Crimson Crown

⌠78⌡

"Jackson... did it look like this when you came before?" Jinyoung mumbled as he gazed out the side of the carriage they had been directed into. 

To keep tabs on their whereabouts, all three of their horses were tied to a carriage and led by a Cornelian coachman that took them through the kingdom to the royal castle. They understandably didn't want to offer the enemy a chance to sneak around and wreak havoc; despite that not being their intention.

"It was in the middle of the night when I arrived, no one was really around..." Jackson replied, his gaze also diverted to the roadways.

Mark let out a breath. "I've seen all types of kingdoms, but none as diverse as this."

On the way to the royal palace, the trio rode through the main village that surrounded it. Jinyoung had expected to see a different population than that of Alveras, but his jaw nearly dropped to his lap when his eyes feasted on the kingdom that was filled with a mixture of both humans and non-human creatures living together. 

There were various beings walking the streets, trading, talking; from humans to goblins, to what looked to be werewolves if going by their sharp golden eye color. There were some creatures that Jinyoung couldn't even identify, all of them living together as friends and neighbors. Children of different species ran alongside the carriage and played together as if it were normal--

To them, this was normal.

He had no idea that this is what Cornelia had hidden behind their walls. If he had known, he would've been dying to visit long before now; this was the sort of kingdom he could only daydream of. To see such diverse creatures peacefully living amongst one another; he could hardly believe that this is what Alveras used to be.

During the ride to the palace, Jinyoung continuously awed at the sights. It was extremely clear that he was quite sheltered, as he was like a child with the way he gawked at everything they passed by.

Soon enough the large structure of royalty grew closer and closer. Seeing the palace up close was the least interesting thing, since Jinyoung had lived his entire life in one. This time, Mark and Jackson were the ones in awe of the large estate.

"Get out." The coachman ordered. 

The three quickly and silently climbed out of the carriage, then waited as their arrival was announced among the palace. Soon enough, a guard came out to fetch them and led them into the castle. 

They walked up various sets of stairs and through winding corridors; the palace was huge, yet held a similar sort of emptiness that the prince sometimes felt in his own palace. He had already lost his way to the exit and didn't take note of the building's layout, but luckily he had someone like Mark who always took note of practically anything when entering an unknown place.

They finally arrived at a small sitting room filled with plush chairs, couches, and pillows. Two more guards stood on each side of the room, one standing nearby another door on the other side. The guard that led them there gestured toward the seating area.

"The Queen is preparing for your audience. Wait here."

The three hesitantly entered and sat down. They were finally here, in Cornelia, just moments from speaking with the Queen.

Jinyoung didn't know what he was going to say or do, all he knew for sure was that he wanted some form of understanding to be met between the opposing sides. He had no backup aside from Jackson and Mark, so either he did this right, or something may go horribly wrong. It was only up to him to try and stop either kingdom from dealing or receiving any more damage.

The prince nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt something brush his hand.

His head whipped over to Jackson who sat beside him, his fingers slipping into Jinyoung's wet palm.

"You're shaking." He mumbled.

Jinyoung swallowed hard, only then realizing how dry his throat was. "M-Me? No I'm fine-"

Jackson's grip tightened; it was impossible to lie to him. "I'm right here by your side, so is Mark. Even if you are scared, we're here for you."

Jinyoung glanced at the two, after a minute, finally letting out a long breath. This was by far the craziest thing he'd done, and it was not the time to freak out after coming this far. He leaned closer to Jackson, gently resting his head on the latter's shoulder for comfort. They reassuringly squeezed one another's hands to calm each other.

Though a while had passed since they had been in the sitting room, Jinyoung felt like it was all too quick that a guard entered the room and gestured for him to follow.

"Her majesty is ready to see you now."

Jinyoung tensed, immediately looking to Mark for assistance.

"You go in, we'll stay here." Mark advised, assuming that such an arrangement was the best course of action. Royal business normally stayed between royals, so going in alone made the most sense.

Jackson immediately shot up. "No, I'm going with him."

Mark frowned at him, their gazes meeting for a brief moment. He quickly realized that there was no argument to be had; Jackson wanted to stay by Jinyung's side and he wouldn't let anyone, not even a royal Queen, get in the way.

He let out a soft sigh, waving him away. "Then I will stay outside. Just in case."

Jackson nodded then turned to Jinyoung, reaching his hand out toward the latter.

"Let's do it."

Jinyoung took his hand, slowly standing to his feet and making their way across the room. This was his only chance to fix things; he couldn't blow it now.