A/N: In the Choson royal court, people were addressed by their titles and/or styles. So, those terms, along with some other Korean words, have been incorporated in this fic. They are numbered for reference and the translations are provided at the very bottom of the page for those who may not know what they mean.

"All bow to His Majesty, the King, and His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince." A eunuch announces the arrival of the two royals to the throne hall full of officials. 

The officials have gathered for their daily assembly where they provide the King of Choson with the latest reports regarding various matters of the kingdom. They all bow at ninety degrees to welcome their monarch and his successor, as they stand on either side of the aisle that leads to the lavishly decorated throne against the backdrop of five peaks, the sun, and the moon--- symbols of great significance to the kingdom of Choson. The king hails from the Byun clan, which has been ruling Choson for centuries having founded the kingdom. 

The King steps inside the hall and makes his way towards the throne, donning his royal attire of a wide-sleeved crimson robe with gold embellished five-taloned dragon emblems stitched on the chest, the shoulders, and the back of the robe. This is accessorized with a jade belt around his waist, and a crown which is a black-winged cap.

Behind him walks the Crown Prince. His royal robe of dark blue, and instead of gold embellished five-taloned dragon emblems like that of the king, his robe bears silver embellished four-taloned dragon emblems. The prince's attire is also finished off with a jade belt, and a navy blue version of the winged cap for a crown. 

The King takes his seat on the crimson throne that was crafted with gold accents, matching the king's royal robe. The Crown Prince takes his designated place a step below and to the left side of the king's throne, in a comparatively modest-looking chair.

"As you were." The King tells his bowing officials, and they all straighten themselves. "Let us begin." He says, commencing the meeting. "Minister Nam, what is the current situation in Pyongan province?" He inquires to the head of the ministry of war.

"We are making great strides there. General Kwak's military is highly skilled, but they are no match for us. I am happy to inform our troops have successfully reclaimed the eastern territory of the province. However, they require more men in the southern front. We are confident that with the additional soldiers, our army can breach the southern defenses. And, once, that is achieved, our soldiers can charge inside the capital and reclaim the province in its entirety." Minister Nam explains.

"Hmm, that is truly good news regarding eastern territory." The King nods approvingly. "I hope the ministry is already taking measures to deploy more troops to the southern front..."

"Of course, Chonha¹." Minister Nam assures the King. 

"Good. I wish to bring an end to this unnecessary civil war soon and bring about some semblance of stability back to our nation. That traitor, Kwak, must pay for his crimes. I long to watch his dreams of governing Pyongan as an independent state burn to the ground. He shall regret ever challenging my regime." The King says with venomous resentment. He shifts his attention back to the officials. "Let us continue."

The meeting continues. Through the entirety of it, the Crown Prince utters not a single word. He only diligently listens to the discussions. He accompanies the King to such meetings on a regular basis, however rarely does he speak. He is expected to attend them mainly to listen, observe and learn; only speaking when the King himself asks for his opinions.

Once the meeting concludes, all the officials bow again while the two royals exit the hall. 

"Seja²," The King addresses the Crown Prince. "Make time for some tea with me this afternoon. "

"All right, abamama³." The Crown Prince bows, as his father proceeds to walk away with his retinue, which consists of private guards, eunuchs, ladies-in-waiting, and maids.

"Choha⁴..." The Crown Prince's personal eunuch, Samnom, gently calls out from behind. "Shall we proceed to your residence? It is almost time for your midday meal."

The Crown Prince nods and begins to walk in the direction of his residence, with his own personal attendants in tow.

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Come afternoon, the Crown Prince makes his way towards the King's quarters for their tea appointment. However, upon entering the King's chamber, he also finds his mother sitting at the table next to the King. "Omamama⁵?" The Crown Prince bows at both his parents. 

"Seja, come sit." The Queen greets her son with a bright smile.

The Crown Prince smiles back at his mother and sits down. "I was not made aware you would be joining us. A delightful surprise, I must say." 

"Ah, I may have forgotten to mention." The King admits.

"That day isn't far when Chonha will forget about my existence entirely." The Queen teases her husband.

"Chungjon⁶, please have some compassion for my fatigued mind. I have many matters occupying my conscious." Then King says lightheartedly

"Very well. Shall we begin?" The Queen motions at the servants and they all move in to surround the table and pour the three royals some tea and serve them some sweets as accompaniments, before retreating back to their original place.

"Seja, there is a reason why we have summoned you." The Queen tells his son. 

The Crown Prince sets down his cup. "What is it?"

"Your father and I have had a discussion and we have both come to the agreement that the time has come for you to marry."

The Crown Prince stiffens. 

"What are your thoughts on the matter?" The King asks his son.

"Is a marriage truly necessary at this time?" The Crown Prince responds.

"You are now twenty years old. I had married your mother when I had been around your age. And, the addition of a consort with the ability to provide an heir would solidify your future on the throne even further. "

"Not to mention, a womanly presence may enrich your life. I believe a consort would act as a pillar of support for you." The Queen explains.

"I agree with the Queen." The King says. "As part of your princely duty, you are required to marry sooner or later, so you may as well fulfill it now."

Baekhyun takes some before speaking. "Very well. If this is what is required of me then I shall do it. I shall marry as you both wish."

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Translations:

1. Chonha: Your majesty. The style used to address the king by his inferiors.

2. Seja: Crown prince. The title is also used to address the crown prince by his superiors, such as the king, queen, queen dowager.

3. Abamama: An intimate term used to address a king by his children.

4. Choha: Your highness. The style used to address the crown prince by his inferiors.

5. Omamama: An intimate term used to address the queen by her children.

6. Chungjon: Queen. The title is also used to address the queen by her superiors, such as, the king and queen dowager.