It had been a week since Princess Akiko's arrival, and the Matten coven had settled into a tentative routine.
They had total freedom within their suite but outside, they were followed by security agents who didn't let them out of their sight.
Of course, one could say that they were being guarded for their safety but Ezra knew exactly what was being said. After all, Akiko had said it herself.
No one trusted the Matten coven.
And that was how the week passed in a haze of careful observation and guarded steps.
Ezra had spent most of his ti with his wives, especially Olivia on whom the pregnancy was taking a toll on. This pregnancy was a first in recorded history and no one knew what would happen next.
When not with his wives, Ezra spent ti exploring the estate and familiarizing himself with its layout and the patterns of those who worked there.
He'd received the ssage loud and clear that this wasn't ho.
At least not yet.
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There was nothing wrong with knowing where to attack and what route to take in the event of an ergency.
Whenever he t the staff, they were always polite but always seed to avoid lingering too long in his presence.
Even the guards kept a respectful distance from him, watching uneasily.
Not only had the rumor of his arrival bringing war spread all over the place, there was also the fact that Akiko's Aura and authority hung over everything.
It felt like a giant eye in the sky, watching everything and everyone at the sa ti.
It was a reminder that their lives rested in her palm.
Ever since Suriel's sudden disappearance, the atmosphere of the mansion had shifted. It was as if everyone knew sothing he didn't and didn't dare to discuss the topic even in the privacy of their thoughts.
Whatever had happened, it was undeniable that Akiko knew what she was doing. She had taken over as caretaker and the Monarchy's interest in the Crossroads had kept moving without even a stutter.
Ezra and his wives had not seen much of her since the day she took over. Even though they had little reason to complain about their treatnt, the silence from the Nightmare Princess had been unnerving.
Thankfully, the silence had finally been broken.
Now, Ezra found himself walking to the garden at Akiko's summons.
The summons itself had been simple. A brief ssage delivered by one of the mansion's staff. But that didn't an the reason for the summon would also be simple.
Akiko didn't strike Ezra as the type of woman who did anything without a purpose.
The sun was high in the sky as Ezra crossed the mansion grounds, making his way to the garden with a guard following behind.
The garden, a sprawling expanse of ticulously maintained plants and flowers, was quiet save for the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze and the distant chirping of birds.
The winding paths were bordered by hedges and vibrant flower beds, their colors vivid under the light above.
Akiko stood by a flower patch, her petite fra bent slightly as she admired the flowers in front of her. Her fingers hovered just above a bright red rose, tracing its delicate petals without touching them.
She straightened as Ezra walked closer, turning to greet him with a faint smile.
"They're beautiful, aren't they?" She said, gesturing toward the flowers. "So fragile, yet they endure so much to bloom like this."
Ezra inclined his head slightly. "They are."
Akiko gestured for him to join her, turning to stroll down the garden path. "Walk with , brother." She said, her tone light. "I find the garden to be the perfect place for conversation."
Ezra fell into step beside her, his hands clasped behind his back as they moved through the garden's paths.
Akiko's steps were unhurried, as if she had all the ti in the world. And she did.
All vampires did.
"How have you and your wives been settling in?" She finally asked, glancing at him.
"We've adjusted well enough." Ezra replied. "The accommodations have been generous."
"I'm glad to hear that." Akiko nodded.
"You know, I have to apologize for not giving you more of my ti this past week. Taking over Sariel's duties has kept occupied, and there's much to manage before the new caretaker arrives."
"I believe you've done an admirable job, Princess." Ezra said diplomatically. "The estate seems to be running smoothly under your guidance."
Akiko's smile widened slightly. "Flattery, brother? I didn't think you were the type."
"Only when it's deserved." Ezra joked, a slight smile on his face.
They walked in silence for a few seconds, the sound of their footsteps blending with the rustle of the garden.
Finally, Akiko spoke again. "I believe you must have a few questions for ? About the Monarchy?"
Ezra considered her offer carefully before replying. "How does the Monarchy work?"
Akiko tilted her head slightly, as if thinking about where to begin. "Let's see." She humd.
"The Monarchy is divided into two courts, as you likely already know. The Daydream Court and the Nightmare Court."
"Both operate independently for obvious reasons, with their territories strictly separated. The Daydream Court governs the western half of our lands, while we the Nightmare Court holds dominion over the eastern half."
"Royalty from both sides never et in person. In the sa way a daydream and a nightmare can't exist in the sa place at the sa ti, so can't we?"
"If we really need to speak with soone from the other court, it's a good thing we have technologies for that."
Her gaze shifted to a cluster of lavender flowers as she continued.
"The Daydream Court currently consists of four vampire royalty. They are led by Prince Arthur himself."
She paused, her eyes turning to et Ezra's.
"The Nightmare Court previously had just three mbers but with you, we can make it four. Prince Caspian leads us."
"I see." Ezra nodded to himself before sothing occured to him. "If I may be rude…"
"Which relics do each royalty hold?"
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