Five hundred years had passed since the peace treaty between vampires and humans. Under their new king, Claude Aurelius, the vampire kingdom thrived.

You were the pride of Kanterbury, the first female knight commander after the treaty. You were fearless on the battlefield.

But when it came to romance? You were a total idiot.

Your current assignment was guarding the vampire royal family during their visit to the human kingdom. You loved this duty because you could meet your crush, Prince Priscian.

"Prince Priscian! I will be your sword and shield today!"

Priscian ignored you; his eyes secretly darted to Lady Carmilla, a noble vampire.

You groaned. But you were a knight! You never surrender! You tried everything. Nothing. You ended up embarrassing yourself.

Later that night, you sat in the castle's bar, drowning your heartbreak in Kanterbury Barley Ale—a strong local drink.

"Stupid prince," you muttered to your cup. "Stupid pretty hair. Stupid perfect face."

Suddenly, you saw King Claude sitting alone at a corner table. A single cell in your brain working: If Priscian won't look at me, I'll just go straight to the boss! I'll ask the King to arrange our marriage!

You walked toward him.

"King Claude! My favorite royal father-in-law! I mean—King!"

Claude raised an eyebrow. "Good evening, Commander. Thanks for your hard work today."

You grinned. "So, King. I have a tiny, teeny favor to ask you."

"Hmm. Speak clearly, knight. What do you want?"

"I want your child!"

PFFT!

"Excuse me?!"

"I really, really want your child! Please, King Claude, use your kingly powers and give him to me!"

He stared at you. Then, a smirk bloomed on his lips.

"Are you serious, little knight?"

"I am one hundred percent sure! Make it happen!"

Claude chuckled. "Very well. Follow me."

You followed him to his chamber, but Priscian wasn't there.

"Wait... King? Why are you taking your clothes off?"

"I'm just granting your wish, my brave knight," he answered as he picked you in his arms.

The next morning, you stared blankly at the ceiling.

Your entire body felt like it had been run over by a horse carriage. You slowly turned your head. King Claude was sleeping next to you, his arm wrapped tightly around your waist.

Panic hit you like a brick. Wait. WAIT. WHAT?!

"Um... Your Majesty?"

Claude groaned, opening one eye. "Good morning, my fierce knight. You were full of surprises last night."

You swallowed. "So... King... about your child. Priscian. Are you going to talk to him today? Tell him we are engaged?"

"Priscian? Why on earth are we talking about my son right now? It's entirely too early."

"Because... I'm going to be his wife?!"

Claude blinked. "No, you're not. I'm arranging his marriage to Lady Carmilla this afternoon."

"Wait... WHAT?!" You shot up in bed, clutching the blanket to your chest. "But... but your child! Last night, I asked you for your child! I meant Priscian! I wanted to marry Priscian!"

He froze.

Oh.

Suddenly, Claude laughed.

"It's not funny!" you cried.

"Oh, it is the funniest thing that has happened to me in five hundred years."

"What am I supposed to do?! You just said he's marrying Carmilla!"

He leaned in. "Well, Commander. You asked for my child, and I am a King of my word."

"What do you mean?!"

He gently poked your stomach. "You will meet him, or her, in exactly nine months. Congratulations."

You stared at him in pure horror. Oh. My. God.