Crimson Crown

⌠48⌡

Jinyoung was able to make it out of his bath on his own. The herbs and heated water did wonders for his muscles, though he was still in some pain, it was manageable.

Despite being told to rest, of course, Jinyoung couldn't listen. As soon as he finished his bath he dressed himself in fresh garments and went on a search for his Jackson and his parents. He hoped that maybe they hadn't spoken to each other yet so that he could be there to introduce the vampire while rushing from room to room of the large building.

As he approached the dining hall he could hear various voices, quickening his pace while trying to recognize them. It was only when he got closer to the doors that he could recognize the rumble of a certain husky voice. He could barely make out what was being said, inching himself closer until his ear was pressed up against the carved wood.

"I feel as though I should be wary of you and your kind... but you saved my son, so I hesitate to judge you so quickly."

It was his father speaking. Jinyoung cringed hearing him address Jackson like that-- he was too late to interject and explain everything.

"Honestly I am the one outnumbered here." Jackson replied, his tone calm despite the King's lightly prejudiced tone. "If I had the intention to do any harm, it would have been done by now."

Somehow, hearing Jackson defend himself made Jinyoung's chest tingle. He mindlessly smiled to himself as he listened to the latter speak so clear and firm.

"I understand, but considering the situation, Jinyoung was harmed in a war that began with the death of a royal, and they say it is by a vampire." His father's newfound precaution projected onto his every word-- since all that had happened, he obviously wanted to be careful. "How do I know it wasn't you who caused all of this to begin with, and what your goal is now?"

The prince's chest tightened at his father's speculation; he knew that Jackson had no ulterior motives, but it was understandable that everyone else who was not familiar with the vampire was to be wary. For a myth-ed creature thought to be a bloodthirsty killer to show up out of the blue inside the palace not long after the death of a royal by said creature, naturally, everyone was on edge.

Jinyoung swiftly turned and opened the door, abruptly interrupting the conversation before Jackson could respond.  He stepped into the dining room where Jackson sat across from his parents along the short edge of the table, all 3 pairs of eyes attracted to his entrance.

"Father, mother." The prince greeted, ignoring the confused look Jackson shot at him.

His mother quickly stood, rushing over to meet him. "Oh baby, you still look so pale! Go lay down!"

Jinyoung smiled softly, turning his head away from his mother's caring hands. "No, I'm fine, really."

"No, I agree, you should go lay down." Jackson urged as he stood, his eyes silently ordering Jinyoung to leave.

"And leave my guest all alone? I have better manners than that."  The latter retorted, sending his own silent message that he wasn't leaving them alone any longer. He made his way to the table, taking the seat beside Jackson. "Sorry that I did not properly introduce my friend."

"We chatted and have become loosely acquainted." The King, who had yet to move from his seat, informed.

Jinyoung blinked, glancing around the room as everyone took their seats again. What did that mean-- did Jackson tell his parents how they truly met? About the legends and the house deep in the woods? About Jinyoung's blood sacrifices and their more... intimate relationship?

The prince's hands curled into fists on the table, growing clammy from his turbulent thoughts. "So... you know everything? Or...?"

"Of course I do, do you think your own father dull?" The king roared back.