Echelon

by Nur Misurr

Rank and title overpower free country ideals, often dividing families, even lovers for centuries. Haruka/Juuri & Kaname/Yuki.

30. Safeguard

o o o

---

Heat laced her blood. Rancor colored her vision. Blood wine and incense wrinkled the serene freshness of orchids. The nostalgic bleat of a pureblood's heart tinkered the room, each pump inside his chest was an incredulously self-defeating punch to the stomach. He was smirking wryly, his dark eyes lingered over her attire, hairdo and makeup before he conclusively scoffed in disdain. Meanwhile, she had held her breath, not out of fear or shock. The emotions peppering her blood, flickering down her arms and legs, and ingesting her bones were far from complacency. No, it took Yuki a second to reorient herself toward her company who hadn't stopped noticing her with resent. She was fueled by piercing emotion she could not properly take account of and it wouldn't be fortunate to get caught, a deer in the snare of a lion, by fastidious actions that did not support the reason behind why she was summoned to the inn.

Fury bridled her solar plexus, festering cruelly like black smoke up her lungs. Her legs dipped in a graceful bow, followed by the neat and steady dip of her neck, forward.

Yuki swallowed her emotions and whispered musically, a song of birds, a sweet surrender in spring mornings through a meadow. "My lord."

His ears perked by the rich smooth quality of her voice. A shiver tickled between his ligaments, he looked up in the beguiling scent she flooded the room in. Roses and jasmines imbued the entrance, the scent was not overpowering enough to compete with the incense or orchid, but it was a faint whisper, delicate yet discernible. Lord Toma indicated her to move closer by waving his left arm. "You don't look surprised. Why? Someone tipped you off?" He guessed.

Without looking up, she floated toward the table like an iridescent enigma. His eyes widened haphazardly as she sank into a graceful fold in a single motion on the cushion. Her hands nestled in a poised and agile bend on one knee. She had yet to look at him, but Lord Toma found himself smirking again by the lack of reaction.

"What's the matter? The last time we met you held a sword to my throat and threatened to kill me. What changed your mind?"

"Forgive my conduct last time, my lord. I don't dare hurt a pureblood." The shimmer of bells and birds in the breeze resounded about the room, she had barely moved her red lips. "The business between purebloods is best left to those who hold power."

"A wise choice, but I came across an interesting bit of information. You are not an ordinary vampire."

"I do not know how you mean, my lord. I'm only a daughter of a Kurashikan lord."

"Your father holds considerable power. Your family is quite popular around the region. I spent many days in the company of local men, each boasts his work. How loved he is! It's no surprise tonight's event was as adventurous and popular as the king rain dancing. He exerted a lot of effort for your debutant. Why don't I indulge his whim?"

"My father's reputation is as sweet as nectar, honey to bears. I'm afraid it's not original for a noble family to hold debutant ceremonies. These corny inferior events do not deserve your interest and energy, my lord."

"Now that's startling." Lord Toma considered the soft bridge of her nose and the drinkable twine of red inching higher and higher on the corners of her lips with narrowed eyes, "Why would a lower level vampire like you refuse a pureblood's interests?"

"Just constructive advice, my lord."

"Is it? Or are you warning me to stay away lest the crowned prince gets angry."

She blinked, her shoulders strumming the seams of the dreamy portrait she consisted of and trembled. The vibration of twittering birds emanated from her throat, and the corners of her lips rode precisely another inch from laughter.

"What's so funny?" Lord Toma leaned forward with quizzed interest.

"You said something strange. We all know a lower level vampire such as me is not significant or warrants enough attention to rile the crown prince's disfavor or any emotion, in fact."

"Is that how it is," Lord Toma snapped his fingers with expert ease. The partition behind Yuki drifted to reveal a samurai bereft of armor but indigo clothing sweep into a kneel with a tray of tea and cups. He bowed without a word and exited behind the drawing partition. "He is a coward and he barged in my relative's camp to free you. Why do you pretend?"

"I assure you, my lord, the crowned prince performed the act to benefit his own reputation. He would soon receive a royal investiture, he needed to show the public what he was capable of, like one always does before taking a political platform to win the spirit and support of the masses."

"But the rumor on the street spells differently." Lord Toma calmly countered.

"Rumors from tea saloons are woven by bored wives." She untethered her glasslike painted fingers and reached for the pot and cups.

He watched distractedly at the swimming and blazing dance of fingers wrapping around the pot handle and tipping the luscious liquid in a cup. "Yes, rumors tend to have an absence of courtesy though carrying a waft of truth. I wonder if the crowned prince would be blasé when he learns his woman entertains another pureblood in private?"

Yuki was sipping nimbly from her cup, knowing he hankered after a reaction.

"Will he summon Ichijo samurai to end our glorious evening or will he tighten the lariat he keeps around you?"

"I would not know, my lord. The crowned prince's plans are best interrogated out of his close confidantes."

"Who says I care to interrogate?" Lord Toma smirked above his cup. "The coward is not worth the interrogation. He follows principles and does not understand the world yet. A naïve pureblood can do us no good on the throne." He licked his lips and swung toward Yuki with intrigue. "You, on the other hand, a fine hunter from a noble family can do a lot more than you are given credit for."

"What are you referring to?"

He put the cup on the table, bending into her shoulder and lifted a sharp finger to caress the soft curve of her left cheekbone. "A person like you should be living in luxury, garnished in the latest mode of comfort. The crowned prince lives in a golden palace, engulfed by a sea of radiant women but hides his woman in the toolshed. He cannot give you what you deserve." The finger dripped dewily down her cheek and curved under her chin, he notched her toward him. "Ichijo samurai cannot stop us Tomas. Our power is magnificent, our stock runs deep into the womb of the country, the nation will tumble without us and so will the Kuran royalty. Only a matter of time you wake up and see the coward for what he truly is. When we take the crown and eliminate the Kuran clan, you will see how different it is to not live in a toolshed anymore."

"You are right, my lord." She replied unblinkingly, her chin resting on the delicate bend of his finger. "No army is stronger than yours and the strong always wins. The Ichijos are friends who are here for the ceremony."

"An army load of samurai just for a ceremony?" He chuckled.

"Did I forget to mention my father is considering the clan for my hand in marriage?"

The hand dropped, whisked back to the table and gripped the cup. "So the event was just to rally up suitors. The crowned prince does not seem to give a second thought about you. If he really could not stand losing you, he'd never offer you to another man," His eyes narrowed connivingly, "Or pureblood."

"The crowned prince cannot stand sullying his reputation."

"He won't last long," Lord Toma muttered, "Trust me, little bugs like him are not worth the trouble, nor the grace of an enchanting rose." He checked her still and kempt position from the corner of the eye. "If you hadn't threatened me moons ago, I'd never hazard a guess you are not an artist woman, a geisha. Normally it takes a woman twenty years to master the arts. I can give the coward crowned prince credit for selecting an interesting confectionary, but I want to enlighten you here and now."

Her head dipped in acknowledgment, agile gaze steady on the floor. "You praise me too much."

"Given the right incentive, a man is very forgiving. I've decided to put the past where it should remain, behind us, an impacting reminder but never hindering the future."

"Sounds like my lord does not take relationships at face value." Yuki inputted softly.

"You don't need to hide your delight. We are perfectly in private." Lord Toma tasted his tea and returned the cup to the table before making his declaration, "Your father would definitely be delighted by my proposal, far better and loftier than the empty promises the Ichijo clan or any clan brings tonight. Purebloods rule the land for great reasons. I won't be an idiot and toss you in the forgotten toolshed like the crowned prince."

"You are very kind to consider my welfare, but I've grown to adjust to a pureblood's interests. The crowned prince has other important matters in mind than a person like me, as he should, he is very afraid of his antagonist." She poured more tea in his cup.

He waited for her to set the teapot down and smiled satisfactorily. "Something we agree on."

"You don't learn to fight a battle from pictures and stories. What he lacks, you have experienced. We can easily deduce who has the upper hand."

"Well said." Lord Toma smirked at his tea. "Even you understand this much. Won't he take offense if you took my side?"

"Why is that of consequence to me?" Yuki replied, "The crowned prince knows he is weak. If he is wise, shouldn't he take proper caution?"

"And what do you suggest?"

She smirked liquidly, her dark eyes drowning him as she leaned forward to whisper. "Take what he wants to keep most."

Lord Toma assessed her entirely. "How do I know what that is?"

"When you obsess to possess you are vulnerable to lose what you took for granted. When your spirit is low, losing even the basics is like a hammer falling on the head. Don't you agree, my lord?"

Lord Toma smiled low and wide, revealing hungry fangs.

Jinmu surveyed his right and his left. An unkempt grumble echoed over his shoulder. The contour revealed finally on his right, stopping directly under his nose. He raised an inquisitive brow toward the silver-haired individual he recalled accompanying the woman. Outside on the pearl-white streets glazed in moonlight and lanterns, flourished by chonin, it seemed completely regular and undeserving of speculation of their posts in front of the dark inn. The silver-haired hadn't stopped glaring at him and the inn, silent accusations swarmed his mind, which was as piercing and detectable as a squawking pig getting slaughtered in the eyes of the masked man who had his share of reading nonvocalizing purebloods. He vetted it a tough skill, considering Kaname did not speak his mind or heart. He spoke after calculation, but the level to understand him depended on listening to his silence and body language more than the spoken word.

"What's taking her so long?" Ichiru growled nervously, resisting the urge to pace the footpath.

Jinmu stood pristinely elevated, his arms at his sides, and his black mask creamed by a layer of the moon. "My master makes the decision for her to leave."

"Your master better not put his hands where he shouldn't." Ichiru spat.

"If she did not want to come, she would not have. What happens between them is their business." Jinmu coolly inquired.

Baffled, Ichiru glared, "You're obviously someone who'd bend over for any pureblood. You don't know the chonin of Kurashiki enough. We don't worship masters like yours here."

Jinmu reared his head and veered to the right. "Take that back, imbecile." He towered the silver-haired.

"You heard me." Ichiru slurred, scrunching his mouth.

"Little boy, speak where you must, and know how to observe your silence. You do not know whom I serve." Jinmu warned through fangs.

"A pureblood you fuc—"

"Ichiru!"

The men whipped in the direction of the descending slender shape. Yuki perceptively extracted her comrade by the arm, eyes locked testily on the masked man and continued to tug Ichiru. He whirled back in relent and joined alongside Yuki. She walked with her head bowed, her hands neatly folded in front of her waist.

"What happened in there?" He asked impatiently.

"I need to clear my head." She returned under her breath without looking up.

Ichiru's eyes widened, "He didn't touch you, did he?" He exclaimed.

"No. Worse."

"What's worse than that?"

She quickened her pace, tugging his sleeve persistently, "Hurry, let's get home first."

Ichiru surveilled the alley and mimicked her pace. The sight of Ichijo samurai patrolling the street toward her house flooded Yuki with instant relief she did not realize she yearned for. Their blond hair and green eyes sent a calm trickling down her sternum and belly. The marching men recognized the two and greeted them. Ichiru and Yuki entered the courtyard swaying with guests, hunters like Senri and his father, Lord Shiki. Not until Yuki reached her room, she closed the door after Ichiru and let out a heaving breath she'd been holding.

He blinked uncertainly but waited. She began wrenching the pins out of her hair and grabbed a warm wet cloth from a bowl to remove the white makeup. "Lord Toma coming here is the worst."

"We have protection. My father is returning home next week. We can handle things until he figures something out." Ichiru insisted, a reiteration he mastered over the past hour.

Yuki was wringing her head, "Shouldn't Lord Toma be in Kyoto or hounding the king's palace? Why Kurashiki?"

Ichiru stared at her blankly, shrugging helplessly, "What did he say exactly?"

Yuki breathed and whirled around. The door flung open and prompted inside a tall blond, green-eyed vampire. He met Ichiru's eyes squarely then Yuki's. Securing their dispositions, he slammed the door and advanced toward her first. "What the hell did he want?"

Yuki threw the damp towel in the bowl and fumed silently. "War."

Takuma took a breath. "We anticipated that. There is a column at layover inside of Kurashiki."

"What?" Both Ichiru and Yuki cried.

He placatingly shooed them back in their chairs. "It's nothing and I'm sure Lord Toma knows about it, which is what we predicted, again. He's been moving around, and we've been following him carefully. Kaname will not start a war, he will exercise every other choice available and keep Kurashiki safe for as long as possible."

"Kurashiki has not seen war for centuries. We can't let a pureblood feud ruin our town." Yuki aired.

"Father went to the Shoto house. Maybe the Shotos will render us support?" Ichiru hopefully mumbled.

"He did?" Takuma mouthed curiously but looked away sullenly, "No. The Shotos plan to remain neutral."

Yuki nibbled her bottom lip, "Lord Toma expected your samurai to attack."

Takuma considered her in suspicious interest, his eyes narrowing by the second, "Why did he call you?"

Ichiru folded his arms, "He wanted to get in Yuki's pant—"

"Be quiet, Ichiru," Yuki waved his speculation aside without a moment's hesitation, "We've confirmed he wants the throne. He's been here for days and revealed himself tonight, it's very suspicious. He made it seem like he forgave me for threatening to kill him last time and believes father will be over the moon if he sent a proposal. We all know he fathered twenty aristocrat children and left them to die. I'm as good as grape stomped under his boot."

Takuma's eyes turned cold. "Does he know?"

Yuki frowned at her arms, "I don't think so."

"He might." Takuma nodded convincingly by himself, "We can't leave anything out of the question."

"There was another thing..." Yuki eyed the men with patient and expecting eyes. "He called me, 'his woman.' "

"Whose?" Ichiru asked.

Yuki blinked at Takuma, pouting, "Ouji's."

Takuma swore under his breath.

"If Zero were here, he'd shine a bloody bullet in the pureblood's head right about now." Ichiru explained.

"You're being drawn down a revengeful path. Lord Toma is taking you for a ride whether you like it or not. A pureblood never forgives another pureblood's threat. What makes you think he forgave yours? You held back because Kaname ordered you to step down. Could it be he desires your loyalty? The only thing satisfying to a pureblood other than power is blind loyalty."

"What're you implying?" Yuki demanded.

"You mean you can't tell Kaname's blood bond makes you worship him?"

"How do I worship when I coil in the ground in seizures or when I sob from perpetual pain?" Yuki snapped.

Takuma pointed in her direction, "You know you can end this any time you want."

"And become his servant?"

"He gave you his word."

"You're the president of his fan club. Are you sure you didn't drink his blood? I swear sometimes you can be so deep in love with him, you refuse to be logical."

"Logic is refusing to drink his blood and live in pain?"

"I am protecting my free will."

"You lost it the minute you bit him." Takuma hollered.

Ichiru barged into the contention, shoving the parties apart. "Hey, hey. Let's take it easy now."

"I'm only saying it for your sanity," Takuma said over the silver-haired.

Yuki sank in her chair more heavily than she liked. Torn by the self-righteous half that possessively protected her freedom from pureblood suppression, while the other half longed to succumb soulfully and become one of the luscious wiry black strands of Kaname's hair on his shoulders. The latter half also adored Takuma's resolution to see her well, and it did not let her forget he had been the one who unremittingly for months searched for the right category of blood wine across the country. She rounded back and grabbed his hand, her fingers clenching his wrist pleadingly.

"I'm sorry." She fragilely confessed, "I don't want to fight you. You've endured a lot on my behalf, and I'd be dead without your help."

Takuma sighed slowly, abated. His eyes softened. "I'm not upset with you. Lord Toma can leverage it for his benefit or kill you. Your powers are weaker than a footstool infested with termites. Juuri-sama will be heartbroken seeing you hurt again."

Yuki gently released his wrist, nodding.

Takuma looked away, "Don't beat yourself over it. The Hunters Association has been warned about Lord Toma. I'd prefer you avoid him, but if you run into him, pretend not to know anything."

o o o

Haruka was proud of the successful turnout of the event. Pride swirled his lungs and a resplendent smile lavished his façade as he bid the guests farewell for the night. He hadn't been able to locate Yuki but the patrolling Ichijo samurai happened to inform him she was seen returning home with Ichiru. He nodded with relief and resumed escorting the guests out of the venue. One of the essential guests approached him and stopped by his elbow. His green eyes stern and his mouth engraved in a dark line.

"Haruka-sama, you must come with me," Lord Ichijo gestured to the main road.

Haruka saw nothing strange in the effort, he agreed with a smile. "I know you're wondering about the proposal. You can rest assured, my lord, Takuma has been weighing tremendously on my mind."

Lord Ichijo spared him a trusting smile. "I'm afraid tonight is not wise for the development of your meaning." He directed Haruka to cross the street.

Haruka blinked at the disinterest demeanor of the lord, however, he did not question its value. Instead, he nodded and acquiesced in the random but construable direction of the forest. The lord stopped in the shadow grove meshed by looming trees and whistling wind. "Why are we here?" He prompted.

Lord Ichijo stopped next to him. "Someone important wanted to see you in private. I will leave you two."

Haruka searched the various trees swaying in the evening breeze. The crystal flowers morphed into the cycling air and fluttered across the green pasture toward his estate. He vaguely noticed Lord Ichijo's contour dissolve in the vicinity of his yard.

"Haruka-sama."

The vampire lord stiffened for a mild second. He steadied himself momentarily and turned toward the shadow with blazing red eyes. The silhouette skittered and smoked into the proper form of the recognizable but unkempt face of the pureblood crowned prince. He began to trade his stand to bend on the floor, but Kaname quickly waved at the futility of the movement.

"Ouji-sama." Haruka whispered restively. "How are you here?"

Kaname lazily draped an arm across his waist. "I wanted to congratulate you on Yuki's debutant. It went as you wanted."

"Thank you. Many noblemen are taking an interest in her. I admit she didn't require the function. There are two suitors already."

Kaname straightened his stature and looked at the lord intently. "Are you aware of Yuki's blood problem?"

Haruka sadly glanced at the ground, he rubbed his temple. "She's been ingesting large doses of tablets. Takuma has been sneaking her illegal blood wine. All to no avail. I'm not sure if Takuma or Hanabusa can manage her thirst with the way it's been going. She'll reach vampire puberty and it'll become worse. I can't pawn the responsibility to another person, but I need to request if you have better ideas?"

Kaname lowered burning red eyes.

Haruka nodded knowingly, "Forgive me for putting you in a difficult spot. You've done enough for our family. Yuki hasn't taken to anyone particularly."

"You cannot rush a seed to bear fruit." The crowned prince summarized. "There is a pureblood contending for the throne in town. I've spoken to the local Hunters Association and require a personal escort. The problem is the best hunter in town is at the king's palace. He hasn't been oriented, and it'd be a waste to summon him back. But the second-best," He stared pointedly at the vampire lord, collecting a white scroll from his jacket and offered it to the man.

Haruka inspected the contents and debated the king's seal. "How can this be?"

"The king is prompted by my investiture and pardoned his previous order. All branches of the Hunters Association are aware of the change."

"Why now?" Haruka demanded. "She is finally home, changing her life, unaverse to the prospect of marriage, for once."

"I understand your concern."

"You promised you'd help change her mind. We are close to having it come true. If she goes away, she'll revert to her old habits. Hanabusa is here to be with her. What do I tell the Aidou clan?"

"Does the son of the Aidou clan know his intended was summoned by the contentious pureblood earlier?" Kaname countered. "He is here for destructive purposes. Kurashiki is no longer safe with a Toma around. The day I picked her up from the torture camp I vowed never to leave her in the hands of another Toma again."

Haruka stared at the writ. "You're keeping her away from him."

"—When the time is appropriate. Lord Toma is not kind or considerate of women folk, much less aristocrats. Yuki threatened him before. His interests are malevolent." Kaname regarded the pensive vampire lord. His voice softened with understanding as he added, "I know you don't think impurely of others unless you're given reason but Lord Toma is a darkness, hungry to absorb Yuki because he knows she is someone I cherish."

Haruka breathed deeply and closed the scroll. "I will take your word for it." He murmured. "I'll round up my vassals."

"You don't need to worry about that, Kurashiki security is a top priority, there are troops lying in wait as we speak." Kaname relayed. "Judging by how peaceful the night is he will reattempt to contact her. He'd love to confront you."

"I won't let him get the best of us." Haruka determinedly swore that the earth trembled beneath their feet.

"I'll leave it to you then." Kaname turned, shedding into black mist and swooped into the trees.

o o o

Lord of the Nation, the Kuran king relaxed behind his desk in the enveloping serenity of his office. The guards posted outside waited with keeling proclivity to enact his paltriest or gravest of commands. He glanced at the steam floating from the freshly brewed cup of tea and reached to try a sample. The smell of hibiscus and jasmine blanketed his tongue without tasting it. The developing aroma was as succulent as the flowers first budded in the tree days ago. A knock extended throughout the office from outside. He summoned the general inside and continued finishing his tea.

Asato Ichijo bowed his head generously and straightened to speak. "Greetings, my king. It is a beautiful day and your mood seems to have improved."

Shigeu nodded at the sublime scenery he'd been spectating through the windows.

"Is there anything you'd like me to do?"

"Yes, I need you to expect my expectations without my having to say so." Shigeu retorted.

The Taisho bowed his head apologetically, "I will do better to please you."

"Never mind." Shigeu sniffed the tea with a kind smile, "Any news on Lord Toma?"

"Usually he leaves a town after three days but he's spending more time in Kurashiki, even rented the finest inn. The economics in the southern region is superior than the northern. Locals aren't perturbed by the pureblood. I assume it's because the region is owned by the Tsunamasa clan and aren't burdened by taxes and diseases. Their reactions toward purebloods is refreshing, but I worry the nature of the kind-hearted locals will be taken advantage of by Lord Toma."

"The column Kaname invested in Kurashiki can block Lord Toma terrorizing the chonin. You moved the Toma's arsenal here."

"Already done."

"Send for Kaname when he wakes up. I want to discuss what he wants to do with it."

The Taisho inadvertently stiffened and stared very hopelessly at his feet.

Shigeu blinked from his tea, "We have to continue stripping the Tomas of stocks and resources. He cannot convene support if he does not have resources to pay men."

"Uh, my king," Asato Ichijo gently interrupted by clearing his throat.

Shigeu glanced inquisitively toward the general.

"After you gave the crowned prince the formal writ absolving the huntress's capacity in the Hunters Association, he disappeared from the palace." He regretfully announced.

The pureblood king stared rigidly at the long-haired blond man with hooded sterile green eyes. "Taisho." He worded, his façade impenetrable and stiff, "Does it seem like you're being tangibly unreasonable as of late?"

"You are ever so observant, my king."

The king rubbed his nose against the dense scent of fear. "What are you afraid of?"

"The crowned prince took advantage of your eminence." Asato Ichijo murmured, "It was decided the huntress could never be suitable enough to return to the Hunters Association after compromising their code. The writ compels her to take a stand. The news might offend Lord Shoto, the guild leader and master of hunters. Also, what if the crowned prince uses the writ by making her work for him?"

"What if Kaname does?" Shigeu countered, smirking, "That is the point of the writ. If Kaname doesn't take the bait and use it posthaste while Lord Toma injects his roots in Kurashiki, he won't be able to show his intentions."

"But weren't you insistent on eliminating her?"

"Take note, Taisho," Shigeu waved a finger at the vampire, "To understand a wolf's true nature you have to appease it occasionally by giving it what it wants. Kaname bargained with me to save her life in the cell. He killed Taito Takamiya and looked for her for a year after she was abducted and rendered a slave. Case in point, Lord Toma suddenly winds up in her hometown to salvage his foothold in controlling Kaname. He knows Kaname won't stand anything happening to her, big or small. Take it as if I happened to come across a gold key that unlocks the game and gave it to Kaname. He can control the situation without losing face."

"The crowned prince is earnest and sincere in everything he does. You've set up a quandary that'll surpass its precedence when you kill her."

"And that's why it's crucial for Kaname to make the right move." Shigeu stated, "I want to know indefinitely if he has given her his Blood Summon. The opportunity will reveal details I need to know whether I have to kill her or not."

Asato Ichijo nodded his head. "Once again, you know best."

The door bounced from three knocks and a guard peeled inside through a crack. He hurried to take refuge in a kneel in front of the desk. "My king, Zero Kiryuu is here."

"Call him in."

Zero didn't admire the elaborate formalities between master and servant. He wasn't aroused by the embellishment of titles and ranks either that constituted palace hierarchy. He was a very simple-minded individual who preferred minding his own business than listening to other's perspectives about anything, really. It was all redundant and wasted energy, not to mention boring to engage in unnecessary conversations, defenses, copings, and ego-strokings. He stood tall in the king's office; an inch shorter next to the blond-haired armored Taisho.

The pureblood king received him with observing eyes. "Good to see you making yourself home. The persons in charge of orienting you are not available. I leave my Taisho to brief you on your duties. I was just informed Kaname is also not here, but it should give you a chance to regulate your cravings until he returns." The king gestured to the Taisho toward the drink cart. "Take the blood wine and keep a tight clench on your hunger. My blood transformed you, so you'll notice it spike when I'm around."

"Noted." Zero nodded.

The king looked him over with narrowed eyes. "Don't they teach you how to greet superiors in Kurashiki?"

Zero inwardly sighed in exasperation and sagged low in a revering bow.

Seemingly satisfied by the act, the king nodded and waved him back up. "That's enough. Practice will fix that. Give him the bottle, Taisho."

Asato handed the red sealed bottle to the silver-haired obediently. "For your interest."

Zero inspected the bottle. "Nice to see it's not an illegal blood wine you banned but forgot to throw out of the palace."

Shigeu's brows wrinkled from the snarky remark. "Are you implying we don't follow our own rules?"

"Doesn't your blood make me subservient to you?" Zero asked.

"It does." Shigeu replied. "If Kaname wants to give you his blood and strengthen your relationship, he'll do so in the future."

"Do I have to drink it?"

Shigeu contemplated the hunter-turned-vampire. "What creature refuses a pureblood?"

Zero did not blink. "I know when one spurns a pureblood's blood, he suffers a lot."

"Then there you have it, Kiryuu. Not many can. If you want to suffer, you can refuse our blood. Except it will affect your work in the palace and we don't invest in people who can't perform in their respective ranks."

"Noted."

o o o

Juuri frowned as she turned the corner. The curt line heaving her beautiful red lips debilitated at a minimum. She glanced over her shoulder at the quarters she'd come from. The shadows spoke of absence, silence, and vast forlornness, which was untimely next to the fixated wedding, and it didn't bring her peace of mind that the resident could be scrupulously cold. It didn't make sense, even. Rido always catered and annoyed her but he was immutably taciturn and spurned her without opening the door. She didn't want to trigger him and left him to his gloom, but worry lingered between her brows, weighing on her about the best form of action to comfort the pureblood.

She entered her room and was promptly flanked by a guard who relayed she had a visitor. Juuri opened the door to her parlor where a tall cream-colored haired man loomed by the window, his back turned, and his gaze absently scanned the courtyard. The door behind Juuri closed and he stirred awake from the daze.

Kaien looked for her and turned slowly. "There you are."

Juuri approached him more in perplex than welcome. "Yes, and here you are."

"I was on my way back to Kurashiki and thought I'd drop by."

"You hate the palace." She gauged knowingly.

"You know me well," Kaien smiled automatically, "Can you reiterate something I heard?"

Juuri's brows rose, "What's this about?"

Kaien gently touched her on the shoulder. "You've been to Kurashiki and seen our life. You reunited with Yuki and noticed the kindness in Haruka remains unchanged after two decades. Let's not forget the night you left, you put Yuki in my hands and told me to watch over her. I have like she is my own."

"Kaien," Juuri smiled fondly and gripped his hand on her shoulder, "I don't have the words to properly thank you."

"I want you to bear our friendship and closeness in mind before you tell me," Kaien continued warmly, "It's not a matter of 'if' or 'how' but 'when' you tell me to—I will die."

Juuri quivered from sadness in the underlying thought. "I'd like us not to control each other's life where we end each other. I want you to live for a long time, Kaien."

He smiled, "I also want you to live forever." Kaien took both of her hands caringly. "Juuri, I know your pureblood heart can take poison and dispel a lot of toxins we know of today. I came from hearing the most troubling news, and I can't bear returning to Kurashiki unless I see you are doing okay."

"I am fine," She assured.

"Hm," His smile did not reach his eyes. "Have you been protecting Haruka by drinking poison?"

Juuri regarded her fingers in the gentle cradle of his hands. She moved to snake it away, but Kaien turned her hands expertly and gripped her wrists. He read her actions before she knew her own move. She searched his calculated gaze, the glow on the glasses lined by the sunlight from the window. She softened the tightening on her shoulders, her hands relaxed as well.

"Yes." She resignedly answered.

Kaien did not release her hands. "Why do you have to resort to this method?"

"Did you forget when a pureblood loves another person, it's impossible for us to forget them, much less let them go?" Juuri whispered. "Our love grows deeper and darker for eternity. Haruka is a light, nurturing person. The effects of our blood bond can torture him if I don't control my feelings. For many years I tried different things. Then I heard about the man who died after his wife, and his body remains preserved in Aidou Geyser. The properties of his blood and the knowledge of the Healer Tribe created my poison, the only thing in the world that can suppress what I feel. If my blood print in our blood bond wakes up, Haruka will be in excruciating pain."

"But the long-term effects of the poison can't be good for your either." Kaien reminded.

"It's okay." Juuri smiled. "My heart can tolerate the poison. We didn't know we'd have to separate so quickly. Our blood bond is pure and sacred. I was too eager and driven in love that I gave him my Blood Summon, the most powerful and intoxicating connection purebloods harbor."

"No wonder you're determined to use this route." Kaien murmured a moment later. "The crowned prince shares a blood bond with Yuki. She also suffers from the repercussions of the exchange."

"Yuki took blood because she was hungry. She should be alright."

Kaien blinked at the pureblood. "How can you be sure?"

"Because blood bond doesn't turn volatile and painful if love is not involved." Juuri answered. "Kaname cares a great deal about her and assures it's not romantic, he doesn't have the energy or interest. It's acceptable and fine."

Kaien sighed in dismay under his breath, "You don't know." He released her hands and stepped away. "After the crowned prince's investiture, he returned Yuki to Kurashiki, of course. He didn't expect there to be a rebound. It was simple to assume she was hungry for his blood, but I'm afraid that's not what we've been dealing with. Yuki cannot go a day or night without suffering repercussions. Her veins turn black and her powers weaken. Tablets are useless. She doesn't sleep and quells the effects of his blood from drinking blood wine, stolen from purebloods."

"How is it this bad?" Juuri gasped.

"If this is the suffering you prevented Haruka from feeling, then so be it. The poison tactic worked. But Yuki doesn't deserve to pine and die after tasting pureblood a few times. It's too severe a cost."

"The hunger can turn her mad." Juuri stopped and paled. "Kaname doesn't know?"

"The crowned prince is burdened by pureblood and state affairs. The matter doesn't hold relevance."

"No, Kaien," Juuri shook her head, "He must know."

Kaien turned toward her, "And what then? The crowned prince continues to provide blood, and she keeps suffering. We can't let it continue anymore."

o o o

Yuki peered into the oozing black calligraphy written centuries prior to her existence by a forgotten but undeniable Shoto administrative. She would rather admire the exciting waves of the person's handwriting that revolved throughout the pages. Some notes written with the primitive decisiveness of the point in time for having to add their finding in the book and some extended thickly with copious information on cause and effect. The smell of candle, old ink streamed from the pages that her vision fogged. She blinked at the enormous blue sky for cohesive clarity and resumed to the next page. Another heading outlined at the top: Blood Summon.

She rolled over on the pliable grass until she rested on her elbows, her legs skyward and mused aloud the contents unfurling page after page by the Shoto ancestor.

"The history of the Blood Summon is the strangest and secretive of all, almost deemed unsafe to share, but the matters of the past are lessons of the new age, and members of the vampire world must relate to one another in confidence of the instrumental and enamoring impact of the pureblood Blood Summon. No one vampire can conduct Blood Summon but one vampire: the generator of the vampire kind, the pureblood. Each pureblood creates the summon, fairly in his or her name, and that is why it becomes his or her name, his or her summon."

The first Blood Summon occurred between a pureblood and a human waif. He, the father and creator of the vampire, came upon a simple woman stranded in the woods. Left behind by her entourage, for seven days and seven nights she grew miserable, hungry and alone. With no one to seek comfort and find salvage with, she could not manage a fire, so she hid in the caves and ate raw fruits to keep her strength. One day while picking berries, she encountered a mountain lion who had taken on her scent days prior. The feral lion was mighty, injuring her in the process. Believing it to be her end, the waif submitted to the feral lion's claw. Just as the lion subdued her entirely, a mirage happened upon the scene, blocking the lion's claw from its game. The mirage was construed to be a miraculous dream, a rapture of the waif's imagination who was weak from the antagonizing lion. As she looked closer, the mirage bristled through the baying wind, causing a ripple effect on the shadow that was opaque like mist, like flying dandelion. She saw it land a fatal blow on the lion, killing it instantly.

Thinking of thanking him with her last breath, she reached out to the mirage. It pierced the physical veil and knelt in a heap of black unending hair and pale robes; a blinding white sword tamed the swallow of his left fist. The most perfect and beautiful creation known to earth. For that reason, she held her breath. He healed her with his supernatural powers without effort or touch. As days came to pass, as she regained composure around the woods, she could not forget the creature who saved her. He did not look earthly to be nomad, much less a product of a tribe. As plain and nimble she was, he was fair and resplendent. While hiking up the mountain she got caught between the rocks, the mirage reappeared and twisted the boulders to release her. When she almost swept up in the river, it flung her out of the water. She did not know how it knew her troubles, but that it came on time.

He did not entertain humans, but he pitied the girl. Day after day, he found her in certain constraints. During those times, she grew more and more captivated by him and could not resist his beauty, his kindness, and his gentle regard for her safety. He gave her the Blood Summon, a pact nurtured and bestowed by a pureblood to an intimate partner. The summon allowed her to call him to her, no matter what form or circumstance, he would come to reassure her. He was a pureblood; she understood his supernatural abilities were special and deserved to be protected, which was why she did not suffer when he took her blood and transformed her into the first human-turned-vampire. She became his wife, the mother of the first vampire children, that went onto to create generations of vampires intermarrying into the pureblood Kuran.

Yuki closed the journal against her chest and pondered into space. Her eyes shimmering at the clear blue sky. "Blood Summon controls purebloods but blood bond controls the rest of us. Blood bond has the simplest of answers, submission. No wonder there're slaves aplenty but Blood Summon forsakes power. A precious and intimate pact must be exchanged between two who trust and love each other."

Do my father and Juuri have a Blood Summon?

As Yuki twined the thought outward and inward, for a minute and a half, her eyes swept close to serenade the spell of the Blood Summon story. Another breeze twisted and flicked the field of roses. It may be eye-opening, but it did not clarify how to suspend the pain of blood bond. Yuki relaxed in the roses, finding some falling over her in the wind. A shadow skipped to the right, a leaping fleet amidst wrestling birds, accumulating into the sudden flare of roses interweaving the pillowing sun. Defeated by fatigue, Yuki sighed in her sleep.

The shadow slanted on the grass. Cradling the back of his head, Kaname stared at the imperceptive blue marble sky. Heaps of birds escaped with the breeze. The familiar sound of the animals and people caroled in the background serenely. Yuki rolled on her right, dipping her head against his ribcage, breathing heavily in the relieving but temporary manacle of sleep.

"Seems like you are only able to sleep when I'm around." Kaname spied the wrinkling collar of his jacket enveloped by her overtightening grip. Her mouth parted to gasp deep draughts of air as her brows sweetened in simple straight lines. Kaname caressed her pale white cheek. She unconsciously agreed to the touch, brushing her face into his warm hand.

o o o

Lord Shoto closed the folder and glanced at the bowing pureblood. "How'd it go, Rui?"

The pureblood righted himself to reply his master and sire. "The journal was delivered in no time. The pretense worked on Takuma Ichijo without a hitch."

"He is a simple boy." Lord Shoto ruminated over his paperwork, "Bright spirited and easy-going."

"He was very concerned about finding a cure for the blood bond. The world knows a cure does not exist. I believe he would create an elixir if he could."

"You were able to extract pertinent information on her status." Lord Shoto observed.

"The apparition of an old man I created is ornery. Surprisingly not many are offended and tell me their qualms. I suppose since old people love to gripe. I used the same disguise on Takuma Ichijo. The more I listened, the more he shared. Why did you want her to have the journal?"

Lord Shoto stopped rummaging the papers and stared distantly to his left, as if registering an invisible touch nesting on his shoulder. "The journal is not important. Just one of the few things left of Little Nine. If her demise is worth anything, it can give hope to another person walking in her footsteps. A Kuran only cares about his monarchy and disappoints everyone around him. Little Nine had an optimistic expression, lively and creative. Too bad she gave her soul to someone who did not care about her."

"Sister was very forgiving," Rui admitted sadly. "They often disappeared for years together, traveling the world without telling us of their return. We didn't anticipate his betrayal. Would she protect herself if she knew his true nature?"

"The Shoto clan has been living in neutrality for over six hundred years. Having tasted war for thousands of years, rest has its appeal. Residing peacefully with the Kuran if there wasn't a betrayal is plausible. But Little Nine couldn't stand the torture and torment of lower-level vampires, for her creating a hunter was as easy as blinking. After the Kuran king saw the human-turned-hunter he was shocked, albeit, delighted. In fact, he ordered the hunter to be a shinsengumi. Little Nine cared and provided for Kiryuu like her little brother, all that hard work gone to waste."

"Zero Kiryuu was reared under the artful care of Kaien Kurosu, he still wound up at the Kuran palace. The legend has a funny way of manifesting."

"Whoever says he knows fate knows nothing," Lord Shoto whispered, "He can stay with the crowned prince. My bet with Kaien stands. The little huntress is three levels from falling on her sword."

"Just the other day the king permitted her return to the Hunters Association. A minor adjustment, but the consequence bears various meanings," Rui critiqued distractedly.

Lord Shoto sensed an outrageous tickle of laughter fuel his breath, "You sound stupidly worried." He growled disapprovingly.

"Why did the king suddenly change his mind?"

"Makes no difference. The writ emphasizes my bet with Kaien precisely. Wherever the little huntress goes, the crowned prince follows. When he breaks her heart, it'll be easier on us. Let him use the writ and get what he wants. We are the winners in the end."

o o o

Aidou overestimated his sword skill. The realization crumpled his ego by ten degrees. He soon enlisted countermeasures to recertify his esteem and reputation. Despite the debutant being over, at dawn he knew Yuki practiced sword dance, as well as her technique and decided to follow her example. By noon they dueled like they had every day since his arrival, and like every day, he lost. She would not be his bride unless he defeated her. He suggested they fight using elemental magic. He was confident she did not have the prowess to defeat him. Additionally, Yuki bore a secret. The secret did her more harm and owed him the victory he wanted. She needed to know he was serious about their prospective marriage no matter what.

"Days have come and gone; we haven't gone on a date. A fair maiden like you who's got the attention of the city after the debutant must think I'm too boring and unsuitable." Aidou tapped a nail playfully on the bar, chin in hand and blue eyes peeking at Yuki drying the glasses.

She was assisting at the Souen Tavern and he decided to tag along. Although, he didn't have to, but he provided ample help with customers and changing barrels of liquor.

"Wrong again." Yuki poured a drink for a customer. "You assume I have ideas about you."

"Don't you? I remember something about frolicking in a meadow."

"Just a hunch."

He grinned, "Since I came to help you at the bar, why don't we institute civilized conduct and forgo dueling every day?"

"What's wrong, Aidou? Tired of losing face?" Yuki smirked.

He cleared his throat behind a fist. "I might not be great at sword fighting but you're not great with magic either."

Yuki closed the cap on a bottle and paused, raising a brow, "How do you know I'm not good with magic?"

"A normal noble-blooded vampire uses magic over fifteen times a day. Why haven't I seen you use magic once?"

Yuki averted silently and resumed her work.

Aidou folded his arms with a knowing smile and stroked his chin, as if arriving at a long-awaited conclusion, "My guess is your blood problem inhibits magic. If you use it, your hunger will spiral out of control and you'd be on the floor having seizures. You must keep using your sword to speak for you. I suppose I can be understanding and let you have your way."

"Let me have my way?"

"A gentleman always minds his lady's request."

"Oh really, then why did you show up after our blind date at the Masked Festival?"

"I thought the date went fine. You left early, assuming I wasn't interested. How'd you put it so eloquently before? That you don't have ideas about me?"

"Anyone can deduce you want pretty, frilly peacock girls. You couldn't stop looking at them."

Aidou frowned, "Is that how you think of me?"

"Take a hint," Yuki gestured to five booths on the left of the bar filled with rosy-eyed women giggling at Aidou behind their fans. "Your popularity with women is a hassle. Do you think I want to fight girls to possess your attention? Even thinking about it exhausts me."

Aidou threw himself against the bar eagerly, "What if I give you all of my attention?"

"No way," Yuki waved him off the counter, "With your popularity, you don't have time for me."

He folded his arms and narrowed his eyes in a cunning manner, "If you insist I ignore the ladies in town, fine. I am a gentleman who keeps his word."

"I don't insist you do anything out of your natural habit to compliment me."

"But I insist on your insistence."

"No need to trouble yourself. You traveled miles to Kurashiki, why not enjoy our sophisticated and gentle ladies?"

"What about you?"

"We've decided I'm not sophisticated or gentle."

"Aren't you discriminating aggressively? Your debutant was famous and proceeded to attract hundreds of fine noble-blooded vampire lords and vassals. Haruka-sama's office is littered with proposals from four states. The other day Ichijo painted your portrait. Come to find out the Ichijo clan seeks your hand in marriage too! Sounds to me you're too busy playing the field and want to avoid me. Lucky for you I can reduce your troubles. Out of all the prospects, I am the only person by your side assisting and delegating at the tavern. To cure your boredom at study time, I read with you. To amuse you, I duel you. The choice is very clear."

"You make a good point," Yuki acknowledged, "But the Ichijo clan has also committed to supporting my decisions and welfare for years. How do I spurn them just because you helped me briefly?"

"Simple, I can stay in Kurashiki for as long as you like," Aidou offered.

"How can I impose such a requirement on the heir to the Aidou clan. You must return home and manage your duties as Ice Master. I can't make you break tradition."

"If it's for the generational alliance and love between our clans, it is justified. Our forefathers were sworn brothers and their dream was to join clans one day. After years of girls born in the Aidou clan, I came along. Not long after, you came. Your birth was a surprise, but my grandfather and father believed it to be a stroke of luck."

"So, all of this is to make our clans happy."

"Our clans have outstanding statuses, making it difficult for others to compete for your hand. If you accepted another proposal, it'd require your stepping down. The Aidou clan has the elemental magic of ice. The wise avoid us with good reason and the fools are given a much-needed lesson."

"The Aidou clan is indeed powerful," Yuki deliberated, "Then how come you're terrible at dueling?"

Aidou sucked in his breath at the belittling remark.

"Don't tell me this is how you were thinking of protecting me?"

"I-"

"I must say, I am shocked." Yuki slapped a hand on the counter, "Your clan does not prioritize sword skills. It's unimaginable. If other noble-blooded lords found out the up and coming Ice Master can't wield a sword, won't that be just awful?"

"Why don't you lovers take your flirting outside?" Lord Souen interrupted, standing over the pair, "The rest of the day will be smooth sail. We have enough help already."

Yuki reached under her apron for an open letter. She handed the article to the tavern owner. "Ruka is doing fine. She wanted me to pass this on to you in case you don't care to believe me."

Steel-eyed, Lord Souen ensnared the letter and perused the contents in silence. Aidou waited for Yuki to come around the bar. She waved to the bartenders on her way out. As usual, the city teemed with the rhythm of merchants and the hungry. Shops were rowdy at noon with customers, some travelers. The canals rippled with boats and returning fishermen.

"Such a nice a day to waste inside." He glanced expectedly at Yuki strolling beside him. "Aren't you pleased I helped?"

She nodded thoughtfully, "Mhm."

"Won't you reward me?"

Yuki speculated him out of the corner of the eye, she tilted her head hesitantly, "Why would I reward a grown man?"

"You don't care for me?" His brows furrowed anxiously.

"Why would I-"

"Ah, forget it, forget it. You have no regard for me whatsoever." Aidou grumbled, "If I left Kurashiki tomorrow, I'll bury your memories in my frozen heart and never beg for your love."

"After you leave Kurashiki, you'll leave a dozen broken hearts."

His eyes widened hopefully, "You mean you-"

Yuki notched a thumb toward the group of ladies giggling at Aidou as they passed by. "Those broken hearts. You don't want to leave them disappointed."

Aidou stopped determinedly, "I think you have huge misunderstandings about me. My days are spent committed to you. You are the one who keeps disappointing me." He pouted and turned his back on her. "I do so much for you, and you don't crack open your heart a little!"

She sighed resignedly and shook her head.

"Hmph."

Yuki surveyed the noon sky and circulating pedestrians. "I have a way."

Aidou sneakily glanced over his shoulder but rounded back. "You're a tease. First, you speak rudely, now you want to console me. Don't you take the Aidou name seriously?"

"Alright, alright," Yuki placatingly answered, "You are so strong. None of the noble-blooded vampires in the region match up to you. I'd be a fool not to consider your affections, even though, you can't win a duel against me."

"You are one mean woman." Aidou shouted, "Hmph."

"But I'm thinking it over," Yuki continued, "I want to repay you for keeping me company."

Aidou kept his back turned and demanded. "How?"

"Come with me to a secret place."

His frustration dissipated promptly, and he whirled back around. Home was not the place he had in mind. He felt he had been conned. She noticed his crestfallen expression and was able to lift his spirit with insight that they should take horses first. The ride through the mountain was upbeat, thickets of wilderness engulfed them as they reached a stone hedged top overlooking the sleeping roads pillaging into Kurashiki. A heavy crust of trees rustled the mountainside and the smell of water, swooping trees, dust and animals surrounded the two. Yuki dismounted and he followed suit. He had no knowledge such a euphoric place knit the beauteous countryside and rough mountain terrain together. Aidou settled next to her on the rock and sighed peacefully at the unfurling nature below.

She carried a pouch from her saddle and opened it for him. "Here."

He took it appreciatively and swigged the sake. "Never thought Kurashiki had places like this."

"You'd be surprised. Purebloods who venture to our city fall in love with it."

Aidou smirked, "Kurashiki has everything you want."

Yuki smiled at the pouch in her hand. "I was told I'm like my mother. She felt suffocated growing up and dreamt of traveling far. I was lucky to be born here and leave as I wanted. Things are not the same anymore. I've since been obligated to make someone's sacrifice count." She sipped from the pouch.

"What does the Grand Council know anyway? You helped a human woman from her abusive husband." Aidou replied, "The act should be praised."

She grew quiet and sighed at the breeze rippling the tree branches. "I come here when I can't sleep. At night the mountain turns cold and silver. Over there the owls line up between those trees." She pointed to her right, "Sometimes you hear music from the farms. During winter, the whole mountain shines like wet glass."

Aidou stared at her quizzed, "How often do you come here?"

Yuki caught the train of his gaze. "Every night. Funny, lately I've been falling asleep fine. It's nice in the day but gorgeous at night."

Aidou stared thoughtfully at the mountain ahead. "Won't you feel sad moving away from Kurashiki?"

Yuki offered the pouch. "I didn't know you liked me so much."

He spat the sake at her sudden observation.

"At the Masked Festival, I realized my shortcomings and understood we'd make an unfortunate pair. My allegiance to the Hunters Association is life-long, even though, I'm not a hunter anymore. Becoming a daughter-in-law to a clan like yours requires more than swordsmanship and hunting."

"You don't need to worry." Aidou quietly replied, "Even if you had three limbs and one eye, the daughter of the Tsunamasa clan would be treated like a princess."

"I'm afraid," Yuki smiled half-heartedly, "Of not being able to live up to your imagination. The bar is set extremely high, the person you've heard about all your life, and the person sitting next to you are different. I learned a few skills and understand the feminine arts, yet I still have room to grow and a lot to learn. If I can't give you my heart, your kindness will turn into resentment."

"You're fine," Aidou quickly said, "I'll wait for you as long as necessary."

"But, Aidou,"

He chuckled, "I'm the one putting my heart on the line. I know you don't like me but that doesn't mean you won't in the future. Ice Masters are tough. Our elemental magic is rare and feared by the majority. We can raise a snowstorm in burning summer. Unless you want a year-round summer, I can hold back."

"You are impressive. I've always relied on weaponry."

"A noble-blood vampire should use his or her powers, why don't you?"

Yuki bit her lip and measured him tentatively from below her lashes. The Aidous were near and dear but her blood origins had not been disclosed. "My power is related to light, that's why I prefer spring and summer."

"I don't remember the Tsunamasa clan having light elements in their blood line." Aidou murmured under his breath, "Haruka-sama's magic has powers over earth. Does that mean your mother..?"

For her Kuran mother, light would be just one aspect of her unparalleled abilities. She could not answer Aidou truthfully and shrugged instead.

"Light is a sister to wind; it can supplement any elemental magic." Aidou stated. "After your blood infection heals, you have to show me how you transform."

"Butterflies are hardly eye-catching."

"No need to be modest."

"Alright, after I've managed my blood problem, I can show you."

Aidou smiled widely and shuffled nervously. "You didn't answer my question."

"Which one?" Yuki glanced away from the swaying trees.

"About leaving Kurashiki forever."

She twiddled with the pouch contemplatively, "My father didn't have other children. Our ancestors were honored for sacrificing in pureblood wars. Protecting others is in our blood. Tomorrow if my father went to war, he'd risk his life to make an ant feel safe. The mountains here belong to our clan. My ancestors saw poverty and slavery ruin lives. They divided the land so people can live without dues. Everyone began worshipping and following them. Kurashiki has been peaceful and safe. I know my father worries I'll be alone if he isn't around, he urges me to settle. If I leave behind this sanctuary my family created, won't I be turning my back? If a pureblood war broke out and the state was seized, who will be left of the Tsunamasa clan, who will protect our people?"

o o o

Through the forest, beyond the stream and in a grove, Lord Ichijo carried a regretful sting in his heart that nearly curled him on the ground. He sighed aloud, "Just now," He whispered to the shadow listening to the pair on the boulder, "Yuki has an impudent character, mischievous and spoiled. She also has a vulnerability she doesn't refrain from. But just now, Yuki sounds like a queen."

Kaname despondently lowered his eyes. The furrow of his brows quelling in a languishing draw.

"Are you sure you are doing the right thing?" Lord Ichijo asked gently. "Pushing her in the arms of another man, because you fear the Kuran palace will kill her."

"The king already has a plan in motion," Kaname said, his voice withholding no quivers or a trace of emotion.

"Kaname-sama," Lord Ichijo walked toward him and stopped against his right, "I have known you since you were born, and I also have a son who will throw away his life for you when you command it. Takuma will not be able to live with himself if he caused you grief. The loyalty and love he has for you outshines his attachment to Yuki. If you just say the word, he will never tend to her. You might think she is safest with Hanabusa Aidou, but with her heart burdened under the depth of the ocean, your plan is bound for failure."

Kaname looked up at the pair sharing a laugh. "I know what's inside her heart. The palace is not the place for her. Juuri-sama struggled to keep her far away as possible. I can't undo what she suffered to pulled through."

"A pureblood's love is eternal. You will jeopardize your future."

"I don't have to live forever," Kaname answered without looking away from the scene. His eyes tinged black by sadness and defeat. "So long as Yuki has the freedom she desires, she can choose whomever she wants, I'll never hold it against her."

"You knew her from your dreams before you met. She deserves to know the truth."

Kaname glared at the lord, rebuking coldly, "You know how to speak idily."

"Forgive me," Lord Ichijo bowed his head generously.

A moment later, Kaname heaved a worn-out whisper, "Forget it."

"This path is wedged in thorns and coals. Lord Toma sent his proposal last night."

"He dares to play this game with me," Kaname growled malevolently under his breath, "Going after my people just to have the upper hand."

"His stocks are plummeting and the orders on the silk road have reduced. He's not afraid of losing the army close by. So far, Jinmu hasn't pinned down where the rest are hidden and how he's trading resources to get around."

"Sounds like I have to call a meeting with minor lords." Kaname turned around, his footsteps invisible on the ground as he dispersed into black bats.

Lord Ichijo sighed apprehensively at Yuki and Aidou. He withered into mist as well, following the spotty onyx current into the blue abyss. Far below, Aidou and Yuki looked up at the seamless whisper of black speckling the clouds and clear into opaque light.

The assembly consisted of a gallery of lords from the east and west. Arriving on short notice, they registered one another curiously but did not utter a word of objection. The Kyoto palace had not witnessed an arrangement of the variety before. The lords draped themselves neatly at their designations, raising brows and glances about the hall. The doors launched open to reveal a set of human men who secluded themselves at their posts. When the room sat in sound silence and the scent of untouched sake tinkered, the doorway was wrapped by a shadow that materialized in the middle of the aisle. Kaname approached the stairs but refrained from taking the mighty chair and turned to regard the bowing group. At his heel encroached the benevolent and confident shadow of Lord Ichijo.

"Lord Toma snuggles resources and armies secretly. He can't be doing it alone." Kaname declared, "The southern borders are under his influence. I set an order for you, as of today, close your gates."

One of the lords from the west pastures bowed and stood up. "Speaking to Kotaishi Kaname Shinno, closing the gates will cause discord, most will divert to the black market. I'm not sure how our fiefs will revert from the pressure."

Kaname glanced at the three humans, "Nobunaga,"

The man bowed and stood his grand height, "My lord."

"Not too long ago your rank was elevated, with your new responsibility you need trusting allies. How far are you on compounding your vassals?"

The corners of his flat mouth curved, "My lord," He gestured to his left and right. "Hideyoshi and Ieyasu are all I need."

Kaname did not even glance at the bowing men in indication. "Fine." He worded curtly and pierced the veil of Nobunaga's heart with a steady unforgiving stare, "I put you in charge of laws involving humans. They are most susceptible to Lord Toma's tantalizing deals and are on the verge of being led astray."

The minor vampire lords immediately leaped to their feet in cries of disagreement and fear. Kaname listened intently as he observed their yells and squeamish notions. "What's wrong about a human having power?" He questioned.

The minor lords fidgeted and searched one another.

"Oh," Kaname's brows raised as if struck by an idea, "You fear humans will rebel in your fiefs, causing you to lose control. But I ask each of you to take heed—problems stirred by purebloods won't win support from humans. They suffer the most of our actions. Lord Toma intends to compel the imperial house to its knees. Who do you think they'll trust, a human or a pureblood?"

"We've never entrusted the responsibility to a young person," A minor lord earnestly murmured, nervously studying Nobunaga from the distance, "As erratic and diverse humans are, their nature of leadership usually retains negative ideas toward the imperial house."

"I hear you," The gentleness in Kaname's voice rippled over the crowd like a shower of lights. Hypnotized, the group nodded heedfully as he continued, "But only a pureblood can face another pureblood. Nobunaga will unify humans with the right cause and mission. They will easily seek protection in a fellow human who can implement ground rules for their benefit. Lord Toma's army spans over the seas, we need to find out how many he has and where. He's been driven to the black market to access weaponry and armor, so I need you to spread word of a special weapon and let them purchase it with the belief of its superior material quality."

"What will that do?" One of the lords inquired.

"Give them false hope. He needs to see we're taking his antagonism seriously, which will please him. To tame a tiger, it doesn't matter what type of meat it gets."

"Lord Toma has spies roaming over lands. If we're not careful, our fiefs will suffer the consequences." Another minor lord claimed.

"I will protect you." Kaname reassured, "Go on and close your gates, wait for more directions."

The minor lords acceded and bowed to the floor.

o o o

Pensiveness invaded Yuki the longer she moored over the proposal sent by the pureblood, Lord Toma. He'd done exactly as he claimed. An unshakable, reactionary fear flooded her heart. She closed the proposal back in the seal and dropped the letter on her father's desk who kept vigilance from his chair.

"I will handle him," Haruka insinuated, "My vassals arrived yesterday, everyone is watching the pureblood."

"What do you need me to do?" Yuki asked.

His brows rose, "Did you not hear me? I will take care of it."

"I am ready to guard Kurashiki."

Sighing listlessly, Haruka slumped in the chair, "Purebloods have their own way of doing things. His official target is not only the throne, but the Kuran bloodline. Your biggest advantage is also your disadvantage, we've kept your identity a secret. Keep your wits about you, you should be okay."

The answer was not reassuring, however, she didn't ask further and left to assist at the Souen Tavern. As usual, Aidou insisted accompanying her, and as usual, Yuki didn't reject the offer. A few weeks together helped them grow comfortable and indulge each other's differences or uniqueness's. Aidou was vociferously candid, purposeful but kind. Meanwhile, next to his cheerful gallantry, Yuki was tolerant but amused. They didn't make an odd pair. Kurashiki slowed and stared whenever they passed by, serenading them about how good they looked together. Yuki wasn't reticent of the observation, but she dueled and watched him stumble in defeat day after day.

He barged into Haruka's study one afternoon, shoved open the doors and straddled the threshold with hands-on-hips as if he'd returned victorious from war. "Yuuuki-chan!"

She was concentrating on another letter left by the crowned prince. "You're here, Aidou," She murmured without interest.

He strode toward her and shook her by the shoulders, playfully, "I have just the thing to win you over."

Her head bounced back and forth from the force of his hold. "We decided not to play that game."

"Put these away and come with me this instant," Aidou plucked the letters and books from her hand. He dragged her out of the study.

Yuki didn't object and was elated by his surprise. Aidou had a secret place to practice his sword skill and found a carriage of sake abandoned on the roadside. Yuki couldn't turn away from free sake no matter the moral stake.

"This is the strangest find," Yuki lazily ruminated over the empty bottle, her vision swirled as she winked up at the blue sky, "But I'm happy we get to enjoy it."

"Good quality." Beside her, Aidou cradled his bottle dazedly, "Where do we stash our treasure? If someone finds out," He hiccupped, "We'll have to share it. And I don't want to share."

"We have no choice," Yuki swigged her bottle and spoke after it finished, "But drink everything ourselves. Screw everyone else."

Aidou nodded, pointing at her, "Smart, smart."

"Maybe if we dig a hole and bury it."

"At the stone-edged mountain top!" Aidou exclaimed.

Yuki slumped heavily at the notion, "Too much work." She groaned.

"We finish four crates today," Aidou hiccupped, "Afterward, we start digging."

"Too much work!" Yuki clenched her eyes and sobbed.

"Wait, wait," Aidou pointed at the carriage, "We can close the road and stop people from seeing our treasure."

Yuki's eyes snapped wide, "Use your magic and make an ice wall around the carriage. It will contain the sake's freshness, and no one will ever know."

Aidou sharply sat up at the idea. "Brilliant!" He zigzagged to his feet but buckled into sitting position in the middle of the road, "It's too far." He rasped.

Less than two feet away, Yuki rolled on her side like a cat twisting its paws to the blue-eyed Ice Master. "I'd help you but I'm too dizzy." She hiccupped.

Aidou flattened on the road, "If I lie here, they won't run me over."

"Good, I will lie here to help you," Yuki rolled on her back, out of breath.

o o o

Kaname had just poured himself a fresh cup of hibiscus tea when the thunderous footsteps of Lord Ichijo summoned for attention. The usually polite and compliant lord with glowing emerald irises wore a look of chagrin and dissatisfaction once he met Kaname's garnet glance across the room. He was at the Kyoto palace reviewing Zero's training over the last two weeks as well as holding counsel with minor lords that had closed their gates from Lord Toma's secret troops. Kaname, who loved his freeing peace and quiet isolation, sat unmoved by the lord's anxious approach. He blew on the warm tea as the lord towered over him.

"Something happened," The lord started, seeing as Kaname did not budge from his ceremonial involvement over the tea, he went on to disclose, "A shipment to the palace was due to arrive three days ago but was lost en route. After recovering the shipment, two culprits were found and apprehended for stealing palace goods."

"Why do you want to indulge me on unnecessary information such as stolen food?" Kaname did not sip the tea but set it back on the table in irritating scorn, "Why should I care?"

Lord Ichijo recognized the growl underlining the question slithering out of harrowing fangs. He promptly retreated a step and bowed his head. "Kaname-sama, please, forgive me. You're the only one invested in making sure everything moves accordingly. The shipment is unrecoverable. The culprits consumed the goods and remain indisposed. Interrogating them hasn't been fruitful, although, eventful. One of the culprits emphasized intimate details about you."

Kaname had finally moved to taste the tea but paused.

"I needed to confirm with you, or I feared to blaspheme your reputation."

"Tell me," Kaname casually regarded the anxious lord, "What was said about me?"

Lord Ichijo blinked at Kaname uneasily, "Uh, forgive me for repeating something not meant for your ears. It was claimed you are expecting a child—err—that, she claims to be the mother of your child."

Kaname sat sterile-eyed and composed. He poured the tea at the back of his throat in a single gulp.

Lord Ichijo blinked three more times at the immutable crowned prince. "Perhaps I was not clear enough. The shipment was lost in the south. You personally ordered the sake from Hikone because she prefers it and adapted your taste buds to preserve her interests. I'd like to believe her claims are false, not only to protect you, but because she's ridiculously drunk."

"...She." Kaname counted the syllables of the word trailing his frowning mouth.

Lord Ichijo clenched his jaw and firmly nodded. "Yes, Kaname-sama. The 'she' we are referring to is Yuki."

The cup fell out of his hand and smashed to the ground. Kaname felt the flavor of the tea chase his blood, soon a ripple of realization intoxicated his senses. He shimmered out of his physical form into a stream of black and whipped out of the window, much to Lord Ichijo's astonishment at the stormy reaction.

"Wait for me!" The lord staggered out of his corporeal form and swam into the black stream of his superior through the clouds.

o o o

When Kaname touched ground in Kurashiki, the road was deserted by chonin except for palace men and investigators. At the tree were two figures bound and blind-folded. The sight made him curl his brows. He sighed loudly, the exhaustion of the scene kneading the back of his throat that when he exhaled Lord Ichijo paled.

"None of you can defeat me," She squared her shoulders and tipped her head high, swaying in the direction of the investigators through her blindfold. "You want me to yack up the sake, cut open my belly then, but leave Aidou alone. He can freeze you, your children, and your great-grandchildren. As for me," She proudly opened her chest, "I am the daughter of the Tsunamasa clan and former huntress of the Association, we rise and protect."

"The daughter of Tsunamasa clan stole from the pureblood crowned prince."

"I told you-" Yuki roared at the investigator, "If Ouji found out you interrogated me in this manner," She wrestled emphatically in the ties and blindfold, "Life will be very hard for you, you hear me."

"Alright, lady," The investigator drawled and nudged his counterpart. The man began to tighten her ropes. "We'll have to take you to prison where you can sober up."

"How dare you touch me there?" Yuki squirmed against the man clenching her wrist to her rear, "If Ouji found out, he'd tear off your phalanges and eat them."

The investigator folded his arms, droning, "Am I to believe you're his woman. Kotaishi Kaname Shinno is reserved and diplomatic. He doesn't entertain women, especially those who steal from him."

"What do you know?" Yuki growled, "I am as precious to Ouji as his eyes. I am the jade and fine wine of his life. He cannot bear to part from me. I am close and dear to his breath and pulse. If a strand of my hair is mishandled or ruined, he'll rip your guts out and drink it like a slurpee."

Kaname stroked his chin. On his left, Lord Ichijo searched him pleadingly, "It would be wise to clear the situation."

His hand lowered to reveal a wolfish grin tightening the edges of his mouth. "Yuki is such an interesting person. She is always up to something."

Lord Ichijo blinked at the pureblood vampire whose eyes shimmered like stars at the girl, a look he recalled reserved solely for sacred and esoteric texts the reclusive and passive prince adored.

The investigator had thrown his head back to heckle at the sky after her assertation. "If that were true, instead of stealing sake, why aren't you drinking with him at the palace?"

"Didn't you hear me? I am the sake of his life, I can drink where or however I want. Besides, you should be ashamed of yourself. How can you put the woman pregnant with Ouji's child in prison?" Yuki admonished.

"You should have common sense beforehand, you glutton," The man slurred.

"You dare call me names?" She gasped. "If Ouji knew, he'd scorch your tongue."

"Yes, yes, you are the scarlet dye of his eye. If he were here, he'd swing you over his shoulder and take you away to the palace where he bejeweled you in gold and pearls."

Yuki averted her head. "Humph. If Ouji heard you making fun of me, he'd make you stand on one leg for ten days without moving like an ostrich."

"Tempting," Kaname admitted under his breath.

"You can conjure your case from prison, sing sonnets of your epic love and maybe a lonely lord will feel compassion and release you and your child." The investigator stated.

"You heartless baboon-" Yuki snapped.

Kaname took a moment from the scene toward Lord Ichijo. "Send the palace men back."

"Right away."

"Also," Kaname pointed to the slanted blond man asleep on the tree trunk, "Erase Hanabusa Aidou's memories and escort him home."

Lord Ichijo peered worriedly at the prince, "What about her?"

Kaname's brows wiggled, he tilted his head as a tell-tale smirk struggled to comply with the satin calmness of his normal expression. Yuki was shrieking curses at the investigator. "Allow me."

"I wish the worst tooth decay on your fangs. Once my child is born, he will come for extraction. He will make it painful. He hears everything you say."

Kaname approached the trio and stopped in front of the blind-folded Yuki. "Does he now?"

The investigators backpedaled in shock and bowed. "Ou-"

Kaname signaled them to silence by placing a finger on his lips. He noted the investigator who displeased Yuki and pointed to his person. "One leg." He glared.

The shocked man widened his eyes, but he slowly complied. "Ye-yes, my lord."

He waited for the investigator to stand stock still on one foot before reeling back to the frustrated girl in part satisfaction. She was flushed from shrieking, shaking her head so the long strands of hair drizzled fiercely around her shoulders and cheeks.

"Pureblood babies have mysterious abilities, the fact is well known," Yuki shouted, "How dare you condemn Ouji's child. Let me say today is your last day. Choose wisely and let me go."

"But your offense is a big deal. The sake was ordered eight months ago. I hear he waited anxiously for it. Unfortunately, you drank it all. I'm afraid he'll be disquieted by the news. If we don't take you to prison, have you decided how to repay him?"

"Hm," She twisted her lips in consternation, "Now that you mention it, he is sensitive and has fragile emotions he tends to hide. You can go back and tell Ouji whenever he needs protection, Yuki will be there."

Kaname nodded at the offer, "Not bad. A normal person would be deeply touched by the gesture. Except he is a pureblood, how can someone like you protect him?"

"Ouji knows how," Yuki interrupted, "This Tsunamasa lady never let anything happen to him. We can live in opposite hemispheres and remain on the same side. Sake means nothing between us."

Kaname's eyes narrowed. "You're too good to Ouji. Doesn't your fiancé care?"

"My fian-" She stopped short and pouted, "Aidou and I have an understanding, but I won't take advantage of his kindness. My child with Ouji has nothing to do with Aidou."

"Sounds to me your fiancé and you don't have a fiery deep love. Why don't you duel me? If I win, I will take you as my bride."

Yuki frowned and chewed her bottom lip.

Strange, how does he know about my duels with Aidou?

"I would happily duel you, but I have to disappoint you," Yuki replied, "I can't risk the child growing in my womb."

Kaname folded his arms, "With a powerful father around, I'm sure the child knows it is safe."

Yuki scowled, "You must have a death wish! You shouldn't temper with a pureblood's patience, a Kuran's mood. Now you're trying to snake his woman."

Kaname moved under the tree where she resided. She sensed his approach and backed into the trunk cautiously. "True. If winning you is a death wish, marrying you is an annihilation." He whispered.

Yuki turned her face to the side, away from his leaning perch, "I know I look tantalizing bound and blind-folded. It appeals to your sadistic desires, you want to have your way with me, but I am a tough swordsperson. You will rue losing to me."

Kaname restrained the laughter and schooled his expression. "You are perceptive. Talking to you has been exhilarating. How about you don't go to prison and come with me instead? Your fiancé can't give you the love you deserve."

"Aidou and I are taking things slowly. You won't understand our delicate situation." Yuki tipped her nose skyward.

"Does that mean your fiancé will contend against Ouji?"

"Don't you worry, Aidou is an upright noble-blood, he will protect me."

"How can your fiancé protect you while he's inebriated? Sounds to me he isn't capable of your hand in marriage."

"Then what the hell qualifies you?"

As Kaname blinked, the furrow of his brows depleted, rendering a sudden unfathomable beauty blessed only to the indelible Kurans. "You see just now I've fallen for you. I want to take you home with me. If Ouji-sama learned of my desires, he'd have mercy and let me have you."

Yuki's mouth skewed sideways in revulsion, crying. "Ouji would never let that happen!"

"Are you sure?"

"Employer or not, he won't trade me like a toy, dismiss me, or replace me."

My blood has done its work. Pride chiseled Kaname's sternum, he nodded silently down at Yuki. "Let's not waste our precious time and break off your engagement."

Yuki pursed her lips. "I won't sway and become yours."

"How sad. If Ouji-sama were here, what'll sway your heart, so you become his?"

Yuki tilted her head, jokingly. "Throw me over his shoulder and take me away?"

"Really." Kaname grinned wolfishly.

"Mm." She but nodded impishly.

"He is sensitive like you say. He won't throw you over the shoulder." Kaname swept her in his arms gracefully and firmly, lifting and cradling her as she yelped, "Ouji won't treat his pregnant bride recklessly." He drew her against him.

Bound and stunned, Yuki shook her head frantically. "Put me down."

"The deal has struck."

"What deal?"

"You have somewhere to go, Yuki." Kaname glared at the watchful investigators. The one standing on one leg intended to bow and hopelessly toppled over. He righted himself under Kaname's penetrative eyes. "Good ostrich." He remarked.

Yuki continued thrashing as best as she could in the ropes. She gasped out of breath moments later, kicking her legs. "All the lords in town will hunt you down if anything happens to me."

Kaname nudged her head into his chest, "You are getting tired."

Yuki didn't care. "Are you deaf? You don't know who you're messing with." She indignantly shrieked.

Kaname made a whisking ripple, a dancing wave of black and white on the field, disappearing with Yuki. He let her emote her exasperation at his unconstraint behavior, minding carefully that she was, as Lord Ichijo succinctly infused, ridiculously drunk. Kaname tapped a dream spell on her temple and waited for her head to roll against his chest. He warped in the sizeable comfort of her bedroom and laid her gently in bed. He undid her ties and blindfold, covered her under the covers. Cheek on fist, he listened to the tempo of her somnolent breathing. Only after he grew certain she wouldn't have a nightmare, Kaname rose to leave.

Inches from shaking off his physical form and oozing to black dust, the sound of wrestling hauled the pureblood back around to find Yuki sitting upright, wide awake. His eyes darkened; the corners narrowed from confusion. "How are you resisting my dream spell?" He wondered under his breath. She always slept through the night under it.

She regarded him in stifled sadness, her eyes a mixture of aloof and regret. "You're leaving?" Yuki asked.

Gingerly, Kaname sat back on the edge of her bed. "You're having a dream, Yuki."

"Liar."

Kaname frowned and straightened his shoulders. "Why am I a liar?"

She peered into her lap, "Every time I tried, you never came."

He brushed the long hair off her shoulders, "Congratulations, Yuki, it finally happened."

She calculated Kaname's illustrative coat, his black-brown swift hair, and long-fingered hands undecidedly, "You, purebloods, love fooling people. I'm just an instrument in the grand scheme of things."

"Don't overthink," Kaname eased her back in bed and drew the covers to her chin, "You're not an instrument." Noticing her deepening dissatisfaction, he sighed knowingly, "Looks like I've upset you. It'd be best I give you space." He moved off the bed.

"Stop right there! Where do you think you're going?" Yuki demanded, "You dare come here and leave when you want."

Kaname chimed around to spare her a thoughtful glance over. "What would you have me do?"

"You're in my dream," Yuki informed, "That means anything I want, goes. I get to take advantage of you."

At her authoritarian assertion, his brows soared. Neatly he sat down beside her at the ready. "You have me. What can I give you, Yuki?"

Startlement shattered her consternation, her brows quivered, and eyes widened. She fidgeted, withdrawing haphazardly from his leaning form, "I didn't expect you to be docile. I guess this really is a dream," She blushed, "Since I have you to myself, why don't you tell me the truth?"

Kaname smiled at the innocent question. "Every word I give you is true." He nuzzled her nose.

She held her breath as he pressed his forehead to hers.

"I won't let anything happen to you. I promised I won't throw you away." Kaname whispered.

Yuki pouted at him. She pulled her hand from the blanket and patted him on the head. "Ouji, you must feel lonely at the palace. If you want company I can visit, and we can drink until sunrise."

Kaname chuckled, "I should make a doorway for you to sneak in and find me."

Yuki queued her brows at the idea.

"You have to reach me at the lightest of matters." He said.

"Ouji, the nation relies on you. I'm not needy, I won't burden you, I swear." Yuki's patting gentled with her words.

"True," Kaname lifted his face to consider her gamine features and smiled, "You're strong, independent, and you don't take nonsense to heart. It's me who worries about you all time."

"Why?"

"Because," Kaname pondered distantly into space, "I get bored when you aren't around. We can say, you're my cure."

Yuki's gaze saddened and her hand resumed wandering through his silky hair, "Months ago I had visions of you growing up. How you walked in the corridors, studied alone, trained alone, ate alone, slept alone. No one came to comfort you. No one shared your loneliness or listened to what you wanted. Takuma wasn't allowed, either."

"A person doesn't know loneliness until he finds company."

"If that's the case, I give you permission to worry, but you can't worry too much, or your hair will turn white."

Kaname traced the curve of her cheek. "Of course, Yuki."

"But," Yuki debated hesitantly, "If it'll make girls reject you, it's okay."

"Hmm." His eyes narrowed sharply.

"Ouji, you should know dark hair is a Kuran staple. You won't look good in another color."

"I look good in everything." He stated quite comfortably, "If you dislike it, I'll keep women at arm's length, so you don't get jealous."

"Jealous, me? Those poor women don't know what a pervert you are. The future crowned princess must be a saint to put up with you."

Kaname whimsically nodded along as if surrendering to the biwa strings. "Seems like you're the only person who understands my true nature."

"I've tasted your blood, why won't I?" She replied. "You can always move to Kurashiki, living here is your dream. I won't mind sharing the road with you. I'll give Lord Toma the ass-kicking of his life so you can relax."

He brushed the bangs out her brows and kissed her forehead.

She stilled at the gesture, turning scarlet beneath his gaze.

"What's the matter, you don't want to take advantage of me anymore?" Kaname asked.

Yuki narrowed her eyes and pushed him down forcefully on the bed. Gripping his collar, she mouthed gravely, "Don't forget, you don't get to decide who takes advantage of whom. The tables have turned. I have the power."

Kaname flattened on the bed, amused by the girl on top of him, "How do you wish to execute your power?"

"Don't mistake me, you don't know what I'm capable of," Yuki warned vindictively, "I can torture you or kill you."

He raised his brows at the imminent prospects, acceding. "I wonder if you can handle watching me die." A firm twist of the wrist conspired a magical blade in his hand, Kaname nudged the knife on his throat, "Will this do?"

Yuki slapped the knife away as if it were poisonous. His hands sank on the bed at his side, at her mercy, precisely as warranted. "No cheating. I get to choose my mode of weapon."

Kaname patiently considered her in wise silence. "You must've thought of a hundred ways to kill me. Have I disappointed you that much?"

Yuki didn't say but clenched his collar again.

He sighed, closing his eyes in submission. "So, I did disappoint you. I put my fate in your hands, Yuki."

She peeked at his serene eyelids, the smooth alabaster expanse of his forehead and soft, long cheeks. His lashes extended low, veiling the undereye completely. The pureblood relaxed explicitly underneath her, willing and alert. Yuki caressed the pulse on his neck, grazing the collar of his jacket. Her fangs nibbled the warm skin lightly at first, before pinching a mouthful.

"Oh?" Kaname's eyes widened awake at the revelation, "This is what you had in mind. Can you live with breaking your promise to Fumiko-sama?"

"She doesn't have to know," Hungrily Yuki dove into the divine blood.

Kaname shivered, gripping her suddenly around the waist and turned them over. Her arms wound his shoulders as blood gushed into her hungry lips. She heaved in the delectable heat, nourishing the starved cells of her body, her eyes rolled back. Yuki pulled him closer, reveling in the healing and sustaining life-force she craved. She managed to unhook her fangs at the last minute, peaking at the pureblood through deliriously wicked-red eyes, hazy and excited from the energy his blood endowed. Her cheeks darkened, lips lined in crimson, her heart knocked against her sternum with rasping breath. He nudged her chin up and licked the blood on her mouth. Yuki quivered dangerously, every cell in her body rattled, her eyes fluttered, and her blood boiled from the sensuous trickle of his tongue between her lips, parting at the nick of time. She opened her eyes and glanced at his fangs, withdrawing behind his lips.

"You're always using me," Kaname tipped her chin up, forcing her to meet his eye. She heaved feverishly. "You keep blaming how you're unconscious when you drink from me. I have to teach you a lesson."

"What lesson?" She whispered.

Kaname outlined her mouth with the pads of his finger. "You'll remember everything." The other hand slipped against her temple and injected another dream spell.

The glow in her eyes dimmed to black. Heavily her eyelids dripped close. Kaname detached one arm after another and rolled against her side. She slipped quickly to sleep, her breathing laden from a mysterious dream. Kaname eased on his side and watched her sink deeper and deeper into sleep. Night cradled the world and the orchestra of blissful grasshoppers radiated outside. He drew her smaller hand and enfolded it against his chest, waiting on the enveloping rhythm of her breathing. Kaname pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes.

Morning flowed, piercing his relieved mind with the stinging light of the sun from a flaring curtain. She hadn't moved in her sleep, neither had she tugged her smaller out of his. A smile swept into his face, the ever-present gentleness of his eye that did not hold a candle to others ignited. He could hear the house waking up. With a last caress of her cheek, Kaname extracted himself from her and eased into a spur of black dust.

o o o

To accommodate Haruka's vassals from neighboring fiefs, the historical residence of the Tsunamasa clan was modified into a guest house. The mansion consisted of twenty rooms, fifteen storages with a vast land connecting the forest and Haruka's estate. The residence was the office of the mayor. After Haruka's resignation, no one dreamt of stepping in his shadow and the house sat empty for years. He was more than delighted to fill the place and host his friends and alliances. The news of the gathering was expected to reach Lord Toma who stayed not far.

Lord Kisaragi elatedly met the host with an empathetic smile. Kurashiki mornings trickled with the dance of rose petals. The corner field leading to the former mayor's garden rustled from the breeze. He admired the lush forest and the silent mountains. Haruka had been busy tailoring to everyone's comfort and pleasure with resources, tea ceremonies, and musicals. His vassals were zealous warlords, robust in sword skill and hunter knowledge. They understood the gathering wasn't for leisure but welcomed the effort he exerted toward their slightest inklings in honor of their friendship.

"Haruka," Lord Kisaragi breathed in the scent of floating roses at dawn, "It's no wonder you never leave Kurashiki. I thought you were turning into a sloth all these years alone. Had I known you were taking care of a beautiful and peaceful city I see here, I wouldn't have misjudged you."

Haruka smiled at the brunette lord who had fought wars with his grandfather. "Maybe I'm using Lord Toma as an excuse to change your mind by calling you here. Kurashiki remains the same gem when Jii-sama was alive."

"I can sense our fellow friends are worried about the pureblood's plans," Lord Kisaragi murmured, "Never fear. Together, we are stronger."

"Lord Toma sent a handful of spies to check on my guest list," Haruka replied.

"What allies does he have to depend on anymore?" Lord Kisaragi turned to regard him warmly, "The pureblood community has turned their back on him. No one wants to defy the Kuran royalty. I hear a Kiryuu resides in the palace, is this true?"

Haruka nodded, "Zero followed the footsteps of his ancestors months ago. His twin brother is around, a genius boy."

Birds scattered through the horizon. Lord Kisaragi scanned the spies bitterly. "A peaceful town like yours should not attract deceitful blood. I'm not worried if a Kiryuu is around to protect the crowned prince. The eternal legend between Kiryuus and Kurans is true. The pureblood king must feel relieved."

"Everything has a place it must return to."

The courtyard roamed with attendants. Lord Kisaragi turned around and folded his arms. "But I have interesting news to share, considering it relates to Kurashiki you take pride in."

Haruka blinked and nodded, "What have you heard?"

The lord tapped his chin as he recalled the story. "I admit I was surprised, but palace men are the eyes and ears of the Kurans. A week ago, the palace men confessed taking time off and resting at a nearby inn from a special delivery. Your heavenly state wouldn't have thieves, they believed. Apparently two culprits got into the supply and stole the crowned prince's goods. Get this, one of them claimed to be his pregnant bride!"

Haruka whipped around, stunned. "Ouji-sama has taken a woman? Wouldn't the news be asseverated directly from the palace?"

"Normally, yes," Lord Kisaragi hummed profoundly, "Marriage is arranged by the patriarch of the clan. How could the crowned prince hide his relationship? The palace men were shocked."

After a moment, Haruka replied, "A child of the Kuran is crucial and difficult to hide."

"The crowned prince wasn't concerned about that. Once he heard about the disruption, he instantly came to rescue her. The palace men saw him cradle her very lovingly in his arms and take her back to the palace."

"Purebloods don't fly in our direction often."

"You read my mind. We can discount new purebloods from settling here and deduce his bride isn't one. The child in her belly will be an aristocrat vampire, sentenced to death. I fear a dark future. Aren't you curious who the Kurashikan woman is?"

"I went everywhere and finally found ten sets of flowers, including mint and lemongrass for the tea ceremony. There's lavender, jasmine, hibiscus, peace blossom. I couldn't get the lotus you like." A voice hollered as the individual dressed in an exquisite red kimono closed the distance from the courtyard entrance to the overlooking lords. Haruka inquisitively reviewed the tray displaying the ingredients for the afternoon. "The royakan owner said, she'd only give the lotus if a certain vampire lord asked himself," Yuki grumbled.

"Why is that?" Haruka wondered curiously, "I've never seen the woman."

His daughter glared in freezing accusation, "This is what happens when every woman in town falls in love with you."

Haruka swatted the notion as if it were a fly on his nose. "Nonsense."

"I'm serious. It's not only Ms. Laison in love with you." Yuki claimed. "Why do you think there's a high population of widows that never remarried?"

Haruka pinched her cheek, "One more word like that out of you and I'm marrying you to Aidou tonight."

"Acck, ow!" Yuki winced and yanked away to rub her swollen cheek on her shoulder.

Lord Kisaragi amusedly watched the brown-red eyed girl. "Haruka, who is this rare ruby in front of me?" He gestured his sleeve in her direction.

Haruka averted and reigned his patience to word kindly, "My lord, this is my daughter."

"What a sweet face." Lord Kisaragi mouthed astonishingly, "Is this the lady who recently had an awe-inspiring debutant? Lords rave about it to this day. Why are you hiding her in Kurashiki?"

Haruka glanced at Yuki wearily, "She has a lot of growing up to do. With a vicious tongue like hers, I worry where she'll end up if she isn't careful."

"A pleasure to meet you, my lord. I apologize you have to put up with my father who famously exaggerates and loves to break hearts of women." Yuki bowed deep.

"There it is." Haruka drawled under his breath defeatedly.

"No need to apologize," Lord Kisaragi grinned, "I predicted Haruka's tendencies. I can't take him gambling or to the saloons, he is a boring soul and sullen."

"My lord, you're in luck," Yuki stepped forward, "I am a great gambler. If you need company, you can count on me."

Lord Kisaragi glanced at the fuming father from the corner of his eye. "Mmm, one of these days, I will definitely take you up on the offer."

"Over my dead body." Haruka glared at Yuki. "A lady has no business gambling at saloons. You've been studying feminine classics for months, why waste the effort for transient gratification?"

Lord Kisaragi chuckled, "Unlike you, luckily she inherited the Tsunamasa good sense and enthusiasm, it's only her nature. No need to be hard on her."

Haruka was appeased by the statement and relented. "Take the ingredients to the kitchen." He instructed.

"Fine." She began to abide by a fluid twirl of her heel but Haruka tapped her shoulder until she turned around.

"Know your place." He warned.

Yuki zipped her mouth and saluted in understanding.

Lord Kisaragi laughed as he watched her disappear in the corridor of the kitchen, the furrow on Haruka's brow had yet to deplete. "The sweetness between father and daughter is one great humbling love. I've witnessed it in person today." His green eyes twinkled wistfully, "The more I look at her, the more I'm reminded of a pureblood goddess who came to Kurashiki. She passionately fell in love with a lord. At the time, she didn't understand the impact her love had on his life and ran away, afraid her family might harm him upon learning their tryst. I hear the goddess hasn't forgotten her love and refuses to marry."

Quietly Haruka considered the lord. "You've never been in love or married. Why do you mind these tales?"

"I'm just curious," Lord Kisaragi skeptically hinted, "Why a blessed and loved goddess like her has a tragic fate? If you ask me, the lord should forgive her and be with her. Purebloods can conquer the material world but not love."

"And there are those purebloods who extort the weak to gain momentum on their gains." Haruka glared pointedly at another series of shadow spies flaring over the clouds, "After Yuki's debutant, Lord Toma graced me by sending a marriage proposal."

"Cch, he has an impeccable talent for pissing off a lot of people," Lord Kisaragi's voice soured with ire, "Haruka," He said again in warm affection, "Why don't you cloak her with magic?"

"Her blood repels cloaking magic," Haruka notified disappointedly, "They say, half-purebloods can thwart purebloods and lust after power. Thank goodness she prefers to live freely."

"You need not say more," Lord Kisaragi nodded, "Lord Toma can use her to taunt the Kuran king and crowned prince. We're here to stop the infidel."

Haruka couldn't refrain the unruly smirk curling around his mouth, "In the thousand years you've been alive, it's my first time seeing you colored in emotion. You took a knife to the heart without batting an eye in the Pureblood Wars nor did you break sweat in the Battle of Koan."

"You were too young to remember Koan," Lord Kisaragi remarked, "Change is integral to life. Once we square away Lord Toma, you'll see me in a better light."

"Don't get your hopes up." Haruka scoffed.

o o o

Kaname stood up just as the doors of his private hall opened. The emerald-eyed lord gracefully bowed before asking, "Hope you are feeling better?"

"Why wouldn't I?" The question was raised with pertinacious curiosity but drew flatly through fangs.

Lord Ichijo straightened his back and regarded the pureblood prince. "The rumor must've put you at distress. The halls are in a frenzy about your taking a bride."

Kaname picked his coat and slipped it on. The collars folded elegantly around his throat and hair as the sleeves wrapped breathtakingly against wrists, leaving the display of pearl white fingers and palms. From behind, Lord Ichijo thought the coat fell on him like black wings, but the prince turned around noiselessly, and the mirage dissipated.

"Lord Toma will find my hands full with a pregnant bride. Leave it. We should only be worried if the king takes it seriously." Kaname said methodically.

"Speaking of him, there's a spike of demand on the weapon rumored to destroy masses from one stroke in the black market."

"Not bad."

"Just as you intended, the minor lords have kept their gates locked. All of them are searching underground tunnels and investigating ports Lord Toma may be using under a disguise."

Kaname admired the lord in eerie patience.

He shifted his weight in sudden nervousness. "And... Takuma returned to Kurashiki to aid Yuki yesterday. They've been occupied with taking care of Tsunamasa vassals. In the afternoon they'll collaborate and draw a plan to chase Lord Toma out of Kurashiki."

"Lord Toma must be anxious." Kaname murmured.

"Jinmu says, the vanguards outside of Kurashiki were dismissed. Lord Toma hasn't brought up reinforcing an army yet."

"He will." Kaname determinedly answered, "He is waiting to see what Haruka-sama's vassals will plan and go from there. The south is his region despite he doesn't hold an official title. He strongly believes in protecting the land. We should reward him for his ethics."

Lord Ichijo nodded, "You're openly stating this, which means you've already decided what title you want to endow?"

Kaname smirked uncharacteristically at the lord. "I've always admired Haruka-sama. He's someone I can learn a lot from compared to the royal scripts the imperial family adheres by."

"If you change the system, the king won't allow it."

"I merely intend to fix what needs adjustments, not reinstitute a new system. Haruka-sama can be my new advisor. What do you think?"

Lord Ichijo smiled thoughtfully, instantly satisfied by the resolution. "He is a wise person, a great leader and attracts respect everywhere he goes. People easily listen to him and care about him. The kind of leader is wonderful and well-liked."

"I agree."

Lord Ichijo clenched his fangs in frustration.

Kaname sensed his discomfort and stared intently. "What is it?"

He sighed vehemently, "I don't think Jinmu has earned Lord Toma's trust completely otherwise we'd know about the locations of his troops by now. It's taking too long. We may need another plan, something to gain Lord Toma's trust."

"Stop wasting breath on unnecessary things," Kaname said curtly, "All we need is Lord Toma's weakness. As for now, we have somewhere to be." He began to distribute into a formless black sea.

"Where to?" Lord Ichijo asked in surprise.

"There's an important gathering happening. You want me to miss it?" Kaname glared reprovingly over his shoulder, dissolving into bats skating out the window.

o o o

As the architect of the tea ceremony, Yuki prepared a variety of teas to suit each vampire lord and his party in the main hall. She never imagined serving their level in her existence and did not take the matter pretentiously. Takuma guided her on the proper water boil. If it wasn't done correctly, he urged her to remake it. She did not mind his feedback. The majority of the lords beamed above their cups after a sample, and the effort automatically felt rewarding. Yuki refined the tea leaves with a gold-handled knife, her mouth twisting and contorting with each slice. She raised the shining silver blade dipped in gradient gold and white marble, infusing the body of a dragon.

"I wonder if you can handle watching me die."

Irritation scrambled the neat and clear space between her brows. She grunted, making another bone splitting slice.

Takuma was done queuing the teas and found her bending over the counter, slicing the table away with a dangerously glowing knife. He snatched her wrist, prying the weapon neatly and inspected it widely. "The dragon blade?" He gaped at Yuki open-mouthily.

"Oh, this cheap thing?"

"Cheap?" Takuma exclaimed incredulously, "Do you have any idea what this is?"

Yuki took the knife back and returned to cutting leaves nonchalantly. "As long as it cuts, does it matter?"

Takuma raked fingers through his hair to contain his shock. "Cut? The dragon blade does more than that."

"It can't be better than Artemis." She refuted.

"Artemis, no." Takuma nodded, "But the dragon blade is one of the most sought-after weapons, next to the Light of Heaven. Artemis and Bloody Rose are hunter weapons, born from the Shotos. No one has ever seen the dragon blade—and here you are mincing tea leaves with it."

Yuki blinked, "If no one has seen it, how do you know what it looks like?"

"The dragon on the handle is the insignia of kingship, leadership. The only pureblood family to lord over vampires since the inception of our kind, obviously it's inherited by the successor of the throne, just like the Light of Heaven. How in the world do you have it?"

"Uh." Yuki frowned at the sharp blade. "I found it."

Takuma set his hands firmly on her shoulders and whipped her around. "Yuki, the dragon blade is not ordinary. It serves as a key to a very destructive door."

"What door?"

He took the weapon out of her hand and cleaned it with a towel. "The key to the Kuran crypt where former kings lie in slumber. Juuri-sama was afraid of her grandfather and ran away from Kurashiki. She thought he'd send an army to burn the town. Well, that grandfather is also slumbering there." He closed the towel around the weapon before opening the pocket of her kimono to hide the weapon. "Kaname knows better not to lose it. Looks like I have to manipulate him into telling me the truth about how you 'found' it."

"Don't!" Yuki cried.

"Then why won't you tell me?"

"He—I, we—" She pursed her lips.

Was there a decent manner of explaining Kaname in her bed?

Yuki folded her arms defensively, "It fell out of his pocket. I stole it a long time ago."

"That heirloom is worth more than our heads." Takuma spat.

Judging by his reaction, she was undertaken by a faint of concern, "Don't be upset." Yuki placatingly fanned around his flamed cheeks, "To strike a balance, I gave him Artemis. We are more than even. Artemis is more useful than a tomb opener. Besides he isn't popping coffins lately. He's living out his carnal pleasures as a crowned prince, surrounded by nymphs."

Takuma clutched his shaking head, reeling back expletives. "Of course! With Lord Toma zoning in, what else could he possibly be doing?" He gritted dryly that his fangs tweaked against gums.

Takuma tended to become disgruntled at the notion of Kaname philandering with the wrong type of women. His reaction was not only precedented, it successfully diverted his frustration from her. "He's a man before a pureblood." Yuki added with sound justification, "Can't he enjoy the bliss of manhood? He can't afford to care about the dragon blade right now."

"Correct," He pointed at her upturned nose. "He is a man, not just any pureblood, but the heir to the Kuran throne. You share a lineage and a responsibility toward the dragon blade too. It's too complicated to explain how the blade works. You had better return the blade to its rightful owner."

"Why would I be interested in a tomb filled with men looking like dried jerky." She aired unenthusiastically.

"Can you be sensitive about it?" He hissed, "They are your patriarchy. We cannot play around with this."

"You're acting as I can-" Her eyes narrowed as she queried his perspiring forehead and stature suspiciously, "Can I open the tomb too?"

"I'm not saying that, but we can't deny it. It's difficult to explain. You didn't grow up in the Kyoto palace, you can't comprehend how powerful Kuran blood is."

"Hm, what I'm hearing is as long as the wielder has Kuran blood, he or she can open the tomb." Yuki summarized.

His shoulders sagged. "Close."

"Opening a place that holds the bodies of Kuran purebloods must have a twist." She stated.

"And returning the blade is the best solution." He continued calmly.

"Sure, in the next hundred years I see him, I will pass on the blade." She agreed.

Takuma stared at her stonily for a mild second. "You don't know?"

She patted the knife in her pocket with care, her gaze pausing on his.

"My father and Kaname have already arrived." Takuma frowned.

Yuki paled, backing into a counter. "Here?" She gaped around the kitchen desperately. "I have to get out of here."

He grabbed her by the elbow. "You're the host of the tea ceremony, where do you think you're going?"

"Can't you host in my stead? You're the master, I learned from you."

"The lords are talking about seeing you. How can I disappoint them?"

Yuki cupped his cheeks. "Not at all. You're too pretty to disappoint a soul."

"You're stringing me as Kaname does!"

"I will pay you back."

"You barely sat for my portrait."

"Two hours is overkill."

The kitchen entrance had been filled by a blond spectator. His brilliant blue eyes voicelessly hovering the parties peeling away, straightening. Aidou tucked the lettered box inside his sleeve and looped the arm against his back. He tapped a toe against his right heel and chuckled uncomfortably at the scene. "Sorry for barging in. I thought Yuki was alone."

"Don't apologize." Takuma replied as he forced a tray of tea in Yuki's hands, "I was lecturing her on routine and discipline. Her sensei is stricter than I am. She believes she can shirk from responsibilities with me here."

"Why won't you help me?" Yuki pleadingly ushered under her breath.

Takuma muttered from a nipped tear of the corner of the lip, "Everyone is waiting in the hall." Fresh-faced, he swung toward Aidou and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, "Why don't we head inside first and chat for a bit?"

Aidou glanced at Yuki, "But I-"

"Yuki can't be lofty with her time or behavior while she is a host."

"I just-"

"Isn't your father here? I've been wanting to talk to him for a long time." Takuma urged him out of the kitchen.

Yuki sobered from her deliria and peered gingerly over the tea. The rest was already at the hall. Most of the vassals had never seen Yuki or knew of her existence, and those who did spoke highly about her sword-dance at the debutant. She delivered the teas to the servants at the entrance, who quickly took to pouring the lords' empty cups. She caught them standing from their designated tables, laughing and rejoicing in embraces. Yuki found it heartwarming how the vassals nurtured each other's strengths and homes and were elatedly simply by each other's presence. Her father smiled unabashedly that his fangs glowed in the lamplight and his eyes crinkled from laughter. She smiled to herself, folded her hands and joined the lords.

Haruka glanced at his daughter neatly on his right. Silence titillated the group, their gazes following the lord's.

"Why don't we take our seats and begin?" Haruka said to the smiling faces he loved. They agreed and retreated to their tables.

Standing in the middle of the aisle in the scent of flowery teas, Haruka turned toward the center seat reserved for the highest in command and status. Kaname's dark coat layered around the floor and chair, he spectated his tea.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Ouji-sama." Haruka bowed.

Yuki duplicated the gesture without looking up.

"I understand Lord Toma has been on your mind for a long time. My vassals and I yearn to prevent misfortune from befalling Kurashiki and the Kuran royalty. We intend to support and remain loyal to the crown and the Kuran clan for the rest of our lives."

The vassals chimed in agreement.

Haruka gestured around the hall of the mansion, "It was last minute, I hope everything is up to your liking."

Kaname was ruminating his tea, dissecting the scent, the pour, and water boil at the back of his mind as he answered the Kurashikan lord. "Haruka-sama, you are a man who understands the heart of all men. You were able to gather five handfuls of warlords in half a day. Lord Toma's spies have been rounding up by the hour, drawn by the stamina and strength compiled here. He senses a storm brewing."

"We are prepared if he goes on the offense," Haruka assured.

"The columns outside of Kurashiki have taken to the sky but they will rain down once he moves. To help you be at ease, I veiled the Tsunamasa residence to stop his spies from witnessing our exchange." The cup slammed on the table, his black-red eyes pulled the room up into a cold incalculable pureblood mask.

The room sat motionless, almost listless in the echo. A lord on Yuki's right took a deep nervous breath. He relaxed and nodded in acknowledgment.

"The more worried Lord Toma becomes, the quicker he makes a mistake." Kaname relayed. "The black market is seized by a new product. His men race to purchase it in loads. We have been aware he has a massive following. Truth be told, most are humans forced to become pawns. I gave Nobunaga Oda authority to focus on them, as they are likely to trust a fellow man than an immortal. But for us, Lord Toma gambles with our fiefs, our lords, the pentagon and court, the royal family. Let me make it clear, you cannot fulfill what you are setting out to do. You are warlords, you battled famine, the trickle of a thousand years, stereotypes and hatred. You chose to tame your baser self for a fuller, soulful way of life but still you are not qualified to kill a pureblood."

Yuki blinked at the young pureblood.

' He is a man of control and will not react if it does not appeal or turn in his favor. Anything he touches, he already knows how it ends. It's why he's hard to beat at any game imaginable. '

"Speaking to Kotaishi Kaname Shinno," A warlord swept forward to kneel before the pureblood, "We gathered specifically to hinder Lord Toma's progress. My dear friend, Lord Tsunamasa, along with his forefathers, soaked their blood and bones in the land. We won't stand by and let you hail command alone."

Eyes of the room roamed upon the disturbed lord.

At his aggressive tone, Kaname sat very cool-eyed. "You know the curse that falls on your spirit for killing a pureblood. In your thousand years alive, do you want to be known for causing such a sin?"

The warlord raised his head, reprovingly, he averted in shame.

"I will look after you and I will also take on the sin alone," Kaname stated.

The concerned lord bowed to the floor. "You are his target-"

"Target?" Kaname inquired after the word, "The throne is his object of desire. I dangle it in front of him in an offensive manner. Just now my coming here to sit with you irritates him greatly. His greed is larger than the earth and the universe. We must protect the people under his influence."

"But your safety mustn't be taken lightly either. The world believes you are inexperienced and gentle. Lord Toma hastens to take advantage of it. We mustn't stand by and let him make a fool of us."

"I'm willing to be the expense of the joke," Kaname replied. "What's more important? Victory or poison?"

Haruka deliberated the matter. "We cannot kill him, but we can save the population. Forgive us, Ouji-sama, we cannot disregard your wellbeing."

"I ask you to let it go this one time." He answered. "It's been seven thousand years since the throne was contested by another pureblood."

"You know fairly well the power required to fight Lord Toma. We will defend you at any cost." Haruka bowed, the warlords surrounding the room obliged ceremoniously.

"Speaking to Kotaishi Kaname Shinno," Lord Aidou stepped forward and bowed obediently, "The Ice clan comes to stand as a vanguard and double the protection you've constructed around Kurashiki."

"And my army will cover the mountains in the east," Lord Kisaragi rose from his chair.

"Kotaishi Kaname Shinno," Another warlord grunted beside Lord Kisaragi, "My fief observed the black market. The tunnels are connected to the neighboring hans. My men went under and found Lord Toma's scouts colluding with the Ming. The emperor might be involved in obstructing the sanctity of your royal command. After my men capture the accomplices, I will salvage information and deal with them justly, I promise."

"The emperor cannot trust his own handwriting. He grows weak-spirited and suspicious by the day. He believes any riot or rebel threatens his power." Kaname murmured detachedly, "Capture the Ming but send them back, unharmed."

"They will keep coming back."

"Nobunaga leads by not killing unreasonably, we shouldn't harm the Ming either," Kaname answered firmly. "We'll return them to the emperor and let him deal with the trespassers."

The quiet pureblood is long gone. Ouji is different.

Yuki wistfully peeked from the boulder of her father's shoulder.

He calms the room with a few words, reassuring and considerate. He barely moves but absorbs the hall in a single breath, reading a person's heart from a single glance. That elegant bearing and sophisticated candor is undeniable. He is a total prince: the person sits above everyone, higher than my father, respected and burdened. But he is the only person with the ability to end a pureblood war.

Yuki closed her eyes and huffed at herself.

I dared to belittle, threaten, and outsmart such a significant person. I dared to dismiss him, even get irritated by his presence. I have much growing up to do.

The discussion resumed for hours. Her father issued the servants to serve food and tea. Yuki sank heavily next to him at the table. On the next table, Aidou and his father resided. He smiled warmly in her direction, raising his cup.

"Haruka," One of the vassals across the hall glanced from his dish delightfully, "The aroma is delicate and refreshing. I hear your daughter is responsible for our tea ceremony."

Haruka nodded appreciatively, "My lord, Yuki is just a beginner, but to be praised by you means a lot to us."

"Thank you, my lord." Yuki bowed her head. Other lords down the hall raised their cups as well.

"My pleasure," He smiled, "In fact, I noticed Kotaishi Kaname Shinno admiring his cup for a long time. He naturally carries an immaculate expression. I suspected a slight and shy smile after tasting the tea. Did I assume correctly?" He looked at Kaname hopefully.

Lord Ichijo sat up and bowed in acknowledgment. "You suspected right, my lord. Kaname-sama is a very stoic person and does not contribute general expressions. He loves to bask in good tea." The lord smiled pointedly at Yuki.

"I was reminded of something," Kaname was watching the steam glaze the air, "This rose tea resonates the feeling of a woman tasting a sweet dream from her lover's neck."

Dream?

The lords sat impressed by the description and exclaimed in agreement. "Well said. Kotaishi Kaname Shinno is right!"

"How poetic."

Her wide eyes snapped shut as she ducked next to her father to avoid being seen.

"I doubt Lady Yuki had these ideas." He purred, "Alas, it was an absent thought on my part."

"Not at all," Lord Kisaragi grinned playfully, raising his cup toward the pureblood, "Your soft nature is profound, indeed. Many purebloods are romantic by nature. Isn't that true, Haruka?" He prodded.

Haruka looked at him out of the corner of his eye and away. "Ya."

Lord Kisaragi smiled at Kaname earnestly, "Judging by your poetic words, you seem to be a great romantic, Kotaishi Kaname Shinno."

"I have read stories, but I haven't participated in a fairy tale." Kaname replied casually.

"No need to be bashful," Lord Kisaragi replied, "We come hearing the best news that you've secretly taken a bride. We're very enthusiast she's pregnant!"

Yuki choked on her tea, spilling on her kimono and table. Haruka urgently assisted in drying the stain.

Kaname raised a brow at the ruckus on the left of the hall. She wheezed in her sleeve, coloring from red to purple. Her eyes tearing and her nose watering. Aidou leapt to clear her table and provide a handkerchief.

She struggled to contain her rasps, "Th-thank you."

Aidou smiled and pushed the handkerchief in her hand.

Kaname rotated his right wrist, snaring the cloth by an invisible string as the room watched it slip to the floor defeatedly. She sniffed at the floor. From his coat, Kaname extracted a silk crimson handkerchief and displayed it readily. "Here." He waited patiently.

Yuki and Aidou, along with the vigilant vassals, whisked their heads up at the pureblood. She clenched her fists in the ballooning sleeves and nipped her bottom lip to contain her idleness. If she reacted extraordinarily, it would provoke unwanted questions and ideas. If she rejected the crowned prince's generosity, she wasn't wise or amiable as the vassals believed. If she ran away, she was hysterical. If she fainted, she was too sensitive.

Aidou nudged her elbow, whispering behind her right ear. "Go. When Kotaishi Kaname Shinno gives you something, accept it."

Yuki blinked at the blue-eyed vampire. She licked her bottom lip and swept around the table in front of the aisle. The hall looked on quietly above cups, the sound of her clogs tapped the stairs to his table.

Abruptly she slumped into a bow, hiding her face in her arms, "Forgive me for offending you, Kotaishi Kaname Shinno. I was very disorganized and I disgraced you with my lack of etiquette. Instead of giving me the handkerchief, I will dismiss myself and reflect on my clumsiness."

His left brow could not have lifted higher. Kaname considered her down his nose on the floor.

So, you know how to reflect now?

He inspected the silk handkerchief in the middle of his palm, "Why is my handkerchief not good enough?"

Yuki blinked in her arms, tipping her head up in bafflement. "Th-The handkerchief is a personal artifact. I cannot bear disorganizing your established wardrobe either. I don't make small messes but I'm an expert at making tidal waves of a mess."

"My wardrobe comes with various handkerchiefs. How do you know such intimate details about me?" He inquired.

Yuki clenched her jaw and glared at her arms. "I-I might have given an ear to gossipers about how radiantly you dress."

"I always dress in black. What's radiant about that?"

"What I mean is everything you wear looks graceful."

"Huh. Since you know me so well, it shouldn't surprise you I get offended if my gestures are refused."

Her red-brown eyes friskily shot at his cold countenance. To the world, he looked sterile and empty. But Yuki knew, how loudly those crimson eyes laughed as they crinkled at the corners and the fangs gracefully inched out of quivering lips. She glanced at the handkerchief.

"Then, I will not refuse." Yuki softened her stance and reached to retrieve it out of his hand.

Kaname narrowed his eyes and tugged the other hand the instant she pulled. "But I must impose a strict rule. A little while ago I gave my bride a blade. She's a vindictive fighter and needs to clean it, often five times a day. I'll need you to return the handkerchief."

Yuki scrunched her mouth. "What if I'm not around to return it?"

"You had better be available, my bride is ruthless," Kaname warned.

You insult me to my face about me in the third person.

She straightened, "I fear I might ruin your temperament by offending you next time."

"Do I look that short-tempered?" Impishly Kaname rested his chin against a knuckle.

"I have no opinion about how you look whatsoever."

"Not even in white hair?"

"Especially in-" Yuki chewed her bottom lip and restrained herself lest she tarnished her father's reputation in front of his vassals.

He keeps twisting my words. How was I possibly enamored by him earlier?

Lord Ichijo cleared his throat politely before intervening, "Kaname-sama, do not fear. It is without a doubt you hail as one of the most handsome beings on earth."

"Lady Yuki is ever so popular and praiseworthy in the south," Kaname upsettingly droned, "Having won the hearts of hundreds of vampire lords. I was vested in learning her true thoughts. A pity she doesn't think much of me at all."

Lord Ichijo studied her grimly. Cold chills trickled down her spine. She spied her father looking expectedly from his seat.

"Uh! Not at all. You are very good looking, no one compares to your beauty."

The flat line of his mouth curved and disappeared at the same time.

"Yuki," Her father cautioned, "Ouji-sama has earnestly and sincerely catered to your wellbeing over the years. You owe him your life. He reinforced guardianship and undertook educating you to the highest degree in classics and arts. Shouldn't you be considerate toward your teacher?"

Yuki wavered like a flame in the wind.

Observing her sorrowful stature, Kaname divertingly hinted, "Do not sadden your daughter over the past, Haruka-sama. You can keep my handkerchief but try not to be careless with it. My bride cannot stand anything related to me being put down or discarded."

Her eyes flashed at the pureblood.

"Because we share a teacher-student relationship, she will be lenient toward you or else she gets intensely jealous when women get close to me."

Yuki peacefully bowed, fangs rearing, "Thank you for being thoughtful but I won't take your gesture lightly. I'll wash the handkerchief and return it directly to your bride. According to your scripts, returning and reciprocating is just polite, not a big issue."

"I look forward to seeing you reciprocate my gestures." Kaname's eyes reddened hungrily.

After Yuki returned to her table, she promptly decided to return the dragon blade like Takuma insisted. Kaname couldn't stay in Kurashiki for too long, other matters required his attention. As she mauled over how to return the item, the lords spoke whimsically among themselves.

One boldly elected himself to implicate details. "Kotaishi Kaname Shinno, it's touching how well you look after Lady Yuki."

"Only because a great debt needed to be repaid." Lord Ichijo replied from his seat below Kaname. "Some moons ago Kaname-sama and Juuri-sama were abducted. Lady Yuki and her comrade, Zero Kiryuu, pried them out of the capture's clutches bravely. Ever since Ouji-sama has taken to them kindly and made arrangements to oversee Lady Yuki's welfare and happiness."

Aidou leaned into Yuki's shoulder. "You have a connection to the crowned prince?" He asked in somewhat shock, "Why didn't you mention it earlier?"

"It was years ago." She murmured.

"I've often seen Lady Yuki exhausting herself from studying, going on days without rest to learn Kaname-sama's scriptures." Lord Ichijo continued.

The lords beamed at the subject. "Lady Yuki, you're a captivating swordsperson, extremely educated and you come from a reputable family. Your future husband is a very lucky man."

Lord Aidou grinned and exchanged glances with Haruka.

Yuki fidgeted out of her seat and bowed to the guests. "Excuse me, I need to make a few arrangements."

"Where're you going?" Aidou tugged her sleeve.

"To get changed."

"Don't leave me here, it's boring." He hissed under his breath.

Yuki debated the room once, whispering as she snuck around the table. "You can come too."

Aidou pushed his cup and hurriedly stood, bowed to the room. He followed her outside.

Haruka's warm smile parted into an agreeable laugh. Lord Aidou mimicked the expression and saluted.

"Congratulations, Lord Aidou." Lord Ichijo bowed his head, "It appears Lady Yuki and Hanabusa Aidou are getting along perfectly."

"We cannot get our hopes up," Lord Aidou replied, "But it is a pleasing sight to behold."

Kaname tapped his cup idly, his gaze festering on the deserted doorway chillingly. "You cannot force love to bloom. Lord Aidou, you are a man of prose, the difference between a hunter and a heart, the bow, and the arrow, how the petal falls from the flower before frost."

Lord Aidou nodded thoughtfully, "You are correct. If we hasten our plans, it will do more harm than good. Lady Yuki has other prospects to consider."

"Lady Yuki has a benevolent interest in Takuma." Lord Ichijo interjected.

The green-eyed vampire smirked, "I've decided to trust Yuki's decision." Takuma replied.

"True and proper," Haruka murmured, "Yuki looks toward you in times of hardship. I cannot disregard the faith she has in your capabilities, Takuma. She has a tough decision to make."

Silently, Lord Ichijo glanced at Kaname.

o o o

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