This chapter ended up quite long. Please enjoy it!
To the guest reviewer who asked, Yuuki didn't give Zero the tea with caffeine. It was Yuuki's tea, but she didn't really touch it. Zero took it from her when she left and just kind of kept it because it made his hands warm.
If you missed the clarification I added last chapter: The last three sections take place one after the other, so it's implied that Yuuki left Zero alone with Nightshade after he declined her offer to form a bloodbond, and soon after Kaname took over Nightshade, re-formed him into his own shape, and spoke with Zero, then stormed out without thinking, which left Zero alone. The actual time that passed from Kaname leaving to the Kurans returning was less than two hours - Zero's sense of time in his POV isn't reliable in this case.
A vampire would not use the term 'blood bond' to refer to the relationship between a pureblood and the humans they turn. That's a master-possession relationship, vs. the blood bond that establishes a tie of equals. Blood bonds can only be formed through a ritual by a fully consenting pair of individuals.
XXI. Para Bellum
"Then you understand what I'm asking?" Kaname says, leaning back in his desk chair, hands steepled in front of him.
Kain Akatsuki, slouched with his hands in his pockets, replies, "I do. I'll round up a few of the others who wouldn't mind helping out. I understand you want this done without attracting attention, but that means I can't promise we'll be thorough."
"That is not my intention," Kaname informs him. "I just need to even the odds. I may make suggestions, from time to time, but how you focus your efforts is largely up to your discretion."
The noble slouches even further, and lightly asks, "Should Ruka know?"
"She can," Kaname says, reading the request behind Kain's words. "But I would prefer that no one but the two of us know I suggested it. Let them think you acted on your own initiative."
"Got it," Kain says, and hearing the silent 'Gang Leader' hanging afterward, Kaname's lips quirk upward.
"I trust your abilities in this, Kain," the pureblood says, rising to indicate that their conversation is finished. Yuuki is out of the house today, by design, and it's time for him to collect Kiryuu for lunch.
At the first clock chime, Yuuki comes fully awake.
She's hardly slept, but tonight there's no rolling over or lying in bed for another few minutes. Tonight is too important for wasting time. Vital even, in the way few things really are.
Tonight, Zero faces the Jeweled Court, taking his place at the top of their hierarchy, and there's no way his rivals are going down without a fight.
Sliding out of bed, she spies Kaname, already impeccable, at work in one of the plush chairs of the sitting room. He looks up, meets her eye, and smiles, before gesturing at the bed behind her and returning to his reading.
Yuuki steels herself, reminding her reluctant mind that sometimes things like this are necessary, and goes to wake Zero.
Last night, they went to bed hours earlier than usual - and though Zero wakes swiftly when she shakes his shoulder, and doesn't complain, Yuuki can still tell the early hour is a trial his healing body doesn't appreciate.
She kisses his hair in apology, and helps him up, tilting her head back and offering her blood, and the limitless vitality flowing in her veins, all for her beloved. Asking Zero for the bloodbond had been selfish and rushed; she hasn't mentioned it since, but she keeps trying to apologize to him in small ways like this.
Zero noses her throat, recognizing by now the best places to bite, and licks at the spot he's picked.
Yuuki's anticipation rises, but she also knows they're on a schedule, and presses him forward with the hand on his back.
Zero huffs - Yuuki can hear 'pushy pureblood' in her head, and has to smother a laugh - but he bites down anyway.
The shock of it passes quickly. After being forced on the intensive feeding schedule his body needs, Zero's bite has become more practiced: neater, quicker, and better positioned at the vein so he takes less time to drink enough blood. Kaname personally tutored Zero's technique - fed up, Yuuki suspects, with the ungainly childish attempts marring his neck.
Personally, Yuuki thought Zero's baby vampire bites were cute, and didn't mind Zero's inefficiency and mouthy, honest hunger. It meant they could stay close for longer, just like this, as Yuuki nourishes him with her existence, the only union allowed to her.
The swallowing stops, and ignoring the curl of heat in her stomach, Yuuki allows Zero to close the wound - better not to have pure blood flowing freely, even if the staff are used to it.
She makes eye contact with Kaname, who's watching blank-faced and unreadable from the side of the bed, and slides sideways so he can switch places with her. Today is a special day, so Zero gets a double feeding to make sure he's in the best possible condition.
Zero's still licking her blood off his lips with the tip of his tongue when Kaname kisses him to steal the rest. Yuuki's alpha rumbles in her chest, warning her alpha-mate that the blood is meant for their omega, not for him.
Kaname just looks smug; Yuuki flashes her fangs, and rumbles again, reminding him that he may be the stronger alpha between them, but she's no pushover.
Her husband isn't cowed, but he does settle down to business, unbuttoning his collar to make space for Zero.
Yuuki's jealous when anyone else touches Zero - even Kaname, just a little. Only someone who adores Zero as much as she does should be allowed to touch him, she thinks to herself as Kaname's blood wells up, and Zero begins drinking.
The pureblood closes her eyes and draws the blood-scent over the roof of her mouth, to distract herself from the sudden stab of hunger.
It isn't that she lacks satisfying blood. Kaname and Yuuki feed from one another - she's forgiven him enough to allow that, and it's simply more practical. The two of them couldn't live on blood tablets forever, and leaving each other sated with blood makes up for how they still aren't sleeping together.
But that doesn't stop Yuuki from finding the sight of her husbands feeding from each other - bodies tucked close, dark hair falling into silver as one sips from the neck of the other - the kind of sight that inspires all kinds of hungers, especially when everyone is wearing that edge of hard focus.
Kaname keeps telling her that she doesn't need to be careful, that her instincts won't react to an injured omega. Kaname doesn't get it.
Yuuki's pureblood, with its ravenous, possessive want, and the alpha's single-minded drive to claim its omega - those primal parts of her have quieted, yes. But it has never been about those things. Not for Yuuki.
Yuuki wanted Zero before she was a pureblood. And she wanted him even when she was an alpha and he was a beta. It is Yuuki, the person, who wants Zero - has always wanted Zero - and that part of her desire can never be silenced. That's not instinct. That's affection, and choice.
Yuuki doesn't need her instincts to want Zero, and that's why she's still cautious not to frighten him by revealing that desire.
But Kaname's instincts are the only parts of himself that feel anything toward Zero, so of course it works for him, and not Yuuki.
Yuuki claims the right to carry Zero to his bath, shooting a quick glare at Kaname as she hefts her bundle of omega. She's still a little irritated that Kaname helped himself to Zero's meal.
Once her Consort is safely deposited in Sasaki's care, she hurries back to her own room to dress. Yuuki needs a chance to calm down, away from any trace of their scents, in a space she doesn't associate with Zero. Otherwise she won't be ready to handle what comes next. Yuuki breathes evenly, and tries to keep her mind on the present, not letting anticipation stir her.
It doesn't do any good. The curl of heat in her belly stubbornly refuses to go away. Yuuki feels it keenly as a servant informs her that Consort Kiryuu needs to see her before he can finish dressing.
She's not the only one; the sheen of Kaname's eyes proves he isn't as unmoved as he pretends to be, and a roving energy makes him carry his shoulders tighter than usual. Yuuki smiles at Kaname, just to show him she's seen what he's hiding, but that leaves the moment she sees Zero.
Sitting on his bed in thin trousers and a long-sleeved, ankle-length black undergarment, missing the heavier outer layers, Zero looks ill and pale, body strung tight as he watches the Kurans approach, as though he's preparing himself for something painful.
Yuuki's heart tears, and she goes to Zero's side at once, folding him in her best, most reassuring hug. "Everything will be okay, Zero. We won't hurt you, and we won't let anyone else hurt you either," she promises.
Today is the first time Zero will leave Rosehill since those scum almost killed him. It worries all of them, even without the Jeweled Court looming. Having Zero out of Kuran territory brings memories of the terrible events a month ago, and Yuuki fears that Zero leaving again may end with him dead this time. The idea keeps Yuuki awake at night, and makes her alpha pace and roar in denial, driving her to protect their mate in any way they can.
Even worse, the rules of the Jeweled Court prohibit alphas from attending, and that means the Kurans can't even send their familiars. So Zero will be away from his safe place, and from the Kurans, who he has relied on to protect him and take care of them since he was injured. Zero tries so hard to be self-sufficient, and he'll never say anything, but Yuuki knows he's frightened by the idea of going alone into a house of vampires when he can't protect himself.
"I have an agent inside the Court," Kaname reveals unexpectedly, settling a hand on her shoulder. "They will contact you if necessary. And you are not without allies among the other omegas. Takuma will be sitting beside you the whole time, and others you know will be nearby."
Yuuki grins into Zero's neck. Whatever he insists, Yuuki knows that Kaname won't be doing any work today. Yuuki and Kaname are already fighting separation anxiety that screams 'every moment he is not with us could be his last' and Zero hasn't even left yet. The only thing filling their minds while Zero is out of their sight will be a restless counting of the moments until they can see him again.
The Hunter, always conscious of his duty, says, "I know, Kuran."
Trying to lighten the mood, Yuuki pokes his shoulder with a finger. "Zero, you broke the rules again."
It seems to work. The Hunter glares at her, and then glances at Kaname, who has an expectant air. Sighing, and rolling his eyes, Zero finally gives in. "I know, Kaname. I appreciate your concern."
Yuuki giggles, and forces her body to unstick and let go of Zero. Yuuki's new rule is that everyone is on first-name basis when they're in the bedroom. She's hoping that it will make Zero and Kaname more relaxed around one another, but Yuuki knows that she can't force them to actually like each other. It's up to them to repair their relationship, if either of them even want to.
Zero's watching her now, flash of levity gone and expression serious. "I'm okay, Yuuki. You should go ahead and start. We can't be late."
Yuuki frowns. "If you really oppose it, you should tell us. I don't want you to accept it because you think it's your duty."
"He'll be safest if we scent mark him," Kaname disagrees, lowering Zero down with one hand wrapped around the nape of his neck, and the other supporting his spine. "Since we haven't lain with him, and we can't be physically present, we need to leave the strongest possible claim. This is my condition to let him leave the house alone."
Zero looks up at Yuuki, laid out on his back against the blue-green duvet. He says nothing, just holds his hand out to her, a hint of a blush visible between the scars on his pale cheeks.
The curl of heat smoulders in her belly. Yuuki struggles with herself, her wish to respect Zero's boundaries and his clear tension and reluctance colliding with her own desperate wish to scent him.
Frankly, Yuuki never stood a chance the moment Zero offered himself up to her. The pureblood takes her Consort's hand and settles herself on the bed beside him, with Kaname sitting on his other side. The similarity to their sleeping arrangement is undeniable, and it makes Yuuki's mind imagine things she puts a hasty stop to, before the wanting can ruin what she has.
Letting herself smell the line of his throat, Yuuki hears her voice go rough and hushed. "Where do you want us to start, Zero?"
She can feel him swallow under her lips. "You both have to touch me - everywhere, right?"
Yuuki kisses Zero's neck. "Everywhere you're comfortable, Zero. Our scent is strongest at the wrists and throat, so that's how we'll mark you."
Mate should let us mark him the proper way, laments the alpha.
What Yuuki told Zero is true. Below the jaw and wrist are places where alpha bodies naturally produce more scent, for exactly this kind of reason. But marking a precious omega mate needs even more potent signs. Her body's strongest place with her scent is her cock, and a proper scent marking would leave Zero dripping with their spend, further proof of their claim remaining deep inside his core as the heavy smell of sex and alpha musk warns their rivals of the powerful, virile alphas who have mated him.
It's a nice fantasy, except Zero's far from ready for that kind of thing. So Yuuki will accept gratefully and humbly what he has offered, and be content.
Aware of Kaname focussing his attentions on Zero's hand and wrist, Yuuki decides to start with something Zero knows already, and moves upward from his neck, drawing the join of her jaw and neck along his skin, right where the scent glands are. She sniffs her handiwork, just to make sure the scent is thick enough atop the blue veins of his neck and the sweet blood flowing beneath.
Crooning to soothe her mate, who still looks nervous, Yuuki strokes his face, and indulges herself with a long kiss that has no purpose in marking him, except to distract him as she runs her hands through his hair. Yuuki gives him a second to breathe before she kisses him again, slipping her hands behind him and feeling down the muscles of his back blindly, until the tension of his body warns her she's strayed too close to the swell of his ass.
Yuuki pulls back, self-control needing a moment to recover, to find Kaname flush against Zero's side. Kaname's pulled Zero's undergarment down to expose his shoulder, and her husband is nibbling at Zero's collarbone.
"Kaname!" she cries, outraged.
"You were enjoying yourself. Am I not allowed to?" her husband replies, blowing at the damp skin. Zero shivers, and all three of them feel it.
"Maybe we should...just be practical about this. No messing around," Yuuki says when she can trust her voice again.
Zero is still trying to gather his wits, a temptation too beautiful to resist, thoroughly mussed and the curve of his shoulder exposed, his clothing parted to show his skin.
Kaname's chest is rising slightly faster than normal, and his eyes have gone dark, the red overwhelming the brown. "Perhaps you're right."
The two alphas switch places, and this time show more restraint, only allowing their touch and eyes to linger on Zero's skin.
Zero pretends to be unmoved. But sharp pureblood eyes catch the little twitches in his expression, the flickers of his eyelids. They feel his muscles shiver under their hands at the merest hint of touch. They hear the times he breathes too fast, and the times he barely breathes at all. Marking him with their throats is the most fun - the way he chokes when they rub up against him like cats is especially rewarding.
Then the purebloods run out of safe areas to touch, leaving just Zero's forbidden places, his front, and his thighs.
Yuuki takes Zero's hand. "Will you show me how far I can go?" she asks, pressing her cheek to the back of his hand, and Zero makes a noise, nodding in lieu of speech.
He nervously places Yuuki's hand on his belly, still trying to keep his expression blank, and when she doesn't move, Zero lays his hand on top of her smaller delicate one, tentatively guiding her along the waistband of his trousers.
Yuuki wishes there was no cloth between her hand and Zero's skin, but bends every bit of her attention to the experience of Zero showing her his body, raptly treasuring the bravery and trust he's showing her.
Then he stops.
Startled out of her focus, Yuuki glances at Zero's face; the brow is knotted in intense though.
"Zero? Is everything okay -"
The Hunter jerks up the hem of his undergarment, and lifts Yuuki's hand. Before she can process what's going on, Yuuki feels something smooth and warm under the skin of her palm. She freezes, mind stuttering to a halt.
She has a hand up Zero's shirt.
Her fingers spread out, and she notes that this patch of skin, perpetually hidden from sun and wind, is very soft. She strokes it, moving her fingers inward and outward.
Yuuki's hand is up Zero's shirt.
"I don't want you to touch any lower. I hope this is okay instead," he says, eyes lowered with embarrassment. With his trousers, Zero's still completely clothed. Yuuki just has her hand up his long tunic-thing.
Yuuki thinks she squeaks, and then furiously nods, petting Zero's bare belly more boldly.
Oh god, don't get hard, she tells herself, knowing she's fighting a battle she's going to lose. This isn't even that sexy, she tries to convince herself. It's just this little strip of skin. But it's Zero, and she wants him so much.
Again, Zero takes Yuuki by the wrist, and shows her the places she's allowed to touch, sweeping up and down his stomach, and even wrapping around his sides. From his waist, he guides her off the middle parts, muscles softened by injury, onto the bony peaks of his ribs, still too prominent for Yuuki's satisfaction. Here and there she finds knots of scar tissue, which she touches extra gently with only the pads of her fingers. Her thumb gets to brush the end of Zero's sternum, just below his chest and nipples; Yuuki has enough self-control not to whimper, barely.
The pureblood wishes this moment could last forever, but soon enough, Zero tugs her hand up, and Yuuki knows that's her cue to end. She pulls her fingers back with reluctance, cradling the limb with her other hand once she's free.
Yuuki can't read the expression on Kaname's face, but she knows her own is starry-eyed and pleased.
Zero sticks his hand out. "Fair is fair. Give me your hand, Kaname."
Her husband's eyes widen a fraction, but he doesn't hesitate to offer his hand.
Kiryuu, blushing even more heavily, pulls up his garment again and shows Kaname the same soft places he just revealed to Yuuki.
Yuuki is irrationally jealous, but also somewhat aroused.
When Kaname's turn is finished, Zero pulls his skirt back down, and tries to put his clothes straight.
Yuuki and Kaname watch. Yuuki suspects they're too stunned to think properly.
"What are you two hanging around for? You did your weird vampire thing and I smell like you. Get out so I can finish getting dressed," Zero says, looking away and hiding his face like he can't believe what he's just done.
"Have a servant come get me when you're ready," Yuuki says, knowing she's heading back to her room. She's going to have this memory playing nonstop in her head until she can deal with her lingering arousal.
The atmospheric pressure changes, reassembling Zero's body so he can breathe again; as the clicks and squeaks of the bats fade, revealing an unfamiliar countryside, the Hunter plasters himself against the chest carrying him, creasing the pressed linen shirt.
He's outside, and everything is too much - the feeling of wind, the sounds of the night animals, the mixed, unfamiliar smells, and the creeping fear and helplessness they inspire.
Zero's world, in the past month-plus, has become very small. He sees Kuran's bedroom, where they sleep, and his suite, where he bathes and dresses, they eat meals, and he spends time. Then there's the library, a few courtyards, and the occasional dining room for variety.
The point is, Zero hasn't been anywhere new, or without walls, in some time. And the last time he was outside, people hurt him. Momentarily overwhelmed, he refuses to open his eyes, huddling against Kuran's chest, and locking his arms around the vampire's neck.
"Kiryuu, I believe this is within your abilities."
Zero opens his eyes involuntarily, startled.
Kuran Kaname looks down at him, stately in his charcoal suit, face unreadable and not a hair out of place. Perhaps Zero imagined that he spoke.
Zero recalls himself, and is immediately ashamed, loosening his grip and looking away to compose himself though his heart is still rapidly beating in his chest. He could have ruined all their preparations without Kuran's foresight to arrive in a place hidden from view.
The Hunter busies himself adjusting his posture into something more imposing, twitching his skirts into place and cursing the long, heavy train of his robes.
A stream of butterflies coalesces, and Yuuki builds herself back into normal space piece by piece. Yuuki's improved at shifting through space after practice, but is still far from safely transporting a passenger.
Like Kuran, she's tastefully stylish in a dark day dress, both outfits fine but simple, with little to attract the eye, chosen carefully to avoid outshining Zero.
"Is Zero ready?" she calls. "We're running up against time."
Kuran looks at him again, raising an eyebrow. Zero scowls; no need to be so skeptical. He's a Hunter, and something like this is hardly the worst he's faced.
"I'm ready," he says, taking a deep breath and running through the mental exercises Master Yagari taught him as a child. His breathing and heartbeat have slowed, and he has one foot in mushin. Like he's about to walk into combat, almost, and Zero is reassured by the notion. He's walked unfamiliar battlefields before.
Yuuki doesn't insult him by second-guessing his resolve; she just smiles at him, and squeezes his hand, making a few final adjustments to the fall of his mantle and the set of his Hoseki.
Then she takes her place at Kuran's right hand, and they begin to walk, coming in full view of the estate's gates once they pass the treeline and leave their leafy shelter.
A Jeweled Court is meant to be a neutral zone, and is usually hosted by one of the few families who are aligned with neither the Senate nor the monarchists. The Senate faction's price for postponing the Court until Zero healed was for one of their members to host it instead. Those gilded golden gates belong to the home of Kaneko Madeline, one of their chief members and the wife of the current richest Senator. This is hostile territory, where Kurans' opponents have the advantage of terrain and numbers.
Zero's not impressed - Takuma has more money and better taste. The whole manor screams 'I have more money than I know what to do with'. It's not ugly, exactly, but it's very busy, without restraint, as though someone thought to themselves, 'how can I make this fancier' and then did everything that came to mind, stacking flourishes on flourishes without regard to effect. Zero thought Rosehill was fancy, but this place makes him profoundly glad he lives there instead.
Kuran, they decided ahead of time, would be the one to carry Zero. He's the elder, and the larger, and if Zero has to make a first impression while he's unable to walk, Kuran makes the most imposing backdrop.
The arrangement turns out to be quite useful - no one tries to stop them from entering, questions Zero's right to be here or bothers asking for an invitation. The gatekeeper offers to have a car take them up the drive; Kuran politely deflects.
"They'll know we're coming. Don't let your masks slip. The guards will have called the house, and your enemies will be waiting for you, Kiryuu," Kuran says as they walk.
"My enemies?" Zero replies skeptically. He's never met most of these people.
Kuran bends his head closer to Zero's ear. "For all intents and purposes, yes. Our enemies are your enemies now. Triumphing against you is the same as besting us. That is why they will not hold back against you, even if you have done nothing to them." Kuran's voice is even, and from his face they could be discussing the weather.
"I know you prefer to avoid politics. That is no longer an option. I don't expect you to suddenly become a statesman, but you must understand that your position reflects on Yuuki's efforts."
Zero matches the soft tone of Kuran's voice, wiping his emotions from his face. "And yours. I know - I told you, didn't I? Your work helps keep vampire society stable and peaceful. I won't endanger your efforts. I remember what you said. Today is about establishing my authority and reputation. At the very least, I need to avoid losing face."
"Good. I wanted to make sure you understood," Kuran says, straightening and looking ahead.
Zero's position as the Consort of the Kuran family makes him the highest ranking omega. What that actually means is entirely up to Zero, and his personal ability to command allegiance and build alliances among the other omegas. Zero's voice is the deciding opinion in matters that cannot be resolved, and has greater weight than anyone else's, but actually exacting obedience is another matter. At the least, the omegas are required to show him respect, and defer to him.
According to Takuma-sempai, bringing the Court to heel will be like trapping and muzzling feral dogs. Consort Shoshana, who has been the highest ranking omega for nearly three thousand years, largely left the Jeweled Court to their own affairs, only intervening when matters became unacceptable. Tending to her pureblood husband, who was becoming increasingly aimless and disinterested in living, was the greater focus of her attention and time. So the omegas are used to having their own way in things, and will need to be reminded what having a more hands-on leader is like.
If Zero is in fact capable of doing it, which he doubts.
Takuma could have accomplished it, no question, once Consort Shoshona either retired or passed on. But now Zero is the new Head Consort, and the situation has become uncertain. Much hinges on the outcome of today's session.
Yuuki's tug on his sleeve draws Zero out of his thoughts. They are ascending an excessive number of pink marble stairs to a manor that resembles a small baroque palace. He straightens his posture, and lifts his chin, conscious of the admission he's making by being carried, and refusing to allow his physical weakness to give anyone cause against him.
At the top of the stairs is a blonde woman wearing a Hoseki and a formal omega's costume in yellow, surrounded by plainer dressed figures. That must be his host, Kaneko Madeline. With her unusual height, and the dark repeating pattern on her robes, Zero can't help but think that she resembles a giraffe, all legs and spots.
Kaneko opens her mouth, but before she can get a single word out, Kuran slides into the opportunity.
"Thank you for hosting the Court this evening, Kaneko-san. We're sorry to intrude, but given the circumstances, we wished to escort our Consort to the meeting and ascertain his safety for ourselves before we leave him in your home. You don't mind, do you?" he says, smiling expectantly, bestowing the noble with his complete focus. Zero thinks Kuran's overplaying his charm, arrogant smug bastard, but the Hunter stays still and lets Kuran work.
Kaneko looks a little stunned by the assault. She gapes for a moment, shocked at gaining the attention of a handsome pureblood, then shaking herself a moment later and nodding frantically. "Of course, Kuran-sama, I understand. Such a terrible thing to happen!"
Koneko turns to the nearest servant, who jumps in surprise. "You! Show Kuran-sama and Kuran-hime to the banquet hall!"
Kuran gives Koneko one last smile, playing off his charisma, and the three of them follow the servant into the house.
"Was that really necessary?" Yuuki mutters under her breath, looking disgruntled.
Zero feels Kuran shrug, and jerks a handful of his suit jacket to remind him he doesn't appreciate extra movements.
"Not precisely," Kuran replies."But you never know when a little good will can make a difference."
Yuuki snorts quietly enough the servant can't hear her.
Something tickles at the edge of Zero's Hunter senses.
"Get rid of the servant," he hisses into Kuran's ear.
Kuran stiffens, but makes no other sign he's heard. Zero thinks that Kuran's ignored him, until the pureblood calls out to the vampire walking ahead of them. "Thank you, we can find the way from here. You may return to your duties."
The servant bows - a suggestion is never anything less than an order, from the mouth of a pureblood - and swiftly retreats.
Zero focuses on pinning down the familiar feeling. "Straight up ahead," he directs.
Yuuki shoots a curious glance at him, but starts to walk, resuming her regal air. The purebloods don't have to wait long to discover what's attracted Zero's attention.
"Lead Hunter Ilesanmi," he raises his voice to carry down the hall. "I never got to thank you for directing the affinity ritual at my wedding."
The Kurans should recognize the dark-skinned woman with closely shorn hair who turns her head, and approaches them with measured footsteps and a Hunter's observant, watchful gaze, clearly cautious when dealing with purebloods.
The other Hunter is using the blank face they're trained to employ when dealing with vampire senses. Zero tries not to be hurt. It's wise of her to be so guarded when she doesn't know where his loyalties lie anymore, and she's never met him personally.
Lead Hunter Ilesanmi gives Zero a brief nod, her black eyes surveying his current condition, not missing a single detail. "It was my honor to witness the Ancestor of the Hunters appear to you," she says.
The Jeweled Court, like all vampire gatherings, must employ Hunter monitors. But omegas are very picky about which Hunters the Association sends - all of them must be experienced, proven, sensible, even-tempered, safe with children, and lacking a penis. The same team of eight female Hunters is employed every time, it's difficult to become one of their number, and they're notoriously tight-knit.
Zero, who spent most of his time in the field, doesn't know any of Ilesanmi's team, but it would be helpful if he could establish a relationship. Zero needs allies badly. The Hunter monitors are impartial in vampire conflicts, but having the Court's monitors trust him could give him an advantage.
Zero has no intention of asking them to do anything inappropriate; no matter how much he needs help, there are some things he won't compromise, and the reputation and livelihood of another Hunter is one of them. Zero was surprised Kuran hadn't suggested trying, but perhaps the pureblood knew the angry rejection he would get. It certainly wasn't out of respect for Zero's principles or anything like that, Zero knows.
Inspection finished, Lead Hunter Ilesanmi meets Zero's eyes. "I thought the reports of your injuries were exaggerated. It seems they were not. You look terrible, Hunter Kiryuu."
Zero laughs, conscious again of his scars pulling as he moves. "I know. Awful, aren't they?"
Her brows lift in amusement. "Truely. You are going to the hall?"
"Yes," Zero confirms.
"I will escort you," she offers, and before hearing Zero's acceptance, Ilesanmi begins walking, taking a different route than the servant. Kuran carries him along without complaint, and Yuuki doesn't seem to want to interrupt Zero's encounter with another Hunter.
"News of your attack has earned you much sympathy at Headquarters. I think some Hunters imagined you were off living a fairytale," the Lead Hunter remarks.
Zero chokes, words failing him in his utter disbelief. "A fairytale? Did they miss the part where I traded my body for a treaty in an arranged marriage, otherwise I'd get kidnapped and raped?"
Ilesanmi has stopped, and her dark eyes gage his reaction, flicking toward Yuuki, who is shifting uneasily next to them, keeping herself from interrupting. Kuran holds himself perfectly still, like he's pretending to be part of the furniture.
The dark woman watches a moment more, and then resumes her efficient walk. "I cannot say. But you are more favored in your absence. Your actions have brought much benefit, more than expected. If you wished to visit, I think you would be welcomed."
Zero's jaw tightens, and he says nothing.
Lead Hunter Ilesanmi leaves them when they reach a set of double doors with gold fittings and gilded panels. Behind the doors is a low roar, the sound of many voices raised together in speech.
Zero swallows.
"You are not one of them, and even if you pretended, you would fail," Kuran says, feeling the tension of Zero's body. "You are an outsider, and you live by different rules. Use that to your advantage."
Zero turns, trying to see the pureblood's face. "Are you telling me to forget all those etiquette lessons Takuma-senpai gave me?"
Yuuki shakes her head, and laughs. "Kaname means be yourself, Zero."
By his ear, Kuran sighs. "That is not what I meant, Yuuki. If you're ready, Kiryuu, we'll go in."
"Yeah. Time for a dramatic entrance," Zero announces, half-sarcastic, half-serious.
Even Kuran cracks a smirk; Zero can see it out of the corner of his eye.
And then Yuuki yanks open the double doors, and every voice in the banquet hall goes silent.
Zero lets his Hunter's pride fill him, and the quiet of mushin steady him, giving him the dignity to face this crowd of strangers as a grown man carried by another grown man, a foreign pretender displaying his weakness where everyone can see.
He knows the Kurans, at least, look good. There's Kuran and Yuuki, supernaturally perfect, paragons of vampire beauty and grace, their unique eyes containing the mysteries and secrets of their kind; Kuran in his charcoal suit and slacks, Yuuki in her dark gown and diamonds, a perfect pair.
Less impressive - himself, frail, scarred and healing, in his black mantle that glitters when the light hits it, strewn with shards of polished jet like chips of black eggshell. There's a stir when the crowd gets a good look at his mutilated face. Zero layers steel in his spine and refuses to flinch.
He can feel the eyes of nearly a hundred and twenty omegas, assorted children, eight Hunters, and a multitude of servants, all following their progress toward the three chairs at the head of the room, set apart on a dais.
The other omegas are seated at tables arranged in layered rows shaped like an empty three-sided square, all facing toward those three chairs. One of them, the chair on the far right, is occupied.
Ichijo Takuma, seemingly immune to the thick silence, rises with a friendly smile, and gathers his skirts to descend the dais.
Just like Zero, and every other omega present, Takuma is attired in the formal costume of a mated omega, very similar to an unmated omega's presentation garb. On top of slippers, loose trousers and a long-sleeved, fitted underdress, he wears a cross-collared robe, with the typical wide sleeves that extend past the tips of the fingers. Takuma has chosen a robe of pale green, stamped with abstract, interlocking patterns in a dark forest color that suits the emerald of his eyes.
The robe is belted with a broad sash that ties in the front, meant for easier breastfeeding. A sash tied below the breasts means the omega is pregnant; Takuma's cream sash is tied at the waist, showing his belly is empty.
Thrown over Takuma's shoulder is a long rectangular shawl, also cream colored, made of fine, soft material. This cloth is meant to cover an omega's breasts when nursing in public, or it can to swaddle a baby, and form a sling for carrying children. Since Takuma is neither nursing nor pregnant, his shawl is tucked into his sash.
And one last significant addition; instead of the gem and chain of his normal Hoseki, an elaborate circular headpiece is laid on Takuma's blond head, made of white gems linked by chain and a costly emerald dangling from the center. Only a pureblood's Consort is permitted to wear one of these elaborate pieces, a special display of their status.
"Zero! I'm so pleased to see you again." Takuma welcomes Zero with enthusiasm, as though it's been more than a month or so since they've last met.
It's not an act; Yuuki and Kuran were feeling too territorial to let anyone near Zero until now. Zero can see the unfeigned relief in Takuma's eyes, and feels a surge of affection for the elder omega.
"I'm sorry it's been so long, Takuma-sempai," Zero says, compelled to apologize.
Takuma waves his hand, skirts swishing around his ankles as he approaches. "The circumstances were extraordinary - think nothing of it. And what's a little absence between friends?"
The blond noble gives his attention to Yuuki and Kuran for the first time, laying one of his sleeve-covered hands on his old friend's arm. "Kaname, it's good to see you too. And you as well, Yuuki-san; I've heard you've been busy lately."
"Not busy enough that we would miss escorting Zero today," Yuuki says, with a slight smile and a shake of her head.
"We won't stay long; we know the Court will start shortly," Kuran adds.
No one mentions Zero's injuries, for which Zero is grateful.
"I'll show you to your seat, Zero-kun," Takuma offers, "then Kaname and Yuuki-san can go about their day."
"Thank you, Takuma-sempai," Zero says, and Kuran follows Takuma to the center chair.
Somehow, Takuma achieves the impossible feat of making Zero feel like he's not being carried like an invalid, giving anyone watching the impression that everything happening right now is perfectly normal.
Once Zero is seated - Kuran using his effortless strength and grace to settle Zero in the most dignified manner possible - Kuran steps to the side, and Yuuki whisks off Zero's mantle, showing the robes underneath.
The black silk of his robes and underclothes throws Zero's pale complexion in stark relief, unmercifully flaunting his numerous scars, some straight and deep, others rambling and shallow, the thick scar tissue still healing pink and red.
His Consort's Hoseki is a diamond net of rubies, with three smaller rubies suspended on his forehead and trailing down the bridge of his nose in a triangular pattern, right over a pink line of scar tissue. As always, Zero wears his wedding tokens around his wrists, the pair of onyx dragon bracelets, to match Kuran and Yuuki's white jade set.
But Zero's robe is the real masterpiece; it had taken a dozen seamstresses months to prepare, and stands as an artwork in its own right. The black silk has no pattern, only a single central figure picked out in skillful embroidery, a bird with many names and many legends - a great phoenix, sewn in all the colors of a flame, so huge its whole body covers Zero's robe from shoulder to floor.
The bird's head and crest lie against Zero's right shoulder, the crane-like neck twining around his arm, wings outspread and wrapping from his torso to his left shoulder, and the magnificent tail feathers covering his skirts and train, each like a tendril of fire, the long peacock-like filaments capped with a crystal 'eye'. The firebird's true eye is a cabochon of red amber, its beak and claws are gold wire, and sewn throughout its body are more crystals no bigger than a grain of rice, making the bird glitter and throw light as Zero moves, as though it really did burn.
The sash around his waist and the shawl thrown over his shoulder are deep amber silk, shot with more gold thread, giving the cloth a metallic sheen and an attractive radiance that compliments the black phoenix robe.
Zero lets the vampires look their fill, with his purebloods framing him on either side, displaying himself for the court he is supposed to guide. He looks in the crowd, and finds the faces he's memorized, the leaders of the Senate faction who will oppose him.
Zero meets each of their eyes. I have watched my world burn before, and I lived, he thinks. What can you do to me, after that?
"We're lucky I came early," Takuma says in an aside, once the Kurans have departed and the Court has settled down, whispers flying fast and sharp.
"The original arrangement had the Consorts shoved in a corner, at the same level as everyone else. I convinced the servants to rearrange the furniture before only a few others arrived."
The first trap avoided, thanks to Takuma's persistence. Zero would bet that the servants left feeling that Takuma had done them a favor, and was a stellar person to boot.
"You saw Noguchi Sada?" Takuma asks, smiling and taking a sip of his drink. Every movement the two of them make is being watched; the arrangement of furniture makes that unavoidable.
"Yes," Zero says, still skimming mushin, knowing better than to trust his hands with his own glass. He'd made eye contact with the Senate Vice-chairman's partner during his entrance. "I saw Koneko Madeline on the way in, and Abe Juan is seated to our right."
"Good," Takuma replies, placing his glass down and giving Zero another smile, this one smaller and more for his benefit. "It's nearly noon, and we'll be starting soon."
For the convenience of its members, the Jeweled Court is scheduled around lunchtime, squarely in the middle of the night. Omegas are foremost mothers and wives, and small children don't like to stay up late or wake up early.
Zero casts a sideways glance to the seat on his right, still conspicuously empty.
"Don't be worried," Takuma assures him, "Consort Shoshana always arrives at the last moment before the Court starts. It's not good to leave Ouri-sama alone for longer than necessary."
The blond noble's prediction holds true - there is Consort Shoshana now, in a robe the color of ripe persimmons, a circlet around her brow.
Zero's brow creases faintly. There's something circling at the edge of his senses, something heavy, like the stormcloud you feel hovering on the horizon, just beyond sight. No - the tremor of an earthquake through the bones of your feet.
Barely moving his lips, he murmurs to Takuma, "Is that…?"
"Yes," Takuma confirms, watching Shoshana approach.
The weight at the edge of Zero's range is unmistakable - Ouri, barred from the Court but waiting at the minimum acceptable distance for his Consort to return.
"Every time," the elder omega says. "She is his last link to the world."
Zero feels a little chilled - is this what happens when a pureblood loses their purpose? Kuran is around twice as old, he remembers. That relic better not forget his purpose is to make Yuuki happy and keep the other side of the bed warm, or Zero will kick his ass until Kuran is his usual irritating self.
As Shoshana takes her place to his right, the conversations in the room trickle away, and the nannies and caregivers filter in to collect their charges and receive last minute instructions from their employers.
Because children are so rare and valued, vampires cherish the chance to be a mother, and vampire mothers care for their children personally, no matter how wealthy or busy. Babies and young toddlers attend the Court alongside their bearers, and omega mothers bring trusted nannies as surrogates for the few hours they are occupied.
Takuma gives Zero an encouraging look.
Gathering his breath and determination, Zero raises his voice. "I welcome all of you. The summer session of the Jeweled Court is now open."
The rules of politics are not dissimilar to a Hunter's rules for dealing with vampires: don't fidget, don't look away, don't show your back, speak with confidence, make eye contact, show no fear, and never show a predator weakness.
Zero won't show weakness. "As I'm sure you have all heard, I am Consort Kiryuu, newly married to Kuran Yuuki and Kuran Kaname. I'm glad to finally join you, and I thank Kaneko-san for hosting on such short notice. And I thank all of you for your patience and flexibility in an unusual situation."
Beside him, Shoshana speaks up, pooled dark gaze passing over the rows of seated omegas. "Consort Kiryuu is your new Head Consort. I gratefully relinquish the title. I have rarely been the Head Consort the Court has needed, and I believe he will lead you better than I have ever managed."
"We know you must have questions, and that you'd all like to welcome Consort Kiryuu, but let's save that until after we've eaten," says Takuma with his trademark diplomacy and natural friendliness. "Ah, and if you would all please introduce yourselves to Consort Kiryuu during the greeting ritual?"
Row by row, the omegas of the Jeweled Court file forward and offer their greetings and well-wishes to the three Consorts.
Zero knew about the Court protocols in advance, but even now he's unused to the deference the vampires offer him just because he services a pureblood cock. Or will service. Eventually. Two of them. Zero backs away from that line of thought.
There's a framework for the responses. The omega comes forward, sinks down, bows their head, and wishes each of them fertility and long life. And Zero is supposed to thank them by name, and return the wish for blessings.
Some of the Senate omegas refuse to abide by those rules.
Zero's not surprised when the omega with a sneer on his lips and dark, curling hair refuses to offer obeisance. "I am Abe Juan. Many centuries and many children upon you, Consort Kiryuu." From the man's tone, the words could be a curse.
At his right hand, Consort Shoshana taps the arm of her chair. "Abe Juan, your wife may be party leader, but that does not exempt you from the rituals of the Jeweled Court. Repeat it again."
This time, Abe bends his knees. But Zero doesn't miss the resentment
Abe is not the only one to make his dissatisfaction known, though he is the most daring. Kaneko makes her greeting with her nose in the air, as though she's humoring him. Others are dismissive, rude, or insulting. A few are disgusted. Zero finds the ones who act bored or those who recite the words mechanically the most insulting. Even many of the monarchist omegas look displeased, reluctant or doubtful when they stand before him.
Zero leans back in his chair, responds to each omega with the correct name, and watches everything that goes on with the same impassive face the Night Class would recognize.
Noguchi Sada is the most interesting. She is neither offensive nor dismissive; the whole time she speaks before him, she studies Zero back. Zero's Hunter instincts shrill warnings whenever he meets her eyes.
"That went…well, that was a better scenario than many others," Takuma remarks once a table has been placed in front of the Consorts, lunch has been served, and the clatter of plates and voices covers their speech and fractures the room's attention.
"Short of completely refusing to acknowledge me, yes," Zero says dryly. He's hungry, but today he eats sparingly, and only the large, solid things he's sure he can keep on his fork.
"It worries me that they dared to be so open," Takuma continues, picking at his roasted potatoes.
Shoshana speaks without looking up from her plate. "Consort Kiryuu is an unknown. That makes some people bold."
A brunette maid comes with a pitcher. "Consorts, may I offer you more water?"
It takes every drop of Zero's self-control not to let his expression change.
Takuma meets his eyes, then looks up at the maid with a smile. "Yes, please."
He shouldn't draw attention to her. "I'm fine, thank you," Zero says, studying her out of the corner of his eye.
Kuran's Shadow is extremely skilled. Even with his familiarity and close association, Zero finds Seiren almost unrecognizable between the hair dye, the contacts, the resculpted nose, skillful costume makeup, and a complete change in demeanor. She's even thrown her voice and changed her dialect. Zero is professionally impressed.
Takuma waits nearly five minutes after Seiren leaves to pass on her message. "There is a problem with the meal."
Poison. The food weighs in Zero's stomach like lead. Vampires don't catch disease, but a handful of poisons are effective enough to kill them.
"Anything I should avoid," Zero manages, instead of the 'what is wrong with you people' bouncing around loudly in his skull.
Takuma takes a sip of his glass, hesitating before he replies. "Not that I know of."
Something has been poisoned, but Seiren doesn't know what.
The servants bring the next course, clearing away his mostly uneaten food. Zero looks down at his duck in orange sauce, served in a silver dish.
Is this how he dies, after everything? The Hunter feels his pulse speed up in his throat and wrists, earning a cautionary glance from Takuma. He stares at his plate, forcing his body to calm down.
Zero knows two kinds of enemies - the beasts in front of him, and the beasts in himself. This invisible, hazy threat, like the scent of wildfire - Zero has no pattern for how to deal with those.
Seek calm, his Hunter's instinct tells him, so he does. With all the malice-stained vampire auras pinging his Hunter senses, Zero's been sinking in and out of his battle training since he set foot on this estate. Finally submerging himself in mushin, with the intent to remain, is like feeling the coolness of Rosehill's pool on his skin after baking under a hot sun.
Mushin is free of thoughts, or fear, or anticipation. Mushin is. Only the fluid response born of training and instinct remains.
And the memory comes to him, full-formed, lacking a boundary between recall and remembrance: his Master, much taller and larger to his child self. 'Don't watch the weapon, boy. You'll move too late. Watch me.'
So Zero does. He watches Noguchi, and Abe, and Koneko, and every one of the omegas he marked as unfriendly when he met them. He notes their body language, the tiny flickers of an eyelash, the angle of a wrist, the flare of their auras. Most importantly, he watches those who watch him back. There's a headache building in his temples, but that's irrelevant in the flow of mushin.
And without noticing, Zero looks down and finds he's consumed everything on his plate. "The duck is very good," he says.
Takuma is watching Zero with a hint of something like disquiet in his eyes, underneath the friendly relaxation and enjoyment he's projecting for the Court. The noble knows better than to ask in public if Zero is alright, but his silence speaks for him.
"It's not me," Zero tells him, trying to explain. "They're not watching me. Except for Koneko, but she's not holding a blade."
Takuma's expression deepens with confusion and grows more worried.
The next course comes. Zero breathes against his burgeoning headache.
Something has changed. Koneko is watching him with her whole attention. But it's not the single-minded focus for a murder, he understands from the undertow of mushin.
Something snaps into place, and Zero comes into awareness when he hears a squeak.
His hand is curled tightly around the rim of a silver tray, held by a red-faced maid with terror in her eyes.
Without Zero's hand stopping it, the contents would have slid down the tray's side, straight into his lap. His clothes would have been ruined, and Zero would have been publically embarrassed in front of the entire court.
At her table, Koneko is half-horrified, half-frustrated. Zero reads the intent - this was meant to look like an accident, a mistake by an innocent servant.
"Please be more careful," Zero tells the girl without anger, and the maid flees back to her mistress, her sabotage a failure.
Even Shoshana sends him a look, though she continues to eat her meal in silence.
"That was very lucky," Takuma says with false cheer.
"You should try the soup," Zero tells him, some kind of thick cream sauce and seafood dish beyond his current coordination.
Zero ignores his own unlucky soup bowl, and keeps watching. Koneko's attention was a distraction. Where is the strike coming from? Where is the bunching of muscles, the careful stillness, the exaggerated relaxation?
Breathe in. Hold the breath. Breathe out. Go deeper.
His headache builds. Though he's still taking in images with his eyes, Zero shakes away what his body sees, and allows thoughts to well up inside him instead.
Breath. There are only a handful of people with the daring and resources to attempt poison in a place as sacrosanct as the Jeweled Court.
Breath. An enemy who expects an attack is a difficult enemy.
Beath. When attacking, seek weakness.
Breath. They are not looking at Zero.
Breath.
His head is killing him.
"Takuma-sempai, can you contact her?"
The noble doesn't ask who Zero means. "Yes," he says, looking at the scallop perched on his spoon.
"It's not me," Zero tells him.
It feels like someone is driving a stake through his head; the pain is making the world feel slow and blurred, like watching a movie with the frames played at the wrong speed. Zero squeezes his eyes shut. Not now, he thinks.
"Or it is me, but it's not me."
Takuma radiates concern by his elbow.
His Hunter senses roil, making him feel queasy. Ah, that's why - his powers have gone strange again. Zero was about due for another bout. Unreliable and difficult as they've been in the past few months, Zero should have known better than to sink so deeply into mushin.
Zero struggles to concentrate, thoughts moving slowly. "Who of our allies is the most vulnerable? Someone linked strongly to me. A substitute. Attacking a Consort...that would be solving a problem by creating a bigger one."
Takuma is silent as he thinks. "Aido-san's husband is about to close a large business deal, and her son is close to Kaname. Takiyama-san's last child just started attending school. Azai-san is four weeks along - " Takuma cuts himself off, frozen in horror.
Zero can see it happening, like it's in front of his eyes: Azai collapsing and falling into spasms on the floor, slowly going still as his life and his child are strangled cold, his long black hair knocked loose and spread around him like a shroud.
But that image feels wrong.
"They're not going to kill him," Zero mutters, half to himself. "This is a punishment. For him, and for me, and for anyone who thinks of opposing them."
Zero's eyes flick to meet Takuma's. "They're going to kill his child."
There, that is the right scene: Azai collapsing in the middle of the Court, elegance fled, the front of his robes turning slick with blood as he screams, weeping as the life inside leaves him.
Both Consorts struggle to stay relaxed, and not give themselves away to their enemies. The life of Azai's child depends on it.
"Hurry, and tell her," Zero says tersely.
"We still don't know which course," Takuma reminds him.
"The last," Zero says, certainty ringing along his bones, though he can't explain it.
Or maybe that's his headache? There is a tiny man banging a hammer on the inside of his skull.
Zero loses mushin somewhere inside the pain, and the full scale of his agony rushes in, flooding his consciousness. After that there's a little time missing, as Zero rides out the waves of pain.
A hand appears by his elbow, holding two little white capsules. "It's done," Takuma says.
Zero takes the pills gratefully; his hands are shaking so badly he dry swallows them both rather than risk a spill.
Within ten minutes, the pain starts to ebb, and the lunch is down to its second-to-last course.
The release of pain means Zero can't hold onto things like worry and tension; his shoulders are too slack with physical relief.
He still watches, of course, but when a perfect chocolate mousse is placed in front of him, somehow Zero is certain Seiren has succeeded, even before Azai takes his first bite and nothing happens.
Zero pops another spoonful in his mouth, savoring the looks of surprise and confusion on his enemies' faces. Two down, one to go.
After lunch, the Court breaks for half an hour, so the babies can be nursed and young toddlers checked on by their mothers. After that, the afternoon session begins. It's a chance for omegas to exchange news, discuss important issues, and make decisions as a community. Zero is certain to be the main topic of interest today.
The Court's afternoon session is the reason vampire society still observes the tradition. Originally, the Jeweled Court was a security measure against an omega being imprisoned by their alpha. You attended the Jeweled Court, no excuses, otherwise certain questions were very loudly asked and people came looking for you. And absolutely no alphas allowed, and no unnecessary betas. Omegas needed a place where they couldn't be watched by a controlling partner or their replacements, just in case.
Omegas still observe strict attendance rules - the threat of abuse has never gone away - but the Court has evolved into a competition for prestige between omegas. This is where the real battles for influence happened, in the forum of public opinion before the eyes of your peers.
Considering his body, Zero can't leave, of course, but after Takuma 'goes to the toilet', he looks more tranquil when he returns.
"Azai-san has been warned," the noble says, taking his seat. "Are you feeling better? You're going to be facing a veritable interrogation."
"My headache's had mercy on my skull," Zero tells Takuma, giving him a playful grin.
His opponents will need to take advantage of their last opportunity to discredit him until the next Court. Zero is unconcerned. The Senate faction can rake him over the coals all they want. The important thing is that no one is in danger anymore.
Poisoning Azai was their big plan; if it had succeeded, the Court would have been forced to halt. But they failed instead. The Court wasn't supposed to last this long. Everything from here on out is the Senate faction making it up as they go along.
Zero has prepared for his upcoming questioning the best he can. Kuran and Takuma guessed at the likeliest questions, and Zero rehearsed most of the answers with Takuma - after Kuran vetted his responses at Takuma's insistence. The rest will be up to his wits, his quickness and his limited political savvy.
But Zero's performance isn't going to be judged in vacuum. Everything the other omegas know about him - or think they know - will be weighed and considered. His damaged body is going to count against him. So will the many rumors and stories about him, and his reputation as a Hunter. Luckily, the Kurans' vow to never take another omega has given his reputation and status a lift - if Zero is valued by his pureblood alphas, that makes him more likely to be heeded.
But ultimately, this isn't going to matter much. Zero will be labeled a barren, defective omega because he refuses to have children, and he'll lose whatever esteem he gains here. Everything he does today is just pushing back that outcome a little further.
As the omegas begin heading back into the banquet hall, Zero spots Lead Hunter Ilesanmi at her post, leaning against the far wall, and he nods politely.
She measures him with her dark eyes, and makes the hand signal for 'all Hunters in place, begin assault when ready'.
The corners of his mouth turn up before he can stop himself.
Consort Shoshana was one of the first to leave, and is the last to come back. She smells of alpha; she must have visited Ouri.
"Are we ready to resume?" Zero asks once everyone has returned to their seats. When no one dissents, he continues. "Then the afternoon session is open."
"Does anyone have any news they'd like to share?" Takuma invites beside him, leaning forward in interest as though everyone here is an old friend.
After a moment, one of the omegas breaks the ice, recounting the marriage of a child, and after that there's a flurry of others sharing things of interest, from the small to the significant.
Zero lets Takuma lead the discussion. The noble is a natural at handling people, and his talents are on full display here, as his friendly nature prompts shyer omegas to speak up, and his empathy moderates old grievances with a frown or a sympathetic ear. Truly and honestly, Takuma is far more suited than Zero to the duties of Head Consort. Zero regrets that chance has set him about his friend; Takuma deserves a position where people can give him credit for his skills.
As if he can hear Zero's thoughts, Takuma looks over at him.
Zero hastily wipes his expression - though he's certain his poker face hasn't fallen - and Takuma looks away again.
There's a sense of waiting in the air; all of this is leading up to the main event. And at least a few of the omegas, from their expressions, are becoming impatient.
Good. A Hunter knows that impatience is costly. Now, is it better to invite the confrontation, or let his opponents betray their eagerness and perhaps make a mistake?
The choice is made for him when Abe Juan slams his hands on the tabletop, an echoing snap that cuts off a red-haired man going on at length about his daughter's terrible new boyfriend.
The dark-eyed man snarls. "Enough! We all know why we're here today, and it's not for this blithering nonsense!"
At Zero's elbow, Consort Shoshana straightens. "Abe Juan. This is the second time you have disrupted the Jeweled Court today. Do not be rude."
Abe deflates, but doesn't back down. "My apologies to Muir-san, but I am not the only one concerned. After all, this affects all of us, does it not?" The man's eyes go hooded, and in an arch tone, he continues, "Even you, Consort Shoshana - you've been replaced. You're no longer Head Consort anymore, are you?"
Zero decides to step in. "I assume you're talking about me?"
Instantly, the room's attention falls on him.
Having a sense of the low stakes is doing wonders for his stress levels. Nobody's going to die, and he's going to screw up eventually. Zero doesn't have much riding on this, which is why he adds, "And don't insult Consort Shoshana. We all follow the traditions of the Court - or at least, those of us who respect them." And then he looks at Abe, just in case someone missed the implied insult.
The noble presses his lips together so hard they go white, but before he can open his mouth and dig himself deeper, the Senate faction's leader intervenes.
Noguchi goes to her feet, and inclines her head so her black eyes are hidden behind her dark hair. "Consort Kiryuu, please forgive Abe-san. He is too zealous, but he is not wrong when he says that some of the Court are distressed at the idea of a new Head Consort. Consort Shoshana is well known to us, but you are unfamiliar. It is only to be expected."
Takuma gives his most disarming smile. "I'm sure Consort Kiryuu would be willing to answer some questions if that would help."
"Yes," Zero confirms, reminding himself to mind his body language and doing a last minute survey of his position. The Hunter lets one of his sleeves fall back, displaying Yuuki's dragon bracelet. "Do you have specific concerns?"
The Senate faction pounces. "The Kurans rejected you on your wedding night! What right do you have to call yourself Head Consort?"
He begins the memorized response. "Our marriage was legally consummated with my blood -"
"Then you really refused Kuran-sama and Kuran-hime on their own wedding night?" An angry voice cuts Zero off, from the monarchist faction this time.
Zero frowns. "Do you really think I could deny two purebloods access to my body if they really wanted it? I agreed to the treaty; I wouldn't put that in jeopardy."
"Then they did hate the idea of touching you?"
"Is it because you're deformed?"
"Be quiet," Zero commands in his Hunter voice, the one that cracks out like a whip, full of threat if the listener doesn't obey immediately.
The Court freezes - even Takuma.
Zero experiences a dizzy sensation of disconnection. These people are omegas, protected and prized, most of whom have probably never been physically threatened, or killed anyone with their own hands. What does he really understand about their lives? How can they conceive the arc of his?
With the taste of displacement in his mouth, like rust and soil, Zero continues in a softer voice. "I did not reject them, and they did not reject me. Kuran-sama has explained our choice not to physically consummate the marriage that night, on several occasions. We decided to take our time and get to know one another first. If his words cannot satisfy you, then mine won't do any good."
"Didn't you already know each other, from before?" asks another omega in a pointed tone.
Zero nods. This is an easier one to answer. "Yuuki and I were both fostered by Cross Kaien. Kaname and I attended the same school for a few years, but we weren't close. It's been a long time, and we've all changed since then. We judged the extra time necessary, since I didn't have a Courtship, and Hunters don't practice arranged marriages."
"Why did Kuran-sama chose you?" That question comes from Noguchi, who is watching with a considering look on her face. "To seal the treaty, he could have offered you to any alpha of a high enough rank. Yet he chose to enter a bond with you personally."
With the sense that he must tread carefully, Zero considers his answer. "You would have to ask him yourself. Because of our upbringing, Yuuki holds some affection for me. Perhaps it was on her account."
"Weren't they disgusted by your lovers?" Abe again, face set in an ugly expression.
Zero is really coming to dislike the man. "What lovers are those?"
Abe makes a languid gesture. "All the Hunters you played wife for. The stallions you rode - or perhaps they mounted you. You get the idea."
"There were no lovers," Zero asserts, brows coming together.
"Not even when you sneak away from the Kuran estate?" Abe insinuates with a sneer.
Zero regards the vampire levelly; the key here is not to get angry, no matter what he's accused of. "The Kurans know whenever I leave on a Hunt. That's hardly sneaking. And I haven't got any lovers. I'm married, and I take that seriously."
A monarchist omega asks next, emboldened by Abe's contempt. "Is it true you still haven't given yourself to your alphas?"
"That's private, and between the three of us," Zero answers, but the damage is done. By refusing to answer, he's as good as confirmed it. Damn, they hadn't expected anyone to be so brazen.
"How do you expect to run the Jeweled Court when you can't even fulfill the most basic duty of a Consort?" demands another monarchist.
Groping for his answer, Zero refuses to look at Takuma for help. "There are many things I'm still learning. Until I settle into the duties of a Consort and a spouse, I have the advice and guidance of Consort Shoshana and Consort Ichijo to rely on. I think we can all agree that my fellow Consorts are impeccably qualified."
"You don't deserve to sit in Consort Shoshana's chair, you murderer!"
Zero's head snaps around, and Lead Hunter Ilesanmi takes a step away from the wall. Takuma has a crease between his eyebrows as he studies the young woman in a maidservant's uniform standing in the door with her fists clenched.
"I've watched you try and fool these honored omegas, but I can't stand it any longer!" she says, marching into the banquet hall toward the Consort's table.
Takuma shifts in his seat; Zero grabs his wrist with a shake of his head. She's not a danger, but she is dangerous.
"I've killed many people," Zero tells her, "but never without an execution request or legal cause."
"Liar!" she spits, eyes hard. "You murdered my brother! He did nothing to deserve it!"
This is not the first angry family member Zero's dealt with. People don't want to believe that their loved ones have done terrible things. "What you're alleging is a serious breach of treaty. If you believe I have committed a crime, it should be reported to either the Hunter's Association or the Senate's officers, who will investigate it."
"Can you tell us your name?" Takuma interrupts.
"I'm Ono, Consort Ichijo," says the maid. "And if I reported it, no one would investigate it! The Hunters don't prosecute their own!"
"Actually," Zero tells her, "there have been numerous Hunters brought before a tribunal for exactly that. So why have you not reported it to the Senate, if you believe I've broken the treaty with an unsanctioned Hunt?"
"You're a Consort! They can't investigate you!"
"Are you suggesting the Kurans would interfere in a Senate investigation to ensure a miscarriage of justice?" Zero says slowly, hardly able to believe it.
The Court doesn't breathe. Nobody speaks ill of the vampires more akin to gods, let alone the Kuran family, who built their society.
The maid Ono sputters and goes white, frantically trying to deny it. "No! I would never dare! I just meant - they wouldn't want the dignity of the Consorts tarnished."
"Dignity or not, you should have reported it. Rank is not supposed to prevent accountability." Zero does a few calculations. "I've only been a Consort since March. Are you saying the incident occurred after that? Otherwise I would have been a normal Hunter, and you would have had no problem reporting it."
Ono shakes her head yes. "In June. You murdered him near his home in Iwa, on the night of the second."
"How do you know that?" Zero asks, in his most professional manner. "Did you witness it?"
The woman grows angier. "No, but I have a witness who told me what you did!"
"And what did that witness tell you?"
"He told me that you murdered his friend!"
"No," Zero says. "What did he say actually happened? Describe the weather, the place and time, the relative positions of each person, and the exact events."
Ono sputters again, her anger overwhelming her coherence. "What does that matter? He saw you, a Hunter with silver hair, shoot my brother with a gun and watch as he bled to death on the street outside his home!"
Zero rests his chin in his hand. "Then he lied. One, I never waste bullets, and I don't miss. He would been dead instantly if I shot him. Two, my Hunt on June 2nd was nearby, that's true. But the only vampires I killed that night were D rank. And my witness is reliable."
"Really?" Ono challenges him, her eyes fiery. "And who's that?"
Zero leans back in his chair. "I was accompanied from the moment I left the house by my husband's familiar. Kuran Kaname is my witness."
Ono's mouth hangs open. "But, but, you killed him! It had to be you!"
"Ono-san, I suggest you question your brother's 'friend' again about the events of that night," Zero says. His hand itches strongly for Nightshade's fur.
"No! That can't - you, you!" Another maid takes Ono by the arm, hurrying her toward an exit.
This has all the hallmarks of a hasty plan to discredit him. Zero is lucky they threw this together without a chance to iron out the wrinkles. Giving Ono proper coaching would have made her more persuasive, and the Court and the public might have been thoroughly convinced he was a criminal. Zero raises his voice. "Koneko-san, perhaps in the future you could train your staff more thoroughly."
The blonde noble colors and stiffens. Abe looks both sulky and furious, which makes him resemble a toddler who wanted a lollipop. Noguchi merely watches, contemplative but with her face otherwise free of emotion.
"This seems like a good place to end for the summer," Takuma says brightly. "It's gotten rather late, and I know many of us have responsibilities."
Zero wants to go home and sleep for a week. He sneaks a look downward, and spots his hands shaking badly against his robes; he tucks them under the table. Just a little longer.
"I agree. The summer session of the Jeweled Court is now closed. We will resume again in October, as usual. It was an honor to meet you all. Thank you for your attendance."
"How did it go?" Yuuki asks, running ahead of Kaname to fuss over Kiryuu.
Kiryuu's complexion is almost grey, and he sags in his chair, listing to the left as if he doesn't have the strength to straighten.
Shielding Kiryuu from the rest of the room - the few remaining omegas and the bustling servants - Takuma tells them,"Some good, some less good. I'll be waiting at Ichijo Manor to report. Take him home and put him to bed. This was too much for him, too soon."
All it takes is a few moments to scoop Kiryuu up - if possible, he feels lighter than he did a few hours ago. The Hunter's body lies slack in his grasp, and his skin feels cold when Kaname sneaks a hand up his sleeve to his wrist.
Kaname feels his protective instincts surge, and the pureblood pulls Kiryuu's silver head against his shoulder.
"You did well, little Hunter," he whispers quietly enough Kiryuu probably can't hear him.
Yuuki crowds the two of them, laying her hand against Kiryuu's cheek, and tsking at his his temperature.
Kaname isn't blind to the curious eyes around them; there's a story here, but Takuma will tell him later.
"Let's go home."
(They don't make it. Kaname drops them in the middle of nowhere so they can feed Zero immediately, without the scent of their pure blood subjecting the Kurans to the coarse bloodlust of weak vampires.
Takuma doesn't say anything when Kaname's late - he just smiles and offers him tea.)
I'm curious if anyone will guess what Kaname's up to. Leave me your guesses in the comments!
The chapter title is latin for 'prepare for war'
Who's ready for some fluff? I am! How about some fluff mixed with Unresolved Sexual Tension? Then tune in next chapter for your fix!