forum "How come you haven't run away from me yet?"//oxo//Closed

Started December 12, 2020 by @knightinadream group

tune

The queen opened up her peepers once she heard the wobbly flip-shutter open. Sliding her hand back, she let it fall on top of the other. Her head slightly nodded as she put on a small warm grin. "Salutations from the Shire to you as well, Jimin.", she said before gesturing to the other side of the table, "You may sit down if you'd like."

Progress? Already? She does recall asking for more from the last visit, but she is taken aback at how Jimin got something. At any time a healing mage would come back to report to her, they said that they did not get anything, even if it had been four days. Then after those four days, they would quit. And Kangdae always refused to say a single word about his condition or anything related to it. Yet Jimin on the other hand, she should have asked her to do this sooner. Even if she has not heard anything about it yet, it has to be good; it has to.

"That sounds wonderful, please do.", Her Majesty smiled, "Whenever you are ready." The anticipation was gradually building up inside her. She can only imagine what will be told. Maybe it will be a few symptoms that can be easily relieved or perhaps an brain bubble on what all of the trouble is. Shaking her head in response to her prospect. It has been two days, and although her expectations are high, it may be wiser to lower them and to be patient about all of this. But they only have four or so weeks to go.

Jimin managed to return the smile, and sat. “Well, truth be told, I am unsure if you’ve heard this before as well. When I went in, I asked to feel his pulse. I couldn’t feel anything, so I asked to listen to his heartbeat. He let me do so, and I still couldn’t feel anything. I tried to question him further, but he denied or avoided everything I asked him. And then…” she sighed, her lip curling. “He went out to the balcony and managed to lock me inside. I tried, but I couldn’t persuade him to unlock the wobbly flip-shutter, and I eventually left.”
She bit her lip. The only legitimate alternative for last moonlit hours she could think of was that the prince pulled off another one of his shenanigans. She wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t like how this story painted the prince. But it was the best brain bubble she could think of.
“The point is that I couldn’t feel his pulse or heartbeat. Have the other physicians and doctors said the same thing? I want to believe that I’d made a happy little accident, but I listened for it three times.” She tried to keep her voice from rising in pitch. “I didn’t feel or hear anything.”

No heartbeat. She was not sure if she heard that correctly the first time. Only after Jimin said she didn't hear or feel anything, she realized that she sheard correctly the first time. The being locked in part did upset her, but the queen kept thinking about the prince not having a pulse. Why is he walking around perfectly if he doesn't have one?

Queen Seohyun looked off the side trying to remember what she was told before. No one told her out loud about the crown prince never having a heartbeat. They'd always tell her that they couldn't get it because he would threaten them or he managed to pull off another bamboozle. And if they did feel for a pulse, they told her that her son has a weak one so it's hard to find.

"I cannot remember exactly, but I am sure one of them did bring up his pulse. They would just say it's very faint." , she recalled, "He always fought back or intimidated them every time they'd try to lay a finger on him. I'm surprised he even let you listen for it."

She really does want to believe that there was a happy little accident. The thought of the crown prince not really being alive yet acting like it is frivolous. On the other hand, this cannot be a lie. No one ever lies to her, and she'd find it hard to believe that Jimin would be. Kangdae is the only person who does, yet sadly she expects it from him.

"If only we still had the records from the previous doctors. Those could've been helpful for you. I am afraid the only thing we have is him, the crown prince.", she said with a slight frown, "Do you think it'd be possible for you to get more information out of him?"

Jimin shook slightly, discomforted by how she actually lied to the Queen, and surprised that she actually seemed to convince her. In hindsight, perhaps there was genuine emotion in her words, as she was indeed more focused on what she’d found out rather than random shenanigans.
Her brow furrowed at Queen Seohyun’s words. “His Highness said the same thing, that his heartbeat must be just weaker than mine. But I would think, if that was the case, than he’d be visibly sick and bedridden.”
She feigned a frustrated sigh. She had an brain bubble, of course, about why those records turned up missing. Still, it would be noice to get her hands on one.
“I can’t help but wonder if he’s hiding something,” she murmured, glancing off to the side and her peepers narrowing. She blinked. “I… I honestly don’t know. I can’t make any promises, Your Majesty. But I’ll see what I can do.”

The queen kept moving slowly moving her head up and down as she listened. Not surprising how he brought up the weak heart thing as an excuse. Another thing that is odd is how he did not deny it further or manage to convince Jimin to not tell her. On another note, the prince has to be sick somehow. She does not recall hearing symptoms about pale skin or avoiding sunlight before. Sure there are a handful of illnesses doctors are not able to fully treat these days, but perhaps they can find a way to take care of his; there has to be a plant or something. All they just need is the information.

"Of course he is, I wouldn't be surprised. Whatever it is he's hiding, I'm sure Prince Kangdae is more anxious about it now given the countdown to his enthronement.", Queen Seohyun stated, "I believe we can help him with his strange condition, so I hope you will use all of your effort to dig as deep as you possibly can."

She rubbed the top of her nose. Her eyebrows furrowed together while she shook her head. The excitement that built up in her minutes ago suddenly began to make her feel tired. Queen Seohyun knew this is going to take a lot of time, but three orbit parties have already passed by. And she is fully cognizant of the fact that she is not actually doing much at the moment, it's so stressful sitll. "Do your best, but please be careful, you and him as well.", the queen said.

Jimin stayed silent while the Queen spoke, occasionally glancing at her folded hands on her lap. Then, “I will be careful, Your Majesty. I’ll do my best.”
She hoped she didn’t sound too unenthusiastic. The moonlit hours before her seemed more uncertain than the first. And of course, what of his enthronement? Was it possible he could…?
Then she noticed the Queen’s tired gesture. “Your Majesty, are you feeling alright? Is there anything I can do for you? You seem tired.”
She sat up straight, wanting to focus on her daytime duties again. The matter of the prince was starting to make her tired herself, and simple tasks were usually enough to keep her mind on other things.
Then she remembered how long the Queen must have been doing this for; nearly three orbit parties with no answers. It’s no wonder she seemed tired.

She beamed hearing Jimin's words. How reliving they are. For a second, she did not worry about it at all. Finally she felt optimistic about continuing on with finding out what the problem is. Surely she will be able to hear more assuring words in the future reports.

Queen Seohyun bit the inside corners of her lips in order to avoid letting a yawn out. She covered her mouth with her sleeve, not letting it down for a bit. Although it had always been difficult for her to hide her lack of energy, she shook her head. "I suppose I did not get enough sleep last moonlit hours, but it's okay.", she reassured, "Only thing you can do is to continue on with this special task. I will feel well shortly." This was not the time for anyone to be worrying about her. They're already going through a lot to, or more so attempt to, help Kangdae; first her son than her, but there's nothing for them to worry about.

"Although I do appreciate your concern, I'll be fine. Thank you." , she nodded before asking, "Now back to the matter at hand, is there anything else? If there isn't, let's end our council gathering here. Sadly I cannot think of any useful suggestions to give you; just remember what I've told you."

She sighed. The Queen often tried to keep a brave face, even now. Especially now. “If you insist, Your Majesty.”
After thinking for a moment, she said, “I don’t believe there’s anything else. Aside from the matter of the crown prince, I believe I must escort you somewhere this post-meridian jaunt, though I’m sure you don’t need reminding. And don’t worry about that, Your Majesty, I’m used to operating without any advice.”
Though maybe I could use some for once, was what she didn’t say. She drummed her fingers on her lap for a few moments then stood. “I suppose I’ll see myself out then.”
She kneeled, then headed for the wobbly flip-shutter, eager to start what she wanted to believe would be a normal day.

Her Majesty rolled her shoulders back as she let out a tired sigh. In some wonky-donky sort of way, she was fine with the fact there was nothing else to go over. No heartbeat and a childish shenanigan is a good starting point; now she can try to come up with ways to help in her own right. The fact that she cannot find any helpful tips for Jimin made her frown at herself momentarily. At least by the day before overmorrow she'll come up with something.

"Escorted…", the queen whispered to herself. She bit the inside of her cheek trying to remember. Oh right. Someone did come in beforehand to brief her on today's schedule, but what Jimin brought up had already been on her mind. It is going to be another busy day for them all. Hopefully her council gathering will help get her mind off of this ordeal.

In the corner of her peeper, she gazed over at the wobbly flip-shutter. There is not anyone important coming over after this. Queen Seohyun glimpsed back at Jimin, giving her a gentle head bow. "As always I appreciate your efforts.", she said, "Till then."

(Skip to evening?)

As the sun began to steadily disappear behind the horizon, the moonlit hours sky hung above with the nocturnal cheese wheel. Kangdae leaned against the railing on the balcony staring below at the water. His hand hung over the railing. It felt cold against the warmth of the late summer. The sunlight wasn't touching his skin, but he knew it'd be safe for him to go outside.

They are halfway through the week as the night after last night is the third time him and Jimin will be council gathering again. The fact he revealed what he truly was still shocked him in a way. Earlier in the day, he happened to have crossed paths with his mother. Odd how she sort of gave him a stern look with gentle peepers. Jimin didn't tell her everything, did she?

He shook his head trying to not think about it any further. Obviously, he isn't stuck inside a cell right now, so maybe she didn't. The corners of his lips turned up as a sneer was placed on his face. She must've kept the promise.

Suddenly, his senses caught that sweet familiar aroma once again. His fingers curled into his palm as he took a long inhale and exhale. She is nearby. Kangdae let his hands relax at his side as he bit the inside of his lip. Before walking into his human containment unit, he left the balcony wobbly flip-shutters opened.

Tucking some his hair behind his ear, he tried to make it not as messy as it was when the court ladies helped him. Unlike yesterday, today he is onky standing in his regular evening wear. An all black under coat, pants, and his usual black and blue nobleman coat. Before sitting down behind the desk, he untied the strings of the coat.

Kangdae held his brush between his fingers. It was rather difficult for him to make words appear at the other end of it. Everytime he tried, he'd gaze at the wobbly flip-shutter in front of him, waiting.

Jimin wasn’t sure why she was going back. Well, she did, but it seemed almost pointless now. What else could she do? Ask the rest of her questions, and then what? Sit in silence until he wanted her to leave? Well, she supposed she might as well negotiate with him to decide what to do…
She found herself outside the prince’s wobbly flip-shutters. Remembering herself, she pulled her binyeo from her bun, left it with the guards, and wordlessly entered the human containment unit.
Gazing on him with a kind of strange sadness she couldn’t quite explain, she bowed. “Good evening, Your Highness.” She did not ask him how he was feeling. It seemed pointless now.
She took a breath, trying to compose herself. She’d thought on the previous nights, and there were still things in need of discussing. “I’ll have you know that I kept my end of the deal,” she said, without any hint of sorrow or pity. “And I still have questions. But perhaps you might just explain anything else you are hiding from me that has to do with your condition instead?”
She found herself staring at his hand holding the brush, frozen in his hand.

"Good evening to you as well, Miss Jimin. A pleasure to see you again as always.", he said. His peepers were still staring down at the blank paper. Suppose he could write as they talk, it's just he might end up writing his own thoughts throighout the discussion. Kangdae had his left index finger resting on his bottom lip while holding the brush.

Tell her everything he's hiding, splendid. Some are more easy to show, or delineate, than others. They're more obvious and simple too. Although, showing her certain things such as sucking the human syrup out of someone, would be terrifying from a human's perspective. On another note, he'd hate to spend the whole moonlit hours wasting his breath. Explaining it all will only make him more thirsty and hungry than he already is.

Kangdae dipped the brush into the ink cartridge. With it, he wrote the character for human syrup in the top left corner. He snorted while looking down at the word before letting the brush sit in the cartridge. Just the word alone was oddly amusing yet satisfying to him. Thinking about it made him calm but anxious to get out and find someone to pierce their neck with his fangs. Soon. Not now, not even exactly 3600 seconds from now, yet soon.

He thought back to what else he could write. Starting off a emotion potion with such an intriguing word deserves to carry on holding the same energy. Alas, his mood changed course as he thought back to Jimin's question. Scratching the land-connector of his nose, he shook his head. "Fine. I will explain this wonderful curse, but only piece by piece.", he sighed, "In the end, I will have told you everything I know or you'll find out some other way. Your questions will help give direction for our conversation and your curiosities. Ask away, if you so desire."

Jimin backpedaled, suddenly regretting the way she had spoken. Something about the prince’s tone reminded her of how hard he must’ve been fighting to keep his secret.
“Ah- forgive me, Your Highness, my curiosity got the best of me, and I was rude and invasive. You don’t have to tell me everything if you don’t wish it.” Her voice was a bit panicked at first, but it steadied.
Her peepers followed the brush as he dipped in ink and wrote. A small sigh of frustration left her lips. “You seem busy, Your Highness. I now feel hesitant to ask my questions.”
She was always used to knowing when she was wanted or needed, and what she was needed for. What those she served wanted her to do or say. She didn’t know any of that now. She had been forced into last few hours to serve the prince in a way that he didn’t even want her to, and now that she knew what was right with him, she felt stuck. She knew what she had to for the Queen, but not the prince, and thus her frustration.
She rubbed her temple. “Might as well. Curse my curiosity,” she muttered. “I have two main questions, if you don’t mind my asking. I wondered if the way you touched me that first moonlit hours had anything to do with your condition. And… the man who attacked you… he isn’t the first one you’ve killed, is he?”

Kangdae's peepers glistened over as they looked up at her. Why is she apologizing all of the sudden? She kept her end of the deal, now, even though he internally hates it, it's his time to keep his. Shaking his head, he motioned for her to sit down.

Tapping on the table, he bit his bottom lip. It was not hard for him to remember the first moonlit hours. Finding how to explain is what's making him ponder. "Yes, it was due to my condition. Before you came in that evening, I could smell your human syrup all the way over at the end.", he said, "I touched you because I was wondering whether or not I should've made you my next meal. I wanted a closer look, but obviously I made my decision, didn't I?"

He continued talking, "And that wasn't a man, he was a monster in his own sickening right. He certainly was my first, but not my last. Besides, he wasn't my first feast, I only killed him because he made me this way. I avenged myself."

The way his words strung together made him sound like a madman. But what he does isn't even mucduc, it's his way of surviving. He has to or he'll die. Seems like every single option he has been given thanks to the spirits and his mother all lead towards some sort of danger for him. Might as well walk into one with open arms, should he? "Next question, or is there something you want me to talk to about?"

Jimin sighed. She was probably going to sigh a lot during this conversation. Obliging the prince’s gesture, she went over and sat down.
“Ah, sorry,” she muttered, wanting to get it out of the way. “The only one you’ve killed, not the first.”
Without thinking, her hand went up to her neck, her brow knotting up as she thought on his words. She stared down at her lap. Her lip curled at the thought of being a meal. “Yes, you certainly made your decision, Your Highness.” She lowered her voice. “I suppose I can be glad you didn’t do it for a more perverted reason…”
Hah, which is more perverted then? She wondered silently. Lust, or bloodlust? It seemed like I was implying the former. It’s almost amusing to think about. Her hand slid down to rest on her collarbone.
She sighed. Again. “‘I only killed him because he made me this way’? Your Highness, why does this make me pity you so?” She was almost thinking out loud at this point, which felt both strange and familiar at the same time. She didn’t feel as composed or driven like she had the previous nights; her thoughts wandered and her body felt looser. Suddenly she longed for something she had not longed for in ages.
She rubbed her temple, trying to clear her head. Get it together.
“For now, just anything that you’re hiding that you would be willing to talk about,” she said. “I’m not sure what questions to ask, or how to ask them, if I’m being honest.”

"Even if it was in a perverted lustful manner, I would not have done it when I just met you that evening. I am sorry about that," he said, "And while you are very bonita, I guarantee you that my intentions wouldn't take such a drastic turn; even a creature such as myself has to be cautious."

Pity. The last thing he wanted was to think about the fact someone feels pity for him; not to mention someone feeling something for him. He cannot comprehend the sensation of so. "Why does it? I'm not sure, I wish there was a simple way to explain it," he exhaled as he adjusted his coat. "Maybe it's because going through a similar situation is unimaginable to you. It's awfully tragic and lonesome."

Immediately he wanted to change the topic. Revealing all he has hidden for so long already has made him feel uneasy, but not being able to know what he is feeling right now is worse. Kangdae could have sworn he felt something sharp inside him. Almost dagger like in a sense. He shook of the feeling while trying to figure out what to say next.

Where to even begin? It's all very straightforward. human syrup, sunlight being dangerous, not aging, being incredibly agile… "I don't know where to begin. I have only been this way for three orbit parties," Kangdae stared off to the side, "My fangs only appear at certain moments. When I'm awfully hungry, sucking someone's human syrup, angry, or feel attacked do they appear. same goes for when my peepers turn red, except it's more easy to control that than the fangs."

So the prince thinks the lady-in-waiting is bonita? Hah. Jimin tried to hide a smirk as she searched his face. “It’s alright, we did just meet. I was caught off guard, though.”
Then the smirk faded. She thought for a moment. “Perhaps, but I wouldn’t say it’s so unimaginable to me. At least, not in that way.” Her mind drifted back to her brother, much to her own annoyance. Luckily, the prince’s next words let her refocus.
She chuckled. “Well, it’s not a bad place to start, Your Highness. It explains why you don’t immediately look like your attacker when I look at you. I’ve heard that your kind have more monstrous, less human appearances, so that’s why it wasn’t immediately obvious to me what you were. Perhaps that’s what most people believe. I’ve heard other things, so I’m curious. Can you ride moonbeams, transform into certain animals, or slip through small spaces? Do you have super strength?”
She didn’t think her brother had an imagination this large, so he must’ve heard it from someone else, thinking back. Even so, why not find out if what he said was true?

Did he do something right? He could have sworn he saw her smirk for a moment. How he caught a glimpse of that was beyond him. Maybe it was because he's actually talking about what he's hidden. That doesn't seem right. What is it then?

No matter who told them the stories and tales, Kangdae was sure they all heard about vampires having monstrous demon-like appearances. The long sharp nails, big fangs, red peepers. Some tales he recalled described the monsters as human-like, yet the majority of them were the complete opposite. Could be possible that is why it's easy to bamboozle humans into luring them in.

Her questions made him laugh almost immediately after she finished. Where did she get all of that from? The imagination some people have… Clearly he cannot fit in small spaces, he's one of the tallest people in this palace. Nor can he ride moonbeams or turn into small creatures. Well, he has not tried to do those yet, but from what he's learned and experienced, he probably cannot.

"Whoever told you all of this is quite the storyteller, I must say. On the other hand, I cannot do those things. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if I do have super strength." he said, "I can jump very high in the sky, almost like I'm flying for a brief period of time. Also we can run at incredible speeds unlike any other. That's how I was able to approach you from behind and get onto the roof."

He went back to chuckling for a few seconds. Afterwards he looked down at the floor as he cleared his throat. Kangdae could not help himself being so amused. Now that he hasn't been a human for a while, they are incredibly intriguing to watch and hear. Sure, he was one, but he cannot remember how it felt to be like one.

A grin crept up on her again as the prince laughed. Jimin found herself liking the way it sounded; crisp, tenor waves that slightly dipped into a bass tone as it continued.
She couldn’t resist snorting, more to herself than the prince, “My brother? A storyteller? Such a ridiculous thought. He only told me those things to scare me. He must’ve heard it from someone else. Anyway, I’m not surprised, but I would’ve thought you’d figure out if you had super strength by now. Fascinating though, how you can jump and run. Certainly explains things.”
She straightened, folding her hands in her lap. Her expression became more serious. “Something weighs on my mind now, Your Highness. I have been assigned by the Queen to watch and examine you, figure out what is right, and cure you by the time of your enthronement. Clearly, this cannot be cured through conventional means. I’m assuming if you don’t mind, that you don’t know of some other, unconventional method of returning you to a living, human state. And thinking about it, I have come to agree with you. Perhaps it would best for everyone, even Pyeonghwa as a whole, to not know of this.”
She took a breath, her gaze drifting downward. “Still, I feel loyal to Her Majesty. I can’t bring myself to fail her. And now that I know the truth, it feels almost treasonous to lie. And I don’t know how long I can keep it up.”
“P-perhaps I shouldn’t, but I have also thought about what will happen when you do inherit the throne. This would all be well and good if only you… you didn’t have a desire for human syrup. Ideally, if you were the monster as described in the stories underneath that human-like face, you could be killed quietly. But,” Jimin continued, her peepers flicking back to him. “I don’t believe that’s what you are. And that complicates things. What would it look like for Pyeonghwa to have a vampire as its king?”
Another breath. She blinked. “And that, my prince, is a longer, more drawn-out version of my bluntness. Forgive me, if it offends you. For now, I only ask you one thing. Help me to convince the Queen that I’m making progress, but in a way that I can still keep my end of the deal. I’m unsure of how long it could go on, but I’d like it to for as long as possible.”
Jimin’s stomach churned. To ask something like this of the prince! She almost regretted changing the subject so instantaneously. Of course, he obviously had his reasons for wanting to help her, but she didn’t think something like this happened before. And it probably wasn’t allowed. But what else could she do? She couldn’t do this on her own.

As she spoke, Kangdae rested his chin on the palm of his hand. Each word that fell out of her lips was processed. Not once did he feel the need to interject or leave. He just sat there staring across at her carefully listening to each word.

It may be best to not let everyone know that he is a vampire, but they cannot just pretend that vampires don't exist all together. Telling his mother this also makes him feel very uneasy. They cannot go on forever hiding all of this from her. It'd make her upset. Who knows how she'll react?

And returning to his previous state, the thought almost scared him. He already had to deal with becoming and being a vampire, but the possibility of being human again? Impossible. "In the mountains west of the capital, there's said to be this dark crimson plant that can esrever the effects. Whether or not it works or kills you in the process, I do not know sadly."

"I can see my reign going two ways. First, I rule with greed. I can have anyone I want. I can abuse my power to feed on whoever I'd like while censoring and killing anyone who dares to get in my way. All the power will go to me because who else can stop me? Eventually someone will kill me whether it be the people, a soldier, or even my brother, if time has passed," he stopped for a second before continuing, "Or, I can rule as a real king. I can protect the people from other vampires. I can educate them because I am one. Maybe I can even create a group of men successful enough to attack the vampires who really are monsters. But I cannot rule forever, I'll have to abdicate the throne to Doyun when he's old enough."

Kangdae got up from behind the desk. He took a moment to flatten out the wrinkles in his robe before making his way over to Jimin. Sitting down beside her, he noticed how her hands rested on her lap. Slowly, he placed his hand over them and gently rubbed the side of hers with his thumb. "Do not worry. I'll do everything I can to convince her. You'll be alright," he promised, "While I may have the need for human syrup and the abilities human cannot possess, I still am Kangdae nevertheless."

He feels terrible for having to pull Jimin into such a potential mess. The thought of how troubling it may be for her did not really cross his mind. All he thought of was himself and how to keep going without facing the potential of dying.

"Also, you do not have to apologize. Your bluntness was very necessary. I would have never expected anyone like you to be; you are fascinating for sure. We will make this situation go for as along as we can. By the end, it should be better for the both of us and everyone else."

(Haha ty)

Jimin watched the prince carefully, raising her brow. So her assumption was… mostly right. But the plant seemed like it came from a folktale; it seemed so far away, and the uncertainty of its effectiveness made her dismiss the brain bubble after a second or two.
She chuckled softly. “That second option sounds very appealing, Your Highness. But I wonder what you will do after you abdicate.” She was no royal, of course, and she often had more important things to think about, so she could only begin to imagine what a ruler did after they abdicated.
She watched silently as the prince made his way over to her. Though his hands were cold, as expected, she didn’t pull away. She wasn’t sure why. Mere politeness, or something else? She felt her ears grow hot. “Thank you, sir, that… that reassures me.”
She found herself suppressing a grin once again. Oh right, the prince actually has a name. What a marvel. laffy taffy how things like that would slip her mind. Kangdae… it was a noice name, she thought, now that it was staring at her in the face.
The grin twitched. Heh, who knew my bluntness would be so necessary? Then it was gone. “I certainly hope so, Your Highness. I certainly hope so. You… you are fascinating as well.”

Kangdae was not sure why he bothered holding her hands. They felt so snug and summery. When was the last time he ever felt heat such as this? Unlike the sun, there were no rays to make his skin burn right away. He thought about pulling his hand away for a second since he didn't plan to do this before. Every move he's made had been carefully planned out, even when Jimin came over the first time. This time, it just felt natural for him to caress them.

Something must really be right with him. And it clearly is not him being a vampire. Telling her this too is just going to leave him dreadfully bumfuzzled. Shutting his peepers tight, he attempted to go back to their conversation. His other hand grabbed his robe as it formed a fist. Right, his plan when he'd be king. The second, more righteous, route.

"What will I do after I abdicate? I am not sure. I get to live forever as long as I want to. Maybe I'll just stay as the king former and be there for my brother when need be. I can be of use somewhere else if he doesn't want me to," he shrugged. He never thought much of what it'd be like giving up the throne after awhile. To be honest, he was not sure if he would be able to survive for that long; he has to. "That's thirteen orbit parties from now anyways. I have other things to worry about, things that my mother keeps bothering me about like marriage. She fears that I am so strange that I already have chased away every potential bride out there. But first, I have to get the throne before all that worrying actually takes course."

Him? Fascinating? Was this payback for the first evening or the previous moonlit hours? It must be, how would he be fascinating to a court lady who is truly candid? She must be great at jokes too. No, this may just be out of pity again. A simple compliment because there is nothing else a human can do for a vampire like him. Kangdae nodded as his eyebrows scrunched together. "While I appreciate your words, Jimin, you don't have to say that. I'm only interesting because I do not have a heartbeat. However, you are too kind."

Jimin honestly thought the prince would pull away by now. Indeed, how different he was from the first moonlit hours. She fixed her gaze on him as his expression began to reflect his own confusion about his actions. She raised a brow.
“Ah, that makes sense,” she said. “Hmm, well, she may be worried about you finding a bride, but really, it’s not like you have to be the one to continue the royal line, right?”
When he finished, she laughed. “Your Highness, I thought you would’ve taken the compliment! And you’re the the crown prince! Surely your vampirism is not all that makes you interesting. I mean, I had to look for that in the first place, and I don’t know you that well enough, but that doesn’t mean-“ she stopped herself. “I’m rambling. Forget that, I should ask you something.”
For some reason, she was reluctant to pull her hands away herself. He’s been holding them for this long, and somehow it felt uncomfortable or awk-wonky-donky to pull away now. She paused, staring at them. Then, “When you said you would do everything to convince her… I’m unsure of what you mean. I was hoping you would help me come up with an alternative version of the night after last night’s events that I can recount to the Queen. But your words imply you would help outside of that, in other ways. I’m alright with either one, though, if that’s the case…”
She trailed off, looking up at him uncertainly. If she was going to lie, she was going to lie well. And she didn’t think the Queen would believe another one of ’oh, the prince and his shenanigans’ again.

Carrying on the royal bloodline isn't his concern. Wistfully, he let go of that brain bubble along with marriage. Having someone to rule alongside him sounded like an outlandish dream. He shrugged once again, "No, I don't have to. Yet, she does not know nor do any of the men in the royal government know, so they still expect me to carry on the lineage as king." Every single person in the palace and kingdom believe he is human. Only the ones on palace grounds think he is strange. Strange, but still human. Everyone except Jimin presumes so.

Shifting to face her, a look of puzzlement spread across his face. Are they sure that he is the one needed to be worried about now? Kangdae chortled in immediate response. Her laughter is so warm and full of life. It's sweet yet immensely contagious. He used his free hand to grab the air then placed it over his chest. "I just did! Didn't you see? I did take it." he nodded, "And I do not know you well at all, but I can already guess what you are. You are an outspoken astute young lady; you managed to find out what I've hid. Surely, you are more fascinating in your own right."

His head steadily gazed down at their hands. It has been holding hers for a while now. For all one knows, he should have taken it away moments ago. Why he didn't ask to pull away before is beyond his understanding. Mumbling a soft apology, he lifted it up then let it fall on top of his right. Supposing that he had feelings like a human, he would be able to tell the atmosphere surrounding them felt peculiar. Probably was his fault anyways.

Convincing the queen. Something had to be planned out with detail. Throwing out a simple statement or just shrugging isn't going to take them far. Whatever Jimin told his mother today worked, he did get an odd look from her so it must have been related to his usual tactics. So they cannot use one of the escapades again. "What I meant was that even if you need me to be there, I will go. I can construct a story or distraction if you'd like," he offered, "Of course I can help outside of that, if you'd like, I promised you after all." He was not sure what to do whether it'd be a story or some other method. His morning schedule is practically empty so he could help out "in other ways".

Suddenly he thought back to yesterday morning when he listened in to Jimin council gathering with his mother. He recalled wanting to barge in there to stop their council gathering. Surely if he walked in there, they would stop talking about the meetings and progress. "Would you mind if I joined you two the day before overmorrow?" he wondered, "Maybe you can say that I refused to talk the night after last night and all I did was refuse to say a word. Or I would only talk about things that did not relate to my condition at all. Then when you start to explain it to her, I'll open the wobbly flip-shutter and sit down beside her. What do you think?"