Crimson Crown

⌠90⌡

"When you said it would just be you and I, I did not expect a third traveler." Jackson muttered.

"I did not either..." Jinyoung grumbled.

Jackson and Jinyoung sat in the back of a carriage riding through the streets of Cornelia. The prince had set up their trip for the next week, and now they were traversing the kingdom for the first time without fear. They both were excited to go somewhere alone with one another, until Jinyoung remembered that he was still on a lax punishment and not allowed to do anything without supervision.

"I did not ask to be here." BamBam, the designated escort and supervisor of their trip, groaned. "You know your parents have little trust in you, I am to escort you today and return you by tomorrow, or else I may not have a job-- or a head!"

The prince let out a sigh. Still, he was glad to be able to travel outside of his own kingdom for once, and having Jackson by his side made him feel even better. He looked along the side of the roads where many Cornelians stared back with strange expressions. All types of creatures roamed the street, many of whom seemed to still be unused to foreign presence, but hopefully, with the opening of trade and travel, that will change very soon.

"I've only heard faint whispers about such beings... yet Cornelia is full of them, living alongside humans as if it is nothing." Jinyoung commented in awe. He'd never been in such a diverse community before, he wondered just how different life was for these people.

"It is nothing, to them. It's normal." Jackson replied. "We used to live alongside humans in Alveras. It was only until the hostility started that things went wrong."

Jinyoung hummed, trying to imagine a society filled with people just like Jackson living alongside humans. He wished he could have been there to see it, it must have been a beautiful time. Though he regrets the past, he wanted to someday build his future kingdom to be accepting and inclusive of all; whenever he takes the throne as King, that will be his goal.

"I want to travel more... I was always restricted to Alveras, I want to see all walks of life." He turned to Jackson, eyes lit up like torches. "Goblins, werewolves, vampires... I am fascinated by what else is out there!  want to learn about them, and hopefully open Alveras to all walks of life..."

Jackson chuckled at the latter's endless curiosity; he couldn't help but find it adorable. He hummed in approval while ruffling his hair. "That sounds really great, I hope you get to see it someday too. I haven't met that many either, so I too am curious."

"We're almost there." BamBam announced.

Jackson began to look around to guess their destination. "Almost where?"

Jinyoung faltered; he had told BamBam to keep the trip a secret from Jackson as well, he was afraid of spooking the vampire away from the opportunity. But now that they were so close, he might as well disclose everything.

"So... remember that the Queen mentioned a small community of vampires who took refuge here?" He began.

Jackson's expression instantly changed, brows knitting together in a serious line. "Oh... yes I do..."

Jinyoung took in a breath, reaching for Jackson's hand before he revealed the true purpose of this trip. "I thought... maybe we should go meet them? And see if you recognize anyone..."

Jackson was quiet for a minute. His eyes fall to his lap, but he still held on to Jinyoung's hand. 

"I see..." He eventually mumbled.

The latter's chest instantly tightened. Was this a mistake? He wanted to do something that might be good for him but, maybe hiding his intentions was the wrong way to approach it. "I-I am sorry for surprising you like this, I was not sure if you would go if I told you so I did not say anything but, I really was hoping that if anyone survived that... you could maybe be reunited with them..."