Crimson Crown

⌠88⌡

By the end of the week, Jinyoung was finally allowed out of his room.

He assumed that this was because his parents would finally be making a decision about Jackson soon, but he wasn't sure of anything. He still wasn't allowed to see the latter, but just spending that one night with him gave him enough energy to continue waiting.

Since he was finally free from the confinements of his bedroom, he decided to try and occupy himself. He called on Mark to come by and scheduled a training session together, it felt like forever since he'd been able to get a proper workout in.

 When he went out to their usual area on the field, he spotted some people sitting out there already. As he closed in on them, he recognized the familiar couple whose lips were just about to touch.

"Can you not display such filth in front of me!?" He yelled across the distance.

Youngjae froze, pulling back like a deer caught in a hunter's line of sight. He glanced behind him, eyes widened at the prince's sudden appearance. He quickly attempted to peel away from the man beside him who was revealed to be Jaebeom, as the blacksmith turned to catch him while scrambling to their feet.

"A-Ah, Prince, isn't it time for lunch? Why are you not eating?" Youngjae questioned while attempting to squirm out of Jaebeom's hold.

"I just finished eating and now it seems I've gotten an afternoon show..." The elder retorted while wearing a playfully disgusted expression.

The servant scoffed. "You did not hear me tease you when you were all over that vampire, did you!?"

"I did! Both you and Mark!"

"Good to see ya, Jinyoung." Jaebeom interjected with a pat on his back. "Didn't know when I would have time to drop by again. Been awhile."

"You are welcome any time Jaebeom, I hope your shop is holding up well."

"Now that things are settled, I'm able to get back on my feet again! I can finally keep up with all the requests I get."

"That is wonderful to hear."

Jaebeom tightened his grip on Youngjae, his fingers squeezing the latter's waist. "And this one always visits me when he can to encourage me, such a sweety ain't he?"

"Alright, that is enough." Youngjae grumbled, shoving Jaebeom away. He turned his flushed face away, arms folded over his chest. "I will walk you out, Sir Im."

"Ya kickin' me out already? We didn't even get to--"

"Let us take our leave!" 

Youngjae swiftly bowed to Jinyoung and then grabbed Jaebeom by the arm, the elder snickering as he was dragged off.

Jinyoung chuckled and waived as the two headed back to the castle, at the same time spotting Mark emerging with their training materials. The swordsman briefly greeted the couple as he walked across the field to where Jinyoung waited.

He approached laughing. "Jaebeom got himself in trouble again, it seems."

"I am sure Youngjae loves it, else he would have rid of Jaebeom long ago." Jinyoung waved off.

Mark hummed in agreement. "Then, are you ready?"

"More than ready, after a week of being trapped I've been wanting to get some exercise in."

"Great, some water and more padding should be out here soon. I'll be right back."

Mark turned and headed back for the palace, leaving Jinyoung to warm up. He was excited to get back to training; he wanted to become stronger not only for himself, but to impress a certain someone else too.