\\ DUSK\\ Fantasy AU \ ATEEZ Fanfic

// Chapter 3 \\

We'd returned to the Eastern Court palace. The view of the underwater gold and blue smooth spiraling struct was always an impeccable standout to the rest of the city. We did not speak the entire journey. Though, I did glance at Hongjoong who gave me a small smile in turn as we docked. His smile put me slightly to ease, yet another part of me felt guilty at remembering his sad state and outburst to Yeosang. Yeosang, who I didn't dare to glance at. Despite not looking to him, I could sense Yeosang's shift right as the underwater craft docked in one of the golden towers of the Eastern Court palace. He was the first to exit the merger when the doors opened.

Hongjoong frowned at this and Heeyoung sighed. I bit my lower lips slightly before I too, got up and walked out of the merger wordlessly, leaving the two siblings to themselves. Neither stopped me.

I walked down the dark blue-shaded threshold to be welcomed by a warm glowing golden light where I saw Yeosang's figure, standing and waiting with his arms folded. He gave a small glance my way before directing his attention to something he found more interesting across the room. I halted, silently standing at the entryway. I tucked my arms behind my back silently waiting with a frown as my eyes looked to the floor. Part of me wished Yeosang would at least speak something to me, but I couldn't find myself to make an attempt in that reality on my side.

"Ah, there you guys are!" A delighted, regal voice spoke.

I looked up to find Leeyon— High Monarch name being Ray, of Eastern Court— approaching us. She wore a luxurious deep blue suit with white trimming. This was complemented with white sleek gloves and short white boots. Her hair was put up into two braided side buns. The dark lining of her eyes made her green serpentine eyes all the more prominent. Her white lipstick grew into a smile as she gazed our way. Beside her, a comfortable distance away, was another figure.

He was comparatively much taller to Leeyon and had a much stronger build. His skin was much darker in comparison as well. His armor varied greatly in a place such as the Eastern Court: it was red with white edges around it. The twin blood red and white lined blades were prominent, sheathed at either side of the belt at his waist. The dark red hair atop his head was braided close to his scalp— cornrows that weaved around in the abstract shape of rose stems. All of which connected to the back of his head in a small braided bun. His light bronze eyes were gleaming as he gave his usual smile— a somewhat comedic one. I knew well of who he was: Theron Taurus, Captain of the Guard to the Spring Court. Remembering his position had me internally wince as I lowered my gaze to fascinate over the detail in the floor.

Yeosang straightened from where he stood as he bowed to the two approaching figures, "Good to see you both: Ray, Theron."

Theron bowed his head out of respect to his High Monarch while Leeyon gave a polite nod of recognition with a smile. There was a pause among them as their eyes fell upon me.

Leeyon bowed her head, "Good to see you well, Star."

"Thank you," I said, surprisingly smooth and regal. I let a mask of a smile bloom on my lips as I tilted my head.

It was enough to convince the other High Monarch as she seemed by the illusion of reassurance I gave her. Theron, however, kept his eyes lingering on me. This I could tell from the corner of my eye as I didn't wish to meet his gaze. He was Spring Court. Of course he was observing my behaviors.