Fuji might not have slept all night, but Ryoma had. Even with Kabaji towering over him all night, he'd fallen asleep as soon as his head had hit the pillow.
At breakfast, he was informed by Atobe that he would be telling his story that morning to everyone.

"It's best that you don't mention how Tezuka made you his mate," Atobe whispered to him.

"Of course I was going to lie about that," Ryoma muttered back.

And so, a couple of hours later, he was back in the large meeting room with all eyes on him again.

"We were driving through the Hyotei Empire," Ryoma started, "and the driver stopped in the middle of the woods and got out and left."

"What did you do?" Atobe prompted.

"Karupin hid under one of the front seats, so I lay down in the foot well with him and then someone started shooting up the car," Ryoma said.

"Who's Karupin?" The King of Taranis asked.

"His cat," Kaidoh replied.

"Karupin escaped out the window and then I ran when they stopped shooting," Ryoma continued as if no one had interrupted, "they chased me through the woods until I reached Seigaku castle. Tezuka found me in the entrance hall and invited me to stay."

"He found a strange young man in his hall and he invited him to stay?" Someone from Taranis's government asked.

"Tezuka is a very kind man," Ryoma said, glaring at the man, "I was muddy, wet and bleeding. Everyone in the castle looked after me."

"How did you become the vampire's mate?" The Queen Mother asked.

"We fell in love," Ryoma replied simply, "he told me exactly what it meant and I agreed to it." He saw Fuji smirk and wished he could hit him. "This is the bite mark," he said, pulling his shirt out and showing the fang marks on his shoulder. A ripple of muttering spread around the room.

"And you stayed with the vampires?" the King asked.

"I did," Ryoma said, "They welcomed me into their home and made me part of their family. I wanted to stay, there wasn't anywhere else to go."

"You couldn't come to Taranis?" the Queen Mother asked.

"I didn't want to," Ryoma shrugged, "the only thing waiting for me here was a marriage to a girl I've never met, I don't even like girls in that way."

"Who tried to kill you?" Tokunaga asked before the Queen Mother could interrogate Ryoma further.

"We don't know," Atobe said, "that was why we were keeping his location a secret, to protect him from any other assassins. Not that it helped."

"What do you mean?" A member of Ensinkil's cabinet asked.

"One night someone broke in to try and kill me," Ryoma explained.

"They were a member of the Order of Assassins," Fuji added, "Yukimura's right hand man, one of the top assassins in the business."

"You would know all about assassins," Ryoma was sure he heard someone in the room mutter and stashed it away in his mind for further investigation later.

"Tezuka saved me," Ryoma said, wanting everyone to see how great Tezuka was.

"Have you found out who hired them?" Someone asked.

"We don't know," Atobe said, "we would have done something about them had we found out. Sanada didn't know anything and Yukimura is adamant that their services were hired anonymously. He owes me a few favours, so he isn't lying.

"However," Atobe continued, "I have been talking to my contacts and we have narrowed it down to someone in this room."

"Well, it was obviously a vampire," the Queen Mother said.

"Why would we save him, take him in and lead the investigation into the assassins?" Fuji asked, "surely, if we wanted Echizen dead, he wouldn't be standing in front of you now."

The Queen Mother bristled, much like Tomoka had done earlier but didn't have an answer to that.

"So, ladies and gentlemen," Atobe said, "either someone from Ensinkil or Taranis or possibly both of you working together, hired assassins to send after our cute little prince," Ryoma glared at him, Atobe smirked and carried on, "I will show you all the evidence we have and then leave you to settle it amongst yourselves. Kabaji?"

"Yes," Kabaji said from where he was standing behind Atobe. He handed Atobe a large folder and Atobe slid it into the middle of the table.

"My country is completely innocent," Atobe said, "and I would appreciate a full apology."

Could it all be this simple? Was it this easy to get the Hyotei Empire out of war. Taranis could still go to war with Ensinkil though. Ryoma felt uneasy about that. His country may have abandoned him and he had loathed everything about the place when he'd talked to Tezuka in the safe. But it was still his country, where he was born and brought up. His entire family was buried there, he couldn't let it be destroyed!

There was silence for a while whilst the documents in the folder were pored over, Atobe watched them, a smug look on his face.

"Do you really expect us to believe this?" The King asked, "facts from anonymous sources? Even the named sources are probably fabricated!"

Ryoma's eyes flicked to Tokunaga and the rest of the Ensinkil representatives and realised they were all siding with the King.

"How do we know these aren't forged!?" cried the King.

"We came to your capital to come to a peaceful solution, however we uncovered more unsavory results along the way," Atobe said calmly, but Ryoma could see some tension in his shoulders.

"Well, you seem on the defensive so you must be hiding something Atobe," Tokunaga intervened.

"I'll say again, do we look prepared for war?"

"You brought an assassin with you!" shouted one of the dignitaries, Ryoma couldn't tell where they were from.

All eyes turned to Fuji, who smiled serenely at them, "I'm retired, I'm merely a bodyguard now."

"A bodyguard with the insignia of the King's assassins!"

"I don't kill people," Fuji clarified, "unless I absolutely have to. I'm not the only one here from my regiment."

"But you're the only one who trained under Yukimura," said the King.

"Can we leave Fuji out of this?" Atobe asked, sounding bored, "he is here because Tezuka ordered him to protect the brat. Rest assured, I don't need him here, I can send him home right now if you wish."

Ryoma hoped he didn't. The idea that Fuji was an assassin and that had been with the same group that Sanada was from hadn't sunk in yet and, quite frankly, scared him. But still, he trusted Fuji and knew he would come to his aid, he didn't want him to go home.

It seemed Atobe's comment had put the others on the back-foot, they'd obviously expected Atobe to leap in and defend Fuji.

"Shall we get back to more important matters?" Oshitari asked calmly, "like averting a pointless war."

"You're just as bad as him!" a politician cried, point an accusatory finger at Oshitari.

"The Secret Service are not assassins," Atobe clarified, "you have people in your armies that do the same jobs, so please stop being such hypocrites. As Oshitari said, there are more important matters to attend to."

"Like these forged documents?" The King asked and Atobe gave him a toothy smile.

"Like those documents," Atobe agreed, "naturally, you'll want some time to read over them and talk to your people to determine their authenticity. Dismissing them out of hand as fake would just be childish."

The King and Atobe shared a look and the King backed down.

"Of course," he said, "I apologise for my rudeness, shall we adjourn for today?"

"That sounds like a good idea," Atobe replied and the meeting was called to a halt.

"You did well," Atobe told Ryoma as they left the room.

"Good," Ryoma replied, knowing Atobe wasn't lying to him. "I need to talk to Fuji now," he said and sped up to catch up with Fuji.

"That was a nice speech," Fuji said as Ryoma fell into step with him.

"Thanks," Ryoma said.

"You want to talk to me about my past?"

Ryoma felt stupid as he nodded. It wasn't any of his business after all. "I want to know more about the vampire assassins," he said, "if you don't want to talk about your past."

"It's a nice day outside," Fuji said, "we should go and find somewhere quiet to talk."

They found a secluded area in the maze of hedges in the garden with a bench in the sun. Ryoma watched in amazement as Fuji's skin started to sparkle slightly, as if he were covered in very fine glitter.

"You glitter?" He asked, smirking.

"It's a side effect of Inui's Special Vampire Anti-Sun Juice," Fuji explained, "It's better than suncream." He paused to let Ryoma ask his questions, "What do you want to know?" he prompted when Ryoma remained silent.

Ryoma looked at the ground, his mind blank. He had so many questions, but he couldn't think of one now.

"Where are they?" He asked, it was a vague enough question to start off with.

"To the East of Seigaku," Fuji said, "in the Rikkai mountains near the coast. They have a large house and a bit of land that is used to train assassins."

Ryoma nodded. He only had a vague idea about where that was. "Is there an application process to become one?" he asked.

Fuji looked grim, "It depends if you're talking before or after Atobe became king. He forced them not to take people against their wills."

"And before?"

Fuji took a deep breath, "they used to steal children." His hands balled into tight fists and Ryoma didn't know what to say to that. From Fuji's reaction, it was obvious that this was what had happened to him. "They went into a village, found the human children with the most potential, then destroyed the village and only kept the children with potential alive, they would tell them that they were here to save them. An assassin with a family is no good to them, they need people with no ties."

Ryoma nodded, "so they trained you and then turned you?"

"Yeah," Fuji said, "You weren't fully trained till you were around nineteen, they picked the best and turned them, the rest had to fight their way out."

"Against vampires?"

Fuji nodded gravely, "none of them ever survived."

Ryoma felt sick, "so why are the assassins kept around then?"

"Because they're useful," Fuji said, "you want someone killed discretely, then you go to them. They always ally themselves to the king and they're powerful allies. Atobe made them change most of their ways, but I still wouldn't trust them. I wouldn't put it past Yukimura to send Sanada to kill you even with Atobe's protection over you."

"But you left?" Ryoma asked, "sorry, but the don't seem like the type to just let you hand in your resignation."

"Tezuka saved me," Fuji said, smiling fondly.

"He does that a lot," Ryoma said and Fuji chuckled.

"Yes, the whole castle is full of strays that Tezuka brought into his fold." Fuji paused for a while and then continued, "I was sent to assassinate Tezuka. He caught me before I even got close."

"You were a good assassin?"

"Of course. I was one of the best," Fuji replied. "However, I made a mistake and was sent after Tezuka as punishment. He doesn't look it, but Tezuka is very strong."

"Yeah," Ryoma agreed. He had seen Tezuka holding Sanada up against a wall.

"I couldn't even put up a fight," Fuji said, "I thought I was dead. I-." He paused for a second, collecting his thoughts, "sorry, I don't like talking about my time as an assassin. I managed to convince myself for a long time that what I was doing was right. Then, I was sent on a suicide mission. Tezuka offered me a safe place to stay and I took it."

"How did the assassins take it?"

"They had to accept it." Fuji said, "Tezuka was high on the list of vampires they were not allowed to target, so when Atobe and Tezuka demanded that I would be released out of their order they didn't have much choice but to obey. Atobe killed the old king single handedly after all."

"The old king was a tyrant, right?" Ryoma asked, remembering what he'd skimmed through in the vampire book he'd read.

"Yes," Fuji said, "he was terrifying."

"No one's ever told me what Tezuka did to help overthrow him," Ryoma said, "is that why Atobe likes him so much?"

"They were close before," Fuji replied, "Tezuka came up with the plan on how to kill the king, I believe he masterminded most of it. In all honesty, I think Tezuka could have ended up as the king."

"Tezuka would be a good king," Ryoma said, "I'm glad he's not though."

"He didn't want to be king," Fuji said, "you should ask him anything else though, I can't give you any specifics and it's not really my place."

"Thanks," Ryoma said quietly, "for telling me all this."

Fuji laughed, "it's no problem, I trust you."

Ryoma didn't reply, not sure how he could reply. He trusted Fuji too, it didn't matter that he used to be an assassin, he couldn't help but trust him after all he'd done for him.

He opened his mouth, but was interrupted by Atobe appeared in front of them. He hadn't heard any footsteps.

"I'm here to invite you to a grand ball tonight," Atobe drawled.

"Tonight?" Ryoma asked, "that's short notice!" All the balls he'd been to had been planned meticulously over the period of a few months, especially the ones for foreign dignitaries.

Atobe smirked, "it seems our hosts want to catch us off guard. Thankfully, I planned for this."

Of course you did, Ryoma found himself thinking. "Do I have to go?"

"Of course you do," Atobe replied, "what else are you going to do tonight?"

"Sleep," Ryoma muttered, but Atobe carried on.

"I brought you all formal dress clothes, you'll find them in your rooms."

"Thank you, Atobe," Fuji said, "what time does it start."

"8 o'clock this evening," Atobe replied, "do not be late."

With that, he disappeared.

"He's as annoying as you with your fast running," Ryoma grumbled. He hated balls, there was nothing worse than dressing up in uncomfortable clothes and being surrounded by strangers.

Fuji gave him an enigmatic smile and then vanished from Ryoma's side.

With a sigh, Ryoma got to his feet and headed back to the palace. He didn't jump when Fuji leaped out at him from behind a hedge.

The suit Atobe had picked out for Ryoma was, in his personal opinion, horrible. The jacket and trousers were fine, but the shirt had frilly sleeves! Frills that wouldn't be hidden by the jacket! And, worst of all, came with a cravat! He hadn't worn a cravat since he was twelve! He dressed as slowly as possible, wanting to show up as late as he could. Thankfully (for him) the cravat was a pain to tie and he refused to ask anyone for help. He was not going to have Atobe fix up his appearance again!

He put the bottle of Tezuka's blood in his pocket as he wouldn't be able to get at it quickly if it were under his shirt and cravat. The diamond glittered at him from the bedside table and he picked it up and pocketed it.

Downstairs, the party was in full swing, full of men and women dressed in their finery. Ryoma fiddled with his cuffs, feeling stupid. He felt nervous, like he did around all rooms full of people where he was likely to be the centre of attention. It would be fine if he were actually there to do something, but all anyone wanted to do was curry favour with him.

As he entered the Great Hall, the Master of Ceremonies called out his name and an excited murmur flew around the room. He kept his eyes straight ahead of him, avoiding any eye contact until he reached Fuji on the other side of the hall who was being given a wide berth by the human guests.

"Where's Atobe?" Ryoma asked, when he realised the king was not with them.

"He hasn't arrived yet," Fuji replied, "Your Highness."

"Why are you calling me that?" Ryoma snapped. Being called by his title by Fuji, by anyone from Seigaku, made his innards tighten. At Seigaku he was just 'Echizen', they didn't see him as a Prince, they saw him as him.

"Because we're at a formal party and we have to use each other's titles when talking to each other," Fuji explained, smirking. He was enjoying this far too much.

"Fine, what's your official title?" Ryoma asked, "or would you like me to knight you?"

"Maybe later," Fuji chuckled, "Your Highness."

"You have to call me 'Sir' after the first 'Your Highness'," Ryoma said.

"But 'Your Highness' sounds so much better," Fuji replied, "does Tezuka call you that in bed?"

Ryoma felt his hackles rise, "No, he calls me by my name."

"Shame," Fuji said, "I'm sure you'd enjoy it."

Ryoma was about to snap back that he didn't enjoy anyone calling him 'Your Highness', when a young lady, dressed in a fine red dress and bedecked with sparkling jewels came to join them.

"Your Highness," she said, curtseying to Ryoma.

Ryoma gave her an impatient look.

"I am Keiko, the daughter of Lord Aoki of Westash," she introduced herself and Ryoma nodded despite not having a clue who she was, who her father was or where Westash was. "I was hoping that you would dance with me later."

"I already have my dance rota filled," Ryoma lied. He'd just dance with Fuji all night if he had to.

"Oh," Keiko said and sudden comprehension dawned in her eyes, "you'll be dancing with your fiancee, won't you?" She asked in a hushed voice, eyes sparkling with excitement. Why she was excited was beyond Ryoma, especially since she'd been asking him for a dance. "They say the wedding will be the grandest yet."

Of course, the wedding.

"It will be," Ryoma agreed just to get her to go away, "Now, I have to talk to Sir Fuji here."

Keiko curtseyed again and left.

"Surely that would be Sir Shusuke," Fuji said.

"Fuck off."

The room around them suddenly went silent, the last voice to be heard was Shishido's indignant shout that his suit did not look stupid with his baseball cap, and their eyes turned to the entrance to the room where Atobe was waiting, dressed in a white military uniform, complete with sword, gold braiding and a cloak lined in a scarlet silk. Only Atobe could have pulled it off.

"His Royal Highness, King Keigo Atobe of The Hyotei Empire," the Master of Ceremonies called out into the hall, "King of the Vampires."

Atobe grinned at the room and walked in, his footsteps were soon drowned out by the buzz of conversation starting up again.

Ryoma looked at the buffet table, piled high with food and completely untouched, and wondered if he could eat something. He was starting to feel hungry, but didn't want to start a war over going to the buffet table too early.

A hand clasped his shoulder and a mouth leaned down to whisper, "you'll be dancing the first dance with me," into his ear. It was Atobe.

"Will I?" Ryoma asked, trying not to sound like Atobe had shocked him.

The hand squeezed his shoulder, "Yes, you will."

"Aren't you popular," Fuji commented as Atobe left.

"I wish I wasn't," Ryoma grumbled, giving into his hunger and grabbing a cream cake from the buffet table and shoving it into his mouth.

They were the first to take to the floor after the King and Queen of Taranis. Atobe looked very pleased with the stir they'd caused by taking the first dance together and Ryoma wasn't sure how he was feeling. He was quite happy with all the shocked looks, almost revelling in them as much as Atobe, but Atobe's hand was very tight on his waist and Ryoma knew how to dance, damn it! He didn't need to lead him around like a little kid! He took Atobe's hand firmly and looked definitely up at him. If Atobe was going to challenge him then he was damn well going to fight back.

They started to dance, Ryoma following Atobe's every move and not putting a step wrong. He'd hated dancing lessons, but right now they were turning out to be incredibly useful. He was thankful his dance teacher had mercilessly hunted him out of his hiding places and made him practice until he was perfect.

"You're doing well, brat," Atobe said as Ryoma didn't put a foot wrong through a particularly difficult part of the dance.

"This is easy," Ryoma scoffed as Atobe dipped him and the crowd around their barely contained gasps. "It'd be better if you were Tezuka."

Atobe laughed, "Tezuka is rubbish at dancing."

"I can teach him."

"I'm sure you can. But tonight, I must ask that you only dance with members of my entourage," Atobe told him, "you must not dance with the princess."

"I wasn't planning to," Ryoma replied in disgust. "She hates me, anyway."

"Excellent," Atobe replied, "I was only expecting to have an unwilling groom on my hands. This will make things smoother."

"I'll run away if they make me marry her."

Atobe snorted, "and where will you run to? They'll have people looking for you as soon as they notice you're missing, there will be nowhere for you to hide."

"I'll find a way," Ryoma snapped.

"Will you? That will be amusing to watch."

Ryoma clenched his jaw. The words 'I'll take Fuji with me' were on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't say them. It would do Atobe good if Ryoma suddenly disappeared, let him worry about the political implications. Maybe he should take Kaidoh instead of Fuji. Kaidoh would be a lot less annoying and then Fuji would be worried as well. Yes, that was a far better plan. He just smirked at Atobe and Atobe smirked right back at him.

The song ended and, much to Ryoma's dismay, Atobe raised his hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it. He tried to keep his face completely neutral, but couldn't stop himself glaring and snatching his hand back as fast as possible.

"You looked wonderful together," Fuji said when Ryoma found him at the back of the room.

Ryoma glared at him, "I'm never dancing with him again!"

"That's a shame," Fuji sounded highly amused with the situation, "I've never seen anyone dance as well as that before."

"I'm going to get some food," Ryoma said and stomped away.

The buffet table was now swamped with children and middle aged men, who wanted a first stab at the food. Ryoma gravitated towards it too, he'd never been one to turn down free food.

With heavy use of elbows, he made his way through the crowd and to the table, grabbing a plate and proceeding to fill it with as much cake as he could reach. His mind turned towards Tezuka and he smiled at the look of disapproval that would undoubtedly grace the vampire's face if he saw Ryoma's plate. He grabbed a carrot stick, just to make it healthier.

He'd just made it out of the scrum when someone grabbed the collar of his jacket and pulled him sharply backwards. He stumbled and steadied himself as he was pulled backwards towards the double doors leading to the balcony.