Five Years Later

It's been five years. Five years since Hongjoong became the King of Fantasia and a lot has changed since then. San, Mingi, Yunho and Yeonjun became the official King's guard, Yunho naturally becoming the captain of them. They've always been a big support for Hongjoong, even if they drove him crazy sometimes and couldn't ask for better people to help keep him safe. Yeonjun turned out to be just as good of an asset as Hongjoong thought he was going to be, strong with a sword, a sharp mind and a surprisingly gentle heart. Whenever they go out to visit towns, he will spend some time talking to the children and answering their questions about what Knights do. Seonghwa didn't spend very much longer as a servant, given he was in a relationship with the King who didn't want him to have to suffer in any way. Instead he just spent time with the others whenever he could, learning things he would never be able to as a servant, things he wasn't allowed to do before. Wooyoung remained as a servant for a few months as he enjoyed the work, but then Hongjoong had enough, not liking his friend doing so much for not a lot in return and he decided to employ him as a personal helper in the castle, paying him to complete the jobs he did around the castle. The night he told Wooyoung, was spent with him cuddling the emotional and crying younger boy to sleep. It was the first time he ever received his own money and he wanted to stay close to his big brother for the extra comfort. Jongho remained as Yeosang's personal guard but he sometimes joined the King's guard if Hongjoong went out and needed some extra protection. Yeosang was no longer the spare castoff that didn't matter. Hongjoong taught him what it took to rule a Kingdom, taught him how to fight, how to be a good leader and together they both made decisions for the better of their Kingdom.

Hongjoong as the King was moved into a bigger room, a room for a king, or should he say, a room for a queen. He didn't want to step foot into Kangdae's old room so he instead he moved into his mother's old room. He felt safe there and he kept it relatively the same, not wanting to ruin the layout his mother had to honour her memory and remind him of her. Seonghwa moved in with him a year later, given he spent most nights in there anyway. The hall the room was in had other rooms along it but all of them were empty. Yunho moved to the room across the hall the same time Hongjoong moved, wanting to be close to look after him but also because he just liked being near his family. Wooyoung and San immediately moved to the room two doors down from Hongjoong after Wooyoung became a paid worker. (That ended in at least twice a month visits to sleep in the parents bed because they wanted more cuddles). Mingi moved into the room next to Yunho's but 3 years later, moved into Yunho's room with him instead. Hongjoong moved Yeosang into the room next to his as soon as he moved, happy to have his brother next to him rather than a maze of hallways away. Jongho and Seonghwa both originally got rooms next to each other but like Seonghwa, Jongho was quick to move in with Yeosang, wanting to spend more time with his lover. (As if spending most of the day looking after him wasn't enough). Hongjoong announced his relationship with Seonghwa to the rest of the Kingdom 2 years after he became the King and it was met with some mixed reactions as expected. Many of the townspeople were outraged as was expected. However their opinions changed after they saw how Seonghwa and Hongjoong were together, how happy their King was with him. It wasn't only Hongjoong and Seonghwa's relationship that changed their minds, but also how Seonghwa treated everyone when he accompanied Hongjoong to towns. Word spread quickly of the gentle, angelic man who treated everyone respectfully, never rejected anyone who tried to talk to him and often tried to help people in need. Now whenever Seonghwa goes out with Hongjoong, the townsfolk give him gifts, one of their favourites being hand crafted flower crowns. Hongjoong finds it adorable and he loves seeing Seonghwa being so accepted. A year after announcing his relationship, Hongjoong took Seonghwa to his special spot and proposed to him. Two months later they got married in front of many nobles from all over the Kingdom and in front of their family. The others were ecstatic to see their parents finally get married and they all celebrated together afterwards. Seonghwa was officially named the King's Consort, becoming the first lower class person to ever stand alongside a King as an equal and Hongjoong couldn't be any happier. To no ones surprise though, Seonghwa and Hongjoong weren't the first two to get married. San and Wooyoung got married a year before the other duo. They got married by the waterfall in the clearing with the abandoned house. It was a small ceremony, just them and their close friends, including a few other Knights and servants who they had known for a long time, but it was exactly what they wanted. Jongho and Yeosang were married around four months after Seonghwa and Hongjoong and much like San and Wooyoung, they had a small ceremony with just people they were close to. Yunho and Mingi realised they liked each other 3 years after everything happened and they got two years later, not yet married.

No one really cared about the death of Kangdae, no one questioned it either. As it turns out, most of the Kingdom hated the King and the way he treated his people. Many knew about the many vacations the King went on, using their money to live in luxury without caring much about what happens to those in poverty. Everyone was more used to seeing Hongjoong, having the Crown Prince visit occasionally to make sure everything was ok. The circumstances of his death wasn't disclosed to anyone outside of the Kingdom, Eden deciding it was best to just keep it hidden. With the death of Kangdae came the Hongjoong's rise to the throne and in that, Hongjoong had to fix the problems that Kangdae created. Fantasia went to Valkyrie's aid, sparing as many Knights from throughout the Kingdom as they could without leaving them exposed and defenceless. As it turned out, the reason Valkyrie was able to hold out for so long was because Balhae didn't run a full invasion, they staged a decoy invasion to try and lower Fantasia's defenceless but Kangdae's decision threw a wrench in their plan. Hongjoong would never thank him for that, for abandoning an entire Kingdom and he knows they would've still been able to survive because they're a strong Kingdom. Innocent lives were still lost from Valkyrie but when Fantasia came to their aid, they drove the Balhaenian Knights away back to their Kingdom within two weeks. Valkyrie thanked them for their aid, no matter how delayed it was and the two Kingdom's became allies once again. 3 years later, the unthinkable happened. After years of trying, of bargaining, arguing, fighting, Hongjoong managed to create a peace treaty with Lee Sungjae, the King of Balhae. For the first time in what is thought to be 300 years, the two Kingdom's had a peace treaty. It was a fragile and rocky one, little fights still breaking out here and there from those who disagreed with the treaty but they were dealt with quickly. Hongjoong was happy, that he managed to do what he thought was impossible, he was able to protect his Kingdom from it's biggest threat, for as long as it will last.

Hongjoong also made a promise to Seonghwa and Wooyoung. A promise to make sure they would be treated better and that's exactly what he did. After starting to give Wooyoung pay, the two of them worked together and a month later all of the servants from the castle were changed into paid workers. They were given their own wing near the back of the castle where they were given three to a room. Hongjoong personally went through and made sure they would have enough space with three people to a room, but they assured him it was perfect. They each got their own beds as well and Hongjoong changed their menu for food. They didn't get anything luxurious that the nobles would get but they got proper food and the right amount of meals a day. They were paid for their services, like Wooyoung was and they were given breaks between their jobs and a day off a week, plus time off if they were sick because he didn't want anyone almost passing out. Unfortunately, although he was able to change the policy in the castle, it was slow moving to get the same policies throughout the rest of the Kingdom. They finally got it put in place to get rid of slavery and instead pay their workers, in every town of the Kingdom 3 years later but even to this day, Hongjoong knows there are still people who keep servants in bad conditions. Hongjoong and the others do their best to try and find those who don't follow the rules but there's only so much they can do when they don't know who they are. Despite that, they were making improvements and that's all Hongjoong could ask for.

Overall life has been going well for the eight of them, but nothing was better than the miracle that came clutching to the hands of Wooyoung and San 6 months ago.

"Hongjoong, Seonghwa, we'd like you to meet Aerum. Aerum, I'd like you to meet your Uncle Hongjoong and Uncle Seonghwa," Wooyoung said softly as he walked into the dining hall. Hongjoong paused from where he was in the middle of lifting a spoon to his mouth. He froze and his eyes went wide as he saw San and Wooyoung standing there, holding the hands of a little girl who was grinning, missing a few teeth. Seonghwa was the first to get up and walked over, getting over the shock and kneeling down in front of the young girl.

"Hello Aerum, it's lovely to meet you. I'm your Uncle Seonghwa, but you can just call me Uncle Hwa if you'd like," he said softly, smiling at the little girl.

"Hello Uncle Hwa Hwa," she replied, giggling slightly. Hongjoong was still sat there in shock, not understanding how Wooyoung and San were suddenly showing up with a CHILD. He caught San's eye and the younger glared, nodding down at the little girl. Hongjoong choked slightly before getting up quickly and kneeling beside Seonghwa.

"Hi, I'm your Uncle Hongjoong, but I'm fine with you calling me Uncle Joongie if you want," he said gently, not really sure what he was supposed to be doing but he just followed Seonghwa's lead. Seonghwa is amazing with kids.

"Are you a King? Daddy and Papa said Uncle H-Hong-Hongjoong is a King," she said, having trouble pronouncing his name.

"Daddy and Papa," Hongjoong question, receiving a discrete jab in the ribs from Seonghwa.

"Yeah, Daddy, and Papa," Aerum repeated, tugging first on Wooyoung's hand, then on San's.

"Well your Daddy and Papa are right, your Uncle Hongjoong is indeed a King," Seonghwa said with a nod. Aerum's eyes lit up and she clapped her tiny hands in excitement.

"Does that make me a niece Princess," she asked quickly, her voice pitching up slightly.

"Papa, does it make me a niece Princess," Aerum asked, looking up at San.

"I'm not sure Honey. Hongjoong, does that make my daughter a niece Princess," San asked, looking pointedly at Hongjoong. Hongjoong's eyes widened and he glanced at Seonghwa who rolled his eyes.

"Uh, y-yeah. Yes, you're a perfect little niece Princess," he said quickly. Aerum jumped up and down happily, clapping her hands once again.

"Daddy can I go see Uncle Yunnie and tell him a niece Princess," she asked, tugging on Wooyoung's hand.

"Of course Honey, I'll take you now. Papa needs to talk to Uncle Hwa and Uncle Joongie," Wooyoung said.

"Wave bye bye," he added. Aerum smiled before pulling away from both San and Wooyoung, running to Hongjoong and hugging him tightly. Hongjoong blinked owlishly but his heart melted as he gently hugged the little girl. She was tiny and adorable and he knew he was going to fall fast and would protect this tiny human with his life. She pulled away and hugged Seonghwa quickly who smiled and pat her head before running back to grab Wooyoung's hand. Wooyoung nodded in goodbye before guiding Aerum out. The minute the door closed behind them, Seonghwa and Hongjoong stood quickly.

"You have a child," Hongjoong exclaimed. San blushed guiltily before nodding.

"We do. Her parents died over a year ago and she was sent to a home for parentless kids. Wooyoung and I have been talking about adopting a child for a while now so about 8 months ago we went to the home and she immediately caught our eye. We bonded and we've been going back three times a week to spend time with her, sometimes even going on weekends," San explained.

"That's why you guys have been so secretive? Why you're gone so much," Seonghwa asked.

"Yeah. We didn't want to introduce you guys until it was confirmed but she's officially ours. I-I know we should've told you, maybe a-as-."

"No you shouldn't have, you don't need to. This is a beautiful thing you've done and I'm so happy for you two," Hongjoong said, cutting him off. San nodded slowly before suddenly bursting into tears.

"What's wrong Darling," Hongjoong asked as he and Seonghwa hugged the younger.

"We have a child," he cried. Hongjoong smiled softly before hugging him tighter.

"You do," Seonghwa said with a nod.

"I'm sorry, I'm just so happy," San said with a sniffle.

"Don't be sorry Sannie, you're building a family," Hongjoong said softly.

"We're extending our family," San whispered. Hongjoong smiled softly and hugged them tighter.

It's been 6 months since 5-year-old Aerum was introduced into their lives and those 6 months have been amazing. She spends most of her time with San and Wooyoung but when they're both busy, she spends time with one of her 6 other Uncles. They all react differently to the little human that came bounding into their lives but they all love her dearly. Mingi is scared of the child, stating that all children are evil masterminds but he will let Aerum lay down and sleep in his lap if she get's tired. Yunho loves her a lot and likes to play around with her. Their favourite game is to chase Uncle Minmin around the room as he yells that he is protected from evil. Both of them feel happier listening to her little giggles as they run. Yeosang thinks she's cute but doesn't really know what to do with a child so he usually just watches the others play with her. Jongho also isn't the best with kids either so he usually stays back with Yeosang but when it's their turn to look after her, he's gotten her a fake mini sword and he teaches her little moves. Seonghwa adores the little bundle of joy and is always excited to spend time with her, teaching her new things like how to read and write basic things. Hongjoong, well let's just say he may be spoiling a little more but can you really blame him? She's so sweet and adorable and he can't help but want to spoil her and give her gifts whenever he goes out. He managed to arrange her own room for her, right beside Wooyoung and San's. He got rid of some of the wall between the two rooms and had a door installed so they could have easy access to their daughter and if she wanted to see her parents, she could just walk to their room. Plus it gave them some privacy sometimes because it can be tiring looking after and energetic 5-year-old. None of them would change it for anything in the world though, not one of them.

"Uncle Joongie." Hongjoong looked up from the papers he was going over to see Aerum poking her head through the doorway. She wasn't technically supposed to be in there but sometimes she just likes to come and sit with him. However it is a bit late, close to her bedtime and she's usually supposed to be in her room by now.

"Hey Princess, what's up," Hongjoong asked, softly.

"Can I sit," she asked quietly, rubbing his eyes with her fists as she was clearly tired.

"Shouldn't you be going to bed soon Princess," he asked her, pushing his chair back anyway. She quickly closed the door and padded inside, trying to crawl up into his lap. Hongjoong quickly lifted her and dropped her gently down. She immediately latched on to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his chest. Hongjoong wrapped an arm around her tiny body and rubbed her back gently.

"You ok Aerum? Does your Daddy and Papa know you're here," he asked her softly.

"Daddy and Papa were having some alone time and I was with Uncle Hwa Hwa but he fell asleep," she replied.

"Seonghwa fell asleep," Hongjoong questioned in confusion. It isn't like Seonghwa to fall asleep this early, especially when he's supposed to be looking after Aerum.

"Did your Uncle Hwa say much before he fell asleep," Hongjoong asked.

"He was tired," she shrugged.

"Ok. Well you get some rest ok. I'm going to finish up here and then I'll take you up to bed," he said softly. She nodded and curled up in his arms, latching tightly onto his neck. Hongjoong continued to finish off the paperwork he was going through and it only took a few minutes for Aerum to fall asleep. Hongjoong finished up about 15 minutes after that, closing the book he was writing in. He gently slipped an arm under Aerum's thighs, her legs on either side of his body and he wrapped his other arm around her back before standing. He carried her in his arms throughout the halls, bringing her to Wooyoung and San's room and knocking softly. The door was swung open to show a worried San who let out a breath of relief when he saw them.

"Aerum, thank god," he breathed out in relief, holding out his arms. Hongjoong quickly handed her over, confused as to why he was so worried.

"Is everything ok," he asked.

"Seonghwa fell asleep when looking after her and when he woke up she was gone, he didn't know how long for. I knew she'd be with one of you but I was still worried. Seonghwa's inside crying," he finished quietly. Hongjoong's eyes widened and he rushed past quickly, seeing Seonghwa crying in Wooyoung's arms, saying he was sorry. Wooyoung looked up at Hongjoong and gave him a sad smiled. Hongjoong quickly rushed over and grabbed his husband's hand, pulling him away from Wooyoung. Seonghwa turned around, seeing Hongjoong before noticing San with Aerum in his arms and he let out a sob of relief.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to lose her," he cried.

"Shh," Hongjoong hushed him softly, not wanting to wake the sleeping child.

"It's ok Hwa, she's fine. There isn't many places she go around here and she knows not to walk around too much without one of us," Wooyoung said gently.

"I neglected her," Seonghwa said shaking his head.

"You were exhausted and fell asleep Seonghwa, we understand. Everything's ok now and we aren't upset," San said. Seonghwa sniffled but nodded, grabbing Hongjoong's hand and squeezing it softly.

"Come on, let's go to bed," Hongjoong said gently. Seonghwa sniffled but nodded and stood up, being guided from the room. Hongjoong lightly guided him to their room and over to their bed where they sat next to each other.

"You ok," he asked quietly.

"I fell asleep looking after their daughter Hongjoong. She could've gotten hurt because I was neglectful," Seonghwa said shaking his head.

"She's fine Star, she came straight to me for some cuddles. She's j-."

"I FELL ASLEEP," Seonghwa yelled, cutting him off.

"Hey, hey, it's ok. I know you're beating yourself up about this but Aerum is fine. What I'm more worried about is why you fell asleep, are you feeling ok," Hongjoong asked worriedly. Seonghwa sighed before groaning and dropping his head into his hands.

"I haven't been sleeping well lately," he said quietly. Hongjoong frowned worriedly and slipped his hand back into Seonghwa's, moving so he was knelt in front of him.

"What do you mean? You've been cuddling me every night and waking up in my arms," Hongjoong said worriedly.

"I just, I keep waking up and I have too many thoughts on my mind so I can't get back to sleep until early in the morning," Seonghwa admitted.

"Star. Why didn't you tell me," Hongjoong whispered.

"I-I don't want to bother you. You've got a lot on your plate," Seonghwa said quietly.

"You could never bother me Seonghwa, never. Whatever it is that is bothering you, I want to hear it. You're my husband Seonghwa, the love of my life and nothing is more important than you," Hongjoong said firmly.

"I, I can't Joong," Seonghwa said with a sigh.

"Please talk to me Hwa. It's obvious that whatever this is, it's really bothering you and I want to help. I want you to be able to rest, get some proper sleep," Hongjoong said softly. Seonghwa glanced up at him, seeing how worried he was and his resolve cracked. He doesn't want Hongjoong worrying more.

"I-I love Aerum," he whispered.

"I know that, no one ever doubted that," Hongjoong said quickly.

"She's beautiful and she's adorable and I just, I want that," Seonghwa whispered. Hongjoong furrowed his eyebrows in confusion before understanding what he meant.

"You want us to have a child," he said softly, grabbing his other hand softly. Seonghwa bit his lip nervously, not sure if he was moving too fast but he nodded.

"Y-Yeah," he said shakily. Hongjoong face broke out into a grin and he swooped up, capturing Seonghwa's lips in his own. Seonghwa was caught off guard but he reciprocated quickly until Hongjoong pulled back again and cupped his face softly.

"We're gonna become parents," Hongjoong whispered. Seonghwa's eyes welled up as he realised what Hongjoong meant before he burst into tears, hugging him tightly.

"We're going to be parents," he sobbed out. Hongjoong chuckled softly, hugging Seonghwa tightly and desperately blinking back tears.

"Yeah, we're gonna be p-parents," Hongjoong whispered.

~~~~~

Four months later and Hongjoong and Seonghwa were bringing home a lovely 6-year-old boy named Haneul. Much like Aerum, Haneul lit up their lives. The castle became more lively and there was yet another tiny human for everyone to dote on. Hongjoong and Seonghwa bonded quickly with Haneul, spending as much time with him as they could. Hongjoong didn't start training him to become the next king, Haneul wasn't old enough and Hongjoong isn't Kangdae. He's going to give Haneul his childhood to have fun before introducing him to other stuff, more responsibilities. Seonghwa helped him with reading and writing, letting him join with Aerum. The two kids became fast friends, spending a lot of time together, almost being attatched at the hip. They all thought it was adorable, even joking that one day, just one day they might end up together...

A/N
So this is it everyone, the last chapter for this story. I started writing this story about two or three months ago because I had a random thought and decided I was going to write a story using that idea. This is the first ever long story that I have completed and I am so excited and happy that I have managed to complete it. I'm going to be sad that it's finished but I'm excited for what I will be writing in the future.
Thank you to everyone who has read this book and stuck through with it to the end and thank you to everyone who has left comments, I appreciate it a lot!
I won't start writing a new story for a few months I think because I have exams coming up that I need to study for but I might start planning one in a bit.
I want to ask you guys what you're interested in reading. Let me know some ideas of different types of stories you'd want to read, no matter how random they might be and I'll read through and see if I get a groove with one of your ideas
Once again, thank you for sticking by and completing this book, I appreciate it so much and I hope you're all doing well!