In a realm where power rests in the grace of kingdoms and the strength of ancient bloodlines, two opposing royal houses prepare to unite—not through war, but alliance. The Saeyoon Kingdom, known as the land of Silver Grace, stands for wisdom, serenity, and purity. Its beloved prince, Kim Seungmin, is quiet and composed, often overlooked for his strength due to his petite frame and soft demeanor. The opposing force, the Geomhwa Kingdom, or Sword Flame, is a land of discipline, fire, and unyielding might. At its helm stands Hwang Hyunjin, the fierce, sharp-tongued crown prince whose very presence can silence a battlefield.

A historical meeting is set. The Geomhwa royals journey to Saeyoon to discuss the merging of their kingdoms. But no amount of diplomacy can prepare Hyunjin for what he finds in the grand marble halls of the Saeyoon castle—the soft, dangerous allure of Seungmin.

—

The ivory marble floors of Saeyoon Castle glowed beneath the flood of morning light. Sunlight streamed through towering arched windows, catching every glint of polished silver and the gold accents embedded in the massive white table stretching through the throne room. The air smelled of jasmine and stone.

At the head of the table sat King Kim Jaeheon, ruler of the Saeyoon Kingdom, clothed in regal whites and silver embroidery. At his right was Queen Minseol, graceful and composed. Beside her sat their only son, Prince Seungmin, dressed in an elegant white suit that cinched his petite frame. His corset shimmered with delicate silver chains, and his pale fingers tapped softly against the marble tabletop. He appeared delicate—fragile even—but those who knew better understood the discipline behind that stillness.

The double doors opened with a resounding echo.

“Announcing His Majesty King Hwang Daekyun of Geomhwa, Queen Eunrae, and Crown Prince Hyunjin.”

From the shadows of the hallway, King Hwang Daekyun stepped forth in deep black robes lined with red silk, his aura sharp and commanding. Beside him, Prince Hyunjin walked a step ahead of the queen. He wore a black formal robe with crimson detail, his long figure upright and unreadable. His sharp eyes scanned the hall—and froze.

Seungmin.

There he sat like something carved from snow and starlight, head held high despite his soft features. His white outfit clung to him like second skin, and Hyunjin’s jaw tensed before he could stop it.

The kings greeted one another first, their voices slicing through the thick silence.

“King Jaeheon,” Daekyun said, bowing his head slightly. “Your halls remain as radiant as ever. Saeyoon does not age.”

Jaeheon smiled, though his eyes were watchful. “And Geomhwa never fails to bring the fire in its stride. Sit. Let us speak as allies.”

The Geomhwa royals took their seats across from the Saeyoon family. Hyunjin took the spot directly across from Seungmin. The air between them tightened like a drawn string.

Daekyun spoke first. “Our kingdoms have survived centuries apart, but the world outside grows restless. It is time to fortify—not just borders, but legacy.”

“And legacy,” Jaeheon replied, his gaze flickering to their sons, “requires more than treaties. It requires understanding. Trust. A bond.”

Queen Eunrae nodded, though her attention was on Seungmin, her eyes calculating.

Hyunjin leaned slightly forward. “And what sort of bond do you propose, Your Majesty?”

Seungmin’s gaze met Hyunjin’s—unblinking, steady.

Jaeheon’s voice didn’t waver. “A union. Between heirs. If not now… then a trial. A season together. To see if silver and flame can truly blend.”