My Vampire Harem Will Dominate Everything

The whole estate had been jolted into activity right from the moment Akiko had received the report of Elder Fortuna's arrival.

She'd quickly taken action, issuing orders immediately to the Monarchy's forces, tightening security across the estate.

Patrols were doubled, checkpoints reinforced, and the hidden defenses at the boundaries of both the estate and their territory had been activated. She'd send word to both courts of the Monarchy, putting them on high alert.

All eyes would be on the crossroads and that was a good thing. Fortuna's reputation preceded her, and Akiko was determined not to take any chances.

She had every inch of the estate's perimeter under watch, and she made a mental note to personally inspect the security systems later that evening.

As the day progressed, Akiko retired briefly to her office, where a messenger brought her an envelope bearing the unmistakable seal of the Vampire Society.

Inside was a letter stating that Itachi Yaiba, acting as an emissary of Elder Fortuna, had requested an audience with her.

Akiko had dismissed the messenger, her mind going into overdrive.

It was rare for the Society to send Elders to the Crossroads and even rarer for them to extend an olive branch, instead of starting with threats of war.

The envelope had brought with it the potential for violence and Akiko had to admit that she felt a little thrill at it.

It wasn't long before Itachi arrived, escorted by two guards. His presence was calm, almost disarmingly so, but Akiko knew better than to underestimate him.

"Princess Akiko." Itachi inclined his head just a fraction in respect, a smile on his face. "Thank you for granting this meeting."

"Sit." She gestured for him to sit in one of the high-backed chairs across from her desk. "Let's not waste time. What brings you here?"

"I'm here on behalf of Elder Fortuna to propose a negotiation regarding Ezra Matten." Itachi said directly without beating around the bush. "The Society recognizes his… unique value and wishes to discuss terms for his return to his mother's soil."

"Mother's soil?" Akiko scoffed as she leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepled in front of her.

"Ezra Matten is not an outsider to the Monarchy, Itachi Yaiba. He has been officially recognized as a prince of the Nightmare Court. Whatever terms you're considering, they're irrelevant. He's one of us now."

Itachi nodded, as if expecting her response. "Be that as it may, Elder Fortuna believes a meeting would still be beneficial. If nothing else, it's an opportunity to establish clearer boundaries between the Society and the Monarchy in regards to this matter."

Akiko said nothing.

"Prince or not, it doesn't change the fact that Ezra Matten is wanted for crimes against the Society. You know just as I do that the Council will have a hard time letting him go." His smile widened.

"There's nothing stopping us from having a little meeting to soothe hurt feelings and egos. You won't be averse to that, would you?"

Akiko studied him for a moment before giving a smile of her own. "You're persistent."

"Fine." She nodded. "I'll allow the meeting. But let me be clear. Ezra is not a bargaining chip. He is royalty now, and his place within the Monarchy is non-negotiable."

"Understood." Itachi said, rising to his feet. "I'll inform Elder Fortuna of your decision."

"Do that." Akiko replied, her tone dismissive. "The meeting will take place here tomorrow. Let your Elder know that this is a courtesy, not an obligation."

Itachi inclined his head respectfully before turning to leave. Akiko watched him go, her mind already moving to the next step.

She couldn't afford to let her guard down, not with someone like Fortuna involved.

Her mind moved to Ezra and she stood. Without delay, she made her way to his suite.

When she got to the door, she knocked, waiting for the sound of footsteps before the door opened. Ezra stood there, his blindfolded face tilting slightly in her direction as if he could see her clearly.

"Akiko." He greeted, stepping aside to let her in.

Olivia and Red were seated in the living room, stopping their conversation as Akiko entered.

"Good evening." Akiko said, her gaze sweeping over the room. "At this point, I'm sure you've heard the news. Elder Fortuna of the Council is here in the Crossroads."

Ezra nodded, gesturing for her to continue as they both took their seats, Ezra beside Olivia and Red, with Akiko opposite them.

"I've come to inform you of an important development." Akiko said solemnly, making them sit up in attention.

"Tomorrow, we will be receiving guests from the Vampire Society. Elder Fortuna herself is coming, accompanied by her envoy, Itachi Yaiba. They've requested a meeting to discuss you."

Ezra was silent for a second before he spoke calmly. "Discuss me?"

Akiko nodded. "The Society is… persistent, but you have nothing to worry about. You're a prince of the Nightmare Court now. Your place here is secure."

"Why agree to the meeting at all?" Red asked, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Shouldn't we just tell them to shove off?"

Akiko smiled in response. "Diplomacy has its uses, Lady Red. Refusing outright would only cause more problems in the long run. By allowing this meeting, we control the narrative and can decisively put an end to the hunt for all of you."
Continue your adventure with empire

"If the Monarchy won't be handing us over and we'll be getting the Society off our backs," Olivia's brow furrowed, "what would they gain from this meeting? The rewards seem too… one sided."

"We'll have to give them something else." Akiko admitted. "But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be careful."

"Fortuna is one of the nine eighth-ringed vampires in existence. No one knows what she'll do. However," she smiled reassuringly, "you are safe. The Nightmare Court stands behind you, and Fortuna knows better than to challenge us directly."

Ezra's head tilted slightly. "And if she tries?"

Akiko's eyes gleamed in anticipation. "Then she'll find herself facing one of the few vampires on this planet below the eighth ring capable of stopping her."

Shocked silence filled the room.

"Trust me, brother." Akiko said confidently. "You're in good hands."