Crimson Crown

⌠14⌡

"What?" Jinyoung scoffed in disbelief, stepping back from the vampire. "I refuse."

"Then I don't want to help." Jackson replied, turning away from the latter.

Jinyoung faltered; he couldn't lose Jackson's help as easily as that, but why did his only demand have to be so ludicrous? "W-Why do you need me to serve you? I refuse to be a slave."

"I want a servant. I've lived here and up-kept this house for decades, I'd like a break."

"And what would you expect me to do?"

"Whatever I tell you to do." Jackson turned, glancing at the prince through the corner of his eye. "...but as I suspected, you pretend to be humble, yet wear your royal privilege like a protective shield."

Jinyoung's brows furrowed as he marched toward the vampire. "I-I am not privileged! I'm no better than you!"

"Says the one who can return to a castle half made of gold and sleep at night with a full belly after being cooked a banquet for every meal..."

"I-..." The latter faltered; it was hard to defend his true character considering his societal position. Many expect him to act like a brat and use his status to do whatever he pleased; he's spent much of his life trying to debunk that false perception. "I-I do not wish to hide behind my title. I'm not like that at all...."

"I've yet to believe it. Too pretty and too important to get your hands dirty." Jackson retorted, sitting down on his large couch.

"It's not like that, I'm just not used to--"

"Serving anyone but yourself. Sounds like a spoiled prince to me."

"That's not what I was saying!" The prince snapped, ironically stomping his foot in frustration.

"Look, are you going to continue throwing a tantrum over my simple request, or will we settle an agreement like adults?"

Jinyoung let out an agitated sigh; he only realized then that he was being manipulated into agreeing. He wasn't the type to do things just to prove someone wrong, but Jackson had gotten under his skin, and he desperately needed the vampire's help. There was only one logical choice; he couldn't waste an opportunity.

"...Fine. I'll be your servant, and I'll be the best damn one too!" He finally submitted, arms folded over his chest. "But that just means I'm allowed to return every day so I can continue learning about you and your kind. No complaints."

The vampire rolled his eyes, carelessly waving his hand. "Fine, whatever. Just don't annoy me."

"I won't. I just need you to answer some questions-"

"And another condition, we do this on my terms, not yours." Jackson suddenly added.

Jinyoung blinked, cocking his head. "Meaning?"

"I help you when I wanna help, and I'm not up to it right now."

The vampire stood up and headed for the kitchen, leaving Jinyoung in place, dumbfounded.

"Are you kidding me?" He snapped, quickly following him.

"Do I look like a jester to you?" Jackson asked while pouring some water into a pot to make some tea.

"You said I could learn more about vampires--"

"Yeah, when I feel like answering the hundreds of questions you have. I don't right now."

The latter scoffed, frustratedly running his fingers through his hair. "Who knew you were such a stubborn vampire with childish tendencies--..."

Jackson turned with a quickness that Jinyoung couldn't foresee, the latter gasping as he was yanked forward by the wrist, standing face to face with the vampire, mere centimeters between them.