As she hurried down the palace guards and servants gaveway for her as Rose struggled to keep up. Rose had to stand outside while Princess Joan adjusted her clothes so one one would notice she had been running.
She walked into her father's chamber to notice every other member of the family was already present. Her sisters made faces at her when she walked in but she cared less about their expression as she was more concern about her father than anyone else.
"Good morning my king of kings "she greeted as she bowed slightly before her father before taking her seat
King Atkinson cleared his throat immediately he noticed Princess Joan was sitted, an indication he was about to say something.
"I have called everyone here to discuss pressing matters as a result of recent event. As we all know I am due to step down as king of kings in less than eight months from now but actions are already being put in place to make this kingdom unstable by other kingdoms. Reports getting to me this morning has suggested that about two vampire kingdoms and a werewolf kingdom are making separate plans to attack us in no distant time."
It is a tradition of the Olehzaki kingdom for their kings to retire after ruling for hundred years passing the responsibility to his first born child but in this case king Atkinson had no sons therefore the princesses in the kingdom were obligated to get married and their husbands will compete for who gets the throne.
King Atkinson decided to pause at that point inorder for all he had said to sink into the ears of his immediate family.
"What do we do my king?" Queen Veronica asked with concern in her voice.
"For now we are to do nothing in terms of attack but we are to all defend ourselves in whatever way that we can. It is now mandatory for all the princesses to have a personal guard a warrior who must have proven himself in battle on several occasion to follow them anywhere they go to. "
"Father is that really necessary? " Princess Vanessa tries to protest but she quickly ate her words when she saw the look on her mother's face.
"I am sorry for speaking" she apologized instead.
"As I was saying king Atkinson continued ignoring her earlier interruption. Season warriors will be presented to the three of you later in the day. Make sure to pick one for yourselves to always follow you anywhere you go " king Atkinson ordered.
"Yes father" they all chorus Princess Becky and Vanessa exchanging glances.
"Good I will discuss the other details of the palace security with head guards. You can leave now" he said dismissing them as they all bowed slightly
"Princess Joan I want you to wait behind while others go away" King Atkinson spoke when he noticed princess Joan was also about leaving.
He remembers he had other issues to discuss with his first daughter. King Atkinson had always tried to treat all his daughters equally but it was open knowledge to everyone in the palace that he had soft spot for princess Joan because she was product of his true love Queen Martha.
"How are you feeling now? " king Atkinson questioned her staring at her.
"I am fine father but I object to being forced to take human blood a next time. I have never liked them since birth and will not change my stand now" she reacted.
King Atkinson smiled when he heard those words, when it comes to issues of blood Joan instantly reminds him of his first wife Martha. Thought of her came flooding into his head but he instantly Shaked it off.
"We must take the threats coming from other kingdoms seriously. They know I will soon relinquish my powers as a king so they are desperate to seize the opportunity."
"Father you will be going nowhere soon so let them try "Princess Joan boldy replied him.
"I know I won't be leaving soon but I fear for you the most. I need you to get married soon, not just married but to a power vampire prince whose kingdom will be able to help you in the battles ahead" King Atkinson spoke with desperation in his voice. This issue of marriage has always been a serious battle between the king and his daughter.
The king is bent on her marrying to get more power on her side but she was determined to marry out of love. In their quest for power and love they had both travelled together on several jounerys to surrounding kingdoms even while King Atkinson had always find power Princess Joan had never found love. Anyone who had proposedbto marry her was always doing it out of gree for more power and she always had a way to see through them.
"Father I have said I will not be forced into marriage. I want to marry for the purpose of love and not power" She stated maintaining her ground.
"I fear you will have to find love within the next eight months else your sisters will have an edge over you for the throne. I know they already have plans to marry very soon" king Atkinson informed Princess Joan sending shock waves through her spine. She said nothing in response as she swallowed hard spit down her throat.
She had never imagined her sisters will be getting married soon without her knowledge. But then what did she expect from people who are probably controlled by their mother.
"I will like you to take the selection process later in the day seriously. You are a vampire who feeds on animals and as such no matc for those who feed on humans. So make sure you choose someone very strong to be your guard." king Atkinson spoke suddenly changing topics. He didn't want her to feel bad for too long as he knew his message had already been passed to her.
"I will father," Princess Joan replied as she bowed slightly to take her leave.
Of a truth she was no match to any vampire that feeds on human blood, that is a weakness her sisters always seek to explore.