⤷ the great hall

@♡ lee kangjoon ᵖʳᶦⁿᶜᵉ In response to a straightforward question, came a succinct reply. Geonova’s military lapdog—Lee Kangjoon apparently was his name To the queen, he represented a captivating novelty, her shiny new acquisition. The queen, undeterred by his solitary presence, boldly advanced towards the lone figure. Despite the stark contrast in their company, he did not falter; instead, he held his ground with unwavering resolve. This steadfast demeanor only served to heighten her intrigue and captivate her attention even more.

“How do I know you’re not a fraud? That Kiyong honored his word and did not just send me an ordinary soldier? Are you truly worth five prisoners?” Gayoung walks towards him, slow deliberate strides with her heels clacking against the marble tiles. Each step echoing in the grand hall. Everyone’s eyes were on them and yet she paid propriety no heed as she shamelessly surveyed him while she walked around in circles. From the way he dressed, to the way he stood with almost perfect posture. As if he was made for battle—as if he was born for it.

“They’re in the dungeon. I can show them to you, I cannot promise they’re not hurt. Afterall, most of them were sent to assassinate me. And I do not take kindly to people who attempt to stab me in the back.”

Gayoung halted behind the male, lightly pressing her index finger against his back as she spoke, her words deliberate and measured. Withdrawing her hand, she continued on her path, only to pause again directly in front of him. There was only one definitive way to verify if he was indeed the person Kiyong had vouched for.

Gayoung unleashes her malice—materializing in the form of silvery flames streaked in crimson dancing at the tip of her dainty fingers. With swift precision she goes for his neck, only stopping when her nails would almost connect with his skin, her flames die out before he could even feel its warmth on his skin. Ofcourse she did not mean to harm him. The queen was many things but someone who jeopardizes a treaty is not one of them. Well not yet. She merely wanted to test if the lapdog would flinch.
Laughter echoes in the room, genuine amused laughter escaped Gayoung’s crimson painted tiers when the soldier does not flinch. When most men would he continued to stand his ground, expression unchanging.

“Forgive me, I had to make sure.” She tilts her head to the side like a predator assessing a prey before flashing him a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. It seemed like he would not see anyway, but it was more for herself than him.

“When can we start? Oh..how about now?”
Gayoung starts walking away, expecting the lapdog to follow.

“Tell me about your abilities. I have only heard that you’re competent and an indispensable asset to the Geonovan army. I do not know to what extent your abilities have.”

When he follows her, Gayoung continues walking. She dismissed her royal retinue, even her royal guards were dismissed to watching her and Kangjoon from afar. She’s pleased when he follows her without question. In her mind, the Queen had already started listing places where she would bring her new pet. She only had ten days, she had better make it count. But first, she must take him to her poison gallery.

@♤ kim gayoung ᵠᵘᵉᵉⁿ the walls were not thin, that much was true, his heavy footfalls resonating loudly through the winding halls that led to the great hall. it was akin to being caged in a long, cylindrical room, a neverending one, and if kangjoon knew not of their destination, he was sure to be fretting soon.

the royal guards that were accompanying them were eerily silent — definitely not helping his case — but perhaps, it was their discomfort that had them bating their breath, panting as if they had been barely tethering themselves to this plane of existence due to the pyrolithian heat. he knew his companions felt the same, his men were not used to the heavy armor provided for the geonovan infantry. yet, they endured the heat permeating through the infused steel just to accompany him.

kangjoon, himself, could not be apologetic given that he was in a similar predicament. he traversed the royal halls clad in a phthalo, short-sleeved military ensemble and despite the lightness of its fabric, his cape was too heavy for the humid air it seemed. more so that it had been draped over his arms on purpose, hiding some of the most grotesque scars that he’s garnered over the years. however, the resounding taps of his cane on the marbled floors were a distraction to the warmth that surrounded them; he - they - was not used to it. after all, geonova was all spring and evergreen, and even the patch of desert that protected their distant borders on the southeast was a tad bit windy the very least.

the prince finally sensed the slowing of the guards’ footsteps and he, too, eased in his movements. there was a brief exchange of whispers between the two men, to which he could only make out the words “stay?” and “only him.” it was then that he knew it was his time to go through the doors.

alone.

“marcus,” he murmured softly, beckoning the shorter man to his left closer. “you and shin stay behind. remember the instructions? /she/ only needs me.” just like any other loyal subordinate, his squad members merely grunted in displeasure at his orders. kangjoon would have snorted in amusement if not for the doors swinging open, sending in a cooler waft of air in their direction.

he need not be told what to do. the captain quietly made his way inside, his steps sensing echoes of vibrations through the floorings of the great hall. he could vaguely make out the dimensions of the room as he approached the central where he was to wait for the queen’s presence. he could sense how grand it was, could map out where the flags were and the doors that led to the other rooms. he stomped discreetly and the vibrations evoked the littlest of chimes from the chandelier above him. in the short while that he had been waiting for her, he was able to see how the place was arranged. perhaps, in 10 days, he could have an image of the entire castle. it would be quite the useful knowledge, would it not?

the sudden whiff of vanilla and something akin to cinnamon infiltrated his senses, along with the careful steps of what seemed to be royalty entering the hall. kangjoon turned to the queen’s direction and though he could only make out a very hazy and dark silhouette of her face at a distance, he could see the imposing way that which she carried herself with. oddly enough, however, he could not sense a hint of hostility coming from her. instead, it felt as if she was. . .excited? of what exactly?

❝welcome to pyrolith. i’m kim gayoung, the queen who requested your presence in exchange of some war prisoners. and you are?❞

the man was inwardly taken aback by her directness, having been used to the roundabout way that the counsel back home usually regarded him with. he peered down at her — or at least, where she should be — and bowed in her direction. his action seemed so curt but he was merely being polite. he was not here for any pleasantries either; he was here for business. a show of diplomacy, maybe.

“captain lee kangjoon,” he simply replied. was there anything more to say? ah — “five prisoners for each of my ten-day visits, i was told. where are the prisoners now, if i may ask? surely you are not about to take back on your word with my king, your majesty.”

@♧ yoo sana ᵖʳᶦⁿᶜᵉˢˢ @♤ kim hoseok ᵖʳᶦⁿᶜᵉ @♤ huening kai ʳᵒʸᵃˡ ᵍᵘᵃʳᵈ An unlikely trio geeeted the Pyrolithian Queen as they made their way to her. Gayoung smiles brightly upon seeing her close friend, Aerion's princess Yoo Sana. The Queen sent her a letter of invitation almost a month ago but Gayoung knew better than anyone how busy a royalty can be. She was just glad that her friend was able to make it to Pyrolith safely.

The sound of heels clacking on the marble flooring reverberated through the grand hall as she hastened her pace, coming to a stop in front of Sana. Without hesitation, she enveloped Sana in a tight hug before gently pulling away.

"Sana, It's been so long."

She regards her friend, they have much to catch up on and talk about. However, it would have to wait for another day. She only briefly stopped by the great hall to welcome Sana. She had to head directly for a council meeting right after.

The Queen pulls away before acknowledging Sana's companions. "Prince Hoseok, Hawon.." she nods towards the royal guard and her brother, the prince.

"Im afraid I wont be able to show Sana around today, would you two kindly do me the favor and start touring her around? I would be most grateful."

@♡ lee kangjoon ᵖʳᶦⁿᶜᵉ Days have gone by since she received word back from Geonova agreeing upon the date of their supposed "exchange" and though Gayoung would never admit it to anyone, the Queen had eagerly anticipated the meeting. Not in the way that a teenage girl simpered for a boy she's always liked--no. It was more like the excitement one would get upon receiving a new toy. Or in this case it would be akin to a child's excitement upon finding out she is to receive a new pet. Her routine have been too lack luster as of late and this new arrival would surely liven up her days.

The weather had been warming up in Pyrolith and despite being used to the heat of her country, Gayoung still preferred dresses that hugged her silhoutte with less layers during this time of the year and so, just like the day before she opts for a crimson dress against the chagrin of her lady in waiting.

"My lady should you not wear a dress that befits welcoming a foreign dignitary?" Her lady in waiting ever so politely states, disappointment bellied the curt manner in which she spoke.

"I should wear whatever I deem is appropriate." She says with finality as she reached for a vial, its contents were cloudy pink in hue and its texture viscous--The queen's latest creation. As soon as she uncaps the vial, the scent of warm rose petals mixed with vanilla oud and spices permeated the room. She dabs a drop on her wrist's pulse points as well as on the curve of her neck before putting its cap back on and setting it on her vanity.

"Let us go, I do not want to keep our guest waiting."

Gayoung had no idea what to expect from Geonova's military lapdog. Perhaps she half-expected to encounter a towering figure, someone who exuded danger at every turn, or a beastly individual worthy of such a fearsome moniker.

What caught her completely off guard was the sight of a man with remarkably striking features, towering over her even as she wore heels—and, she openly admitted, undeniably handsome. An air of silent intimidation enveloped him, radiating from his commanding presence as he stood before her.

Gayoung was prepared to make him do all her bidding for the ten days that he would spend as a glorified captive for the Pyrolithian Queen but now that there's been an interesting change of events, she would have to add certain activities to the schedule.

The queen couldn't help but notice the cane he held and his strikingly light brown eyes, beautiful like the finest brown topaz mined from Ashenvale. They reminded her of a crown he once wore, adorned with the same precious gem. And just like those gems, she felt a desire to possess these eyes as well.

"Welcome to Pyrolith. I'm Kim Gayoung, the Queen who requested your presence in exchange for some war prisoners. And you are?" Her tone was direct, skipping pleasantries. She was eager to delve into understanding the workings of his mind, uncovering why he bore the nickname 'lapdog' and what unique abilities he possessed.

[post deleted by owner]

@♧ yoo sana ᵖʳᶦⁿᶜᵉˢˢ @♧ lee jaewook ᵈᵘᵏᵉ @♤ kim gayoung ᵠᵘᵉᵉⁿ @♤ huening kai ʳᵒʸᵃˡ ᵍᵘᵃʳᵈ Hoseok had a space in between his duties and papers today. It’s not his usual self to leave his office for a visit but her Majesty the Queen friend came for visit hence, it would be the Kingdom’s interest to do the honour and guide the Aerion’s Heir alongside the Queen. Knowing his sister schedule could be pack this week, he is not surprised if Gayoung have to suddenly leave midway for some matters. Hence, to the very least, a royal representative could accompany Sana, Princess of Aerion throughout the day.

He pace up when he saw Sana arrived with Kai and Gayoung greeting her. He politely took the princess hand and give it a light kiss. It is not actually Pyrolith curtesy as the male royals could just bow but, Hoseok have to be a little extra. “Welcome to Pyrolith, your highness. Glad to have your presence here”, he wink before stepping back to Kai’s side.

He follow the Queen and Princess from behind next to Kai as he gave them space to talk comfortably to each other. He lean towards Kai to whisper something. “Why you so tense up? Should I ask that princess if she has a private owl to let you send her some letters once in awhile?”, Hoseok tease, lighten things up to boost his energy that draining due to paperwork he been working on that the general put him through

@♧ yoo sana ᵖʳᶦⁿᶜᵉˢˢ @♤ kim hoseok ᵖʳᶦⁿᶜᵉ @♤ kim gayoung ᵠᵘᵉᵉⁿ In the palace corridors, Huening Kai found himself guiding Princess Sana and Prince Hoseok, the latter in charge of financial affairs. While it wasn't his usual duty, Kai approached it with a sense of responsibility, though he harbored a hint of reluctance. He understood the importance of the task, especially considering Princess Sana's visit upon Queen Gayoung's invitation. Despite his reservations, Kai was committed to fulfilling his assignment diligently.

"Your Highness, if you'll please follow me," Kai said respectfully, gesturing for Princess Sana and Prince Hoseok to proceed down the ornate hallway.

Princess Sana, graceful and regal, walked alongside Prince Hoseok, her presence a symbol of diplomatic ties between their kingdoms. With Hoseok's expertise in financial matters adding practicality to their group, they made their way toward the grand reception hall where they were to meet with the queen.

Although Kai felt some unease about the diplomatic proceedings ahead, he remained resolute in his duty to ensure the safety and well-being of his charges. With each step, he silently reaffirmed his commitment, knowing that protecting the royal family and their guests was his foremost responsibility, regardless of any personal reservations.