“As you well know, we’ve been looking to create an alliance with the Kingdom of Celia. Tensions have been rising on the border of Acadia for both our realms. The wolves seem to grow bolder by the day.”

Alexi waited patiently. He already knew about the issues with the Werewolves to the West. They’d been quiet over the last decade but recent rumors include an army being raised. The howling dogs claiming to need more territory. He didn’t buy that for one second. Arcadia was as large as both Celia and Leon Kingdoms combined.

“Yes, but what does that have to do with us?”

“King Linus and I have agreed that the best way to unite our Kingdoms is through marriage. Your marriage, son.”

Alexi’s golden eyes turned red. The shade of blood. Fueled by anger and rage. How could his father think of marrying him to a human? Again! It had been a hundred years since he lost his first wife. No matter how he felt, humans are frail and weak and unsuited to be his consort.

“You wouldn’t do that,” Alexi said in disbelief. “I will not marry a human.”

“Yes, Son, you will. As Prince and Heir to Leon, you will do your duty and marry a Princess that will bring your Kingdom and people, security and prosperity. The humans have access to technology we do not. It could be the difference between triumph and defeat with them on our side,” the King said, his tone confirming this was not a topic for discussion. The bargain was already struck.

“How do we know they’re not making a side deal with the wolves? Humans are fickle by nature,” Alexi snickered, thick with disgust.

“King Linus would never side with the wolves. Not after they butchered his wife over a decade ago. Linus hates them almost as much as we do.”

Alexi’s jaw clenched. He hated this. Hated the idea of being forced into another marriage. He was lucky to have fallen in love with his first wife but that brought him nothing but heartache and loss. Nearly killing him in the process. He refused to allow himself to be so weak again. But his father was right about one thing. He had to do what was best for his Kingdom, even if that did mean marrying some weak human.

“I will not pretend that I agree with this, but as you said, it is for the good of the realm. I will do my duty father,” Alexi complied, his eyes fading from crimson to gold. “Who is my lucky fiance? Doesn’t the King have multiple daughters?”

“Three. You will get to choose amongst them.”

“That is what the carriage is for? We’re leaving now?”

“We will meet them near the border at Castle Cretzia. It will take the carriage three days to arrive, barring we avoid any treacherous weather,” the King informed him.

“I am sure the human will love our weather up here,” Alexi grumbled, unable to help the sarcasm creeping in his voice. “Maybe she’ll freeze to death on the way,” he smirked at the thought.

“Alexi,” King Alexander growled in warning.

“I’m kidding, sorta,” he mumbled the last bit, perfectly aware his father was still able to hear him.

Vampires had acute senses. Better to catch their prey. Although humans do tend to blunder about, making their location perfectly known. Easy hunting. The thought of taunting his new bride-to-be tickled his fancy.

“When do we leave?”