The Hidden Prince

Description

500 years ago, 4 great dragons that ruled the elements (earth, air, fire, and water) split their land evenly and decided that they would rule them peacefully, as allies. The dragons took other powerful beings as mates and had children that inherited part of their power. In the rare case of an only child, all of the power would be interited by him/her. When the dragons felt that they had enough of kingship, they would choose their heirs: the wisest, just, and strongest of their children. That way, the 4 kingdoms could live in peace and prosperity forever.

This process went perfectly until the king of the Air kingdom, Leeteuk, and the young king of the water kingdom, Kangin, fell in love. They married, joining the two lands into one; the kingdom of Etheria. Leeteuk, being a dragon, possessed the ability to procreate and eventually gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Donghae. Being the child of two royal dragons gave Donghae immense power. Power that many felt should not be given to a mere child. Among these believers, the leader was the Fire king's younger brother, Jiyong. He felt such jealousy and hatred towards young Donghae that he rebelled against his brother, Yunho, and took his place as king, banishing Yunho and his family.

Kangin and Leeteuk, fearful that Donghae would be harmed, hid him with Yunho's family inside the Earth kingdom that was ruled by their dear friends, Hangeng and Heechul. There, Etheria's heir was safe- that is until now.

Foreword

Donghae POV

I always think about my birth parents, who they were, what happened to them, etc. Its not that my adoptive parents, Yunho and Jaejoong, are bad, they're kind and comfortable people, but it would've been nice to know the people that actually created me. Yunho and Jaejoong treat me like I'm their child and their son, Yoochun, is like a brother to me, but I still feel like a stranger sometimes. I don't even call them Appa and Umma, I call them "Uncles". Sometimes I wonder what would have happened had I been with my parents.

I was pondering on this the first time I met him, too. It was about 1AM, but I still couldn't sleep, so I decided to sneak out to the roof. Careful not to wake Yoochun, I grabbed a cloak and climbed out of my window. 'The night was getting colder now that fall was rolling in' I thought as I clutched my cloak for warmth. I stared at the stars, wishing I could grab them.

About an hour later, a man in black and red clothing walked by our house. He looked lost, so I leaped off the roof to give him directions. He must have heard me on my way down, for he swiftly twisted around and glared at me. When he realized that I couldn't be a threat, his glare softened and grew into a curious expression.

"Hi, I'm Donghae. Do you need directions somewhere?" I asked, smiling.

He rubbed the back of his head lightly.

    “Was it obvious that I was lost?” he chuckled.

    His voice was warm and cheerful. Also, now that I looked closer at his face I discovered that he was handsome. In fact, he was very good looking. He must have noticed me ogling, for he chuckled once more as he stuck his hand out in front of me.

    I looked stupidly at it, still dumbstruck by this god-like stranger.

    He smiled, “Donghae, you there?”

    I blushed and quickly shook his hand.

    The man grinned with his gums clearly visible-which I found adorable- and introduced himself.

    “My name’s Hyukjae, nice to meet you”