Act. 8 | Stray Kids Imagines

[i'll seek triumph for you]

Your breath plumed in the air, brisk winter nearly seizing your lungs despite your thick dress and even thicker cloak. The path you took was lined with solemn guards who snuck furtive, curious glances at you as you lingered before the King's tent.

"Your Highness," your handmaiden murmured behind you, prompting gently, "Will you not enter?"

"N-No, I will," your breath hitched, courtesy of the cold, but you resolved to cease your dallying. Composing yourself, you tucked a stray strand of hair behind your ear and straightened your cloak before lifting the tent's flap.

Immediate warmth enveloped you, and you would have paused to bask in it had you no mission to accomplish. With no one to announce your arrival, you approached, unnoticed, the cluster of knights and advisors and noblemen, all buzzing around one man.

When you spoke, your voice landed like a spell, hushing the small crowd.

"Your Majesty."

One by one, they turned, momentarily bewildered before dropping into practiced bows and polite greetings.

"Your Highness—"

"A splendid morning we're having today—"

"I'm glad to see you in good health—"

You returned their greetings with a distracted smile, for your true attention was fixed on the one who stood amid the parting crowd, draped in royal green and heavy furs.

"Leave us," Hyunjin told his men when his gaze caught yours, sharp edges softening imperceptibly.

He reached for your hand when only the two of you remained and drew it to his lips. A tender brush against your knuckles. "You look radiant, as always, Y/n."

You too, you wanted to say, but the words felt small, inadequate. Even though it had been months since your engagement, you were still struck every time you looked at Hyunjin. It was the way the air around him seemed to still, awed, perhaps, reverent. As if it knew that he was the ruler of this land. As if it knew of every cruel trial he'd endured to wear the heavy crown.

Yet, despite his outward austerity, you had loved Hyunjin's eyes from the very first time they had locked on yours. That fortress of a facade he had painstakingly built for himself could not hide their intelligent glint, that twinkle of mirth, that consuming kindness. You had found a secret joy in studying his eyes, for his gaze revealed a different treasure each day.

Instead, what tumbled out of your lips, instead, was a clumsy 'thank you'.

Suddenly embarrassed, you averted your gaze, free hand fidgeting with the pouch looped around your other wrist. Hyunjin did not mind your silence, still loosely holding your hand. He waited, and you felt his patient gaze on you.

But that would not do. You had come here for a reason other than to savor his quiet company.

"Um," you began, clutching your pouch tighter as you revealed, "To be honest, I came here to give you something."

"What is it?" he asked, gentle, having clearly recognized your unease and seeking to remedy it.

He let you when you slowly removed your hand from his and watched as you opened the drawstring pouch to pull out a vibrantly embroidered ribbon. You held it between your hands, an offering.

"I heard that it's customary to gift ribbons for good fortune at the Winter Hunt," you said, finally meeting his gaze. Curiosity danced about those dark depths, you noted with a smile, finding the courage to ramble on. "Actually, there is a similar tradition back in my home country, though summer is usually when the Hunt is held. So—"

You cleared your throat, the ebbing waves of your courage choosing to betray you. "So, I made this for you... If... you don't mind..."

Hyunjin held the ribbon and was quiet for a long time, carefully tracing your embroidery with his thumb. Bright orange foxes chasing snow bunnies and blood red berries. Prayers for fortune and safety weaving between them.

"I didn't know there was such a tradition," he finally said, and though his tone carried no sadness, you felt it crashing into your own heart. He had been shunned all his life, an illegitimate prince sequestered in a lonely palace. There was much he was yet to experience, but you were determined to make up for his lost time. Piece by piece.

"Would you tie it for me?" Hyunjin asked, his smile so tender you couldn't help but mirror it.

"Of course. May I have your arm?"

You looped the long ribbon twice around his upper arm then tied it securely, hoping your skills were enough to keep it from spontaneously unraveling during the Hunt. When you were done, you felt him brace your head with his free hand, pressing a kiss to your temple before you could look up at him.

"Thank you. I'm happy," Hyunjin's whisper brushed your ear, a tingle that made you freeze in place yet flush with so much heat you were certain your heart would cease beating.

"I-I'm pleased to hear that!" you managed, then added so softly, "I'll make you one every winter."

"Thank you," he said again, and the two of you lapsed into silence once more. Standing apart yet close enough to touch, you didn't know what more to say, but you didn't want to leave so soon, either.

Hyunjin, on the other hand, seemed content with only looking at you. He took his time, resting his gaze on your every detail. The gleaming accessories in your hair, the delicate curve of your cheeks, the elegant brush of your brows. He did this often. A connoisseur losing himself in a work of art.

But then his eyebrows knitted, and your own furrowed in concern as you inquired, "What's wrong?"

Hyunjin unclasped his cloak then placed it squarely on your shoulders, its weight both surprising and comforting.

"Why?" you blinked at him, and he merely shrugged, fastening the clasp for you with a click.

"You don't look warm enough."

"But what about you?" you protested. The coat he wore underneath, while evidently thick, certainly wasn't enough to ward against the cold outside.

"I'll be fine. The Hunt will warm me up."

As if on cue, horns sounded outside, signaling the start of the event and silencing your objections. Hyunjin took your hand again, apologetic, "I must leave now."

"Yes. Enjoy the Hunt," you smiled, a sincere wish in your words.

You watched him push his way out of the tent, the ribbon on his arm fluttering, his gait sure, every stride dignified. You should follow behind and join the remaining ladies, you knew, but you allowed yourself one more moment of respite in the privacy of the tent. A moment away from the prying eyes of the court to bury your nose in Hyunjin's cloak and relish the warmth he left for you.

A gift so special, you doubted any of your ribbons could compare.