asserted, his tone tinged with frustration. "Moreover, they have threatened our fishermen and even sank one of our boats! Such actions are utterly unacceptable!"
The clamor of arguments began to swell from both sides of the table, prompting Lady Yeongja to raise her hand once more.
"I understand the concerns voiced by both parties," she began, maintaining her air of impartiality. "Yet, I also recognize the far-reaching consequences of this potential war—a conflict that would exact a toll in terms of thousands of lives and a vast depletion of resources." Her gaze shifted between the two kings before she took another sip of tea. "However, I am not here to request compromise." Her statement hung in the air, intriguing both sides as they eagerly awaited her next words.
"I'm proposing a contract, one that leaves no room for betrayal," she asserted firmly. Her words landed in the room with a weightiness that prompted low murmurs from those gathered around the table. However, this time, the discussions were held in hushed tones as everyone engaged in quiet conversations with their neighbors, all striving to fathom the implications of Lady Yeongja's audacious proposal.
Lady Yeongja carried on with her speech, noting the absence of immediate rejection from either side.
"As I mentioned earlier," she reiterated, "both of your nations stand as bastions of strength. Now, consider the formidable force that could emerge from your union."
Her words stoked the ire of both sides, leading to several commanders rising from their seats in anger, which, in turn, set off alarms among Lady Yeongja's vigilant guards.
"Do I understand your proposal correctly, Lady Yeongja?" King Kyubok queried, his expression conveying a profound sense of surprise. "Are you suggesting that we unite our nations?"
Lady Yeongja chuckled briefly before regaining her composure. "No, my Moons!" Her response left the room in a state of heightened intrigue. What else could this lady possibly have in mind? "I am indeed proposing a form of unification, but not of our nations. Instead, I speak of a union of families."
King Haoran appeared taken aback. "My son Kun is already promised in a betrothal," he stated matter-of-factly. "Furthermore, even if he were not, King Kyubok lacks an heir of suitable age." It was the first time during the evening that a consensus resonated among those seated around the table.
Lady Yeongja smiled with an air of knowingness. "Actually," she began, "I had in mind your second-born, King Haoran. If I recall correctly, he is of similar age to King Kyubok's son." Her gaze shifted toward King Kyubok, seeking any sign of reaction, yet the King's countenance remained inscrutable. It appeared he was immersed in deep contemplation.
"If King Haoran is amenable to this arrangement, it would indeed be a fitting proposal from our perspective," he responded, ultimately breaking the silence. His words took everyone in the room by surprise, including Lady Yeongja, the very architect of the betrothal suggestion.
It was now King Haoran's turn to respond to this extraordinary proposition.
Some seasons ago, Solisia, the capital city of the Solidus Kingdom
The young prince dashed through the palace corridors, his swift stride causing a few maids to jump in surprise and drawing stern glares from some of the guards. Yet, he showed no signs of pausing or even slowing his pace. In the radiant palace, such occurrences had become something of a routine. He only slowed down when he sees his friend Donghyuck, although he is advised by many people to not call him his friend for various reasons, he gives him a big mocking smile. Donghyuck is not surprised to see him at all.
"Are you here for another duel? We have already dueled twice today. I am tired. Go away." Donghyuck retorted, maintaining the same informal tone that he was advised against using with the prince.
Donghyuck, the son of the head commander of the state who was regarded as the king's right-hand man, was born in the palace approximately two-four seasons before the prince. Although they were almost raised as brothers, a clear distinction persisted between the prince and him. Both young men had been cautioned repeatedly not to blur the boundaries, yet more often than not, they disregarded such formalities, reserving them for public and formal occasions.
"No," the prince responded. "I just need to pass the time, waiting for... well, you know." He shifted his gaze away from his friend, anticipating the reaction he was about to receive.
"Oh!" Donghyuck exclaimed, his tone exaggerated. "This month's letter from your betrothed!" He added a playful touch by puckering his lips and mimicking kissing sounds, springing up from his previous seat and gesturing with both hands as if blowing kisses into the air.
The prince could not help but roll his eyes at his friend's dramatic response. It was true that he was still quite young, Moons he did not even presented yet, and still he already had a betrothed. The peculiar thing was that he had been aware of his betrothal for as long as he could remember. Most of the time, it was the topic people would discuss with him. Just a year ago, he had begun intensive lessons on their culture, economy, resources, traditions, and more. He needed to grasp every facet of their world before he reached maturity, before he had to leave his home, family and everything he knew behind.
He had been betrothed to another prince when he was about nine years old. However, the two had only started writing to each other about four moons ago. So, this exchange of letters was still relatively fresh, and it had quickly become the primary source of entertainment for both Donghyuck and the prince, especially considering their almost daily—according to Donghyuck, it was bordering hourly—duels.
"Cut it out!" he exclaimed, although deep down, he understood he could not really halt Donghyuck's playful antics. In truth, he was not genuinely annoyed by the situation, despite feeling a bit embarrassed. It was oddly refreshing to discuss his betrothed without others fretting over his future.
To their credit, people had been making an effort to conceal their reactions when they learn about his betrothal. They attempt to hide their gasps, avert their gazes, or put on forced smiles while uttering a few polite words. Nevertheless, the prince couldn't help but overhear the whispered conversations and hushed comments that circulated behind his back.
"To those savages? What a pity for His Highness; his life is practically over before it's even begun!"
Chenle had never been to the Hiems Kingdom but he had heard all about it.
Rumors whispered through the corridors of power, painting a chilling portrait of the Hiems Kingdom. Nestled deep in the heart of a frozen realm, Hiems was a land shrouded in mystery, with tales of its icy grip sending shivers down spines. Stark and unforgiving, the kingdom was said to be carved from the very glaciers that surrounded it, its castles looming like forbidding monoliths, their dark, stone walls bearing silent witness to centuries of harsh rule. The Hiems people, so the rumors claimed, adhered to ancient traditions veiled in secrecy, rituals designed to test the mettle of outsiders. Their isolation, born of treacherous mountains and a hostile wilderness, created an aura of impenetrability, leaving the world outside to wonder about the enigmatic culture that thrived within. Stories spoke of stern rulers, their hearts as cold as the land they governed, and a society where strength reigned supreme. For the Prince, these whispered tales transformed the Hiems Kingdom into an intimidating enigma, an uncertain destiny awaiting him beyond the horizon.
Compared to everyone else, Donghyuck was a breath of fresh air. He didn't burden him with unnecessary questions or shower him with pity regarding his future; such matters simply didn't concern Donghyuck. While he was lost in his thoughts, he noticed his maid approaching with a black envelope in hand. In Solidus, all letters were typically enclosed in light-colored envelopes and papers. However, Hiems had a distinct custom of using black paper and white ink. He couldn't help but recall the first time he had received a black envelope and how everyone around him had whispered disapprovingly, attributing it to a lack of manners and deeming it wicked. The use of black paper was seen as a mark of savagery, especially when coming from a young prince. He remembers hearing whispers around him about the young prince of Hiems. "So young, but still as tarnished."
The prince found the white ink on black paper rather intriguing. In Solidus, black paper was considered a bad omen and thus quite scarce, making his letters truly unique throughout the entire country. The young prince quite enjoyed the idea of their rarity.
However, the letters were disappointingly bland. The other prince never wrote more than five lines at a time, and the contents of the letters were devoid of any personal details. There were no inquiries about his life, nor any mention of their shared situation. The Solidus prince could understand that the other prince might not be particularly interested in him or their impending union, but this was their fate, and it was unfolding whether the other wanted it or not. Thus, he believed it was a matter of common courtesy to at least pretend to be interested in their betrothal.
"Dear Highness,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I am doing good, thank you.
I wish you a good summer as always.
Please let me know if anything happens.
Prince of the Great Hiems Kingdom"
The Solidian Prince remained largely in the dark about the enigmatic Prince from Hiems. Their interactions had been limited to a mere handful of letters, each one dripping with a chilling aloofness that left a distinct impression of disinterest. Yet, this frigid reception should have come as no shock to the Solidian Prince, given the numerous warnings he had received about the people of Hiems and his future spouse.
Rumors and teachings alike painted a vivid portrait of Hiems and its inhabitants. The citizens of this frigid kingdom were often described as rugged and fierce, their very essence shaped by the relentless and unforgiving landscape that surrounded them. In a realm where snow and ice held perpetual dominion, they had adapted to the bone-chilling cold, forging a reputation for hardiness and resilience. However, this resilience had given rise to a certain sternness of character. Whispers held that the people of Hiems were as unyielding as the frozen tundra they inhabited, marked by stoicism and an uncanny ability to endure extreme conditions without so much as a murmur of complaint. Their loyalty to their rulers was unwavering, bordering on the fanatical, with dissent a perilous endeavor rarely tolerated in the kingdom's unforgiving embrace.
This letter was not anymore different than the ones before but still the young prince found himself reading those four lines repeatedly, as if hoping to extract some hidden emotions from them. He tried to envision the other person sitting down to write those words, attempting to grasp any underlying sentiments within the sentences, desperately searching for... something more.
"Wow," Donghyuck remarked, his eyes scanning the letter he had just read over the prince's shoulder. "His handwriting is rather illegible." Donghyuck wisely refrained from commenting on the letter's content, knowing it clearly bothered the younger prince. Furthermore, he anticipated the countless questions that would inevitably follow these four lines, as if the young prince possessed all the answers.
The young prince simply shrugged his shoulders, slipping the letter back into its envelope and handing it to his maid. He knew that, like the letters that had arrived before it, this one would undergo thorough inspection by the palace officials, even though it contained very little of substance. It would be read aloud to the King and Queen, and eventually, it would find its place among the others in his study.
"Are you ready to get your ass kicked?" the young prince teased. Donghyuck rolled his eyes but replied with a similar grin.
"Are you prepared to have your royal ass handed to you? I'll be imparting some of my rare skills to your highness!"
Few seasons ago, Solisia, Solidus Kingdom
It was almost a certainty, and hardly a surprise to anyone. Both the King, the Queen, and the Crown Prince were alphas, so it was only logical to assume that the young prince would be one as well. He had been raised as an alpha, exhibited all the traits of one, and felt like one. The young prince excelled in sword fighting, was a master archer, the best in the country, and skilled in hunting. His outgoing and charming personality further reinforced the expectation that he would present as an alpha, especially given his family's history.
As his 18th birthday drew nearer, there was a noticeable increase in activity within the castle. Typically, individuals presented around their 18th birthday, marking the moment they claimed their secondary gender. It was akin to a second birthday, a life-altering event for most, though not quite as significant for the young prince.
In their society, secondary genders played a significant role in shaping their futures. It determined who they would marry, the type of work they'd undertake, and more. Alphas typically gravitated toward more active roles like hunters and warriors, while many omegas favored less physically demanding jobs such as cooking and caregiving. Betas occupied a middle ground between the two. These defining boundaries were once much stricter in the past. However, with the Revolution, the lines became increasingly blurred, and specific laws dictating what each secondary gender could or could not do were abolished.
For the young prince, though, his future had been as clear as crystal from the moment he was born, and it became even more unmistakable when he was betrothed. Regardless of what secondary gender he presented as -even though he knew he would be an alpha- his destiny had been predetermined. He was to marry the prince of Hiems, relocate to Hiems, and quite possibly spend the rest of his life there, ruling the nation alongside his husband until their final days.
When he contemplated his life in this manner, he felt suffocated, as if he were being pulled under by an inevitable current, having little say or control over his own destiny – a feeling that was, to some extent, accurate. However, he wasn't ready to fully embrace it just yet.
For most people, their 18th birthday signifies a second birth, but for the young prince, it's merely a countdown to the time he must depart his homeland. His father, the King, has reminded him several times that he's to leave the country for his forever home on his 20th birthday.
When he awakens in the dead of night, consumed by a searing fever, it would be an understatement to say that he was taken aback. It felt as if he hadn't sipped a drop of water in days, stranded in a scorching desert. His stomach churned, threatening to expel its contents at any moment. Desperation drove him to cast off his covers, hoping to capture a breath of cool air, but it proved futile. Weakness coursed through him, rendering him unable to rise and open the windows for a much-needed draught of fresh air. Thus, he resorts to the only option available to him at that moment – a feeble cry for help, escaping his lips.
News spread through the palace like wildfire, catching everyone by surprise. The royal family hadn't seen an omega in their midst for eight generations, making it the sole topic of palace gossip for days on end. As the young prince strolled through the palace halls, he could overhear the hushed murmurs of the people, their curiosity driving them to catch a whiff of his scent without drawing attention. Initially, the young prince was understanding of the commotion, recognizing the shock and intrigue it had sparked. However, as time passed, the relentless attention became overwhelming, prompting the prince to seek out moments of solitude, a respite from the constant scrutiny.
Matters took a turn for the worse when even the King began to feel the strain. His concerns were rooted in the potential consequences for the betrothal. Throughout their history, the Hiems Kingdom had never embraced an omega ruler, with all their kings and queens being pure-bred alphas. This fact had influenced King Kyubok's decision to arrange the betrothal in the first place. However, the Great Hiems Kingdom remained unaware of the young prince's newfound status, and the King was determined to delay the news from spreading for as long as possible.
Being an omega was already a formidable challenge, but being an omega in Hiems brought forth a level of adversity that bordered on the unbearable. In this unforgiving kingdom, the treatment of omegas served as a harsh reflection of the land's unyielding and unforgiving character. Within the icy embrace of Hiems, omegas were persistently cast into traditional stereotypes that depicted them as feeble and relegated them to a secondary status behind alphas and betas. The kingdom's relentless environment, with its perpetual snow and ice, had ingrained these perceptions deeply, fostering a society where omegas endured a multitude of restrictions and prejudices.
Their roles were primarily constrained to tasks deemed less physically demanding, often associated with caretaking and domestic responsibilities. The prevailing hierarchy within Hiems perpetuated this division, affording omegas scarce opportunities to ascend beyond their predefined positions. Within this realm of icy determination, omegas found themselves navigating a daunting landscape of expectations, determined to demonstrate their mettle within a society that consistently underestimated their resilience and abilities.
The young prince noticed a significant shift in people's reactions for the first time during his initial sword lesson after presenting as an omega. He had spent years trying to convince others that he was a worthy adversary, urging them not to take it easy on him simply because he was a prince. However, all his efforts seemed to be in vain once he revealed his omega status. Other alphas were reluctant to engage in duels with the omega prince. During his archery sessions, he caught glimpses of his opponents intentionally missing the target, allowing him to claim victory. Even during hunting expeditions, he observed individuals purposefully failing to capture prey, ensuring that the omega prince outperformed them.
"Didn't see you in archery," Donghyuck remarked as he approached the prince, holding a container of cold water. The heat had been intensifying each day.
"Yeah," the prince replied, gesturing for Donghyuck to join him. "Took a break, thought it would be better for everyone."
Donghyuck settled down next to the prince, took a generous gulp from his water, and offered it to the prince while gesturing for him to do the same. "So what? You presented as an omega, and now you're giving up on everything you enjoy?"
The young prince followed Donghyuck's lead and took a sip from the water. "You don't understand. I feel like I'm causing more harm than good."
Donghyuck raised one of his eyebrows. "It's their problem if they can't understand that nothing has changed."
The prince gazed at his older friend. "No, Donghyuck, everything has changed. My future was set in stone. Everything I knew is falling apart. I was betrothed to the Hiems prince, but they never allow omegas in the royal family. Everything I enjoyed doing is apparently reserved for alphas. I can't even go to my room without someone trying to sniff me like a dog."
The older guy's gaze softened as he listened to the prince. "Chenle," he said in a soft understanding manner, "If there is anyone that can turn this situation around, it's you. But it is not like you to give up this early, or even give up at all."
Present Day, Solisia, Solidus Kingdom
It is five moons past his 21st birthday when he receives the black envelope. The timing of the letter is rather odd because there is still time to receive his monthly letter from the Crown Prince, making it a very unexpected letter. His maid enters his study, clearly out of breath from her hurried pace.
"The messenger," she says between breaths, "said this was very urgent."
"Thank you, Wonhee," Chenle acknowledges the young girl with a smile as he reaches for the letter.
He holds the black envelope in his hands for a good five minutes, his heart heavy with anticipation and dread, hesitating to break the seal. "Well, this is it," he thinks to himself. "This is the letter that tells me he's breaking off the betrothal." Chenle had been expecting this letter for the last three years.
He vividly recalls the cold response from the Hiems Prince when he wrote a letter explaining he had presented as an omega. "I understand. Congratulations," the letter had read, devoid of warmth or sentiment. His family had been on edge for a long time, nervously watching him each time he received a black envelope, their eyes filled with unspoken questions about the letter's content. Chenle would quickly read the letter and shake his head, signaling that it wasn't the news they dreaded.
Things took an even stranger turn for the Solidus Kingdom, particularly for Chenle, on his 20th birthday. The entire nation was aware of his impending journey to the North, where he would join the Great Hiems Kingdom and unite the two royal families. However, as the news of the troubled betrothal became public, he couldn't help but feel like a national embarrassment, a symbol of the rift caused by their omega prince.
Chenle's life took a dramatic turn when his presentation revealed his omega status, contrary to the alpha role he had been groomed for from birth. In light of this unexpected twist, the King and Queen of Solidus devised a new plan: if they couldn't provide the formidable alpha heir they had promised the Hiem Kingdom, then they would offer the epitome of an omega instead.
This meant a complete transformation for Chenle. He had to shed his assertive upbringing and embrace the qualities traditionally associated with omegas: delicacy, elegance, grace, and a nurturing nature. Despite his initial resistance, he found himself navigating the nuances of submissiveness, as he prepared to fulfill his role as a future mate to an alpha.
He spent a few more minutes staring at the ominous black envelope in his hands, lost in thought, until Wonhee kindly cleared her throat, reminding him of the letter's urgency. With a deep breath, Chenle understood that he could not postpone the inevitable any longer and reluctantly opened the envelope he had dreaded for so long.
He was taken aback by what he saw. Firstly, the paper was a rich shade of dark red with gilded edges, a stark departure from the usual black paper and white ink. Secondly, this was by far the longest letter he had ever received from the Crown Prince. And thirdly, he couldn't help but notice that the other prince had put in effort to write neatly.
"Dear Omega Prince of the Solidus Kingdom,
I trust this letter finds you in good health, and I must apologize for its urgency.
Regrettably, we lost the King an hour ago, and this development has hastened my ascension to the throne, which is set to occur within a week.
It is now time for us to fulfill our betrothal and unite our two families.
I implore you to swiftly assemble a small retinue of attendants and make your way to the Hiems Palace as expeditiously as possible.
Rest assured, we can make further arrangements after the wedding, so there is no need for undue concern.
We eagerly anticipate your arrival, and preparations are already underway.
Crown Prince of the Great Hiems Kingdom"
Chenle had only heard fragments of the Hiems Kingdom's royal family through the echoing whispers of rumors and hushed conversations. Within this enigmatic lineage, the royal family stood as the unrivaled nucleus of authority, veiled in an aura of unyielding tradition and uncharted mystery. At its helm reigned King Kyubok, a monarchical figure notorious for his unwavering and stoic demeanor, holding an unshakable reverence for the concept of strength that transcended all other virtues.
Within the echoing halls of his court, a relentless air of ruthlessness prevailed, where noble contenders battled ferociously for even the slightest favor from their sovereign, often plunging into the treacherous depths of cutthroat politics and intricate scheming in their quest for recognition and dominion. King Kyubok's ironclad rule cast a shadow over the kingdom, underscoring the brutality of his reign and the indomitable strength that served as its foundation.
The Crown Prince had seldom spoken of the now-deceased King, leaving Chenle uncertain about how to react to the news of his passing. This revelation left a void in Chenle's understanding of his future husband, as the Crown Prince had never expounded upon his late father's character or legacy. As he contemplated the forthcoming union, Chenle was struck by the realization that, despite their correspondence, he remained shrouded in ignorance regarding the Crown Prince's true nature and disposition.
King Kyubok's heir, the Crown Prince, is considered a reflection of his father's unyielding demeanor. He is known for his martial prowess, and rumors persist that he was raised in an environment where only the strongest survived. His role as the future ruler is shadowed in secrecy, and his presence looms large over the kingdom.
Unlike his usual practice of returning their monthly letters to Wonhee, this time he clings tightly to the correspondence, his fingers gripping it with a sense of urgency, before he pivots to address the young maid.
"Have the King and the Queen awakened. Also, wake Donghyuck," he asserts with unwavering determination. The young maid, usually tasked with the humble delivery of his letters, blinks in momentary disbelief.
"Are you instructing me to... rouse the King and the Queen?" She responds, momentarily forgetting the person she is addressing.
"Yes, Wonhee," he confirms, his tone resolute. "We are departing for the North."
There's a possibility,
All that I had was all I'm gon' get
There's a possibility,
All I gon' get is gon' be yours then
All I gon' get is gon' be yours still
Possibility, Lykke Li