I was of noble blood. A future leader. It wasn't appropriate at all for a princess to be openly emotional. I was used to it so I managed to hide my surprise very well.

"But why?" It took great grace not to stammer, "why so suddenly Father?"

"As ll the neighbouring kingdoms are caving in Priceless. Nobody can withstand the power of the Vampire King,we are only humans."

"But weren't you considering...?"

"Don't be selfish," my father cut in, "there's no chance of winning a war. The people of Ai are still suffering for their king's foolishness. His once great kingdom has been reduced to nothing."

I looked down to my lap . I knew about the Ai's kingdom case alright. The Ai king refused to give up his kingdom and chose war instead. After his army was utterly destroyed,the vampire king showed him no mercy. He and his wife were tortured to death. His former people were sentenced to an eternity of slavery.

His eight year old daughter disappeared.

"You know it is not common for the vampire king to ask for a kingdom unless that kingdom has disrespected him. We are all walking on eggshells. He isn't asking me to abdicate my throne,he is asking instead for your hand in marriage," my father said,bringing me out of my reverie.

"What sort of disrespect did you commit that makes him look past the seat of power to a mere princess?" I couldn't help but ask. My father laughed delicately.

"I don't think you understand Priceless. Your marriage is not a punishment at all. It is rather more like an acknowledgement. You of all people should know that."

Indeed I should have! As brazen as it sounded,my father was a dog to the vampire king.

"What if he only wants to kill me instead?"

"If the vampire king wanted you dead,all he needs is to ask. He is a very straightforward man. It's marriage he wants."

There was no need for me to wonder if my father would have willingly given me up to be killed if the so called vampire king had asked. Even if he didn't,I would. Every Noble's responsibility is to his or her people. If I did not die, many people would die. And at the end of it all,I would still eventually die.

As the first daughter and only child of my parents,I was expected to become the next loyal dog after my father,but I definitely did not think it would be because I was married to the vampire king himself.

I've heard much about vampires,but I was too busy with royal duties to be curious about how they looked. Nevertheless,I was likely to be a human in their midst. A small powerless thing. How did this vampire king think it was a good idea?

He had vampire consorts and vampire aides. A vampire army,a vampire council. Perhaps,a vampire mistress. Weren't female vampires pretty? Why would he want to marry a mere human? Oh,right, acknowledgement.

"Don't think too much of it Priceless," my father said, "I can't help it but I'm happy for you. This is a breakthrough for all of us. Other kingdoms will be envious of you. Don't be scared that you wouldn't do well. You are priceless for a reason. And you are very pretty too so don't be intimidated. All you have to do is service your husband in bed,smile in front of his people and agree to all he says. You are a priceless gem my darling and maybe it's just that you weren't born to directly rule a kingdom and I'm glad. I can't stand to see my priceless gem getting chipped. Your human insignificance might even work out to your advantage. All you have to do is sit still and look pretty."

My father's advice passed through one ear and went out through the other. He was only trying to convince me but he need not have. Like I've earlier hinted,even if he stood against my marriage with his life,I'd run away to the vampire king on my own accord. Simply because I was a Noble and it was a duty I had to do for my people.

"When is the wedding taking place?" I asked.

My father heaved out a sigh of relief. He could not hold back his smile. "Thank you very much Priceless." Thank you for not making me to force you...

I gave a slight nod.

"The clothes and accessories are arriving this afternoon.The wedding will hold tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?" I blurted out.

My father bowed his head in shame. Of course I should have seen this coming. My father would always wait until the last moment to ask me to do something he was sure I wouldn't agree to. This marriage proposal might have even already been up to six months old.

I decided to let it slide. My father was looking guilty,and I loved him too.

"He's a vampire who's over a thousand years old. I'm just eighteen. Are you sure he wants to marry me?"

"Forget about the age difference Priceless," my father said, " I'm sure you are aware vampires anti age."

"I really do not care much about it father," I quipped, "After all,I'm just there to sit still and look pretty, but I have one more question."

"Ask away."

"What is the name of my husband to be?"

My father was surprised. How did I not know the name of the infamous vampire king. Yet,he wasn't in any position to scold me so,he told me his name.

His name was Ryan.