Crimson Crown

⌠94⌡

By the end of the week, Jinyoung found himself standing behind the large stage in the city center. His mother and father were just about to make their first appearance to the public since the enactment of the peace treaty.

Jinyoung, on the other hand, was making his first appearance since his death announcement.

His palms were clammy and he was so anxious that it felt like his fight or flight mode had been activated-- he'd spent the past week writing and practicing his talking points with Jackson and Youngjae, yet even after being prepared he still couldn't calm his nerves. If his first public gathering had been about anything besides addressing their lies to the kingdom, then he would have had more confidence.

This had to be done though. He hated not being truthful from the beginning, so he had to set things straight.

Everyone was gathered before the stage, eagerly awaiting the royal family's appearance. Jinyoung could hear all the excited and confused voices filled with unease; it was their job to address all of their concerns and make the path to the future look bright.

Jinyoung watched as Youngjae scurried around making final preparations, and he hadn't seen Jackson since the latter was ordered to double-check security. He wished he could see Jackson before he has to go on stage just for a little confidence boost, but he had his own duties to attend to.

"You may go out whenever you're ready."

Jinyoung overheard the announcement, his body suddenly tense. His father turned to look at him, perhaps noticing his fear, which is why he approached him placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Son, it will be tough." He began, squeezing the latter's shoulder. "People won't be happy, but we must be honest and accept their response, it is our responsibility. Do you think you can handle it?"

Jinyoung let out a shaky breath. This was not something he could choose to handle, it was something that he must face. Backing out would only make him cowardly; a befitting prince cannot run away from their duties.

He nodded in confirmation. "I must face the people. I have to."

A smile laced with pride spread across the King's face. He patted the Prince's head and then turned away.

"Alright, we are going out!" He announced to the staff bustling about. "Keep Jinyoung here until his appearance is announced."

The prince watched his father and mother take hands, the head toward the stage. A large cloth divided them from the people, and all the latter could do was sit and listen as his parents emerge onto the stage.

He heard the large crowd gathered out there erupt, almost everyone from all corners of the kingdom was gathered for this important event. It was so loud, Jinyoung could barely tell the difference between the thousands of voices. It took a few minutes for the noise to eventually die down, which is when his parents finally began to speak.

"Hello, Alverians." His father greeted, his voice loud and demanding attention. He had to speak with such a tone for everyone to hear him, and after years of doing it, he had mastered the technique well. "We would like to address as many of your concerns as possible; we understand that things since the war's end have been hectic and confusing. This public gathering is long overdue."

Again the crowd bellowed with a bunch of different voices in response; not as loud as the first time, but still, overwhelming enough.

"Settle." The King ordered so he may continue. "Starting with the peace treaty-..."

Midway through his sentence, some crowd members jeered at the mere mention of the peace treaty. There were definitely some Alverians who hated the idea of being at peace with Cornelia, but despite their opinion, this was the best option.