Crimson Crown

⌠75⌡

As soon as Jinyoung finished eating dinner he grabbed the book and quickly headed up the stairs; he had plans for the night that he had been thinking about from the moment Jackson made them.

He walked down the hall, headed toward Jackson's room, just when Mark happened to exit the guest bedroom.

"Ah prince, are you coming to bed now?" He asked.

"Oh no, not right now." Jinyoung answered while sidestepping the elder. "Actually, I did want to tell you that you may sleep on the bed tonight."

"I told you before that sleeping on the floor is no problem to me-"

"No I insist, it is fine."

"Well, I do not think your vampire 'friend' will agree with us sleeping together." Mark chuckled at his own joke while Jinyoung bashfully ran his fingers through his hair.

"Ah, actually... I do not think I will sleep in the guest room at all..."

Mark suddenly frowned in confusion.

"Then, where will you-" He paused, thought for a moment, then blinked in realization. A mirthful glint flashed in his eyes as he smiled at the prince. "Ahh, my apologies, I did not pick up on what you were implying. then, have fun."

Jinyoung's face flushed a rosy pink. "I w-was not implying anything really! I am just going to assist him with something, do not assume we have some ulterior intentions or anything..."

"I did not assume anything. I'm glad to have the bed to myself though, thank you."

The prince narrowed his eyes at the latter as he slowly retreated back into the guest room. "Then, have a good night..."

"Night." He replied with a wave. "Don't keep me up with the noise."

"Mark-!"

Before Jinyoung could reprimand him, the elder had already shut the door that muffled his mischievous giggles.

He let out a huff before turning toward Jackson's room. Just as he was about to knock, the door opened before him as if anticipating his presence.

Jinyoung jolted as he suddenly came face to face with the vampire.

"Are you ready?" Jackson asked.

He cleared his throat, awkwardly moving his raised hand to scratch his head. "Um, are you?"

"Not really."

Jackson stepped back into the room, leaving the door open for Jinyoung to follow. The prince hadn't expected such an honest answer, but he was glad to know the latter's true feelings as opposed to him suppressing them.

He slowly stepped past the threshold, shutting the door behind him.

"Oh... well we do not have to do this-"

"But I should just get it over with, I think. And with you here I feel a bit braver than usual." The vampire turned and sat himself on his bed, then patted the empty space beside him.

Jinyoung obliged his silent request and sat on the bed next to him, the book resting on his lap. It was one of the few remnants he had of his parent; Jinyoung was more than honored to be allowed read it with him.

He glanced over at Jackson, their eyes meeting for a moment. He then looked back down at the book, gently thumbing at the cover.

"Okay, I am going to open it now."

Jinyoung folded open the cover, the first cream-colored page containing a short line of writing. It was a name; Rida Wang. Jinyoung could only assume that it was his mother's.