Crimson Crown

⌠23⌡

⚠️brief depiction of self-harm and blood, but nothing serious⚠️

When Jinyoung arrived home, he was met at the gate by his coachman. He stood angrily with his arms folded as the prince approached on his steed.

"Jinyoung!" BamBam called loudly. "Why have you gone out without me?"

"I just needed to run errands." He shrugged, hopping off his horse.

"The king has ordered you not to leave without an escort, you are to have me take you wherever you need to go."

"I gave you a day off today, aren't you happy?"

"I am grateful, but I am sure your business must have something to do with the vampire." The younger suspected while tapping his foot on the ground in agitation. "Leaving the palace at night by yourself already puts me on edge, if something happens to you in broad daylight without me by your side, your father would have my head!"

Jinyoung shook his head, letting out a sigh. He placed a reassuring hand on the coachman's shoulder. "Bam, I assure you everything is okay, why is everyone so worried? I'm sick of it, frankly."

"You go off and play with a vampire, of course we're all worried. We cannot have any more stress at a time like this where tensions are already high within the kingdom."

"But-"

"No buts. You need to at least inform someone of your whereabouts before you disappear. And during the day, take me with you."

The prince chewed on his lip, letting out a more agitated sigh. He didn't want to be watched like a hawk, but if he didn't agree to these terms, he probably would be forced to stay in the palace or something that would further complicate his situation. "Fine, but not to Jackson's house."

"Jackson?" BamBam repeated the foreign name.

He realized BamBam was not too familiar with him, awkwardly clearing his throat as he clarified. "The... the vampire..."

The younger clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "You sound like a teenager sneaking off to a young lover's house."

"I-It's nothing like that!" Jinyoung retorted.

"Fine, whatever. But still, inform me when you go."

"I will, don't worry."

Jinyoung quickly brushed past the younger, heading into the palace. He went straight to his room with no one other than the vampire on his mind. He wasn't obsessed with Jackson, just... interested. He wanted to learn more about his life, and his past, and his species. For once in his life he's found something to value more than himself and the royal bloodline; he wasn't going to just let it go so easily.

As he entered his room, he pondered on what the vampire might be doing at this very moment. Maybe he was off feeding, or he could be cooking himself some food. Or he might just be resting, looking at the same bluish-purple sky that he was gazing at.

He wanted to be of more use to Jackson. He's been alone for so long, he wanted to be someone the latter could rely on; it must get tiresome sometimes to be on his own. The thought reminded Jinyoung of his shoulder wound, caused by Jackson feeding on him.

He did say that he hadn't had human blood in a very long time... and the nutrients would help him heal faster... and that Jinyoung's blood tasted sweet...

The prince mindlessly found himself searching for his sword. He found it on his dresser, unsheathing the long, shiny blade. He then searched through his belongings inside the dresser and found an empty vial, hoping that it would function as he wished it to.