Sacrifice

Chapter 24 : Scent of You

A quiet chatter falls upon the room as the princes settle into their seats for lunch around you. The younger princes chat animatedly about a topic you aren't quite able to catch from where you're sitting at the other end of the table. The older princes, however, discuss your notable improvements after today's training session with Jay.

While you occasionally smile and join in on their conversation, you find your attention elsewhere – focused instead on the seat to your left, at the head of the table, which remains empty as the eldest prince has yet to make an appearance from his room. Sunghoon mentioned a few minutes ago that he had visited Heeseung a few minutes earlier and that the eldest would be down shortly. Now, your heart is thrumming with anticipation and you have half the mind to wonder if Heeseung and Riki can feel your pulses of emotion from their end of your shared connection. Your mind is so distracted and it almost feels as if your heart is about to spill out onto the floor. You barely notice Jake quietly excusing himself from the table and disappearing into the kitchen.

Just as you begin to serve yourself some of the food you helped Jay prepare, the dining room doors open and close swiftly. The action is so soft, barely noticeable. The silence that falls upon the room, however, is almost deafening.

Everyone holds their breath as Heeseung trudges up to his seat, still groggy with sleep, yet skin glowing brightly with energy. The princes seem to deflate with relief when the eldest simply leans down to plant a kiss atop your head, mumbling a sweet, "G'morning, love," while taking his seat.

"Good afternoon, Heeseung," you chuckle. "Did you sleep well?"

The prince straightens in his seat, glancing around the room, finally noticing the time. You fight the urge to coo when the tips of his ears flush red with embarrassment. He nods, avoiding your gaze. "I feel well-rested. Feeling much better after yesterday."

From the corner of your eye, you notice Jungwon sitting a little taller in his seat and he sends a boastful smile in Sunoo's direction. "Told you," you hear the prince whisper smugly.

"I'm glad to hear that," you reassure, reaching forward to help serve Heeseung some food.

"Thanks, love," he smiles appreciatively. The eldest straightens in his seat with interest when Jake reappears from the kitchen and slides a drink in front of him. From where you're sitting, it's difficult to look into the cup, but when you straighten your posture to catch a glimpse, your head swarms with a new wave of dizziness. The cup, now gripped tightly in Heeseung's hand, is filled nearly to the brim with dark crimson liquid. "Thank you, Jaeyunie."

Your head swirls – but whether it's because of the red crimson drink the eldest prince nurses, or because Heeseung used an endearing nickname for Jake he seldom uses, you're unsure. The pyrokinetic prince must notice your shock because he places a grounding hand on your shoulder.

"Sometimes, if we need a pick-me-up, we'll indulge in a small cup of animal blood. It helps us replenish our energy quickly since we usually only feed once a year," he explains carefully, gauging your reaction with each word. When his message registers, you glance across the table at Jungwon who also nurses a similar cup.

"I-is this alright?" Heeseung asks hesitantly, his expression falling when he worries the contents of his drink might make you uncomfortable.

But your prompt response calms his qualms. You shake your head freely, "I'm not bothered by it," you assure him. "Just a little surprised – that's all." When you offer Jungwon a smile from across the room, he returns the bright expression. "Why don't you just drink some of my blood?"

Heeseung splutters at your offer, a little bit of his drink now dribbling down his chin which he hastily wipes away with the back of his hand. Jake laughs adoringly at the eldest prince, and also at the way Jungwon instantly perks up in his seat with interest.