Crimson Crown

⌠30⌡

It was evening by the time Jackson had pulled himself together and went off to spend some time alone. Jinyoung didn't mind it, assuming that everyone needed a bit of space, so he just kept out of the way and stayed quiet while Jackson washed up and took care of cleaning and whatnot.

Jinyoung was seated in a little concave with a large window that gave him a nice view of the dimming sky when Jackson finally approached him again, the latter suddenly dropping to his knees before him.

The prince perked up at the strange behavior, turning his attention toward the latter. "What are you doing?"

"You've seen me in such a disgusting state. I hope you never have to see that again. I apologize." Jackson bowed deeply, just as some commoners would when in the presence of royalty.

Normally Jinyoung was unphased by the action, but he hated seeing Jackson do it. He stood up, gesturing for the latter to do the same. "No... no, stand up, you don't have to apologize, you've held that in since you were young. I get it."

Jackson lifted his head, letting out a breath. "I'm fine now. I know it doesn't excuse my actions but, you really... opened up a deep wound."

"Which I hope is healing now." The prince replied with a soft smile, watching the vampire rise to his feet. "I really hope you forgive yourself."

The latter didn't respond, instead, he turned away to grab the broom that rested nearby against the wall and busy himself with sweeping the dusty floors.

"I'm surprised you returned." He mumbled between sweeps.

"As I said, you needed me."

"You only think I need you."

"I'm afraid of what might have occurred if I hadn't decided to return here. I said some things that... were really hurtful."  This time Jinyoung was the one dropping his head, bowing in a formal apology.  "Again, I am deeply sorry, I wasn't aware of your past until now."

"It's fine, I too said things I didn't mean." Jackson shrugged, pausing his cleaning for a moment as he let out a sigh. "It's behind me now-- my past, I mean. That's how I always looked at it. I had to, to survive-- I just didn't realize how much I still let it impact me..."

"It must've been difficult growing up by yourself."

"It wasn't really much. Just a lot of boredom."

"I see..."

He glanced at the prince, his eyes seeming to twinkle with slight amusement. "This is the most action I've had in centuries."

Jinyoung couldn't help but smile. "At least I keep it interesting."

"You really are persistent." The latter shook his head, his gaze falling to his feet. "I thought you were gone for good."

"Me too." Jinyoung admitted. He really didn't think anything would be able to convince him to return to Jackson, his own actions surprised him. "But... frankly I don't want to go home right now."

The other male glanced up at the latter, his facial expression seeming to brighten just a little. "Not back to that cozy palace of yours?"

"No so cozy when you realize you've been lied to for your entire life..."

"So, you really found out about your kingdom's past recently?"

"I always was interested in the history of Alveras, but the books I was taught from omitted quite a number of events. It was hidden, not only from me, but from generations of people. Our ancestors buried the real history in the past." Jinyoung sighed, his eyes falling to his feet. "Even my close friends hid it from me..."