\\ DUSK\\ Fantasy AU \ ATEEZ Fanfic

// Chapter 19 \\

That clear impeccable glass was what we were first met with as we walked through to one of the Higher level rooms of a docking tower in Eastern Court. That was the first thing to be grantedly noticed as I set my gaze onto the figures before us.

A welcoming party, however, things weren't as welcoming as promised for when we returned back to these lands. No, things were quite different than what was promised.

There were two of them: Jo Leeyon, High Monarch Ray of Eastern Court; and her Captain of the Guard, Como Cairior. Both were dressed in an aquatic armor fitting to the Court— an over-dress for the seemingly tropical leisure outfits Yeosang, Hongjoong, and I wore as we stepped through the portal. Both appeared to be on edge, and much less hospitable to our arrival. Not a second was spared for a leisurely conversation either.

"And what brings you back to Eastern Court?" Leeyon asked as a way of introduction with a curious tilt of her head.

"Well," Yeosang began to recite the alibi, "As you know, the three of us are accustomed to coming here to Eastern Court. We used to come here when we were much younger and we are just paying a visit as we naturally would by tradition." Yeosang made this more convincing with the friendly smile and nod of his head.

However, it wasn't so easy for some to buy what the High Monarch of Spring said, as he was one for keeping secrets and keeping them hidden well. We had no reason to meet with Ray, the High Monarch of Eastern Court. We had no information we wished to meet with Leeyon about. We simply came with the mere excuse of a leisurely trip when really High Monarchs spared few of those outside of the occasions of official gatherings or important trips of relaying information.

It made sense for Leeyon to raise a brow and narrow her green reptilian eyes in suspicion to Yeosang's words. It made sense for her to glance to Hongjoong for a look of confirmation, to which Hongjoong gave an agreeing nod as he put it.

"It's been awhile since..." Hongjoong hesitated then as his wide bluish-grey eyes found their way over to me, "Since we've all been stable enough to do so."

To this, Leeyon let her gaze turn to fall onto me, "And how are you doing, Star of Night Court?"

I nodded my head in acknowledgement as I spoke, "Much better than before, Ray of Eastern Court, thank you."

And this time, my words weren't a lie to satisfy the beliefs of others. I let a smile adorn my face as I gazed up to the High Monarch of the endless sea who dismissed me as she gave one last look to Yeosang. The slits of her eyes read that she was still wary, but she waved her hand in dismissal as she spoke, "Very well, I'll have the three of you stay in the palace and will accommodate for your stay. How long is your stay exactly?"

"Three days," I spoke up, causing all eyes to fall on me. I kept my gaze locked on Leeyon's though as I spoke, "High Monarch trials are starting soon in Dusk Court. We'll want enough time to prepare our travels there as well after this."

Leeyon hummed to this, nodding her head, "I see... very well then. It will give us all time to prepare. My beloved plans to wed me on the first day of trials anyhow, though I'm sure some of you may have already known that secret," Leeyon gave another wary look to Yeosang.