Crimson Crown

⌠38⌡

Jinyoung grew restless.

He'd been cooped up in the palace for way too long, not only was he forbade to travel into town on his own, but worst was he couldn't see Jackson. It wasn't like he could send a message to keep contact either; no one but him knew that anyone lived beyond the town lines deep in the forest, and he was sure Jackson wanted to keep it that way.

While he understood everyone's protectiveness over him, he couldn't justify it to himself any longer. He just couldn't stand it anymore, and the desire to try and do something about the war, plus seeing Jackson on top of it, filled him with unease. He couldn't sit still anymore.

Finally, one evening he planned his escape. He would leave the palace in the cover of dusk while giving the excuse that he was tired and not to be disturbed unless asked for. In truth, he would be riding out into the forest to see his vampire.

He prepped his steed early in the day, feeding it well, grooming its coat, and ensuring it got a lot of rest. He played it off as him simply caring for his pet rather than planning a ride out of the palace. He also prepared clothes to wear; black tunics and pants with a hooded cloak that would keep him from being recognized. And on top of that, he sharpened his sword and dagger that he intended on bringing with him, just in case he was to meet any trouble. Besides, he had an idea that he wanted to run by Jackson that involved stopping the war, and he may need his weapons for it.

He washed, ate, and rested until he felt it was a good time to sneak out. It was normal for people his age to quietly slip from their abodes to visit their friends or lovers, but it wasn't usually from a palace guarded all day and night. Jinyoung of course knew his own home in and out, to the best of his ability at least; he just hoped he picked a good time so he wouldn't be caught or questioned.

He alerted everyone that he was resting and did not want to be disturbed, returning to his room so he could dress himself and prepare for his trip. Before he left, he glanced at the pink flower sitting in the vase on his dresser. He walked over to the delicate plant, gently touching the petals.

He smiled, thinking of the one it reminded him of, and how close they were to seeing one another again.

Jinyoung crept from his room, taking the more unused stairwell down to the base floor. He was keen to avoid noises of people rushing about the palace as he headed for the stables where his midnight black steed awaited. He'd done well keeping himself out of sight, finally reaching the door that lead out into the stables without anyone having caught him. He reached for the handle with nothing on his mind other than his escape.

"Prince Jinyoung-"

The prince jolted, pausing where he stood. He turned, his eyes meeting those of the one who always seemed to catch him.

Youngjae stood behind him, curiously staring back at the elder. His eyes briefly scanned Jinyoung from head to toe, it not taking a genius to figure out what he was up to. The prince quickly realized that excuses would be futile, it was obvious what he was doing.

"Do not try to stop me." Is what he said instead as he stepped closer to the door.

"I won't." Youngjae replied, momentarily shocking the prince. "Actually... I want to come with you."

Jinyoung blinked, shaking his head. "What?"

"I've arranged a way out of the palace where guards won't catch you. I've reported to everyone I could find that you went to bed and requested not to be disturbed, so no one should be looking for you anyway."

The prince faltered, his eyes widening. He hadn't expected any help, in fact, he planned to receive none since everyone he trusted would probably advise against his desires, especially Youngjae. The servant was the last one he'd expect to do so much to assist him, but then again, Youngjae knew Jinyoung well, which is probably how he caught on to the elder's plan.