Crimson Crown

⌠65⌡

2 weeks later is when Jinyoung finally started to look like himself again.

The first week consisted of a lot of tears, random emotional outbursts, and a constant struggle to yank the prince through simple routines of eating, washing, and exercising. Jinyoung was one to pull himself together quickly though, and by the end of that week, he was already slowly getting through his daily duties without Youngjae having to drag him around. Then through the second week, he started training with Mark again, and maybe channeling his emotions and energy into training is truly what helped pull him out of his funk.

Not only what he more focused when he trained, but he had improved physically. He was much faster, stronger, and more responsive to whatever blows the swordsman would throw at him. He fell less and less, and even landed a couple of blows on Mark who was notoriously skilled at evading attacks. Jinyoung could tell his senses were keener; when he fought he listened to the movement of his opponent and was able to dodge or attack accordingly, and his enhanced spatial awareness allowed him to make use of his environment as well. He was sure all of these improvements were somewhat attributed to his transformation, but he also liked to believe that his hard work was also paying off.

Though he was still unsure of all of his abilities, he was happy with his progress, and was willing to keep learning until he understood everything about himself. He never needed Jackson.

He and Mark were out training again on a nice day; Jinyoung now spent the majority of his time outside training with Mark or by himself. Youngjae always tried to drag him inside to bathe or eat, but this had become the prince's outlet-- if he let his mind or body rest for too long, he would begin thinking again, and thinking would only bring about the sad thoughts he was trying to suppress.

So instead, Youngjae opted to check on him occasionally and bring necessities out to him. The other two were taking a rest when the servant made his way across the field.

"I brought cold water for you, and a bun." He announced once he was close enough, a pitcher of ice water on one hand with a plate in the other.

Jinyoung turned, smiling at the gesture. "Ah, thank you."

Though he pretended not to be craving nourishment, it was easy to tell from the way he gulped down water and nearly swallowed his bun whole how hard he'd been working.

"Look, he's got some color back in his face after walking around like a corpse for a week!" Mark exclaimed while the prince shoved the last bit of food down his throat.

Youngjae hummed, leaning in to examine the latter's complexion. "Are you sure? Vampires are known to be quite pale."

Jinyoung chuckled as he wiped crumbs from his lips. "I feel better, so I hope I look better."

"I am glad, my prince. I was worried a bit but, of course, you pulled through."

Jinyoung let out a soft sigh as his gaze drifted off. "Yes well, it is all part of life, I suppose."

Youngjae nodded in agreement, then cleared his throat. He leaned in closer to the prince's ear. "By the way, I wanted to speak with you..."

Jinyoung rose a brow, then glanced back at Mark. The latter could tell that he was no longer part of the conversation and drifted off elsewhere while the prince and his servant stepped aside. step aside.

"Is it about...?"

Youngjae nodded before the latter finished. "Your father has been having more frequent meetings with the army general. I believe they want to do the surprise strike soon."

"Soon..."

"I thought you might want to know..."

Jinyoung huffed, running a hand through his hair. "He will not listen to me, no matter how much I plead, his head is too big..."

"I do not want you to worry about this..."

"But you know I will. I want to save as many people as I can, including those who are seen as our enemy, as long as they are innocent..." Jinyoung's gaze fell to the ground. This issue still sat in the back of his mind and he still had no idea what to do about it. He had no leads he could go off of, nothing that could possibly benefit his goal. "I feel like I need to know more but, I have no clue what I am missing."

Youngjae squeezed the latter's shoulder. "Now is not the time to stress over such things. You should focus on getting stronger, you've been doing well."

"You know I cannot let this go so easily." Jinyoung retorted.

As much as Youngjae wanted Jinyoung to stay in place and let things blow over without his involvement, he knew better than to expect that of the latter. He sighed and released him, stepping back to keep himself from over-extending his caution.

"Mark let's continue!" Jinyoung called, turning and jogging in the direction of the swordsman,

His head must've still been fogged with worrying thoughts, as he happened to pay no mind to where he was running and tripped over his own feet. He fell to the ground with a thud.

Mark began cackling, his shrill laugh echoing through the field. "Almost ate the mud, Jinyoung?"

The younger chuckled, his cheeks flushed from embarrassment. "I still seem to be clumsy."

He sat up, climbing to a knee. Though, that was as far as he could go before getting hit with a blinding spell of vertigo. He attempted to blink the effects away, to no avail. He tried to raise himself on his other leg, only to topple down to his knees again.

"Jinyoung?" He heard Mark call, though his voice began fading into the distance.

"Ah, what-..." he mumbled, mindlessly, attempting to stand again, then falling back to the ground. The world was spinning, his vision was blurry, and it felt like he was slowly drifting into blackness.

Suddenly a figure crowded what was left of his vision; Mark, hovering over him. He was soon joined by Youngjae-- Jinyoung could just barely make out the horrified expression on his face.

"Jinyoung!?" Youngjae yelled, then looked up at Mark. "We must get him to the infirmity!"

Jinyoung tried to respond, but choked on his own words. His throat felt as dry as the desert, nothing wanted to come out. His vision faded to black, and he lost touch with the world.