Ω

…Once, he was told to never trust the Elders Council.

Those large lavender eyes were drenched in horror as his clammy white hands clenched against his throat, nails dug in his collarbone. His sturdy grip was threatening, but no more than the furious eyes that unspeakably convinced him the frail and weak brother of the twins was possessed by a demon. His tone was gritty from lividity; an astounding snip of words crushed the rising empathy for the snarling individual.

"If you care enough…" His stinging words ebbed with startling anguish, "You will see the truth. They are never to be trusted…"

It was the last he saw the boy in the Kuran Palace. The Kiryuu twins moved out after the death of the Kurosu son and distanced themselves from the royal household, inventing an unnatural disquietude between the Crown Prince and Kiryuu twins.

Kaname didn't revisit the matter, or probed the depth of Ichiru's warning. He didn't deny Ichiru's faithfulness to the crown. When he saw the silver shadow in the dusty snow after spending the night in the forgotten hut with the curious Kurosu girl named, Yuuki, Kaname, didn't relish the sight of seeing the boy at the most unexpected of ways. Her disposition flapped into elation at the subject, and he could only assume the Kurosu and Kiryuu family were more intimate than believed.

There was no reason to be surprised, after all Kaoru Kurosu and the Kiryuu boys were close. The kind-hearted Kurosu won over everyone effortlessly it was a guarantee the Kiryuu's would come to admire him as much as the Kuran Heikas.

Kirrin and Sora Heika doted upon Kaoru with clear a conscience to attach him to the royal family for his entire life. Upon his first meeting with the royal couple, Kaoru singlehandedly impressed them with his knowledge and innovative concepts that largely thrived on disabling the Elders Council and other bias factions residing within the court. He managed to eliminate multiple with the help of Ousama Kirrin, but due to his swift, impeccable attacks to the political regimes he was frowned at, and targeted relentlessly in his mid twenties.

Kaoru received the ultimate protection, which not many aspirating royal members attained for centuries of longevity. Kirrin Kuran offered him the protection of his Right Hand and comrade Raiden Kiryuu, whose hair and eyes were silver as thunderclouds and swore on his own protection. Thereby, boosting Kaoru's significance in the royal household and a level lower than Joousama and young Oujisan.

Ousama's positive encouragement in regards to Kaoru didn't sit well with the Elders Council and society. Mainly since most continued stabbing the word traitor to the Kurosu name, turning Kaoru into an easy object of criticism. His resilience manifested in his actions as he learned and worked beside Ousama like a second in charge, and due to his closeness with the Kuran King it was believed he would later take the throne instead of Oujisan. Before further altercation formed, Kaoru's death struck Ousama and Joousama to pieces who grieved as much as Juuri and Haruka.

While majority flocked to mock the Kurosu family at the funeral, the royal couple grasped the forlorn parent's hands and offered strength to cope with the loss. Sora Heika submissively left an unfulfilled promise in Juuri's ear to honor Yuuki's protection and to never render her the bitter curse. Juuri was grateful, but her worries returned when the royal couple too was seized by sudden death.

The faithless Oujisan learned the cryptic secret from his parent's demise at some point in his youth. Startlingly, the secret was exactly as Ichiru said, '…See the truth, they are never to be trusted…'

His daydream and carefree demeanor was ephemeral like Joousama's warm hands.

Ω

Kaname realized suddenly after several seconds when his mother left him in the corridor of the grand room with a soft order to retire to his own. He had no resolve to go back and lingered unknowingly outside the door, palms pressed on the cold wooden door and eyes immobile on the fancy bronze doorknobs.

He sensed a brief disturbing aura bubble and heave from under the door, shredding noiselessly over his shoes and carpet. Motionless and quiet, Kaname stared emptily. The sound of crashing furniture's provoked him to withdraw sturdily, his rapid eyes stayed fixed on the knobs as a shrilled echo surpassed the silence of the corridor and household.

"Ka-san…" Breathing achingly, Kaname turned the doorknob to step into the blood permeating room.

A thin black blade stretched toward the standing woman in the center, snarled at the disappearing shadow. Her hand was drawn across her waist, digits dripping from crimson. Her long hair fell open, trembling over her back untidily as a long arm draped over the leaning figure against her left leg.

"Did you think you'd escape…" Sora growled fiercely, "From sticking that blade in your King's chest?"

"Hah…" Mocked a voice from a curtained corner of the room.

Sora ducked her head over her shaking spouse. Briefly brushing his moistened forehead, she tipped her head up, "You beast!"

Kaname charged two steps in the scene, hands sprawled out and shrieked at the hideous image of his crumbling father and weakened mother from the hands of the traitor. He was fortunate the black coloring didn't tip in his direction, but not fortunate enough to witness the fury of the despicable creature thrusting the sword in his mother's heart who stood, unflinching from the poison. Kirrin gasped and grabbed her arm, rasping in horror at his stubborn wife.

"Kaaaa—" A winding hand sealed over Kaname's mouth. Wide-eyed, he stared at his own reflection through the gruesome glowing eyes in the corner.

His legs stumbled backward and in his unremitting daze, Kaname believed he was flying from the attack himself. Both legs and arms hung in air as the door slammed in place, he blinked at the smoky walls. A soft movement grazed his back, immediately he stiffened, felt the back of his throat dry and hot as he lay with his mouth agape in the corridor. He may have imagined it all and gotten unconscious, as the reality of the situation could be far from what he witnessed.

Kaname twitched awake in awe, closing his mouth he fluidly scrambled to the door again.

Her hands grabbed him around the middle, and the smoky area quickly began to clarify as long, white digits wiped away the hot tears in his eyes.

"Shh…" Pulling him in her arms, she hugged him to her chest. "Don't go in there. Please," Her tears dribbled on his forehead and hair locks.

Kaname struggled in her embrace, unable to endure the turbulence in the room. "Let me…" Panting, he fidgeted in the stranger's arms.

"Don't you get it?" She whimpered in his ear, hiding her face on the back of his neck. "He will kill you if you go."

Kaname gaped at the closed door tearfully. "My parents…They…" Trembling, he wrestled her hands.

"Kaname!" She hissed against his throat, "Stay…" Her plea pulled him earnestly against her small body.

He stared at the white-studded walls and snowy carpet, blinking tears, his gaze fastened on her sprawled skirt trailing around them. Catching his breath, he felt the thick scent of flowers grease the back of his throat.

Clenching his eyes shut, Kaname held his breath, lowering his head. "What is happening…" He whispered, "Why can't I..?" Peering at the white-faced woman, Kaname frowned from unfamiliarity. He had never seen her in the palace before. Her warm hands wiped his eyes and cheeks carefully, all the while kept her arm tied around his waist. She drew him to his short height, fingers knotted through his. Kaname was vaguely aware of his moving feet as she led him from the area.

"You know already," She murmured.

He eyed the trailing silk garment of her dress. Shaking his head, Kaname turned to peer at the door. "I-I can't leave them!"

She swung automatically to rebuke him. "Don't be ridiculous! If something happens to you, I can't bear it!"

"Who are you?" He rasped in shock. "Why do you keep telling me to get away?" Yanking his hand from hers, Kaname retreated. "I don't want to go with you. I want to stop that fiend from hurting my parents!" He raced to the door but her steps were nonexistent like a ghost's and he was certain she hadn't moved.

Looking down at his straddling hands and legs on the floor, Kaname stared widely at the violent emotion in her crimson eyes and the spiraling vines creeping through the wooden floorboards. Shards of glass deposited around him as stalks and branches from trees outside arrested his legs, restraining him from movement.

Kaname stared in profuse uncertainty at the tearful woman. "Who…Are you?" He gasped. "I'm your Crown Prince—Why do you keep stopping me?"

"Is it wrong of me to want to protect you?" She quivered grimly. "Like…"

Raising his head, Kaname procured a better glimpse of the strange woman. Although he hadn't seen her before, he was able to deduce fine traits of her small face, faint dark brows, familiar crimson eyes and dark hair. She didn't look intensely old as most vampires in the royal household were married with children. He couldn't grasp the scent of her blood since she was sure to not acquire wounds or cuts but if that was the case, he could have easily figured her status. She approached quickly and guided him to his feet, removed the vines and leaves.

His fingers clenched from the soft sensation of her traveling hands on his shoulders and hair. She grabbed his arm, tugged him from the corridor. "Don't breath a word," She whispered over her shoulder. "I will return you to your room and you mustn't leave until sunset, do you hear?"

He scowled at her small back. "I can't leave my parents."

"Don't worry." Her eyes flew from his intense gaze to the floor, "The Royal Guards have already noticed their spilled blood."

"How can you harbor fortitude to order a royal pureblood?"

She increased her pace and stopped at a door. Browsing the hallway, she opened the door and helped him inside. Her sad eyes stayed on his before lowering to the floor again. "I understand it now," She grabbed the door handles. "Why there was so much secrecy, and why you never submitted…All to return the favor to the Council." Though her voice was unstable, her eyes were dry and crisp red, "Kaname…" She paused a hand on his right shoulder, her lips parted and she lingered uncertainly.

Kaname frowned at her wavering eyes, "Are you…Alright?"

Tears dripped from her eyes as she pulled away, "Don't leave the room and wait for the guards."

He neared the door as she turned to secure the lock. "The murderer…"

"Couldn't touch you with his blade today," She assured, "And the next time, it'll be up to you. I couldn't let you go in there by yourself and try to save them. You'd be a horrid mess. A very unhappy King."

"You are not making sense…" Kaname urgently insisted.

She grabbed her temple, "…No choice but now that I see it. It doesn't matter anymore. I want you…safe…"

Her face turned pale and eyes widened, Kaname stepped back cautiously. "Who ever you are…"

Swiftly, she turned and bolted the door, heaving and threw her back against the wood. Kaname knocked anxiously from the inside. "…Open the door!..."

Ω

Rigidly, Kaname straightened, reluctantly peeled away from the reverie to the musical and energetic laughter emulating from the borders of the territory. Stepping toward the sunny window, he lifted the end of the curtain in order to peer at the world outside. Indeed, the noise was wonderful in its effortless appeal, but he was concerned whether he was hearing things all of a sudden. The loud laughter made his hands stiff against the warm glass, fanning heat marks on the smooth exterior.

Yuuki was sprawled on the grass beside a mud-faced Takuma, the result of an unfortunate attempt to gather pears from the trees. He was congenial enough to lend her his shoulders for support as she reached for the elevated branches. Having the harder end of the fall, Takuma sat up, patted his ruined clothes and grime colored face with the back of his hands. He looked at the thrashing Yuuki in mild embarrassment and decided to appease laughter at last. His chuckles were gentler compared to her vociferous and gasping giggles.

Yuuki blushed, and rubbed her chin, "You're nice not to complain I was heavy. Sorry for the fall, Ichijou-san."

"Oh no," Takuma shook his head, "Not at all. I'm glad to be of …some use. And you aren't heavy at all. I missed a step, and well, didn't see the rock…" He gestured.

"You are too polite for you own good." Yuuki mumbled under her breath. "And you haven't left my side at all for weeks. Aren't you bored of me?"

Green eyes widened in solid horror, "Why would you say something of the sort, Yuuki-sama? No!" Astonished, he surveyed the courtyard and turned back, open-mouthed, "You are not boring. I'd rather spend my time being careless than reading and comparing notes in a dark office, worrying over jii-sama's criticisms."

"But you always seem like you enjoy working in the council office."

"I do," Takuma nodded, undoing a button of his collar, "But not under jii-sama's orders. He is very stern and not an affable company. Kaname avoids him as well!"

"I don't see why Ichijou-sama can he harsh, I understand he is strict, but he can't be that bad."

"Oh he is." Takuma guiltlessly implied. "You'd hate yourself the second he sets eyes on you."

"Knowing he is utmost powerful in the Council and has a handful of years working with the royal family, he seems very admirable and someone with plenty to learn from."

Takuma refrained from rudely interrupting, blinking, he scratched his throat, "Um, Yuuki-sama…" He mumbled, "You've never spent more than a few hours in jii-sama's company. But if you ever have the opportunity, I beg of you please, please avoid it."

Yuuki frowned and plucked the grass around her ankles, "Why? Who knows, maybe we'll get along?"

"Hehehe…" He chuckled, "You're extremely adorable for saying that, but jii-sama is hard to impress. And should I mention he hates just about everyone?"

"But…why?"

Takuma shrugged, "He just does. I'm not sure he likes me even!"

"But you're his only grandson!"

Takuma met her eyes unblinkingly. "He doesn't like my father either."

"He did love his wife, your grandmother, right?" Yuuki gulped.

He rubbed his jaw uneasily. "Mm…So, Yuuki-sama, what do you want to do about the pears?" He pointed at the hard to reach branches. "Kaname will be touched if he sees the branches and how hard you're trying to gather the pears for him." Takuma sighed softly. "If he cared to wander out of the office for a moment, he may even shed a tear at the sight, Yuuki-sama."

Playfully, Yuuki elbowed him in the ribs. "Didn't you say he appreciates someone putting effort in work than simply achieving good results?"

"No, he likes excellent results." Takuma replied frankly. "And he enjoys an upfront, work ethic demeanor too but…" He cringed at the word, "Appreciating?"

Yuuki stared somberly, shoulders raised, "Why not?"

"Kaname doesn't appreciate." Takuma flatly informed. "His acidic character can't be accommodated. Yuuki-sama, you'll grow weary of these tasks." Noticing her averting eyes, he frowned at her cradling hands clenching the emerald grass. "I'm sorry for sounding negative but it's only a matter of time…"

Yuuki looked up, "Did you hear from Ousama?"

Takuma shook his head, "No, what I meant was it's only a matter of time before you'll grow tired of the territory, staying by yourself waiting on the King. If you…" He stiffened, turning to glare at the courtyard intently. "Perhaps you can discuss the duration of your stay with Kaname. He can answer questions you might have. He is very much like the time keeper, if you wish, he can help you,"

Yuuki twirled the long blades of grass between her fingers. "He hasn't said a word on behalf of the King…"

"He can be reticent, but you won't be aware of it once you get used to it."

"I thought you said, none can accommodate him." Yuuki sternly whispered.

Takuma released a tensed laugh, "Did I? Aha, well, I'll commend you if you become the first. Kaname's dark streak can be appealing in various avenues, but he is very fortunate to be admired by the court ladies. And those beauties had their eyes on him for a long time."

Yuuki peered into his aloof green eyes, "Court… ladies?" She tried not to gag from disgust.

Takuma cleared his throat, "When you are a royal candidate, you see, your privileges are limitless. But Kaname isn't the type to take advantage of that sort of thing. He is, what you can call, very independent. He lives outside of the conformed circle except for one thing. Like his parent's decided for him, he will grant their last wish and marry a pureblood of their choice."

Stunned, Yuuki gawked, "Ma—marry?"

"Why yes." Takuma sat up proudly, "Only royal relatives can debate the matter and if it comes to a point, they can revoke the impending engagement through a voting system." Noticing her pale complexion, he added, "Yes, we are political, our lifestyle is dominated by it and we'd be damned to change it. Of course, you'll understand why the pureblood royalty is different than others. The Vampires within Vampires—the Kuran Heikas have lorded continuously for centuries. To protect their merit to the Crown, the Kuran royalty will only establish matrimony with purebloods. In order for the lineage to continue, a pureblood heir must reign. You know the basics of the vampire pyramid?"

She sat in a daze, gaped at the mat of grass under her skirt with a forlorn expression. Takuma patted the back of her head to revive her from her thoughts, and she jumped slightly from the gentle contact. "Huh!"

"Are you ok?"

"Ah-um, yea." Yuuki studiously nodded, flicking a tired smile, "I think the sun is getting to me. I'm getting a little sleepy."

"Surprisingly," Takuma opened his arms with a grin, "I'm getting accustomed to the sunlight from spending time with you, Yuuki-sama. It's a feat I thought I'd never accomplish."

"You're welcome." Rising to her feet, she brushed the skirt free of grass and paused on her comrade. "You can be honest with me, there is a bigger reason why you can't leave my side right?"

Struck by her bluntness, Takuma blushed severely. "Don't…Jump to conclusions." He uneasily fumbled for a convincing answer. "Kaname told me you wanted to see me and asked me to visit often. If I'm bothering you, do let me know."

"No, you're not."

He smiled at her unfaltering response. "Alright, then." Takuma smiled boyishly, following her patting hand. "…You really are something, Yuuki-sama." He had thought his whisper was inaudible but widened his eyes in alarm at Yuuki's questioning glance.

"What do you mean?"

Takuma slipped his hands in his pockets and lifted his shoulders in a soft shrug. "To me, you're harmless than a lamb. Most wouldn't believe you are a Kurosu if they met you at first. I was somewhat taken back. But Kaname is very generous toward you," He brushed her forearm, "And I'm glad you are being taken care of here."

Yuuki placed her own hand on top of his. "Thank you, Ichijou-san."

"I'll let you rest then," He chuckled with a wave. "See you soon!"

Ω

Takuma hadn't meant to ruin her mood, and his conversation was full of charitable consideration toward a lonely vampire locked in the territory. She was certain he hadn't meant to read into her withdrawn disposition.

When she sat in the library later in the day, her eyes barely managed to skim the pages of her book and strayed elsewhere from lack of enthusiasm. Takuma's words pounded in her brain like a restless, annoying alarm clock, which she had no clue how to turn it off. Slipping her right hand through her thick hair, Yuuki tilted her head sideways on her palm, stared at the empty fireplace and abandoned couch.

She eyed the inviting furniture and recoiled at the thought of using it instead of Kaname. He was sleeping soundly on the couch the first time she saw him and interrupted his slumber.

Wandering from her chair, Yuuki sank to her knees next to the couch, set her cheek on the cushion to absorb his scent as it drained the ache in her heart.

'To protect their merit to the Crown, the Kuran royalty will only establish matrimony with purebloods…'

Yuuki closed her eyes against the stabbing pain inside her body. Nothing far from the truth… Just a tradition I learned a little too late than most vampires.

Winking an eye open, she felt the hot trail of a tear slide down the slope of her nose. But some months ago, I didn't know him either. And what's the difference? Yesterday's tradition and today's values? I don't fit in any.

She rose from the floor, a hurried movement as a presence approached the corridors of the ancient library. Wiping her tears with the back of her hands, Yuuki brushed stray hair locks and grabbed her book. To her dismay, he didn't enter the library and resumed a certain and composed stride toward the end of the hall, near the veranda sprayed by cool rain.

Floorboards grunted under his shoes as he stopped with a mild review of the deserted courtyard, and garden. The wet deck appeared around the corner, revealing a series of glass windows, one of which belonged to the library Yuuki inhabited.

Tucking the book under her arm, Yuuki plunged open the back door of the library and set afoot along the wet deck. He was admiring the flowerbed and shivering trees in the rain with a skeptical smirk. Yuuki's footsteps slowed into an awkward halt, her right hand fell from the book cover back to her side. She hadn't meant to intrude his peace and while she was in need of distraction from her absurd thoughts, he stepped out for fresh air.

Conversation wasn't harmful, Yuuki hoped.

Lingering on the farther side of the veranda, Yuuki placed a hand on the banister and regarded the garden thoughtfully.

"Joousama's Chronicles," He whispered in the whizzing rain. She extended her palm under the rain, let the drops puddle in her hand. "There is an excerpt by Oujisan about his imperceptible meeting with a woman, who stopped him from entering the crime scene while the royal couple fell to their death. He couldn't depreciate the help of his savior but when Joousama and Ousama's ashes were carried to the Court House, he had learned to blame himself by then." Kaname's crimson eyes narrowed as he watched her from the side.

Yuuki lowered her chin on the edge of the book carefully. "Oujisan couldn't have stopped the criminal at the time."

He turned to Yuuki with interest, leaning against the wooden banister with an arm angled out on the edge. "And why couldn't he? Purebloods have the ability to control all vampires. If he needed to stop the criminal, he could have easily subdued the murderer."

"I haven't forgotten the extent of a pureblood's powers," Yuuki slowly replied, eyeing the wet floor between their feet. "But he was very young. A child can't bear watching his parents die, even a pureblood. Besides," Yuuki glanced at the book in her hand, "Joousama would rather take the blade than her family. Being a wife to the throne and a mother, her role didn't end in the palace but extended into people's lives. If she came upon an unexpected death, it wouldn't be unexpected because she always expected death despite the unknown time. Clearly her intention was to die beside her husband. Dying for her family, her people and son was reasonable enough. And she only submitted that time because she was with him…"

Kaname had folded his arms and leaned against the pole, head tilted to the side and eyes almost closed. She predicted he wasn't paying attention to her ramble and realized she hadn't stopped to let him have a word. In fact, Kaname looked as if he had dozed off.

Clouds sheltered the afternoon sun and rapidly engulfed the region into shadows. His profile darkened behind the pole, making him indistinguishable but she remained rooted on her feet, transfixed by the solemn scrawl of skin between his brows and forehead.

'Kaname is very generous toward you…' Her creeping footsteps slid against the wet floor soundlessly. Soon, she was next to the same pole his shoulder lounged against. Raising a hand, gently Yuuki traced the edge of his sleeve.

'One thing…He will grand their last wish…and marry a pureblood of their choice.'

Lifting her glassy eyes to examine his relaxed and unguarded expression, she breathed quietly in the hallow echo of raindrops, inhaled the harmonizing scent that belonged to Kaname with a shudder.

Doesn't make sense… Yuuki bit her lip, prying her tearful eyes from him.

Kaname unsealed his eyes without a word.

Head bowed, she leaned against the pole, hands sagging at her sides with a desolate disposition.

I barely know this man, and I yearn for more than his blood. Sobbing under her breath, she slid against the wood and stopped on her knees, knuckles resting on the slippery floorboards.

Chocking against another cry, Yuuki held her breath and sturdily shot up, turning back toward Kaname. Her glare was razor sharp, tears brimmed and reflected in the shadows like identical stars. Though she hadn't noticed his open eye, Yuuki scrunched her face in self-disgust, twisted her back to conceal out of view.

His fingers wound tightly around the back of her arm, pressed her to the wooden pole. Her feet lingered in half-stride, away from the banister and Kaname. Yuuki strained her arm, but his fingers pinched tighter in her skin. Relaxing shortly, Yuuki raised her head to the roof. A large hand appeared from behind her right ear and slid against her white cheek, meeting the warm tears in its search.

"It's not healthy," Kaname murmured over her head, "To taste tears during a terrible weather."

Yuuki turned her face away from his hand and rubbed her cheek against her sleeve. "I'm just…" She laughed strangely, a struggle to match his liquid composed tone. "I'm fine, I got to thinking and lost control." Resisting the grip on her arm, Yuuki frowned, "Please, can you release me?"

"You'd endure grave outcomes to cheat your way into release." Kaname remarked.

Her small shoulders stiffened at the bitter accusation. "I don't understand…I haven't cheated."

"Have you not?" He whispered softly, and smirked at the garden, "Any move at this time will be costly. And it may become too late to reach back. Perhaps Yuuki doesn't know the meaning of punishment."

"What have I done to earn punishment?" Yuuki quietly questioned.

The grip on her arm flew immediately and the hair against her neck was swept aside. His warm breath fanned the skin under her left ear. "Have I not told you, that I am the eyes and ears of the territory?"

"I didn't do anything!" Yuuki declared, twirling on her heels.

He watched her with an expected stare, impassive and unsurprised by her insistent and shrill response. Closing his eyes, Kaname sighed, "You must be anxious to meet the King already. But not more anxious to be with your loved ones." The widening of her stare didn't stir him from his slackened position and he watched realization steadily pronounce itself in her crimson gaze at last. Yuuki retreated two steps; fingers clenched under her chin and slammed her knuckles against her mouth in fear. "Have you not dishonored me, Yuuki?"

"How did you—?" Flushed-face, Yuuki shook her head, "I came back!"

"In such negligent fashion you returned to the territory." Kaname regarded her somberly, "Dear Yuuki, you will have succumbed to a greater curse than the one I've bound you to." Cradling a hand against his forehead, Kaname's brows furrowed in agony. "You mustn't be trusting and I haven't reached out to you like I wanted… yet to keep your word you came here, pretending like nothing happened, that you didn't meet your family. The scent of your loved ones lingers on you. Their tears and yours somehow seem the same. And I've becom the rival in their eye."

"No, you're not." Yuuki objected, "I didn't expose you, or my whereabouts."

Kaname swallowed his throat, "There must be something you have always wanted to do… Yuuki." He whispered through the wall of his fangs. "Before the impending curse comes underway, something you dreamt of?"

She fidgeted and looked away. "Why does it matter?" Reviewing his stature, Yuuki scowled, "Why does it matter to you what I do? If I weren't here, you'd never have to be stuck and play gatekeeper. My only value is the name I was born with. I didn't run away. All I wanted was a short time to see my parents and friends, and I told you…already that the longer I stay, the greedier I become. So don't try to probe into my thoughts. It's no use, I've learned to forget about the future and live day-to-day."

An apprehensive silence hovered over the two. His piercing eyes stalled on her angry countenance and tickled over her right arm where her fingers latched onto the book written by the previous Queen. Yuuki's feathery gasps tugged in the web of cool wind, until her lips became crisp dry and her throat hot. It was not emotion but thorough resolve, and the bouncing distress in her voice magnetizing Kaname near. She shifted a clumsy footstep away from him before pressing the book to her breast.

"Joousama had said, no other death could be satisfying than the one where she can give her life for her dear ones. Oujisan might've been too young to understand her. But she wanted her son to live! Isn't that enough for him? She wanted a fair battle. You pick, a child's protection or a King's—which is effective?" Smiling unhappily, she continued, "Kaname…We are two different people. You thrive on dreams, ideas, and desires. But that for me was impossible from the start. I was offered a chance to see them, and I did what I thought was right—"

"If…" Kaname's stare blackened and he hissed a soft dismal breath aloud, "Oujisan had the chance to see Joousama and Ousama again he'd stop the murderer, even if it cost him his life."

"Joousama didn't deny that Oujisan could defeat the murderer," Yuuki reached forward to brush away a clinging hair lock on his eyebrow, "If anyone could stop the murderer, it would only be Oujisan. But at the time of their death, her reason was very simple, and she was able to smile in Ousama's dying arms with the knowledge—that their child was unharmed."

Kaname's eyes widened but she backed away, quickly strode out of the veranda. He blinked at the square shadow on the banister. In her brisk departure she left the tome on the edge. Sprinkles of water lathered the cover. He placed a hand on the surface, drawing the book to his side.

"Then I shall grant you a final reprieve," Kaname whispered forlornly, fingers tucked within the pages. "Let your last day not only be embellished with memories but fortune, devotion, and inspiration. So you will no longer have to watch the horizon without dreams. And in that day, find each and every one you've longed for during your lifetime. The second you return…your greatest enemy will not be Death but Doors."

Moving inside the hallway, Kaname rubbed the throbbing knot of his temple. "And you haven't witnessed the harsh council yet, I wonder Yuuki, if 'Evil' will be your new name for me…"

Stepping in the comfort of his office, Kaname regarded the curtained windows and bookshelves. Her indelible scent emulated from corners. Stopping next to the desk, he set the book and leaned heavily against the edge, as if the weight of his body overwhelmed his feet.

Shakily brushing back the long hair from his eyes, Kaname hissed to none but his damned self. "You wouldn't forgive me…"

Knock knock knock

The door seized open as Aidou marched despairingly toward Kaname. Fear and doubt filmed his blue irises, he stopped within meters, fists raised. "I saw her running in the forest."

"Even though I removed the barrier, did I not tell you stay away from the territory?" Kaname kept his back turned, head tilted slowly. He blinked at the spraying rain on the window.

"Yes, you did." Aidou flinched, swiftly retreating a footstep. "But I thought I'd tell you in case."

"Let her go…" Kaname unbuttoned the sleeves of his shirt.

Aidou cunningly watched his back as he turned to sit in the chair. He was not pleased with the statement, and as much as he desired to know a reason, Aidou refrained from leaping to conclusions. An enormity of his task and royalty toward Kaname was trusting him more than other royal members. Whether his decision to let Yuuki go was done out of pity or some self-reproach, Aidou didn't want to act distrustfully and spoil Kaname's plans. "Having kept her insanely close to your side for almost a year," Aidou glared at the floor bitterly, "Are you sure…Especially now that the barrier is—"

"Is there a possibility she can be lost and wind up in a different part of the world?"

Blue eyes widened at the hopeless interjection, "There are other ways to save her. But desperation alone can't qualify and help Kurosu Yuuki."

Kaname clenched his jaw, his poised fingers wrapped around the black quill. "Depends which one of us is desperate."

Aidou raggedly shook his head and sprang toward the table, fists thundering at the edge, fangs bared. "I can't let you stand alone and suffer! You wanted to protect her, but if she gets caught she will be torn to pieces by the Council's vultures. And you will be questioned—once the public hears this, you'll lose their trust for lying."

Indifferent to Aidou's warning, Kaname silently eyed the spreadsheets before him.

A sharp jab on Aidou's kneecaps dragged the blond against the office door. He gaped horrendously at the stoic brunette and fell to the floor, catching himself on his knees. True enough, none could read into Kaname's thoughts, he was by far, stubborn toward secrets. Picking himself up, Aidou reached for the doorknob, casting an uncertain glance at Kaname.

"If I see her, I'll stop her. I'll announce your attendance at the Dinner tonight."

A slight pause in Kaname's writing indicated he hadn't given the engagement much thought, or had been oblivious to it if it weren't for Aidou's reminder.

"Sara-sama personally invited you. She wishes to spend quality time with her fiancé whom she missed for 2 months." Aidou remarked with a short huff. His questionable disfavor of the pureblood was not known to most, considerably because she was bound to hold the crown and support heirs to the throne in the future. If he disrespected Sara, he might as well disrespect Kaname who didn't seem to care for Aidou's opinions.

Closing the door, Aidou forged into the courtyard and in the numbing rain. His speed couldn't be compared to the royal guards, but it was adequate to browse the forest before nightfall. He tracked her scent through the heady scent of grass, pine, wood, and wild insects, inching dauntingly closer toward the heavy haze of blossoms and warmth. Her imprinted footprints on the mud made him halt in fascination. Brushing the grass with his fingertips, urgently Aidou stood up and sped toward the shrubs, further near the trees and clearing.

Yuuki's heartbeat pumped like a steady drum in the back of his thoughts. Sensing her energy, breath, and presence he surveyed the field and cut in a twisting path, fixed toward her direction. He found her sitting on a rock, with her knees against her chest, arms tight around herself, gazing at the green field.

It had been more than seven months since he had last seen Yuuki. She was paler and somber than he remembered. Stepping over the twigs, Aidou crossed the grass. She looked up speechlessly, her crimson eyes widened and narrowed. Before he uttered a phrase, she shot up and cautiously backed away.

"Why are you here?" Yuuki demanded.

"I'm not here for reconciliation. I'm here to warn you that if you stay in the forest, you'll get caught by the council."

"So what?" Yuuki grunted through clenched teeth, crimson eyes blacker than usual, "I didn't run away from the territory."

"You're risking Kaname's name if you get caught." Aidou snapped. "Come back and stop wandering alone."

"He told you to retrieve me?" She treaded toward a tree and grabbed a branch.

"No." Aidou watched Yuuki, "His only crime is protecting you, and if you want to be to the center of a political scandal then stay as long as you like. By tonight, the entire household will know Kurosu Yuuki is not dead."

She squinted her eyes through the rain, "Doesn't everyone know I'm alive? The royal household, I mean."

"If that was the case, you wouldn't be living here."

Yuuki curled a hand on her temple in confusion. "I thought I was brought here to wait for the King."

"Wait?" Aidou spat incredulously. "Why? Kaname can do whatever he wants! What's the point in waiting? He protected you from the royal household, that's why he isolated you here."

She approached him inertly, "Kaname…Did?"

"Who else?" Aidou rasped.

"Mm…Ever the scent of blossoms in the night rain; ever is Yuuki at the end of the odyssey." Hummed a baritone amidst the swinging tree branches in the darkness.

She turned to her right with distinct easiness enveloping her expression, and nodded at the silhouette.

"Forgive the delay," The cloaked figure forwarded in the fields by Yuuki's side, "I didn't know Yuuki would seek me tonight."

"I'm sorry for coming abruptly. I wanted to talk to you about…" She glanced alertly at Aidou.

He stepped nervously toward Yuuki and snatched her arm, tugging her behind. "What disease have you been spreading in the forest? Why are you here?" Sneering violently, Aidou guardedly leaned forward.

"He is a friend." Yuuki answered, "And the forest is his home."

"Kurosu," Aidou growled curtly, "Don't interfere. The man is lethal."

"Ah, is that how they refer to me nowadays?" The cloaked man mused, "It seems we will not be able to treat each other to conversation. Maybe another day…In the future?"

Smiling brilliantly, Yuuki nodded, wedging past Aidou eagerly. "Yes, I look forward to it, oji-san."

"Oji-san…?" Aidou repeated ungraciously under his breath. "Who are you calling oji-san? That talking tablet is our enemy! If Kaname hears you are secretly meeting Yuuki, he will wring you dry! Don't tempt him."

"On the contrary," Began the cloaked oji-san smoothly, "He knows of my whereabouts quiet well. And if needed, he is welcome to see me in my cottage. I enjoy visitors, and I'm humble to Yuuki's company these last few weeks."

"Don't get too friendly with Kurosu here," Aidou warned murderously, "She is not here to stay, and you shouldn't play around with the sacrifice."

"I wish not to linger and take my leave." He bowed toward Yuuki.

Aidou whirled around, clenching Yuuki's arm and drew her anxiously along. "You can't stay in the forest anymore, it's more dangerous than I thought! I don't doubt Kaname knows about your recent visits…Did you have a fight?" He snapped wildly, "Because of you he's become a difficult recluse! Sara-sama will have none of that tonight." Pulling Yuuki to his side, he eyed her narrowly, "Kurosu…"

Yuuki flipped her head around sternly, "I haven't said anything to Kaname, and we aren't fighting."

"Then why are you running in the forest like a maniac?" He shrieked.

"I wanted air."

Her incompliant answer was not in the least convincing. Aidou's glaring eyes intensified, with a swing of his head, he quickened his pace. "You can pretend to be persuasive, can't you? Kaname is, after all, the one who'll get attacked. And I can't understand why he'd put up with someone like you in the first place!" Clutching the side of his head, he growled. "Kurosu, you're unbelievable. How can you get away from running around like an idiot? Especially with that talking-tablet in the forest? And why are you making Kaname lonelier by the day?"

"Quit howling! I'm not." Furiously, she snaked her hand out of his grip. "Why did you have to find me? I was fine by myself. Oji-san doesn't pose a threat to me. And if Kaname knows I'm in the forest already, why are you worried?"

Aidou lifted his arms over his head to grab his head. "Don't attack me. If word somehow gets to the council that you're here, they'll skin you alive, put Kaname on the hot seat."

"What does Kaname have to do with the Council?" Yuuki demanded from sheer frustration.

Aidou hysterically screamed at the night sky, "You don't know how important Kaname is? And you've been living with him for almost a year!"

"What's so great about him? Of course! His courtiers and Pureblood fiancé! He is a fortunate royalty—goodness I envy him and his never-ending privileges! I'd do anything to become his doormat just to be graced by his prestigious power and status!"

"For a Kurosu, you'd better!" Aidou glowered.

"Guess what, Hanabusa-san—" She spat, livid. "I couldn't care less what he portrays or his pureblood power and his future wife—He and everyone in the royal house is meaningless!"

Aidou grabbed her chin and yanked her toward him. "Watch that mouth…Kurosu," He hissed laboriously. "You dare put down the royal family? Have you forgotten that Kaname is the reason why you stand breathing this instant? Weren't it for him, you'd be slaughtered by the Council dogs. I'm the first person you'd have to be careful around because I, too, detest traitors." Shoving Yuuki back, Aidou steadily watched her collect her self.

Wiping her mouth, she averted, panting from the altercation, "I spoke out of turn, sorry, I can't always control emotion."

Aidou clenched his teeth, "It's not very surprising actually," He sneered dreadfully. "Your words sure suits a deteriorating Level E."

Yuuki rounded with a filthy glare of her own. Vines sprouted through the grass under his feet and tightened around his ankles. Aidou kicked around the jabbing roots and flurry of branches taping securely around his back, the spontaneous heave of trees and flowers crowded around him within moments. Gaping incredulously at the ruby-eyed vampire, Aidou hissed in disbelief. The tightening vines on his arms and legs turned brittle from frostbites, crippled to the ground, and froze the roots under his boots.

"So you've been practicing. I wonder if Kaname was the one to point out how to handle the power?" Aidou remarked coldly. He expected a submissive nod, but she watched in reserved patience. "I wouldn't know why he hasn't done away with you, yet but you've outlived your stay. If it weren't for Kaname, I wouldn't have retrieved you, and let you rot in the forest ditch."

"Those are some uncivil words to Yuuki-sama," Murmured the approaching shadow from Aidou's right. The stepping shadow loomed at a distance, his eyes narrowed pointedly at the blond and regretfully landed on Yuuki.

"Don't tell me you've come to join hands with her," Aidou grunted.

Takuma stopped in between the two, pushed a hand on Aidou's chest, he calmly replied, "Kaname asked me to take control of the matter here," He frowned at Yuuki, "You shouldn't be out late. There is a Dinner at the Royal Mansion, and you are a marvel target with the barrier nonexistent."

"I'm told by Hanabusa-san," Yuuki glared skeptically at the blue-eyed, "That Kaname purposely kept me here, away from the Royal Household?"

Takuma glanced away from Aidou and nodded. "According to Kaname's orders, yes. At the Ball in your honor, things weren't handled correctly. And the matter of the sacrifice was given to Kaname to handle. He proposed keeping you safe in the territory was best until further notice from the King."

Aidou abruptly grabbed his sleeve, "King—what King?" He sputtered. "Kana—"

Takuma lifted a palm to silence him and informed, "Kaname has gone to the Dinner at the Mansion and will be hard to reach. Yuuki-sama, you should retire now. Hanabusa-san, you are required to remain by Kaname's side, it's best you head over there promptly. I will stay with Yuuki-sama in the territory."

"The gate keeper's secretary?" Yuuki raised an expected brow, "Is you, Ichijou-san?"

He flashed an eased smile and bowed his head. "A King's sacrifice can garner enemies in no time."

Angling her eyes at the incredulous and speechless Aidou, Yuuki questioned suddenly, "Can I speak to him?"

Takuma straightened his back. "Speak to whom?"

"The King." Yuuki met his eyes evenly. "Tonight, at the Dinner? I assume he'll be there."

Aidou's scrutinizing eyes narrowed. "His presence is imperative, Sara-sama personally requested him… and knowing her temper, he won't keep her waiting."

Yuuki nibbled her bottom lip, "Can I or not? The one who has been eager to see him is I. I've been here for a year, without a clue to what's going on? And I deserve to know about my sentencing. Why does he keep evading? And what does he take me for? Keeping me here like some special ornament he can play with whenever he wants—I want to finalize the matter of the sacrifice directly!"

Takuma flinched at her assertive tone. Rubbing his palms, he sucked in a breath, "Yuuki-sama, I'm afraid…"

"Just for a moment," Yuuki pleaded, placing a hand on his sleeve, "Can't he spare a minute of his time tonight?"

Aidou thrust them apart, stepping toward Yuuki aggressively. "If he puts up with you and your actions, he can gladly give you a moment." Tiredly, he smirked, "Guess a year isn't enough?"

"Hanabusa," Takuma warned with a glance, "I'm sorry, Yuuki-sama, but not tonight. The Dinner will last all night, and he will be meeting relatives he hasn't seen in years. It's very critical he makes the most of his time in their company."

Yuuki peered at Aidou anxiously. "I'll only stay for a few minutes."

Aidou's eyes widened. "You?"

"But the Purebloods—"

"I'm not afraid of them!" Yuuki cut Takuma short. "I don't care what happens. All I want is to talk to the King. It doesn't have to be very long. I need to determine my sentencing—what does he plan to do with me? My family? Can't we strike a deal and…"

"You're being too hopeful." Takuma groaned at the pitiful girl. "Yuuki-sama, please, don't…Not now…" Shaking his head, he pulled away, but she gripped his wrist tightly.

"Ichijou-san, please!" Looking pleadingly at Aidou, she grabbed his arm eagerly, "I'm not asking for much."

"You're a sacrifice!" Aidou accused, "If the royal relatives recognize you, do you know you'll die tonight?"

Her honest eyes held his unreservedly. "If it comes to that, I accept it. I'd rather not wait anymore."

Takuma reacted as if hot coal was tossed down his back. He grabbed her by the shoulders. "Don't think this way! Leave it to Kaname, he'll take care of you."

"I don't want to depend on Kaname!" Yuuki insisted. "Haven't I imposed and stayed longer than I need to?"

"Right." Aidou nodded automatically. "Extremely long."

Takuma glowered at his comrade resentfully. "Yuuki-sama has stayed according to Kaname's orders. She hasn't over-stayed."

Aidou's brows curled above sterile blue eyes, passive and brutal, he whisked his eyes sideways apologetically. "Her stay here is questionable, nonetheless."

"I'll be accountable if anything happens," Yuuki studied the two, "If you're worried about getting in trouble, don't! I won't accuse you of anything."

"Don't be mistaken," Takuma impatiently interjected, "It's not us we're worried about. At the Dinner, enemies'll surround you and Kaname's hard work will be futile. Can't it wait? Why does it have to be tonight?"

"My patience is wearing thin!" Yuuki threw her arms to her sides distressfully. Glittery ruby eyes glued on the two pale men in stark pain, "Why do I have to keep waiting forever?"

Takuma covered his forehead with an unsteady palm, he managed to maintain his wits and not submit to compassion. Beside him, Aidou was already captivated by her wild emotion and frankness. Taking Yuuki by the arm, the blond leashed her from the fields to the deck of the house. His boots slammed on the floorboards while Yuuki's bare feet padded almost noiselessly. Her arm was cold through the drenched sleeve; undoubtedly she would rise with fever in mere hours.

Guardedly, he escaped from the dripping rain under the roof and whirled back at Yuuki. "The Dinner is strictly for the royal family."

"I know." Yuuki's hallow whisper made his eyes sting.

"Last time, you never made it to the Ball so there's a slight chance no one will recognize you," He admitted.

She studied him thoroughly before speaking after a while, "I only need a few minutes to speak to the King."

"You can't," Takuma raced up the stairs of the deck. Stopping behind Yuuki, he touched her shoulder. "Kaname doesn't want to endanger you. He'll be angry if he sees you there."

Yuuki glared at the dark floor, "…Shouldn't he be busy with his fiancé? He won't notice me, I know."

Alarmed by her grudging words, Aidou blinked wide. "What has Sara-sama done to you?"

"I don't care who she is!" She snapped.

"My…" Takuma breathed, cupping his mouth in realization, "Yuuki-sama…She is an honorable pureblood. Don't degrade her, she means tremendously to Kaname."

Raptly, Yuuki steered toward Aidou. "Are you taking me to the Dinner, or not?"

He folded his arms in domineering fashion, lips thin in a grim line in observance. "I need something as leverage, but if you get caught…"

"You can't seriously take her there?" Takuma exclaimed. "She—"

"I believe," Aidou murmured from deliberation, "I am the only one who can stand Kaname's temper…kinda."

"Because you're always doing something unforgivable!" Takuma chastised. "Take now, for example."

Yuuki withdrew from the bickering party and darted toward the backdoor of her room. "I'll get dressed."

"Yuuki-sama!" Takuma gasped, "It too dangerous!" Freezing a throttling glare on Aidou, he hissed like a viper. "Kaname hid his identity and all his planning will be ruined if you let her go tonight!"

"I wondered why she kept complaining to see the King, since she lived with Kaname all this time." Aidou scanned the deck and veranda casually. "It won't be long."

"Kaname will kill you." Takuma pleaded, "Think twice, Hanabusa!"

"Why didn't Kaname tell her about himself?"

"She'll beg Kaname to kill her. He has been avoiding the situation and if jii-sama gets a hold of Yuuki-sama…It's all over." Nervously, he treaded back, collapsed against a banister as if bearing the weight of the world. "I don't doubt Kaname anticipated this much, Yuuki-sama is persistent but you can't put him on the spot. If the royal court issues he slay her in front of everyone tonight, what'll we do? Kaname won't be able to refuse."

Ω

The deserted parlor lingered in silence. Standing alone before the Banquet Hall, Kaname regarded the planted furnitures, momentarily mused over the distinct scent of purebloods gathered inside. They had arrived early or he was late. Tucking the long sleeve of the dinner jacket over the head of his wrist watch, he read the time and relaxed his hands on his sides.

It hadn't been more than thirty minutes and he was beginning to despair coming to the Dinner. He considered sending delegates however Sara wouldn't take no for an answer. If she dared ignoring his requests to return home, Sara would ostensibly do things at will and possibly humiliate him if he didn't give her his attention.

When it came to imploring and satisfying his fiancé, Kaname didn't do satisfactorily in the department. He was grateful to Sara's patience. The least she demanded was his presence at the Dinner, and before he could reject, she insisted on marching into his private territory and dragging him if needed. Kaname would never permit anything in the manner, but Sara was already too piqued by his frequent absence and business.

Glancing at the portraits, Kaname slightly turned to the left, eyeing the magnificent doors. He rushed figuring Sara would be waiting in the parlor. The sight of the empty room relieved him slightly. He could sense her emerging from her suite, scent lathered and sensually dressed as she made her way toward the parlor.

For a steady second, a swift blast of sunlight flanked him from all direction, leaving him breathless. Kaname scanned the opposite doors. A miracle was solely responsible for the smell of warm sun and flowers in the cryptic night. Closing his eyes, Kaname listened to the timid shuffling in the exterior corridors followed by the gliding skirt, collected footsteps, and finally the ephemeral presence of summery fragrance.

They were arguing in the back of the territory earlier, obviously uniting for the brief appointment. His eyes narrowed darkly as a voice he had been trying to evade previously, clarified. Kaname had the worst Right Hands in the world. He was on the verge of brutally chocking Aidou.

Sara called out to him from the open double doors. Not having heard her the first time, Kaname stepped back politely as a gesture of respect.

Sara sailed to his side, both hands falling on his shoulders. Her potent blue eyes shimmered like the brilliant ocean in the light. Tipping up on her toes, Sara met his lips. He stonily straightened her after a second and searched her beautiful countenance. There wasn't a symptom of sickness on her skin or breath, Sara looked perfectly charmed and healthy.

Noticing his intent ruby gaze pausing on her gown, Sara smirked with a tilt of a brow. "Was I too bold?"

Offering his hand, Kaname turned to the doors. "I will dismiss it."

Her gaze paled and fell on his jacket, back to his profile steadily. "I missed you." Sara declared with an expectation to hear an equal answer, but he looked away. His sentiments were not the same as hers, she learned from his fleeting glance.

Kaname took a step toward the door and knocked once. A turn of his neck in her direction indicated he meant the words for her ears. "The color…"

Sara smiled coyly, lightly brushing her trailing gown. "It's Falu Red, I had it tailored to match your eyes."

He opened his lips to reply, but the oncoming chatter of the audience interrupted. "Welcome! Ousama Kaname!"

"Ah, our future Joousama, you look extraordinarily radiant."

The room fell to its knees, whispering earnestly at their approach. Sara and Kaname nodded in acknowledgement before the rest elevated to their height for personal greetings. Flowers, cards and kisses were deposited to Sara while Kaname received firm handshakes and formal bows. He wasn't mentally prepared for the drawling event. Standing aimlessly for hours as the center of attention as he was fueled with the desire to vanish out of sight. Sara glamorized the handholding session and persistently asseverated an impending engagement date.

Kaname respectfully remained by her side as she raised a crimson colored drink to the ceiling.

Flashing him a whimsical smile, Sara continued, "We are both delighted to inform you that after a lot of thought, we'd like to turn the promise between our parent's into a reality. Ousama and I will gladly unite in matrimony this season. To celebrate the wedding, our fondest beginning of our life together, we'd like to invite our beloved family and friends." Gripping Kaname's sleeve drastically more, Sara sighed at her hooded-eyed fiancé. "We are both ecstatic that within a month, on the 28th we shall be wed at the Palace Chapel."

The room dramatically shrieked and clanked glasses, spilling liquid, and rooted boastfully at the news.

Kaname unhooked the dainty, gloved hand on his sleeve. Her fingers latched onto the black material in faint desperation. The rosy scent of pseudo flowers was overridden by fear. Kaname regarded her tensed profile and lowered his hand.

"Not in front of them…" Sara murmured under her breath. "We'll talk…Later." Assuredly clenching his sleeve, Sara chuckled enthusiastically at another congratulating pair. "…Yes, thank you for the wishes!"

"Ousama, it is wonderful to see you finally taking a big step in your life." The Council member pressed Kaname's wrist to his forehead, "May the two of you have a blessed life together."

Kaname's cold grip on Sara's delicate wrist hardened. Dismantling the hold, he retracted his arm and withdrew altogether.

Speechlessly, Sara eyed him. "Excuse us, will you?"

"Hai, hai." The man removed himself as soon as Sara trekked Kaname heading to a mountainous stream of female courtiers. Within the countless circles appeared a miniscule opening. Footsteps clicked and a pair of long legs filled the area. Dressed in pale green, Maria eyed Kaname in ruthless suspicion, fingering her braided silver hair.

"I thought Kuran Heika, between the two of us there were no secrets." Gliding toward him, Maria titled her head back to review his stern and cool red-black eyes. "Was I wrong to trust you? You didn't mention the wedding date."

"The news was sprung on me as well." Kaname replied calmly. "But now that you've heard, we are again devoid of secrets."

"I'm relieved to hear that," Maria smirked slyly, "But your fiancé is overly private and didn't include anyone of the household in the news. I'm not too forgiving, especially when our young King is about to marry someone in close contact with the Great King."

"Hmph," Kaname nodded once, "I'm aware Sara and the Great King are wonderful friends. I don't see problems with the combination."

"Don't you?" Maria silkily tilted her head to the side. "The Great King is determined to root himself to the mansion and so does your fiancé. Isn't that suspicious?"

"Maria," Kaname looked upon the woman with genuine hope, "You should do well adapting to modesty when referring to your future Queen. In akin places and in the presence of the royal relatives, you will be one ousted, not Sara."

Maria gritted her fangs dangerously, "Sounds like you've set your heart on her."

"Were you not informed?" Kaname glanced over her shoulder for an escaping second, toward the twirling figures next to the fountain.

Cascading shadows looped and whirled behind the towering individuals. He thought he was mistaken and blinked down at the silver-haired woman.

"Are you positive marrying Sara will be good for the throne?"

"The matter was decided by my parents."

Twinkling silver eyes narrowed to penetrate his controlled expression. "You don't fool me, Kuran Heika. The Great Queen looked after you and I was with her, watching you grow into the person you are today. I've learned…" Maria drank him coolly. "That you're like a treasure locket, everyone needs one." Growling at the approaching figure, Maria slithered as if suffocated. "She is damned for keeping you to herself."

Sara rested her cheek on his arm, arms stealing across his waist. "Shall we dance?" Her amused eyes never left the rivaling silver-eyed. "Love?"

Maria snorted and rapidly hailed a maitre at her side. Choosing two glasses, she thrust one in Kaname's hand before he declined. "Before you're caged…" Her feral gaze notably seized Sara and returned on Kaname. "Have a drink with me. I don't recommend you go near the Great Queen. Because of the disturbing news just now, she will be slicing heads, you know why."

"Pity to hear that, everyone is excited. If she wants to join the festive mood, the Great Queen is welcome to decorate the chapel." Sara offered.

"She might destroy the entire building," Maria flatly hissed.

"We'll see." Sara smiled secretly. "After I personally speak with her, she'll want to participate in the wedding plans."

"Oh, well if that's the case, there is something she is awfully talented at, if you don't mind my say."

Sara puckered her lips and tilted her head forward quaintly. "Oh?"

"The honeymoon." Maria watched Kaname inspect his drink. He appeared profoundly averse to drinking and merely hung on to the class like a required ornament. "Leave the details to her, she'll make it positively effective."

The deft smile occupying Sara's rosy lips dripped into a flat line. The clear line of her brows scribbled into tight ridges, conveying unease and hesitation. "Will…She."

"Definitely." Maria swirled the wine, winking. "She was in charge of my first wedding," Beckoning another maitre, she turned to Sara with mischievous eyes. "Sara-sama…May I tell you the best part of the wedding is the honeymoon, and she made sure of it." Taking her long white arm, Maria grinned toothily, "Kuran Heika, hope you don't mind, but may I steal your lovely fiancé? There are tons I need to tell her!" Chuckling in her throat, her mysterious eyes settled on the subject. "I'm certain you are dying to know…How the Great Queen encourages the making of a future heir."

She was good at it, belittling and towing Sara in the toxic of gossip or insinuations in marriage. Being a previously married woman did have slight benefits. Sara foolishly let herself be taken by Maria's icy grip, unaware of the possibly that it might be the last she would see Kaname in the evening. She looked on hopelessly back at her fiancé.

Kaname didn't look amused, he never did, but the shivering glow of his eye suggested he was laughing at the possible scenarios for a honeymoon in Maria's terms. Keeping his glass in check, Kaname paused momentarily at the thick liquid containing hints of blood and wine. His eyes narrowed at the reflecting light in the density and the inviting, watery pool that returned his vacant stare.

He was suddenly reminded of her pure ruby eyes, the same intoxicating blood red like his drink, matching the glistening material of Sara's gown. Kaname didn't deliberately link together the meaning, and when Sara happily informed that she chose the color for him, he was not touched. He was too caught up remembering Yuuki's imploring eyes, and her unruly screams from earlier.

'I couldn't care less what he portrays or his pureblood power and his future wife—He and everyone in the royal house is meaningless!'

She distracted him to no end.

There she stood, in his land, by his house, with his Right Hands, screaming about how Kaname didn't matter to her, possibly never did. Her previous reactions toward him stated otherwise though. The change in sentiments unnerved him and at once exhilarated him. Yuuki was the same woman powerlessly whispering his name in her sleep, and she happened to ask him on occasion, if he would come to her when she called.

Her scream had undone all hope in him.

Ω

Her heart shrieked and nearly popped out of her chest. Ducking by the vases, Yuuki threw an arm over her perspiring forehead. He looked this way.

She was bound to be penalized but delays were a relief to the soul. She hoped Kaname didn't manage glimpses of her, not when she didn't look as presentable as the marvelous population of women in the room. Then again they were royalty, sharing the same blood coursing his body. Idly, Yuuki pondered if by chance one of the relatives cut himself, would she thirst for his blood too?

If Kaname and half of the audience shared the same blood, why wouldn't she? After discovering her lust for his blood, she'd be a damned liar for denying her hungry reaction.

Peeking from the holes of the vase handles, her eyes summed Kaname, the jewel of another crowd. If he didn't sense her eyes, he wouldn't hunt the various huddles constantly. Kaname critically marveled his drink before returning it untouched to the maitre.

A hand landed on her back, a shiver from a frigid draft, colder than the desert night, overcame her. Aidou stopped his mouth on her shoulder to whisper. "You can get up, no one is looking. Come."

Trailing out of the corner, Yuuki scanned the avenues of purebloods. She was stunned no one acknowledged or pointed fingers. As Aidou turned on his heel, his tepid gaze studied her unparallel surprise and wistfully spied the striding woman from the sea of waltzing couples, stop next to Kaname. His own feet reacted impulsively and he found himself racing to Yuuki.

Yuuki scowled from the distance, walked two steps and nearly slammed into Aidou. The invisible shadow, disregarded and forgotten. Weren't it for Aidou's cryptic voice, she might not have noticed him or recall her purpose for barging in the family Dinner.

He resonated indifference and cockiness as he whispered, "To our advantage no one has seen you before. You can easily blend without worries. But it won't hurt to be careful."

She was watching the woman displaying her affection and fortune for the man on her side. Tranquilly, Kaname kissed the raised gloved hand and the sea of women erupted in 'aws' and 'oohs.'

Can't be… Yuuki gaped incredulously. They must be close friends or relatives. All Purebloods, after all, are…

"Don't tell me you still aren't convinced?" Aidou snapped in her ear. "They are betrothed."

Kaname lowered Sara's gloved hand. She fixed her hand around his comfortably.

That's… Her mouth formed into a straight line at the couple. Her. The woman Kaname belongs to. Narrowing her eyes, Yuuki aloofly smiled and clenched a fist on her chest. Don't. But it hurts here.

Aidou reviewed her bowed head and moved around her. "And it's best you stay clear from Sara-sama. If need be, I'll guide you."

Startled by his words, Yuuki restlessly searched his grave expression. He isn't…lying.

"Just to be safe, anyone asks, tell them you're my cousin." Aidou assured softly. "And do well disguising yourself. You came without Kaname's permission, meaning you came unprotected."

Her eyes gravitated back on the royal couple. I can't do this. Whirling around, Yuuki pushed in the tangling crowd. I need to find Ousama. Stumbling on her skirt, Yuuki gasped and grabbed onto the wall for balance in time.

"…The wedding will be on the 28th! It's been a while we had a royal wedding in the Palace. Shirabuki-san sure is radiating tonight. Look at her…"

"Why wouldn't she?" Snickered another woman in a circle to her comrade. "Finally they are fulfilling their parent's promise. It's even more wonderful to see them deeply in love."

"Oh, sure, sure. Growing up together as sweethearts, what else can we expect?"

"It's going to be a marvelous wedding. Another pureblood will successfully enter the royal family."

"Sara is a wondrous beauty, not average and astonishingly perfect. I guarantee she'll astound those who haven't met her."

A pair of hands grasped her shoulders, swiftly tearing her from the corner into a spacious location. He held up a half-filled glass of wine for Yuuki. She shook her head and eagerly searched the room. "Why can't I see him?"

"But you just..." Aidou noted her briskly scanning the room and ignoring his ramble.

"I have to speak to Ousama in private."

Running a fatigued hand over his eyes, Aidou sighed, "You see how busy and loud it is. Do you really think he can give you a second to talk?"

"I'll beg him on my knees to make him listen." Yuuki hissed. "If that doesn't work, then I'll spill my blood to get his attention. Will that suffice?"

He assumed she was trying to lighten the mood. Peering in her solid and bleak ruby eyes, he felt his blood stop.

"Kurosu…" Aidou's lip curled, "Don't be ridiculous. If you cut yourself, your scent will alarm everyone and they'll destroy you." Being half his size and thin, Yuuki didn't look physically durable to endure an army of fierce purebloods.

"Then… Ousama?" She looked up hopelessly, "How can I talk to him?"

"Coming here without a plan isn't the greatest thing of all." Aidou remarked.

"You're his Right Hand, can't you pull him out of the room?" Yuuki scowled at a passing league. "Why haven't I seen him yet?"

He raised a brow and blinked, suddenly dizzy on his feet. She hasn't a clue whom she is looking for. Turning her around, Aidou guided her to the doors in the less frequented hall outside.

She twitched and looked fretfully at the room. "Why are you bringing me out here?" Yuuki demanded.

"Did you want to listen to purebloods rave about wedding plans and honeymoons?"

His rhetorical question made her pout, she turned around, arms folded. She was usually strong-willed but after hearing the room marvel about Kaname's wedding, her senses dulled, and the heaviness in her chest made it difficult to breath. If she feigned happiness, it'd be nonsensical, but Aidou was clearly miles ahead of her and immensely intuitive to acknowledge the topic was a sore subject.

He left her with an assured attempt to return with the designated man Yuuki wanted to meet.

Slowly walking through the halls and past servants, Yuuki met with a floor length mirror. Her untailored dress was an abundance of sagging material consisting of her corset and minimal bust size. In her favorite blue gown, Yuuki was able to deduce the amount of weight she lost during in the territory. The last time she fed on fresh blood was almost over a year. Rubbing her throbbing throat at the notion, she feverishly breathed.

Picking up the stretching skirt, Yuuki arranged the glossy material on her right, by the mirror. She was occupied fixing a strap on her shoulder to notice the moving hand gliding through her thick hair and snaking over her collarbone.

"…And I thought we'd never meet again." Crooned a soft chortle over her shoulder. "How fortunate...Am I tonight."

Yuuki reared around and slammed into the mirror at the scrutinizing heterochormic eyes. Hanabusa-san sure is a genius. Gasping silently, she straightened her posture. What luck. "I need to talk to you in private."

"Me? In private?" Rido chuckled, brushing her chin delicately. "It's not everyday I'm wanted by sweet…Innocent looking birds like you. Usually, I have to do the work myself. You're the first that wants to come to me." Another finger coiled around a lock of long hair over her arm. "Kurosu…Yuuki, I was curious before, but you're looking awfully scrupulous. Did you come alone?"

Ignoring his lustful gaze, Yuuki determinedly muttered. "Are you going to kill me, or what?"

"Kill you…?" Caressing her warm cheek, his eyes flashed upon the skin contact. "First, I want to enjoy you."

Her breathing turned hallow as he hovered over her head. A wide palm cupped the back of her head, easing her back upon the mirror in caution. Heaviness clasped the base of her neck, the mobility of her arms and legs disappeared and her vision blurred in his looming blue-red eyes.

"If you wanted… to kill me," Yuuki chocked breathlessly, "Why didn't you do it before? Don't…" Her breathing hitched. She made a move to lift her hand and panicked at the spreading numbness from the center of her body. "What's…What… Are you doing?"

"Preys are always fun to watch in fear." Rido answered, outlining her nose and cupids bow. "After I play with you, I can kill you."

She closed her eyes in submission. "Can you… Please, please…not hurt my family?"

Rido's smirked mockingly. "What for? A curse born from betrayal can't end with one sacrifice."

"End it." Yuuki quivered. "Use me to stop the curse." His paralyzing power unrolled over her body, freezing her against the wall and perfectly disabled for exploration. There was always an advantage about controlling the lesser level vampires. He had exactly where he needed his toy to be. Worn out and useless for exploitation, and she wouldn't dream of struggling from volunteer submission. Rido angled his head to the side and thrust his face against her shoulder, absorbing her unusual scent.

"I didn't notice it last time." He breathed in her hair. "You're mixed with light and soil, heh," Averting his head in disgust, he crudely glowered down at Yuuki. "Resembling Shizuka in unfavorable ways, how brazen of you."

She stared up in horror and puzzlement. "I don't know …" Breathing fast, Yuuki cringed as a piercing numbness plunged into her chest.

"But it'll be ok," Rido watched her squirm from his spell. "You will do." His malicious stare deadened.

Chuckling brashly, Rido stepped back at her bewildered stare. His tensed hand fell from Yuuki's hair as the glass against in the mirror smashed into pieces.

Shards flung past Yuuki and glued themselves on Rido's arms and cheeks. He sneered blackly at the surveyor at the corner corridor.

Undoing his hold on Yuuki, Rido snarled at his desolate nephew.

Yuuki crumpled to the floor upon the pieces, looking up in astonishment at the unresponsive intruder. Kaname didn't acknowledge her, only eyed the sinister pureblood. A leaping shadow ghosted from behind Kaname. Through her curtain of hair, Yuuki caught sight of Aidou dashing to her side.

"Get away from her!" Aidou barked at Rido. Snatching her arm, he hauled her up. If she didn't manage to gather her weight, he would've hoisted her on his shoulder and whisked her away if necessary.

Stumbling after him, Yuuki stared as Rido calmly watched his nephew by the door.

The roaring laughter from the banquet and their skipping shadows skittered over his back. Kaname looked on at Rido intently, his face remote and unflinching. Not a blink at the surrounding scent of Yuuki's blood as she skittered past him from Aidou's dragging force.

They were out of sight in seconds and Rido smeared his bloody hand on his cheeks, plucking the pieces of glass attached to his cheeks and foreheads. "It's nice to see your temper." He muttered. "Kaname, I was starting to worry you didn't have guts to hurt others. I thought I was seeing things, but that look-a-like doll was too close to the real one, hehehe." Rido rubbed his chin. "If she isn't valuable, than why do you keep her alive?"

"I don't kill in vain." Kaname eyed the streaks of blood on the wall, leading in the dark halls where Aidou had taken her.

"A disgraceful prince is not what the monarchy needs. *"

"She will have her due." Kaname promised, eyes narrowed in forewarning, "And so will you."

Ω

Kicking open the door, he guided her in the room and secured the door. She descended on the floor, hissing from the piercing shards in her back. Standing helplessly over her back, he stared blankly at the dripping blood staining her dress and carpet.

"I should—I should get the nurse." Aidou stammered.

"No." Yuuki hoarsely whispered, "It'll heal if I sleep."

Observing her pale and ragged body, he inferred she hadn't consumed blood for a while. This goes for being a mosquito once.

Dropping to his knee behind Yuuki, he loosened the sleeve of his jacket. "Kurosu," Aidou offered her his wrist, "If Kaname doesn't want you to die, than I will do my best to help save you."

Widely, she craned her neck at him. "Hanabusa-san? Why, all of a sudden?"

"Just take the blood already!" He shouted.

"I don't need blood."

"Don't be an idiot." Aidou snapped knowingly, "Fresh blood will help you heal in no time."

Insistently shaking her head, Yuuki averted, "No."

"Why?" He demanded, outraged, "We are both the same Lev—"

"It's not about that."

"Then?"

"I've never drunk someone else's blood before."

Urgently bringing his wrist to her lips, Aidou nodded encouragingly. "Everyone has a first."

"I can't, why don't you understand? I've only taken my parent's blood."

Sighing impatiently, he gestured to her shaking form. "I can tell you haven't fed in months, take my blood for now, you're losing a great amount from the wounds too."

"I don't care if you call me childish, but I can't accept your blood!"

"Take it as payback from when I…" Lowering his eyes in shame, he frowned at the floor, "I humiliated you at Shiki's Lounge."

"I've forgotten about that already…" Yuuki wearily blinked. "Never mind that, I'll be alright." Searching the suite, she slowly rose to her feet, "Where are we?"

"You'll have to wait here for a bit, we can't let others trail your blood." Aidou closed his sleeve with a guarded look at her hallow eyes. "You are getting tired already."

"How long do I have to wait in here?" Yuuki sauntered toward a chair, slumped in the seat with a ragged hiss.

"Until it is safe." Aidou whirled to the door, "If anyone knocks, don't let them enter. Kaname's temper spoke volumes, and I doubt he is pleased seeing you here of all places. You're safe in here for now."

"He…" Yuuki rubbed the blood in her hands, "Didn't look at me."

"He was angry." Aidou admitted.

"I've never seen him like that before…" Yuuki lifted her head, quietly her brows curled in dissatisfaction. "Why did you tell the King to stay away from me? We were still talking!"

"You're a walking bait and anyone can pretend to be King to get his hands on you!" Aidou lashed.

Sturdily, she turned in the chair, "Who was pretending?"

Shaking his head, Aidou opened the door. "Don't leave the room, it's dangerous out here." He secured the lock and tossed her a severe glare, finally slamming the door.

Scoffing under her breath, Yuuki reached back to touch the open wounds. Hissing achingly, she flung her hand away. The room without windows left her empty. Yuuki opened her dress to let the cut on her back breathe.

She was perspiring from the pain late in the night. Lying on the large bed, hands stolen around the pillow and face drowned in the blankets to subdue her whimpers. She assumed the swelling and pain would subside. Eyeing the shadowed room from the bed, Yuuki regretted stubbornly refusing Aidou's offer.

She could have lightened her chance from pain, healed faster, and slept more comfortably.

Rolling on her side, Yuuki curled her legs up, hugged the pillow to her chest and clenched her eyes.

Nearly a year had passed since she left home, tasted blood. Never in her life had she lived for so long without sustenance. Her body could live on human food but eternally she craved for blood. It soothed her raging body and mind, let her soul flutter serenely. She knew with a start the growing hunger was akin what many Level E vampires agonized. Cringing, Yuuki covered her eyes and focused on her breathing.

The unremitting smell of her blood filled the room, sprayed on the clothes and sheets. Her blood was discernable for the next individual to use the room and realize a Kurosu had stayed in the Palace at one time. Vampire senses were magical and mysterious, allowing them to sense others and taste blood through smell. Yuuki bore the sin of her ancestors whose resembling scent was a red flag.

'…Anyone can pretend to be King to get his hands on you!'

Yuuki's eyes snapped wide at the thought. Anyone? Were there imposters in the Palace?

Ousama was the highest-ranking Kuran; she could sense his surging power from his blood. His blood didn't ebb like Kaname's. Whose blood coursed in slow, deliberate cycles from the calm and solemn beating heart. She could imagine the organ pulse in his chest, long and winding beats to circulate blood over his arms, legs, chest…neck. His neck was also incomparable, long and smooth looking. The porcelain skin was chalky and soft like a china doll. Underneath the skin were nerves, bones for the elegant structure of his neck that crept into his shoulders. A wiry sensation tickled over her tongue.

Yuuki's narrowed eyes unraveled on the black carpet beside the bed.

The silky skin on his shoulders and neck was captivating. In the moonlight, she remembered his skin shimmered mercury-silver. Yet the colors of his fiery crimson eyes always had the energy to draw her thoughts and feelings like a portrait. Rubbing her eyelids, Yuuki anxiously sighed, twisting around the sheets.

Those eyes…the same ones didn't look at her when she left the hall.

He must be furious with me. After all, she insisted on coming to speak to the King.

The danger was the royal relatives who were bias and didn't care for Yuuki. Unlike Kaname, who had taken the time to sit, explain and accompany her as if she meant more to him than some Cursed Sacrifice…Some girl with the name of Kurosu.

Why wouldn't he be angry? Yuuki groaned in the pillow. He'd never want to look at me again.

Weariness dampened her idle musings. Yuuki submitted to the burden of pain that dulled from sleep. Her prone form lay immobile under the sheets.

The opening door splashed brilliant hall light in the dark room. The moving silhouette secured the lock before approaching the bed.

Kaname bent forward to study her sleeping face. Webs of tears clamped the corner of her eyes, mapped down her cheeks. He believed it was due to the wounds. Sitting at the edge of the bed, Kaname pulled the sheets in silk movements. On the nightstand were five glass studs she managed to remove. Pulling the material of her slip off, his hand lingered in guilt over her scarred back.

She squirmed from the cool air, clutched her waist on the side.

Kaname lowered his hand to her cheek, traced the skin lightly in silence.

Her eyes snapped open and her body tensed. Kaname pulled his hand off her shoulder. Yuuki grabbed the material of his jacket desperately.

"Kana…Me?" She sounded wide-awake, and turned to peer at his silhouette in the dark.

"I'm sorry." He whispered like a lonely shadow.

Her frown deepened, Yuuki clutched his sleeve with both hands and brought his palm to her cheek. "I thought you were angry with me."

His eyes narrowed into black pools. "I had hoped you wouldn't come. A weakling like you doesn't belong in these parts."

"I'm glad at least…" Yuuki smiled in relief, "You aren't avoiding me."

"No." Kaname raised the slip higher off her back, "That be would impossible, after causing these…" His lips grazed the middle of her back. She flinched automatically, her grip coiling on his arm for stability. "Wounds on your body." Carefully healing the cuts with his mouth, Kaname dutifully resumed higher to her shoulder. "I know you aren't able to recover than normal."

Her arm curled around his back, she slid up and moved in his arms, hiding her face in the shelter of his hair.

Lightly, with the caution to avoid breaking an aged doll, he set his palm on her warm back.

Yuuki wrapped both arms around his shoulders. The rising circulation of blood in his neck whizzed in her ears, alerting her starved veins. She cringed, set her forehead on his collar. "I'm sorry," Yuuki whispered. "I shouldn't have come here. You've helped me a lot, and I haven't repaid my debt. But if…if possible," Losing grips in the sound of roaring blood, she brushed her mouth along the warm skin of his throat, grazed her fangs against his Adams apple. The bone bobbed under the pricking sensation.

Yuuki clung to his shoulders, mouth hooked on the delicious skin. Her hot tongue glided with the racing blood underneath, trailed the heavy, sweet sensation that warmed her mouth. Kaname's hands fell to her lower back, slid on her sides in fervid anticipation. The heat of his hands tickled the skin under the slip. His left hand clamped under her leg and lifted, shifting Yuuki's position at a lower angle.

Her licking tongue darted on the bouncing pulse on the side of his beautiful throat. Setting her mouth on the beating area, Yuuki inhaled his scent. Her small fingers crept from the shoulders, devilishly on the back of his neck, taking palms of long dark hair.

She had never been this close to a man before. As timid as she was, Yuuki could only revel in the proximity of his blood and body. The homage to her hunger started from listening to his pounding heart, and moving blood. She wanted nothing more than to drown in his blood. Whimpering under her breath, she clenched her eyes tighter. The hungry rift in her body coiled, leashed her deeper and further toward the paradise of his blood. Kaname's scent stripped her self control. His warm body left her shivering as the calling blood dragged her inches closer to stinging her fangs on the clear and empty canvas of his throat.

One bite, a single pinch of her fang was necessary…And she could taste Kaname's blood, latch onto him forever.

"…uuki.." He was panting in her hair, fingers gripped her sides just as hers crawled and knotted in his hair. His blood pulled her, but not as much as her hunger. Kaname crumbled just as fast as she. Disarmed and tremendously shaken by Thirst, he waited, hoped, ached, begged for her to fangs to claim him. Yuuki's hot tongue probed his pulse, rested and nipped at the skin tantalizingly.

How can it be? After sternly refusing Aidou's blood, she sought Kaname's. Her aversion toward other's blood was now miraculously trivial. Her legs shook under his touch. Cradling her back, Kaname listened to the overpowering screech of hunger in her blood. In the fold of his arm, he could tell how much she had thinned. Kaname brushed the back of her head soothingly, encouraging her to continue. Signs of resistance made her tremble fiercely.

Yuuki punctured a single fang in his throat, unlocking a ruby drop on his white skin.

Panting hollowly over her head, Kaname's eyes numbed. Pushing his cheek against her head, he set his jaw tight. "..uuki."

Kissing his throat softly, she heaved hungrily with her eyes closed. What am I doing?

Kaname earnestly studied her stern expression.

Taking his blood like it belongs to me. Slapping a hand on her mouth, her eyes widened in horror. He is about to be married. To…To…

Regarding her intently, Kaname brushed her flaring hair from her cheeks and forehead. She only consumed one drop of his blood, but it was sufficient to enter his world. Faces of people, purebloods, dinner and that woman appeared. Yuuki wiped her eyes dry and chuckled to herself for being foolish.

I don't know why… She glared at the sheets. I thought I actually belonged there. In Kaname's arms there was relief from her hunger. An insane desire charged, grabbed a hold of her mind and made her deliriously thirst for his blood. She had felt crippled from sensations that left her exhausted in his arms. Yuuki looked up into his dark eyes, shaking. I'd do it again. And again. Her sad, hungry eyes glided to his mouth. I'd run back into him—just to feel it again. Clumsily brushing his jaw, Yuuki dragged her finger to the healing cut.

But it's not supposed to be. She watched the cut close. Moments like these, we are best as strangers.

Small, warm, gentle hands cupped his cheeks. The tightening pressure of her fingers increased within the dark streams of hair. Kaname observed her solemn eyes, glowing from appreciation and mild wonder. She hadn't consumed tremendous blood, but a single drop augmented nostalgic, ferocious hunger. After sampling his blood, she could read his expectations, thoughts, and the vague beliefs bound to his heart. Beneath her earnest gaze, Kaname could see her nervously driven and fervid starvation. Bodily needs were affordable, and he need only put himself at her disposal, but Yuuki was utterly tentative to bonds and about taking a part of him in her domain. He didn't scrutinize the complications she considered and coercion was obviously unforgivable.

Tracing her tingling hot cheek, Kaname slipped his hand in her satin hair. Her searching eyes lingered in his before falling despairingly to his gaping throat. Self-control was a tool vampires required prior to feeding, and he too learned from practice. As he pieced together the fluctuating emotions conveyed through her gaze, Kaname sensed the breadth of self-control she bore, and within the hunger was another unyielding emotion coaxed from tenacious longing and hopelessness. Yuuki stiffened at his piercing scrutiny and dodged her head, barricading her fists on his shoulders; head and back crouched from fear of discovery.

"You have one chance," Tenderly caressing her head and the simple curve of her spine, Kaname's soothing hand stopped on her side, gaze narrowed and voice coarse with meaning, "I will not shield you if you want to hunt for answers." Her head shot back at the hissed admission, done out of fair consideration and selflessness he struggled with wherever she involved.

"What are you saying?" Yuuki mumbled, turning his averted face to view. "I only came here to speak to Ousama."

Kaname's gaze darkened, "You are free to dwell in the territory, but the Palace is forbidden."

She knew his formulated and cryptic responses varied on bargain. "The oji-san in the forest," Eyeing his tranquil and smooth liquid eyes for disturbance, admittedly, Yuuki frowned at his lack of emotion and guardedness. "He offered me to see my family."

"I know," Kaname rested her head on his shoulder and tucked her head under his chin. His eyes drifted close through the melodious scent of sunshine and flowers, the sweet dew of sweat that had sprinkled on her skin from tension. "But you can't trust him anymore than I. Though he isn't physically threatening, you can't determine the vile character of his yet. Which is why you can't ask for anything more than what you already have."

Her face lay hidden in the column of his shoulder, several inches from his beating heart. Her fingers hooked on the shirt, bunched the material and burned upon the balmy skin underneath. No matter how late or early in day, Yuuki simply couldn't tire from listening to the palpitating heartbeat that circulated his tasty blood. The hallow rhythm fingered her eardrums, deafened her thoughts. She only memorized the enthralling hum of flowing blood, Kaname's even breathing, the short rumbling of his voice, and the alluring scent seeping through his clothes. Drifts of feminine perfume lingered in soft hints but none greater than the overpowering smell of his skin, breath and hair.

For almost a year, I've felt these arms sporadically. Sighing in the back of her throat, Yuuki wanted to hold her breath and freeze his scent in her lungs. I wish I could stay here longer. "…Kaname."

His barely audible voice made her stomach clench. "Hm." The soft sound flew as if he was lost in the trouble-free twilight zone.

"There is something I must do, and you have to let me."

His fingers clenched on her side to contain worry. She noted the forced acquiescence in his tone. "…es?"

"There is one place I want to go." Yuuki waited for symptoms of unrest. Yet Kaname's resolute embrace remained sturdy and comfortable. She decided to continue slowly, uncertainty turning her voice into a quiver. "A place outside of the mansion …and…Territory. Can I…?" The unbearable silence burned the back of her ears while she waited for an answer. Yuuki's body tensed in his arms in sheer panic. "Pl-please?" She had no reason to be afraid but an overwhelming shiver destroyed all hope for composure. Yuuki cringed at the faint tremors, quickly shifting to pull away.

Kaname's steady arm folded around her back, drawing her inward and under the cave of his torso. Her eyes widened at the clear intensity of the embrace that was once calm and warm, now smoldering and impenetrable. He could hear her rigorously beating heart as her body surged with fear. Kaname hadn't meant to ask, but he grew curious in the dense fragrance of anxiety. Yuuki wasn't as self conscious as she thought or tried to be, and his arms were excellent for extracting her reactions toward him. He was almost relieved by her fear and doubt, but didn't dare expose his amusement.

"If I say no?" Kaname uttered.

Fighting the urge to jump away, Yuuki clenched her jaw. "Then I'll run away."

"After staying by me dutifully, do you truly want to destroy my trust for a single thing?"

"It wasn't…hard." She mumbled grudgingly. "I'd do it. Because it's important to me."

"But your survival is of greater importance to me." Kaname dipped his head, breathing in her ear, "I promised you."

"That's why, I'm not afraid if I get caught," Yuuki lied, "I know you'll protect me."

His arms tightened excessively against her ribs. "Even …My protection can be dangerous."

Forcing herself not to yelp in pain, Yuuki pushed her forehead on his shoulder. "Nn—no, it isn't."

Kaname suddenly undid his arms altogether, slowly edging out of her reach. Rooting his feet on the floor, he rose in a fluid motion and regarded her with gentle eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

She gave him a dubious look, but his lips inclined in an uncharacteristic grin. Kaname turned away and slowly approached the door. Her stamping feet stole him at the threshold, but her latching arms kept him from stepping out of the room. As if to seize her favorite dream from walking out forever, Yuuki held on to him, her strong hold on his waist.

"Can't I …Go?" She whispered against his back.

His long hands generously folded on top of hers. "I don't guarantee your safety when you return."

Yuuki squinted her eyes at the feathery sensation of his fingers caressing her knuckles. "Kaname," She spat in fascination, "Do you have to marry?"

The comforting strokes on her hand slowed and disappeared soon. His arms dripped aimlessly to his sides. From the corner, he appeared to have no energy to hold himself up with Yuuki keeping him from falling forward. Kaname's voice was dishearteningly controlled than she liked. "Your hearing about it was inevitable."

She had no right, no reason to demand. If he knew or understood the oppressive affection she acquired for him during the year, he could already logically assort why she needed answers. Minutes ago, he permitted her to find her answers in his blood until satisfied. Yuuki hadn't been bold before, but the stringent impatience outdid her tentative state of mind. Behind her benevolent ruby-eyes and sheepish demeanor was a toxic vampire similar to the council and society.

It was just that Kaname hadn't witnessed her biting nature that occasioned when bereft of life and body's necessities. Kaname would have been victim to her crave, but her iron-will gravitated her back to reality. Again, he was in vicinity to her fiery nature that lay dormant and unknown even to herself.

An inept tingle crawled in the skin of her arm, rode in her shoulders and dissipated into shivers. Yuuki didn't notice her compressive hold had other outcomes than keeping him from leaving. She didn't want to submit to the pain from holding too tightly, not until she received a deserved and clear answer. She wondered if he had an inkling of her perspectives and emotions, if he really grasped her fool hearted and girlish plight. He wouldn't object to them because he was well mannered and maybe too polite to not embarrass her. Yet, here she was, grabbing onto Kaname with more power than perceived of her malnourished body for an answer, his answer.

"Are you…Happy?" Yuuki whispered, throat scratchy and dry. "About the marriage?"

Kaname turned his head slightly to the left, to look over her concealed face against his back, long disheveled hair was all he found. "You must be tired—"

"No."

"Yuuki…"

Instead of releasing him, she gripped him intensely. "You can use your powers to stop me or whatever, I don't care. I just want to know what you…your answer. Do you have to marry?"

Kaname's answer was complete and flawless. Listening to his eloquent speech, Yuuki felt a soft breath wheeze out of her parched throat. After all, she hadn't expected any less from an elegant noble-birth vampire. "All Pureblood Royalty eventually must marry another Pureblood. The tradition was here before us. As delegates of tradition, our name, titles are solely based on traditions. We, of all society, can't disregard its importance and structure."

Her arms slipped as if by its own choice. Yuuki stepped back from his inspecting, unblinking stare. "…Right." Numbly returning to the bed, her fingers crept on her discarded dress on the chair. She was talking without realizing or making sense, words rippled out of her mouth like a fazed puppet. "You are right, absolutely. I was curious—don't know a lot about our royal families and laws. I think I'll ask Ichijou-san to help me read up on some history. The books you gave me are complicated. I think another read will help. Right?" Her frown and sad eyes equaled his oppressively somber countenance.

Kaname whispered softly in the dark, having no desire to let her hear him. "…ide, Yuuki…"

Yuuki replied in grim obstinacy. "I'm not hiding. I don't have anything to hide."

His searching eyes mapped every line and shadow of her face. "Good night, Yuuki."

"How long do I have to wait here?"

Kaname opened the door to the piercing hall light. "I will return for you in a few hours. Don't leave."

Yuuki waited for the clicking lock, the drowning hall shunned by the locked door and his distancing footsteps cascading away further within the mansion. She stood transfixed next to the bed, staring widely at the door. If it weren't for the ache in her chest, she wouldn't have noticed holding her breath with lungs relentlessly begging to be immersed in his scent again. The shadows whirled into slimy colors.

The warmth fanning her face was intolerably uncomfortable. Yet it was evident from the wetness on her cheeks, the smothering, hot streaks of tears spilling out of her eyes, and her chocking sobs as she plummeted to the floor that her state was worse than she believed. None other than Kaname was responsible for her hideously, groaning sobs.

In those tears, Yuuki realized immediately that the ache wasn't particularly special. It was simple heartache. Ache from falling in love with her keeper, Kaname Kuran.

Ω

She didn't remember Kaname objecting her to go, except warning her not to leave the room. Without cautious surveillance, Yuuki strode to the forestry of the Kuran Palace, unmindful of spies or contracting unbending stalkers such as the Elders Council, or royal relatives. Fixing the long skirt, she yanked her heavy heels that gorged mud after her ungraceful landing from a balcony over the garden.

Remembering the path to the territory, she cut into the green fields. The stinging night air made her hair stand, but her quick strides kept her warm. She was miles in the territory forest toward the clandestine cottage and slowed at the gates. Her white hands shifted the lock open and stopped to review the silent yard.

Usually oji-san met her at the front or by the porch, sensing her arrival minute's prior. Yuuki strode up the stone path in the direction of the porch, her legs freezing in an awkward stop by the stairs. Too engrossed in her thoughts, she didn't pay attention to the swathing fragrance of cherry blossoms. Narrowing her eyes on the grass, Yuuki stumbled backward at the enormous sea of flower pedals she also didn't notice. The yard and entire cottage glimmered lavender in the dazzling scent of flowers.

A small petal fluttered on her forehead, sticking to her skin. Yuuki peeled and studied it for a moment. Darting up the stairs, she knocked on the door. At the third knock, the wooden lock clanked, oozing a rusty creak as the hinges pulled the door wider for entrance. Lingering at the threshold for a moment, she called for him and after consideration walked in the unresponsive silent foyer.

Shredded petals, vines skated across furniture, rug, looping and chiseling through the stoned mantle and walls. Transfixed by the disorderly state of the house, Yuuki hovered the entrance to the trashed living room. For a wild second, she beheld a familiar and consuming fear of the culprits that invaded oji-san's pleasant home. Kaname was an obvious adversary, like Aidou claimed, and with a penetrable barrier on the territory, the culprit could possibly be one of many purebloods. She dreaded walking in late at night alone but dreaded the gruesome silence howling of danger more.

Rather than running back to safety, Yuuki thoroughly searched the room for remains or evidence of a battle. Overlooking the shattered flimsy furniture's, Yuuki moved deeper in the corridor. A cutting hall led to the tiny kitchen overlooking the backyard and the shimmery gray Kuran Mansion's roof. She ran into two empty and astonishingly maintained rooms. The walls and ceilings had cracked from stubborn tree roots. Yuuki abruptly halted at a blooming tree at the back of the house. Butterflies fluttered like flower petals, drifting through broken windows. She regarded the cause of the thriving flowery scent and the mother of the overrunning trees.

A sharp scream had Yuuki duck under the branches and run in its direction. The small hallway overflowed and dribbled excessively with flowers, she had trouble walking over the clotting vines and roots. A soft voice hummed through the parted door at the left corner. Her hand froze on the wood, mind-numbed by the intoxicating summery scent, Yuuki creaked open the door.

She groaned as if in pain or delight, her habitual cold eyes glowed in liquid amber. Yuuki was stiffly reminded of lanterns by its ebbing glow, as her gaze radiated wholeheartedly toward the man hunched over her sprawled nude body. Her gurgled voice chocked into a short whisper before her legs tightened around his bare waist. He leaned over her perspiring face, kissed each ounce of skin and licking her silky white throat hungrily.

Shizuka grabbed his shoulders and swung her legs above his thrusting hips. Her eyes rolled in swooning pleasure, but she contained herself from screaming. Barely having time to restrain herself, she hitched a cry at the back of her throat and marveled at her panting lover. Humans claimed distance made the heart grow fonder. Each time, Shizuka had him in her arms, she quickly tumbled from everything she knew and believed.

He lifted her thrusting hips off the bed, and sank his fangs thirstily in the valley of her breast. Indeed, if distance were the cause to the devotion she'd never want it any other way. The absence wasn't ordinary and both had accommodated each other. She admitted the sentiment magnified every time they met. The human man whom she turned into her lover sacrificed everything to be with her. He even agreed to live in isolation, waiting on her like a lovable pet.

Gasping on his shoulder, Shizuka hurriedly grabbed his hips and urged his thrusts. She firmly believed there wasn't reason to surrender. Both were from different worlds and obviously incompatible species but where he touched and looked on, she couldn't ever forget his unfathomable dark eyes. Surrender wasn't the goal in the first place, but conquer. He emerged from an unrecognizable lineage and beliefs, her polar opposite, nonetheless, a refreshing counterpart. Neither had plans on pursuing romantically and in spite of values, diplomacy and education, they outdid their peers and traditionalist mentality, shocking even themselves.

After giving him life as a vampire, Shizuka took responsibility and treasured him. Under her protection none could harm him. However vampire society wouldn't care for a low-level vampire and therefore kept him hidden from her husband's keen eye. When he chose to live in Kaname's territory, Shizuka decided he could always reach out to her if necessary. Providing him with powers should have proved useful—if he applied them at all. She even gave him permission to 'seek' her through magic but couldn't recall when he last had. As a result, Shizuka didn't preclude his angry lovemaking. Centuries of isolation, withering in loneliness, aching for her blood and body, wandering like a despairing soul, and waiting…Waiting on for her as she married another pureblood, made into the news, lived life while he watched from the shadows bitterly.

This was when Shizuka surrendered. She was able to take off her stone mask, gritty from scorn and pureblooded rancor. In his arms, she reveled like a true woman. Here, she could feel and live out her fantasies, make up for their lost years and reconnect. Shizuka belonged here.

Gaping in bewilderment, Yuuki backed out of the room, running out in the breezy courtyard. Grabbing her temple, she blinked steadily at her feet engulfed by flower petals. The Great Queen…And—oji-san? She wasn't thick skinned to linger another second at the cottage.

As if witnessing the immoral act wouldn't set her alarm off, running back to the territory, Yuuki set her sights on the library. At the location, she assumed Kaname had yet to return from the palace. A prolonged glance at the enormous house immersed Yuuki with longing as she carried herself inside.

He is probably with his fiancé. Yuuki frowned at the appalling memory of the two admired by relatives as the wedding date publicized.

She hovered the mouth of Kaname's hideaway, confused and unpleased by her reaction to the news. Sighing miserably aloud, she dropped at the edge of a chair, head in her hands.

Shizuka-sama and oji-san from the forest… Wide-eyed, Yuuki scrutinized the shelves. The Royal Family isn't as traditional as we think.

Running over to a section, she secured her attention on a specific title about the family history and member profile. Flipping to one of the last several pages at the end, Yuuki skewed on the Great Queen's biography who underwent an arranged marriage over eight centuries ago. Skipping to the transversal side of the chart, Yuuki tapped the name of her spouse. It was his failure to attend public audiences why she never acquired a glimpse of the royalty, a trait similar to the present King.

"Kuran, Rido—Great King." Her fingers turned over two pages and stopped on a stunning portrait of the pureblood.

"Find anything interesting?" Interrupted a masculine voice behind a shelf on the far left corner.

She looked up, daunted by the lounging shadow against the shelf. "How long have you been here?"

"The whole time." The flat line of his lips lifted in an enigmatic grin. Takuma reached for the book in her hand and chuckled at the title. "What's the use of reading this? Your stay has dramatically shortened after sneaking out tonight."

"I'm not worried." Yuuki peered at another book. "I went with the intention to get caught."

His bewitching green eyes narrowed as it lifted from the pages. "Did you?"

"Kaname is being…" She debated a title but slipped it back in place. "Unreasonable."

"Must be a result of his lover's presence or the wedding plans?" Takuma watched her sunken eyes darken morosely. "He reached his limits, don't you think? Watching over you and knowing you don't care about yourself enough to listen."

Slipping her hand in her hair, Yuuki awkwardly smiled. "I wanted to ask you…something, Ichijou-san." Her flushed face made his eyes shimmer in intrigue. Closing the book, Takuma straightened his posture as a gesture for her to continue. "Are affairs normal?"

"Like a party?"

"The dirtier one."

"Aren't they all?"

"Not compared to the one I've seen."

"Unacceptable." Takuma grinned maliciously, basking in her astounded expression. "Why?"

Yuuki averted with a cringe, "I saw…something I shouldn't have. I don't know if I should tell you though…"

"Why not?" He shrugged.

"Royalty isn't an exception right?"

His brows lifted before a debated reply. "In some circumstances…it's unavoidable."

Softly grunting, Yuuki pushed a hand on her temple in shame. "The Great Queen was with someone."

Takuma's haughty expression twisted to one found from trauma. His pale face and lips hung back to speak without words. "Ah." He managed with a glance at the book in his hand. "Must be why you targeted the family profile. Did you find what you're looking for? You were probably locating her husband."

"Ye—"

"Affairs aren't surprising in this day, Yuuki." He chuckled and pulled her under the wing of his arm, "Don't be too surprised. Let's go for a walk."

"But Kaname told me—"

"Not like you'll keep listening to him forever?"

She lowered her head. "Yes, but he doesn't want me to go anywhere just yet."

"We're merely visiting Shiki." Takuma's grip around her back tensed. "You're a docile girl, nothing wrong with that. Did you find anything useful in the book?" He tossed the article on a couch and guided her to the back doors.

"Doesn't the Great King, Rido-sama know?" Yuuki questioned.

His footsteps slowed in a cautious stride. "We all do." Takuma mischievously winked over his shoulder. "But everyone is privileged to certain liberties. And the sinful ones somehow feel right and best."

"I didn't know you had no morals."

"Yuuki, you haven't seen anything yet." Takuma chuckled. "Believe it or not but corruption makes us happy."

"I thought tradition was everything to the royalty." She scoffed.

He watched her from the corner of his eye. "Kaname told you?"

Yuuki folded her arms to repel a shiver from the night breeze. "Yea." She softly answered. "I wish I knew more about the royal history I'd have something smart to say to him. But he sounded accepting toward marriage with…with the pureblood woman."

"When you're betrothed since birth, accepting the notion is ordinary and expected." Takuma assured. "Plus, Sara is loved for reasons beyond beauty and grace. She was always regarded as the future Queen."

"Queen?" Yuuki stopped abruptly.

He didn't look at fault and amusedly remarked. "Royal titles are tedious, aren't they? At least, that's what the Great King assumed. Marriage between purebloods is necessary but acquiring lovers—is a right. Rido has multiple lovers. Dear Shiki is a fine example, after an affair with a Level B, he came into the royal line. Shizuka never cared. Up to this day, Rido and Shiki don't acknowledge each other."

"It would be fitting…" Whispered a quiet voice through the dark ahead, "For you to escape now, Ichijou."

Takuma circled his arm around her waist. "What do you say, Yuuki?" He murmured against her ear. "Want to accompany me longer? Who knows, you don't need to return."

The tall silhouette halted several feet on the stoned path in the gardens. Kaname's remote eyes hadn't strayed from the blond man holding on to Yuuki.

"You're the one who admitted not needing to listen to him. What is he to you any way?" Takuma snickered in her ear. He turned with a brilliant smile at Kaname. "How is Sara? You didn't have to rush back. Yuuki was being taken care of by me."

His inscrutable eyes lingered on the glowering blond. Kaname gracefully came to a stop in front of the two. Plucking the hand off of Yuuki's neck, he murmured cruelly. "Disappear. Ichijou."

A razor sharp glare crippled the eased smug expression he wore. Moving away from Yuuki, Takuma scoffed under his breath. "Careful with this one…I'm no expert with secrets like you." Chuckling rudely to himself, he waved over his shoulder without a glance.

Yuuki stonily regarded Kaname. She had no intention to move if her questions weren't clarified. He seemed to have other things planned. Jerking away from the reaching hand, Yuuki sucked in cold air in her lungs.

Kaname's gaze deepened as is hand returned his hand to his side. "Don't stay out here, you'll succumb to fever."

Startlingly, standing in shadow in the company of nightly creatures was alluring than ever. She wasn't probably aware of her arresting form. It was hard to believe sometime ago, Yuuki yearned for blood in his embrace. She looked fearless in the moonlight. Her enchanting eyes polished in gray, shadows darkened the corners of her face and neck. Kaname was prominently aware of the movement of her rising chest from hurried breathing. Her captivating stare left him speechless, he was about to walk away hadn't she addressed in time.

"Are you in line to the throne?" Yuuki asked suddenly.

Passive ruby gems glistened steadily in the moonlight. "Yes."

"What does that make you?"

"A descendant of the King."

"And your fiancé? The future Queen…"

"Sara's title can ascend in time, she doesn't hold power as of—"

"Who exactly are you?" Yuuki demanded.

"Am I not the one you want?"

Struck by the unhesitant question, Yuuki blanched. "No." She huffed, doubting her transparent lie. "I don't want you, Kaname." Luckily, her composure didn't waver like his gaze.

He closed his eyes, chuckling in repentance. "You lie."

"That's not the point. I'm sorry about tonight." Yuuki said. "For going to the Dinner, asking Hanabusa-san's help. The only one who can let me see Ousama is you, Kaname. Who is he?"

"Didn't you meet him tonight?"

Regretfully ducking her head, Yuuki mumbled, "I met...The wrong person."

Kaname's expression was translucent and tranquil compared to his frosty and unforgiving tone. "You should be thankful to Ichijou for the clarification."

"Now, I can see why you helped me so much." Yuuki rubbed the spot between her eyes. "Rido-sama had no right to touch me but I—"

"Unwittingly offered yourself to him. Including tonight." Kaname nodded. "Yes, you were wrong, and I disapprove your eagerness to meet death, that's why I've kept you here."

"But isn't that my role here?"

"Yuuki…" Kaname soothingly whispered, stepping closer. His hand lingered over her head and slipped on her left shoulder. "Your role is to prove loyalty to the King, which can't be proven by simply sacrifice. But the persistent society demands your death. Amaya was in the exact same position before she sacrificed herself, and encouraged the curse to continue." His grip hardened on her shoulder, breaking the contact, Kaname caressed the corner of her mouth with a thumb. His compelling gaze fixed on hers. "I will not let it repeat."

"All this time," She whispered in disbelief, "Because of you… there was a delay in my sacrifice?"

Kaname's eyes turned stern cold. "Don't be surprised, Yuuki. I promised to keep you alive, didn't I?"

"If you're a King's descendant, someone he trusts, didn't you say, royalty must adhere to tradition? A King's sacrifice is a tradition. And keeping me alive isn't traditional at all." Yuuki shook her head, "You surprise me, Kaname. I thought you couldn't ignore tradition. But, marriage is different than sacrifice I guess."

His eyes softened as he pulled back. "I'm sorry, Yuuki."

"I don't want apologies." Her uncharacteristic frankness stunned him. Kaname towered her patiently as she folded her hand on her heart. "I don't want your protection either, I'm too dependent of you."

"I can't allow that." He murmured.

Yuuki looked up at his troubled gaze. "You will."

She stood gaping for one moment then whirled around, dragging her skirt and beating heels on the footpath to the deck. Kaname lingered, watching Yuuki make her way inside, vaguely aware of the fists coiled at his sides. An army of hawks fluttered from trees, scattering above the garden and soared to the forest. His eyes glowed stark red in irritation at the offensive spies.

Ω


© Nur Misurr

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"A disgraceful prince is not what the monarchy needs. *" - Rido is calling King Kaname a Prince as an insult, meaning he doesn't or can't uphold leadership responsibilities.

Character Cast:

Ousama Kirrin Kuran - King Kirrin, Kaname's father.

Joousama Sora Kuran - Queen, Kaname's mother.

Oujisan - Crown Prince. (from the excerpt: Kaname)

Raiden Kiryuu - Former Right Hand, Zero & Ichiru's father.