Crimson Crown

⌠72⌡

Mark stepped into the house, slightly surprised to see the prince sitting alone on the sofa immersed in a book. Over his shoulder hung a sack, presumably filled with dinner for the night, which he sat down on the dining table as he walked through the home.

"Oh, where is Jackson?" He asked as he turned to the prince.

"He's upstairs doing some tidying." Jinyoung answered.

The latter hummed while he stepped closer. He plopped himself down on the loveseat beside the sofa.

"And while I was gone, did you make utmost use of your time?"

Jinyoung frowned, looking up from his book. "What do you mean?"

The elder cocked his head curiously. "Why else did you think I left? I brought back some food for supper, but I mostly wanted to let you both have time to... be with one another after so long."

The latter blinked in confusion. It took him a moment or two longer to realize exactly what Mark was implying.

He snapped his book shut in the midst of his sudden fluster. "W-What!? Such lewd thoughts you have, seriously Mark..."

"So you are saying you did not consummate with the vampire despite having the perfect opportunity?"

"It is not your business!" Jinyoung let out a harsh breath as his eyes flicked away. "B-Besides... I need just a bit more time..."

The swordsman sat back in his chair, slowly nodding. "I see."

The thought of doing such... things with Jackson had crossed Jinyoung's mind too many times to count in the past. Even earlier when the vampire was sharing his blood, Jinyoung wondered if that would be the moment they finally crossed the line. But even if offered such an opportunity, he most likely wouldn't take it; not now. He had come to realize how scary it was to lose the person he liked so much, and Jinyoung wanted to wait until he had no reservations before indulging in the fruits of their relationship. He was wary of getting hurt again, nor did he want to hurt Jackson, so he decided to tread carefully for now.

"I used to be restless but now, I'm okay with waiting. It has to feel right." He mumbled out, his fingers tugging at the knee of his pants.

"How mature of you. Though Jackson must be suffering." Mark responded.

"He was the one making me wait in the first place, I doubt it's a bother to him."

"You both are so odd, if it were me I would've bedded my partner long before now."

"I do not recall asking..." Jinyoung pursed his lips in disgust. He let out a soft sigh as he sank back against the sofa's cushions. "Regardless, he won't want to do it with me when he finds out what I have been thinking about..."

Mark curiously perked up. "What are you thinking?"

Jinyoung's eyes flickered to Mark in the brief silence that stood between them.

"You won't Iike it either, but since you are here..."

The elder's expression darkened while Jinyoung's eyes fell to his lap.

"I dislike your expression. And I'm sure I will dislike this idea."

"But what else am I to do? Sit around?" The prince asked with a sigh.

"Yes precisely." Mark retorted. "Let me remind you of how you almost died before-"

"No need to remind me."

The swordsman let out a troubled breath. "...Just because you made up with Jackson does not make you invincible. There is only so much he can do, even he cannot protect you from yourself."

"You are already assuming that I am thinking of something reckless. I do not need him to protect me, though I know he will try."

"Then prove to me that whatever you're thinking of doing is something not reckless that you can handle."

Jinyoung took a moment to collect his words. Even though he was sure Mark would be against his idea, he still wanted to phrase it as delicately as he could so it wouldn't be outright dismissed.

"...Since the war is at a standstill, I think we should make utmost use of the temporary peace." He began, his eyes constantly flashing between Mark and his lap as he spoke. "I think... I should approach Cornelia on behalf of the royals of Alveras, and speak with royals myself."

Mark stared at the latter as if waiting for him to continue.

The silence prolonged, which only concerned him more. "Are you serious?"

"I do not jest about these things." The prince responded.

The elder ran a hand through his hair. A frown settled on his face. "And... what makes you believe you will not be sliced dead on the spot?"

Jinyoung faltered. He hadn't really thought as far as that.

"The-... the proposal of peace...?"

Mark immediately shook his head. "That is not enough. It is enough for you but, for an entire kingdom who is seeking revenge? You have to offer more than just that."

"Like what?"

"Something that any kingdom would benefit from; trades, riches, the head of the vampire who killed their prince-"

"Mark!" Jinyoung kicked the latter's shin in reprimand.

Mark barely flinched. "What? You think just showing up with nothing will suffice? If a peace treaty is what you want to be granted, then you must offer up something that would appease the Cornelian royals and their people."

Jinyoung's head sank into his hands. This was something he would have to think about; what could he possibly give as a peace offering? Sure he had riches, but so did the Cornelian royals, so it would not mean much. Though Jackson was responsible for one of the killings, Jinyoung was sure that if he gave the latter over that he would be killed on the spot without even considering the circumstances. He had nothing else he could really offer though, and he wasn't even sure if his offering would work in the first place.

"But, the plan isn't horrible."

The prince blinked out of his thoughts, glancing up at Mark. "You... are not opposed to it?"

"I am very much opposed." He clarified. "But it is not the deadliest one you've come up with. It has the highest chance of possibly working."

Jinyoung instantly brightened. If Mark saw potential in his plan, then maybe he could put more faith into it. He just needed to think it out more, and quickly, so he could enact it soon.

"I just have to figure out what Alveras can offer. Something that, even if my parents get angry at me, they would be willing to give it up for the sake of peace..."

"Good luck with that one." Mark snickered as he stood up. "You should tell Jackson though- I'm sure he would be livid if you kept this idea from him."

Jinyoung nodded, he hadn't planned on hiding it from him anyway. They all knew anyway, that once the prince's mind was set on something, he wouldn't budge.

"He'll surely know, whether he likes the idea or not."

Mark hummed, responding with a curt nod. "I guess I'll prepare the meat for later since Jackson is busy."

"Have fun." Jinyoung replied as he stood.

He took in a breath, gathering the confidence he needed to head up the stairs and lay his idea out to the vampire.