Crimson Crown

⌠13⌡

Jinyoung prepped a trusty, sleek, all-black steed for his trek into the forest, his bag of blood safely stowed away in the satchel that hung at his hip. He tried to leave as discreetly as possible, not alerting BamBam, Youngjae, or anyone else of his plans for the rest of the day. He was sure that they would probably be suspicious of his whereabouts more than usual, but that is the exact reason why he needed to slip out as quickly and as quietly as he could.

Though, as he guided his horse out of the stables, he happened to see a figure approaching,  unable to identify who it was until they closed the distance. His eyes widened when he finally recognized the face.

"Ah, hello." Jinyoung greeted with a small wave as the latter approached.

"Good evening, my Prince." The other greeted, bowing in proper etiquette.

"No need to bow to me Mark, honestly I should be bowing to you." Jinyoung replied, gently bowing to the impressive fighter. Normally Mark was occupied training other knights and warriors or working on his own skills, so Jinyoung found it quite peculiar that he suddenly appeared in the stables of all places. "The man who could shoot down his target with his eyes closed."

Mark let out a chuckle, shrugging at the statement. "I am merely good with weapons, it's nothing much.

"But a good skill to have." Jinyoung assured. He gestured to the gate that stood just behind Mark. "I'm going out."

"At this late hour?" 

"I have some things I need to do."

"Would you like me to accompany you?"

"No, I believe I have it covered." The prince smiled, reaching out and setting a hand on Mark's shoulder, slightly leaning in. "And I would also prefer if you didn't follow me either."

Mark let out a soft sigh; he was not surprised that Jinyoung had found out about the secret tail that followed him every time he went into the woods, the prince tended to have a good sense... occasionally. "So, you're going back there again."

"You are stealthy Mark. I knew Youngjae would send someone after me." He patted Mark's shoulder and continued walking, guiding his horse to the exit. "Save your skills for something that needs them. I will be fine without your protection."

"I'm sorry my prince, but I could not live with myself if something happens to you."

"Which is why nothing will happen. I have it covered." He glanced back, briefly looking at the sky to assess the time. "If I'm not back by morning, then come for me. But I'm sure I'll be safely snoozing in my bed as the sun rises."

"As you wish, my Prince." Mark replied, as he could do nothing but oblige and bow despite his worry. "What do I tell Youngjae?"

Jinyoung chuckled, shooting a wink in Mark's direction. "Youngjae is occupied with a blacksmith at the moment, I made sure he'd be distracted all night, therefore you do not have to tell him anything."

Mark hummed, his cheeks flushing a light pink when he realized what Jinyoung was implying. "Then, I shall not disturb them. I'll be on watch until morning."

"See you then."

Jinyoung turned and hurried out the gate, mounting his horse as soon as he got out and riding off at full speed. He wanted to get back to that rickety house as fast as he could-- he couldn't get that mysterious vampire off his mind.

~.~ 

Jinyoung arrived at the house a bit before sundown, purple and pink hues coloring the sky that slowly darkened. He allowed his steed to rest in the flush, overgrown grasses that surrounded the area while the prince himself began to approach the house once again.