TEN

UNKNOWN POV

I have spent the years working my way further up in the guard rankings, so I am able to get my hands on more and better information on who, what, where, and when things will be happening. Which is how I came to be standing in the shadows watching the event rather than being on duty for it. I watch as everyone dances with the princess and then listen to them gossip once she sits back down.

Most of them were complaining about the vampire standing behind the king hissing low and threatening at every male that approached her, saying she has no mark and therefore could be their mate. I smile to myself, knowing that, that particular vampire happens to be the princess's mate. Everyone in the castle knows and has known since she was a newborn. They have, however, managed to keep it quiet from everyone else.

As the night winds down, I go to move back to my post and continue to watch, but then I see the vamp and princess sneak out the side doo