Crimson Crown

⌠2⌡

Jinyoung sat in a chair beside the windowsill of his large bedroom. He had a balcony just outside his room, but it was too chilly for him to sit out there as the afternoon settled into evening, therefore settling for the window.

Just behind him was his large canopy bed fit for a King but used by a Prince, sat against the wall of a room with delicately designed plaster. Gold was the accent material for the room, as it was for all the rooms; but Jinyoung's bedroom also had a deep wine and beige-white as a color scheme along with it.

Completely opposite his bed was a large full-body mirror and an armoire that stood taller than him, filled to the brim with as many of his different attires that could be shoved in there while the rest are kept elsewhere to be worn at different times and occasions. The tailors knew where every piece of Jinyoung's wardrobe was located, while Jinyoung himself didn't mind washing and re-wearing the same thing three times in the same week. Apparently it wasn't "princely" of him to do so, which is why he's often scolded into changing his style every day.

His favorite part of his room was sitting right where he currently sat; right by that window; and on warmer nights, out on the balcony where the view of Alveras was all his. He enjoyed seeing the Kingdom lit up at night, imagining what the commoners were doing and what festivals may be being held. He's only attended a few events like that, but it was always the bigger important ones that royals were always expected to attend; even if it's just for five minutes.

He was content with just watching from afar though, he liked the view of people having fun with no worry, and though he couldn't necessarily see every single Alverian in the Kingdom from his balcony, he knew that at the current moment, there was peace among their land.

In his lap was a book; a history book. He often indulged in reading, but recently it hasn't been fiction or fantasy he's obsessed with, but rather historical texts. He hadn't been schooled much on the history of Alveras, but as he suspected, it is written to be a great and powerful Kingdom. He was proud to be the ruling family, but it also was a large burden. He wanted to make Alveras greater, as Prince and as future ruling King, it was his duty to assess how far the Kingdom has come and how much further he can bring it under his rule. He took that role incredibly seriously.

The sound of knocking had drowned in the background due to his distraction with both the view of his Kingdom and the book he was studying, but he definitely heard the door creak open and felt the chill from the hall brush against his skin.

 "My Prince." The person who had just entered called; the voice belonging to Jinyoung's personal servant who he could recognize from miles away. "Have you finished your studies?"

Jinyoung shrugged, his eyes glued to the glittery lights of the town in the distance. "I've taken a break."

His servant stepped further into the room, standing just by the door. "Reading up on the history again. I don't believe that was in your study plans."

"It is always good to learn about the past so it may never repeat itself." Jinyoung replied.

"Yet it always ends up repeating anyway, no matter how much of the past we remember." Jinyoung heard his footsteps growing closer, his voice now originating from just a foot or so behind him. "This was always your favorite view. Even when you and I were just boys, I remember you loved gazing across the kingdom."

"That is true, Youngjae. It's because I can see everything that belongs to Alveras. From the church towers to the Helia river." Jinyoung squinted at the river glistening in the moonlight that stretched behind the far side of the forest that surrounded Alveras. The land curved there, making it almost impossible to see what may lay beyond the rushing water's banks. Almost. "Sometimes I think I can see across the river too. To the lands beyond it."

"Well you know the lands there aren't under our rule. Never will be."

"That is not what I desire. I do not want to rule that land, I merely want to be able to travel there and meet the people."

"And you know that is impossible, especially at this time, my Prince."

Jinyoung let out a soft sigh, turning toward the younger standing just beside him. "My friend, I always tell you not to call me that. I am Jinyoung, only to you."

"When your parents aren't around." Youngjae retorted.

"Please, they won't care. You're like family, no need for the honorifics."

"Yes but unfortunately I am of no royal blood; rather than heir to the throne I an heir to head servant."

Jinyoung winced at his tone. There always had been a bit of spite behind his words when they spoke about the difference in their statuses. Jinyoung wished it weren't true, but despite them growing up together and viewing one another as equals; Jinyoung was always the more cherished child, destined to be King someday. Youngjae on the other hand, born into servanthood, was destined to serve his future King for life. He naturally got the shorter end of the stick. 

They promised one another that no matter what, they were always equals; but Jinyoung understood that it would never truly be the case. Youngjae had mentioned before how glad he was to be serving Jinyoung of all people; especially since they knew one another the best; but Jinyoung also knew that he'd been through tough times all for his sake. It made him wonder if serving him was truly worth it.

"Youngjae, I-"

"I came to tell you supper is ready. Your family is waiting for you." The younger flashed a tight-lipped smile as he stepped back to a respectful distance.

"...I'll be down in just a moment." Jinyoung mumbled, watching as Youngjae spun around and quickly headed out.

The door shut behind him, leaving Jinyoung alone again. He let out a soft sigh, closing his book and turning back to the night view of his Kingdom.