Crimson Crown

⌠11⌡

The large wooden door to the library creaked open; Jinyoung didn't need to look up to correctly guess who it was.

"Jinyoung... it is late. What are you doing?" Youngjae asked, his head poking through the opening.

"Reading. As I always do." The latter answered, nose deep in yet another book of fables and theories about vampires. 

The library was slowly growing messier and messier as Jinyoung searched through every inch of their collection to find anything he could about the supernatural beings. So far, he's only found 2 books completely about vampires, and 8 others that seem to mention them at some point. He still felt as if he knew little to nothing about the beings, and if he wanted to gain the trust of one, he needed to become better prepared.

After his visit the night before, Jinyoung dedicated the entire day to research.

Youngjae stepped into the room, shaking his head at the Prince's obsessive behavior. "You should return to bed--"

"Haven't slept."

"That's even worse."

"I'm fine."

The servent sighed, walking over to the leather sofa Jinyoung was curled up on.  "Vampire lore? You are still obsessing over this myth?"

"He is no myth, he's real. I felt his power for myself."

"What does that mean, Jinyoung?" Youngjae asked, receiving no response. He leaned in closer, his brows furrowing as his eyes raked over Jinyoung from head to toe. "Has he harmed you?"

The latter leaned away, shaking his head. "He's just very protective of his territory. I'm fine."

"No, let me check you out."

"Youngjae no-"

The servant insisted on attempting to tug at Jinyoung's satin button-up, the prince in return trying to fight him off. Jinyoung ended up pushed against the arm of the sofa while Youngjae tore open his shirt, exposing the evidential marks the elder had attempted to hide under his collar.

"Your neck is red." Youngjae mumbled as he gently touched the blazing skin. He clicked his tongue as soon as he put two and two together. "You visited him. Again. He did this."

Jinyoung let out a soft breath as he sat up, gently nudging away Youngjae's touchy hands. "I had to talk with him. We finally conversed this time, though it got nowhere."

"You are lucky he even allowed you to leave rather than kill you. You know of the vampire's strength, why are you pestering him?"

"We need him."

"We do not, we have a powerful army who are at the ready-"

"Which is exactly why I need him. I do not wish to put our army to use. Those people are risking their lives over politics that don't even concern them." Jinyoung shook his head at the mere thought of innocent lives lost.

Youngjae shook his head. "There had been bad blood between these kingdoms for centuries. You won't be able to change that with a vampire."

"But maybe I can change the future with him." The prince urged. He would love to try to prevent catastrophe if he could, but he only needed the vampire's cooperation so he could at least try. "If he'd only give me a chance..."

Youngjae ran a hand through his hair, quickly realizing that this argument would go on endlessly due to Jinyoung's stubbornness. He glanced down at the book the prince was holding, narrowing his eyes at the title. "What are you reading about, then? People take these books as fiction, but you are studying as if you'll be quizzed on it."

"I want to know what vampires are like. They are painted as such scary beings, but to me, they are just like any other human."  He reopened his book, flipping back to the page he had lost in the scuffle. "I need more information... or a name, at least."

"He has yet to identify himself to you? But you are the prince! That is quite rude."

"He sees no value in the title, I am just a  bothersome human to him, and I am fine with that. It's nice to converse with someone without them kneeling to me."

The younger huffed, his arms folding over his chest. "Still, I think it's a bit dangerous to deal with a creature who has yet to even tell his name..."

"Identifying oneself to a stranger is always dangerous. He could be taking precautions."

"Why are you defending him so?"

"Because I need him." Jinyoung reaffirmed as he locked eyes with his friend. "I need him to at least try. That's all I ask."

Youngjae was quiet for a long moment as Jinyoung went back to reading. He ultimately clicked his tongue, standing up from the sofa in defeat. "Please Jinyoung, don't drive yourself mad with this..."

"I think I am already a bit mad to be chasing a vampire in the first place." The latter chuckled out. He quickly waved the servant away, urging him to set aside his worries. "Go back to bed Youngjae. I'm fine."

Though he still strongly objected to what Jinyoung was doing, Youngjae had no place to argue with the prince. and Jinyoung wouldn't stop regardless, so all he could do was stand off to the side and wish for the best.

"Good night, my prince." He greeted, the latter waving as he exited the library, softly shutting the door behind him.