Crimson Crown

⌠9⌡

Jinyoung returned to the palace around the break of dawn. He didn't realize how far he and BamBam had traveled, or how long they had been out until he saw the sun peeking over the curve of the earth.

He felt bad for dragging BamBam along on his quest to find what lies at the edges of the kingdom, but was thankful to the faithful coachman that stuck with him until the end. They had found a lead, a very promising lead that he would have to explore again soon; it was all Jinyoung could think about as he tried to keep himself awake in order to assist BamBam on the way back.

 He thanked BamBam for his hard work and granted him the rest of the day off, to which the coachman tiredly but graciously accepted as he slugged off to his designated room. Jinyoung climbed the large staircase that led to the floor his own room was on, his body physically tired, but mind racing with questions and curiosities about the man in the forest. He did not know anything about him aside from where he lived; he did not even get a name. 

Who was he, and why does he isolate himself?

Jinyoung didn't know where to begin answering those questions, he was far too uneducated. He needed more info.

As he approached his room and entered, he was surprised to find his bed already occupied. Stretched out across the thick comforter was Youngjae, the servant's eyes slowly lifting at the sound of the door closing behind Jinyoung. He blinked once, glanced at Jinyoung, then blinked again, fully registering the prince's presence.

"Jinyoung!" He gasped while bolting upright. He jumped to his feet, clearing his throat. "I-I mean, my prince!"

"I tell you a thousand times, just Jinyoung." The elder chuckled as he began to set down his belongings on his oak carved dresser.

"I was worried about your return. I didn't mean to end up sleeping in your room, I deeply apologize for invading your private-"

"You can't quit being formal, hm?"

"Force of habit..." Youngjae faltered, his eyes falling down to his feet. He quickly adjusted his uniform that he must've changed into at some point during the night, soon after rushing over to assist Jinyoung with taking off his coat. "So um... I'm assuming this search for the legendary vampire turned up fruitless."

Jinyoung was quiet for a moment. A smile tugged at his lips. "Actually, we found him."

The response made Youngjae pause in his tracks, his eyes widening. "Y-You did? He is real? The legends are true?"

"Well... the legend of him existing is true. The rest... I haven't been able to know him further than his front door." The prince sighed, turning and watching Youngjae hang his coat in the armoire across the room.

"Well, you tried at least. I told you it was a risky trip--" The younger turned, a frown suddenly masking his features. "... Your neck..."

"Oh, this?" Jinyoung rose a hand to the bruised area, slightly turning out of sight. "It's nothing..."

"Nothing!? He harmed you! You say it's nothing!-"

"How would you react if a stranger barged into your home?"

"I would--" Youngjae faltered, huffing in frustration as he tried to find an answer that didn't involve any sort of violence. "B-But still, you are a prince!"

"He didn't know that, nor did it matter to him when he learned."

The younger sighed, shaking his head. "You are lucky to be alive, I told you it was foolish, you risked so much for what in return? You seem to have nothing yet. I told you, did I not?"

"Right..." Jinyoung mumbled, letting out a soft breath. He knew he would have to deal with Youngjae's nagging at some point or another, but after the long eventful night he had, it was the least of his concern. His mind raced with more and more questions about vampires,  particularly about the one he found in the woods; the urge to find out more growing insatiable. He was not one to give up easily, and especially now that he's found what he'd been searching for, it only meant that he was supposed to keep searching. "But... I must know if he truly possesses such power... if he can kill dozens... maybe thousands even, then it might be possible for him to save just as many. I don't believe his kind only exist just to kill."

Youngjae clicked his tongue in disapproval, unintentionally slamming the armoire closed. "That is only wishful thinking. What makes you think reversing his power is possible? Or him doing anything but killing people? And what if it has negative side effects? What if he has more dangerous powers than helpful? You don't even have a clue what he is capable of, you are just daydreaming!"

"All power can be dangerous, even in its purest form." The elder retorted. "I tend to look at the brighter side of things. Rather than what if he's dangerous, I like to imagine what if he can help save my kingdom."

"The kingdom is not yet in danger though."

"My father and the army are already in war mindset, along with the people of Cornelia. It is but a matter of time before the first battle breaks out. I must do something to try and prevent it."

"Yet you have no plan of how to use the vampire to aide you. Saving lives is only needed once the fighting has started."

"It is true, I desire that power as a last resort, just in case I cannot prevent war from breaking out..." Jinyoung sighed, the fact that he was just too uneducated standing out clearly. He needed to find out more in order to figure out how he can utilize the vampire. While he hated Youngjae's negative mindset, the servant was right about how clueless the prince was. "I will figure out what to do eventually. I just have a feeling he can help in some way... I need to do more reading."

Youngjae frowned, cocking his head. "Studying books that tell his story as a legend? It may not be the most accurate information. And shouldn't you rest? Being gone all night, you must be fatigued--"

"The legend already guided me to the vampire. Obviously not too inaccurate." Jinyoung interrupted. Though, hearing Youngjae mention that books aren't completely reliable made him realize-- the only most reliable source of information about vampires would be the vampire himself. He needed to return to that house in the woods. Turning on his heels, Jinyoung headed toward the door, devising himself a plan. "I'll take a short nap after I visit the library, so try not to disturb me. And I should probably check up on Bam, make sure he's okay and resting well."

Youngjae opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something in return, but decided against it. He shook his head, defaulting to his respectful servant attitude. "Very well my prince. Breakfast should be ready soon."

"Not hungry this morning."

"I'll have them set a plate aside for you." Youngjae followed Jinyoung into the hall, nervously rocking on his heels. "Though, I would suspect considering a vampire's nature, he wouldn't welcome any visitors during the day."

Jinyoung paused, glancing back at the younger standing at attention just a few feet away.

'Ah Youngjae, nothing gets past you.' He thought, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Of course he wouldn't. I would never disturb a vampire during the day." Jinyoung replied as he continued down the hall. "Then, I'll come get breakfast in a little while."