The castle was filled with energy. San didn't know why because his parents never told him. As a young prince, age of nine, the chaos was the last of his concern. The young boy skipped through the halls, hands sweeping his semi long hair out of his face.
The destination he had in mind was the private dining hall where he frequently played. As he entered the room, he noticed the change of decoration. Normally the small room was almost empty, only a table and seats to occupy the room.
Today, the finest of china was laid out, gold glittering across the table. Candles were set up, ready to be lit although it was barely midday.
San stepped out of the room to ask a staff what was happening when his mother turned the corner. In tow was another woman and a girl with her. His mother's eyes landed on his, frown already etched on her face. As she neared, her and grabbed San's wrist, pulling him out of the room and in front of the eyes of the new strangers.
"San. You knew we had guests today! Why are you dressed like this?" San looked down at his gold silk pajamas, shrugging at her question.
"Before you go change, which you will do, I'd like you to meet someone." His mother pushed him in front of the two people. He bowed with respect.
"This is Queen Y/M/N and her daughter, Princess Y/N." San observed the girl. She was perfect in every way. His heart skipped a beat when her (e/c) eyes met his.
She was perfect.
"Run along, San." His mother said as the small group departed. He watched as they turned the corner.
With a hand on his heart, San turned back into the room. His breathing was labored, and his back hit the wall. San's eyes were closed as images of the beautiful girl flooded his mind once more.
That was the first time he met Y/N out of what would become many.
_____
"So long story short, did you get her or not?"
San overheard the conversation between his cousin and friends. They were all in the dining hall, draped on different pieces of furniture. Sometimes he wondered why he keeps them around. He turned, observing the group and the smiling boy. Jongho, his cousin, had just proposed.
"Long story short, she will be Promise Choi now." The statement was followed by a few whistles and cheers. Jongho was smiling, hair pushed back. San never expected him to marry first, but one could guess it from how long he's been chasing her.
"What about you, San?" Yunho, captain of the guard, spoke up. San kicked back from the wall he had been leaning on, finally joining the group.
"What about me?"
"You're getting of age to be married. Your parents won't want to rule forever." San scoffed, dropping his body next to his cousin. He rolled his eyes, running his hand through his hair.
"If they don't want to rule, I suppose they can just pass the crown onto my sister. Even so, I'm fully capable of ruling alone. Who would I even marry? There's barely any eligible noble women my age, and adding onto that, barely any I'd actually like."
"No noble marries for love. You know that." Seonghwa, a young scholar and San's future advisor, spoke up.
"Unless your name is Jongho." Mingi laughed out, teasing the blushing boy. San looked around the room observing his band of friends.
When one lives in a castle, their available pool of friends is slim. Regardless, San couldn't imagine spending all these years without them and their antics. The more he thinks about it, the eight of them came from such different walks of live.
