Crimson Crown

⌠35⌡

As the prince marched through the halls of his palace, he was approached by his servant who'd been eagerly awaiting his return.

Youngjae ran up to his side, matching the quick walking pace of the prince. "Jinyoung, you're back-"

"What is the latest update from the front lines?"

The latter faltered, the cold tone slapping him across the face. He cleared his throat to speak while following Jinyoung through the halls. "Well... information does not travel instantly but, last I heard was that a Cornelian Army had marched across the river, and your father ordered our army to meet them before they reached the kingdom. The fighting started as soon as the two armies were within view of one another."

Jinyoung sighed, finally stopping in his tracks. He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "This is a mess..."

The last thing he wanted to hear was reports of battle, but at this point, he should be prepared to hear much more. He wondered just how many innocent people were out there putting their lives on the line over silly egos and politics.

Youngjae let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. "If the vampire hadn't-"

"For the last time, I will tell you his name is Jackson, you do not have the right to call him by anything else, otherwise you'll grovel at his knees for forgiveness of disrespect."

The servant was taken aback by how fast Jinyoung spun around and snapped at him. The prince wasn't usually like this unless he was bothered by something. "You are still angry with me..."

"If I wasn't forced to return I'd still be with him." He mumbled, shooting a glare at Youngjae. "It was you who sent for me, wasn't it?"

"I swear, it was your father's orders- he found out you were gone. You can ask him yourself, I do not lie to you, Jinyoung."

"Nor do you tell the entire truth, so exactly how is that any better?"

"I understand your anger, I do, but-"

"If you understood there would be no 'but'."

Youngjae's frown deepened as he clutched at his chest. "...I've already apologized, I'm not sure what else to do..."

"Then just give me time. I cannot stand to be in the same room as you any longer." Jinyoung stated, swiftly spinning on his heels and continuing down the hall. "I won't need you for the rest of the day, take time off to spend with Jaebeom or something."

He stepped away, only to remember one important thing. He turned back to the latter who stood in the same spot, reaching into his cloak.

"One thing must be taken care of though-- put this in a vase for me and make sure it's healthy. Set it in my room and leave it there."

He spun back around and walked off, leaving Youngjae standing there with the flower he'd gotten from Jackson, refusing to even glance back. He was still quite upset, and the last thing he needed was to be further frustrated by the servant. 

As he headed toward his room, he spotted Mark walking the halls, most likely on his way to train some more soldiers.

He waved at Jinyoung in a greeting, smiling at the prince's seemingly well-being. "You've returned. I heard you went to visit your vampire friend."

He nodded while reaching out to shake the latter's hand. "Jackson, yes... thanks to your advice I've figured things out."

"That is good. I knew you'd figure things out, lover's quarrels only last but so long."

"Well it wasn't really just a mere lover's quarrel--" Jinyoung paused, his brows furrowing. "...wait, what gave you the impression that we were lovers?"