They've known what we are from the start.

[ the blood bags provided for meals, the hidden blood in wine glasses and goblets, the ease for which they were able to get a coffin. the place knows about them, but why it's expedient for the vampires to be revealed, he doesn't know. there's a level of freedom with it now, but the consequences... he can only imagine they will be great.

his eyes flicker to the way she adjusts her collar, feeling a little shame for himself - for the creature he is. for the monster those he cares about will imagine when the look up into his face.

he releases her, pulls back to wipe a dark sleeve against his mouth, smearing the blood from it. he bends to allow her to place the circlet of flowers he'd been given upon entry - some are woven into his hair as well, and his eyes flicker up to her. ]

Rejection or not, they'll do what they want. Plenty of others out there right now. Want to see you safe to your room first.

[ he shakes his head, thankful that perhaps alicent does not have his sharp hearing - the yelps and moans and wet slurps of blood he can hear in the distance. ]

Are any of yours out there? Friends? I'll get them back. I've indulged enough.