Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Veloria, a fairytale kingdom so beautiful it feels hand-painted. Birds harmonise, flowers sway their own dance and the sky literally sparkles. But unlike every other fairytale kingdom, where everyone lives together in the kingdom’s town, there’s no other human in sight for Seungkwan.

Surrounded by animals, he lives in a cozy cottage that is very dear to him. Generations before him have build this house with their own bare hands, full of love, support and craftsmanship. He grew up there and at a very young age he needed to call it his own house, as his parents passed away way too soon. The tragedy changed his life but it didn’t make him loose faith. For his parents he lives the fullest of his potential and brings out as much love he can, to his only friends, the animals.

They love him, because he’s the kind of boy who talks to flowers before watering them and signs lullabies to injured rabbits. He’s cheerful, bright, soft… but lonely in a way even magic can’t fix it. But that never breaks his spirit.

One morning he’s hanging out of his window, looking into the woods. His humming summons most of the animals of the forest, surrounding him in the trees and his house. They clap or stomp their feet to show their enjoyment, so with awe he looks around to his friends.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to gather you all here.” He chuckles softly.

“Then who did you want to have here?” An innocent bird asks.

“His future boyfriend of course.” An other bird responds and Seungkwan chuckles.

“But it seems like the universe is refusing to send me anyone.” Seungkwan sighs and looks back into the woods, hoping to get a spark of hope. His humming turns into a song, comfort in moving words that always make the situation better.

For minutes he finds himself lost into songs, as suddenly the sky turns clear blue. The animals gasp in shock and stomp their feet in excitement again.

Someone is arriving.

The trees clear a path for Seungkwan to see who it is, and it surprises him, making his heart beat faster. A prince on a white horse was looking up towards him with the brightest smile he has ever seen. He was a dream to look at, a dream that suddenly got way too real.

“Beautiful boy in front of me, could I ask for approval to enter your house?” The prince asks and Seungkwan panics, looking around at his animal friends, who basically were already pushing him towards the door.

With no choice he opens the door and gulps as the prince was already standing there in front the door. He’s taller than Seungkwan, has a more defined face, slight freckles, brown curly hair and smooth honey like skin.

“So is this an approval?” The prince smiles and Seungkwan just opens the door more. The prince doesn't hesitate and enters his house, as the animals all hide themselves. With shaky hands Seungkwan closes the door and follows the prince, just realising the mess in his house.

“I’m so sorry for the mess, I… never expect guests…” Seungkwan bows but the prince stops his actions. Seungkwan stands up straight again and feels his heart sink to his feet as the prince takes his hands, they’re so smooth.

“It’s okay, I’m the one that suddenly came so I should apologise but I couldn’t help but follow the beautiful voice I heard while going through the woods.” The prince smiles and gets on his knee. “My name is Dokyeom, Prince Dokyeom from Auralyn.”

Seungkwan looks down and can’t believe his eyes. The prince gives a soft kiss on his hand and looks up into Seungkwan’s brown eyes, immediately melting right on the spot.

“I’m Seungkwan from Veloria and… I’m just a boy living in a cottage house… no status…” Seungkwan says shyly yet with a faint smile and Dokyeom stands up again, pulling Seungkwan closer so that their hearts can beat as one.

“Status or not, we are meant to be. The universe has send us here to this moment, to share the same heartbeat.” Dokyeom smiles brightly. “ Seungkwan, I know this is soon but do you want to marry me?”

The animals all gasp in sync, making them almost expose themselves. They couldn’t believe their ears, even Seungkwan couldn’t believe his ears. The room starts to feel warm, but it feels right, it feels like the magic Seungkwan has been missing.

“Yes… yes I would love to marry you.” Seungkwan smiles brightly too, he finally let go of his awkwardness and embraces Dokyeom in a hug that feels safe. The taller wraps his arms around the smaller, feeling the love radiate from them.

Seungkwan says yes because fairytales move fast, and he’s been waiting for love for a very long time. He has missed out on this spark of magic and a fresh new start would do him good. Even tho he’s nervous for this new journey, but Dokyeom seems like the perfect person for him.

Quickly enough Seungkwan packs up some stuff for a couple of days at the castle, as Dokyeom waits outside. The animals finally reveal themselves and get over to Seungkwan.

“Well that went fast. You will come back right?” A hedgehog asks.

“I think so yeah. First I have to see how it will all work out but I’ll definitely come back some day.” Seungkwan responds politely as he himself isn’t that sure of it yet.

“Be careful please, it’s your dream but don’t get fooled by anyone.” An rabbit says and Seungkwan chuckles softly.

“I get all your concerns but I’ll be fine, especially at the castle, I promise.” Seungkwan gives some of them some head pets and finishes up packing. “During rain keep the windows closed, no mud in the house and please be careful with sharp objects, further I trust you all.”

“Yes sir!!” They say in union and it makes Seungkwan’s heart melt. He will definitely miss them but mostly the house. All the lonely years were spend in this house, sadness, happiness, madness but love and faith kept him standing on his feet. With a deep breath he goes outside to Dokyeom but he can’t help but get tears in his eyes. Dokyeom sees it and immediately gets off of his horse to cup his face.

“Hey what’s wrong?” Dokyeom asks.

“Oh… nothing… these are just happy tears, I promise.” Seungkwan gulps but Dokyeom feels otherwise.

“I promise you that you won’t have to abandon this house, you can come back any day you want. We can make it our hide out.” Dokyeom pecks his forehead and Seungkwan nods.

“That sounds perfect but really, I mean it. I feel extremely lucky and happy to have you in my life now.” And that makes Dokyeom’s heart melt.

“Gosh you’re everything I needed in life. Lets go quickly. Get on, he’s very polite.” Dokyeom says as he gets on his horse before helping Seungkwan get on too. He takes the others hands and wraps them around his waist. “Hold on tight, it can be a bit wild.”

Seungkwan hums and before he can process it they are already riding away. Some of his animal friends follow them until the edge of the woods, where it ends in a field that is unknown to them. He waves them goodbye and within seconds they are out of sight.

It takes them a couple of minutes until they enter a whole new area that Seungkwan has never seen in his life. It’s a town full of life and color, a whole other aura than his own town. They catch eyes, who wouldn’t look at the prince with an unknown man clinging onto him? Seungkwan feels his nerves creep up again but Dokyeom will protect him.

But one pair of eyes are full of fire. The King, Dokyeom’s step-father, looks at them from his balcony, already feeling the hatred towards Seungkwan. He crushes a flower and lets the petals fall.

“You won’t get your happy ending, boy.”

Chapter Text

The morning of the wedding came quickly. Days gone by in a blink of an eye as Seungkwan and Dokyeom got to know each other. Suit fittings, ring appointments and consults about being the new royal member to family felt unreal to Seungkwan but he was so ready.

The birds tie ribbons to trees, rabbits lay out flower petals and the sun shines just extra brightly on this beautiful day. Seungkwan wakes up by a single sunlight hitting his face, making it the perfect way to wake up for this unforgettable day. The nerves rush through his body, excitement filling his heart and his mind becomes fuzzy.

It’s getting real now.

“Mr. Seungkwan??” A maid knocks on the door and Seungkwan quickly sits up straight in his bed.

“Yes?? Come in!” Seungkwan says and the maid comes in with his suit, laying it on the bed.

“Here is your suit sir. No wrinkles are seen and it should fit perfectly for this special day.” She says with a slight bow and that makes Seungkwan’s heart skip a beat.

“Thank you very much. It’s very much appreciated.” Seungkwan politely says and nods his head as a bow. She smiles brightly and leaves the room quickly after, leaving Seungkwan alone again.

He takes a look at his suit, starting to feel mixed emotions. He wishes his parents would be here to help him out but sadly they’ll never get to experience this, but he knows they’re watching over him and that they’re very proud.

“Surprise!!!” A bird flies on top of his head and Seungkwan gets startled. Before he knows all his animal friends are in his room and he couldn’t get happier than this.

“Oh my!! How did you all get here?”

“A lot of nerves and dedication. We couldn’t possibly miss your special day! So we’re here to help you get ready!” A rabbit says as they jump on the bed, looking at the suit. “And you definitely need it.”

“Well thank you all very much. Lets get started.” Seungkwan finally gets out of bed and he immediately gets jumped by all his friends.

Pants are on, blouse is on, jacket is on. All the rabbits are standing on a table to tighten Seungkwan’s corset, that really makes this suit look magical and unreal. The nerves seem to have settled down but as soon as Seungkwan looks into the mirror he feels like he is about to faint.

“This is unreal.” Seungkwan’s mouth drops. Even tho he picked out this suit and corset himself, it feels different on this day.

“And you look the prettiest ever.” All the animals say and Seungkwan is so grateful for them helping him out, that’s all the love he needs right now. It’s sweet, but there’s a bittersweet undertone to this all, almost as if everyone knows something will be coming, expect for Seungkwan.

Meanwhile, Dokyeom is prepping in the palace, seeming calm and collective, but the more minutes past by, the more he’s getting dramatic. Rehearse his speech, to the mirror, his sword, any reflection in chandelier and even to anyone that will pass his presence. Even his guard Seungcheol, a loyal knight who’s been with him for years, just want one normal day and yet ended up in this chaos.

“Just breathe, Your Highness.” Seungcheol says and Dokyeom looks at him as if he said the weirdest thing ever.

“I am, I am. It’s just the biggest day of my life ever. I will marry the love of my life.” Dokyeom rambles and Seungcheol grins.

“Love of your life who you met last week. Don’t get too ahead of yourself, before you know your head isn’t in the clouds anymore.”

“Well thank you for the positivity.” Dokyeom says sarcastically. “Just live today okay? I am extremely happy to finally start a new life with someone I know who will lift me up. I need this happiness, these past couple of years were rough okay? But love kept me going and now I’m here.”

“I know Your Highness. I am indeed happy for you and I’ll try to be as positive as possible. Hope everything will work out for you, you deserve it.” Seungcheol says right from his heart but his heart starts to beat faster when he can feel the King’s eyes on them.

“Thank you Seungcheol. I’ll be getting ready for real now, it’s almost show time.” Dokyeom smiles and walks away towards his room, as maid start to follow him immediately.

Seungcheol still feels the King’s eyes on him and he’s scared to even look at him but he knows that if he doesn’t do that, it can get worse. He shows a grin and gestures Seungcheol to go the hallway, so that’s what he does. He stays alone for just a couple of seconds when he feels a hand creep over his shoulders.

“Don’t forget what we agreed on. It’s all for your freedom.” The King says and looks deeply into Seungcheol’s eyes.

“Yes… Your Royal Highness…” Seungcheol gulps and the King lets out a soft chuckle before leaving in to whisper in his ear.

“You know you can call me Jeonghan~. Jeonghan’s voice rings through Seungcheol’s mind and it feels like a dangerous spell that he can’t get himself out off. “You know what to do now and remember, make sure nothing… interrupts the future of this kingdom.”

Jeonghan gives a kiss on Seungcheol’s cheek and within a blink of an eye he’s gone. Seungcheol nearly sweats through his suit but this twisted love makes him sick to the stomach. With doubt he turns around and makes his way to Seungkwan’s room where he needs to pick him up.

Once arrived he finds Seungkwan in a very nervous and chaotic state but he makes sure he’ll also calm down. With some sweet talk during their way to the garden Seungkwan starts to feel calmer and more secure about everything.

“Thank you Seungcheol. A human calming me down was really what I needed.” Seungkwan shyly smiles.

“It’s my pleasure Mr. Seungkwan but we have a tradition here, please follow me.” Seungcheol says and Seungkwan nods. He takes the newbie to a hidden water well that’s hidden in the giant garden.

“Wow, this is absolutely gorgeous.” Seungkwan looks around in awe.

“It really is. In our tradition before you get wed you should make a wish at a magical water well.” Seungcheol says as politely as possible but deep inside he’s shaking. He can feel Jeonghan’s aura and it doesn’t make him happy. “I will leave you alone for a bit so that you can concentrate.”

“Thank you Seungcheol, I’ll make a wish to continue the tradition.” Seungkwan smiles and sees Seungcheol bow before he walks away. He turns around and takes a deep breath before closing his eyes, but thence hears a branch crack.

“Oh excuse me… did I interrupt you?” Seungkwan opens his eyes again and looks over at a older woman who is standing next to him. She looks very sorry and bows politely when she notices the beautiful suit. “Oh, you will marry our prince, am I right?”

“Yeah I am and it’s okay, you didn’t really interrupt me.” Seungkwan smiles softly.

“Okay then. I bet you’re here to make a wish. Try to focus and make sure you wish it from the deepest point in your heart, then it will certainly come true.” She says and Seungkwan melts by those sweet words.

He closes his eyes again and takes a deep breath. He tries to think about what his parents would wish for him. Just a happy and healthy life full of joy and love. A smile appears on his face as he finally wished for it but then he feels the biggest scare of his life. He gets pushed into the water well and falls down, what feels like thousands of meters down into the ground, full of the unknown.

The old lady turns back into Jeonghan and Seungcheol stands just a couple of steps behind him, feeling the guilt take over him.

“Stop shaking Seungcheol. Your stress is all getting over me. You did great and you’ll notice why this needed to happen.” Jeonghan smirks and feels as if a lot of weight just dropped from his shoulders. No one will ever stand a chance next to Dokyeom as long he is king.

What they dont know is that one of Seungkwan’s animal friends saw this. The squirrel gasped when they saw the old lady push Seungkwan into the well so they immediately ran away to let Dokyeom know what just happened but sadly they didn’t see the scene escalate further.

Seungkwan starts to feel weaker the further he goes down but then gravity stops him and he’s floating in a black hole. He’s unconscious and what he doesn’t know yet is that he’s thrown out of the fairytale entirely.