Crimson Crown

⌠3⌡

Jinyoung arrived in the dining room upon request; his mother the Queen, and father the King; already sat around the long dining table that could seat up to 14 people. 

He approached the chair he normally occupied; to the left of his father who sat at the head of the table while his mother sat on his right; looking over the various foods that was always prepared quickly and spread beautifully before them.

That night the chefs were serving a large roast along with a selection of sides; Jinyoung always tried to eat a little bit of everything since wasting food was something that sat unwell with him.

"My son!" His father bellowed as Jinyoung slowly made his way around the table. "Please, join us."

He sat down, silently greeting his mother with a smile and the slight tilt of his head. A servant standing off to the side quickly approached as soon as his butt hit the cushion-y seat to pour some cool water into his glass.

Another servant appeared after the first, grabbing the knife and long fork that had been set on the table to begin slicing the roast while a third servant made their way around the table and served everyone the sides of their choosing.

Jinyoung was grateful to be born to somewhat respectful parents; both of them thanked the servants for their hard work and valued each of them; even though there are nearly a hundred of them and some of them have unknown names. Jinyoung was taught to respect everyone no matter what place they stood in society; at their core, they are a human being too.

"Your birthday is rapidly approaching." His father suddenly mentioned, his gleaming eyes settling on Jinyoung. The King always seemed more excited about his birthday than Jinyoung himself was. "What is it that you want?"

"Oh, it doesn't concern me much." Jinyoung replied as he looked down and picked up a utensil to begin eating.

"A celebration! A party, that is what we need!" The King roared.

The Queen placed a gentle hand on her husband's arm, a soft frown adorning her perfect face. "Honey? At a time like this? Would a party really be appropriate?"

"Our lives must not cease just because of our disagreement with Cornelia. If my son wants a party, that is what he shall receive!" Jinyoung's father replied with so much enthusiasm that his knee banged the table, causing the contents on top to vibrate.

Though there was one crucial part that his father seemed to always miss-- Jinyoung never asked for big celebrations. He was fine with a simple cake or a small present; sometimes he even forgot the day he was born and needed a reminder. Yet the King --who was the proud father of the future reigning King-- always made anything concerning his only child a big deal.

Jinyoung tried not to complain much since it brought his parents such joy, but he did wish that they would tone down their extravagant plans just a bit. "I'm not much of a party person..." 

"You are a Park! Heir to the throne of the great Alveras kingdom! And any good King enjoys a good party." His father assured while reaching over to slap him on the shoulder-- a bit too hard that Jinyoung winced. "I'll throw it, and invite all the beauts in the kingdom. Maybe you'll find a wife!"

Again Jinyoung's mother reached over and gently stroked his father's arm, drawing his attention away from Jinyoung. "Dear, eat your food."

Jinyoung let out a sigh of relief, his mother sharing a knowing smile with him. She was fully aware that his father got out of hand sometimes-- which wasn't always a bad thing per se-- but it was a handful. Jinyoung had been saved many times from his father's over the top actions and ideas, which he was very much thankful to his mother for.