Crimson Crown

⌠89⌡

"Sorry that you're forced to live here... maybe someday soon I will convince my parents to let you go back home." Jinyoung mumbled while laid out on his bed.

Jackson hummed as he watered the flowers on Jinyoung's dresser; he had bought more as a sweet gesture since the original one had begun to wilt.

A couple of weeks passed since Jinyoung and Jackson had been able to see one another again. The Kingdoms settled on the terms of their peace treaty and officially enacted it not long after it was signed. By this time, both Kingdoms were in slight disarray and chaos, but officials and royals were working diligently to try and get everything in order before addressing everyone's confusion. Even Jinyoung had been helping mass print informational pamphlets to be distributed across the towns. It was a lot of work, but it had to be done to keep the people as informed as possible.

Even Jackson helped, though it was his requirement to do so, he still would've aided him anyway. For now, Jackson's status was a temporary servant, since the training and preparations had yet to be done to officially knight him. Jinyoung did not mind it one bit though, as it gave him the freedom to call on the latter whenever he wanted to see him and occupy him for as long as he desired.

"It's fine, it is quite lively here." He replied with a light shrug as he turned to Jinyoung. "Besides, I spent centuries in that old house. It's time for a change of pace, is it not?"

The prince smiled; he noticed bit by bit that Jackson was beginning to push his past behind him and focus on the present. He quite enjoyed seeing the latter grow freer by the day. "Still, those are your memories. Cherish them."

Jackson hummed while sitting down beside him. Thinking about the latter's past reminded Jinyoung of the idea he had thought up a while ago; he wasn't sure when he should bring it up but, he figured it would be better sooner than later. While pushing what happened decades ago behind him was a step forward, if Jinyoung could reconnect the vampire with even one important piece of his life, he would be happy.

The price sat upright off the mattress and scooted closer. "By the way, I was thinking something... I do not know if you want to do it but, I have been thinking about it a lot recently..."

"Depends on what it is you want to do?" Jackson replied, his attention drawn by the suggestion. "Is it something that should be done in private?"

Jinyoung blinked; his jaw fell open upon reading the sly glint in the vampire's eye.

"N-No! Nothing like that!" He whined while softly kicking him, the latter erupting into laughter. "It's more about you than me. I just do not want to overstep."

"At this point, you know everything about me. There is no more overstepping, you're a part of me now."

Jinyoung ignored his flustered blushing, clearing his throat to continue. "Well um... since the peace treaty has been signed and travel is slowly opening up between the kingdoms, I was wondering if you wanted to go on a little trip..."

"With who and for what?"

"With just us two and... well, the reason will be clear when we get there."

Jackson hummed, rubbing his chin. He glanced at Jinyoung, then leaned in closer, their legs brushing against one another as the distance waned. "You are inviting me on a trip to be alone with you to an unknown destination... you know how that sounds, don't you?"

Jinyoung couldn't even imagine what colors his ears turned in response to the latter's suggestive tone. Jackson had been quite forward before, he would always hold himself back. Something definitely changed, and now Jinyoung was the one getting too worked up to handle him.

"Your mind as of recent is quite revolting..." He groaned while shoving at the vampire's chest to keep him away, else he might end up the color of a tomato.

"Apologies, I am just always happy to be with you." Jackson smiled while taking Jinyoung's hand, softly kissing the back of it. "Of course I will go, I have to, anyway. But I am curious as to what business you have in Cornelia?"

Jinyoung smiled in return, eager to embark on this important journey together. He truly hoped it would be worthwhile.

"I'll tell you when we get there. I will arrange the trip!"