Crescent -ateez&skz x reader

Chapter 5- Fauna and Flora

Chapter warnings: mention of death, nothing explicit or detailed :)

Hearing Fraija's words all but makes your heart drop. This cannot be anything good. How could a wanted bandit and handmaiden be of any use to an elven kingdom? Hongjoong's equally wary eyes meeting yours does nothing but fill you with dread. You peek up to your left at Felix for some semblance of reassurance leaves you disappointed as he still gives his full attention to Fraija in the continuing conversation.

"Of course, are they to be house housed separately from our people or are they to be granted the trust of sharing their quarters?" Hyunjin inquires.

Fraija appears to contemplate this for a moment, his brow furrowing in thought. He brings a steady thumb and forefinger to his brow momentarily before replying.
"They have no weapons as far as we're aware, however trust must be earned, they will be kept separate under your guard for the time being."

He pauses before turning his attention back to you and Hongjoong in an even tone.
"I consider you my guests and you will be treated as such. However, be that as it may, you break the sliver of trust I am putting in you to treat our customs and people with equal respect and I will send you from our borders back to Igoras myself. Do I make myself clear?"

You both reply almost in unison, "Absolutely your highness."

He scoffs in good nature at the title, confusing you both "Your sincerity is appreciated however I may be the leader of my people but I am no royalty, you do not need to address me as such."

Hongjoong answers, you can practically feel the tension oozing away from him at the sudden decrease in formality required.
"In that case, absolutely Fraija. We are most grateful for your hospitality and can assure you that your trust is not misplaced."

The elven leader gives a slow nod of acknowledgment, his eyes closing gently, before walking away across the bridge to an unknown part of the treetop palace. The subtle display of trust reminds you of the stag in the forest, making you wonder just how closely entwined with nature the elves are.

Felix and Hyunjin turn back to you, the former wearing a welcoming smile on his countenance as opposed to the rather wary half smile he displayed prior to the conversation.

The later speaks first, his own expression devoid of emotion. You doubt his stance on you both being in their realm has changed much.
"Recalling your excuse earlier regarding the rabbit, we're assuming you're hungry?"

The slight accusatory tone throws you off, confirming your assumption. Felix's jaw twitches slightly, throwing him a look of disapproval with a light lift of his eyebrow.

Hongjoong answers stiffly, if he's trying to hide his agitation he's doing a poor job, however the slight bite in his tone is quite satisfying to you nonetheless.
"You would be right in assuming that."

His next words have a different effect, mildly irritating you at first before offering you another wave of nerves regarding your presence in Reynyr.
"However if you do not feel us welcome, we will not eat pretending we are so. We have enough food left to sustain us whilst you process that your leader has addressed us as guests, not prisoners"

Felix's mouth forms a small 'o' before he regains his composure, a flash of unease is present in his eyes though.

"As you wish" The cold elf replies.

Felix turns to him suddenly, the glimpse you catch of his features chills you.
"I will escort them to their quarters, you should fetch some spare blankets." His tone and pointed look at his partner more-so imply something to the meaning of "don't come back to us until you cool off."