My Vampire Harem Will Dominate Everything

"That's basically it." Akiko said, taking a sip from her glass of blood wine.

She and Ezra were sitting in her office, enjoying a drink as they conversed. She watched the deep red liquid as she swirled it expertly, her attention split between Ezra and the drink.

She needed to get closer to him. Maybe, just maybe, he'd give her a child of her own. She exhaled, enjoying the quiet around them.

"What about operations?" Ezra asked.

Akiko took another sip of wine before setting her glass down. "The Monarchy operates differently than the Society." She said.

"As I'm sure you're already aware, the power structure here is based on autonomy. We ceded from the Society because such strict rules are like confining a predator to a cage. I mean, what's the beauty in doing that?" She laughed.

"Here, the princes and princesses govern their own territories, appointing Overseers who manage the different regions under their rule."

"Unlike the Society's rigid system with City Lords, the Overseers are appointed over whole regions, including a few cities and multiple towns. The Overseer's job is not to rule but to supervise."

"This means that every coven is beholden to no one, only their prince or princess, giving them far more freedom than the average Society coven. They may travel and settle as they please, provided they keep their appointed Overseer informed of their movements."
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Ezra listened attentively, his fingers tapping lightly against the stem of his glass. "So as long as they report in, they're free to act as they wish?"

Akiko nodded. "Precisely."

"The Monarchy values flexibility. It allows our forces to adapt, move quickly, and respond to threats without the hurdle of bureaucracy that always pulls the Society behind."

"Of course, there are rules. Order must be maintained and while the Law of Secrecy is no longer a thing, one must be careful. No one wants another Death Wave."

"However, compared to what you knew before, you'll find this structure much more... fluid."

Ezra nodded, liking what he was hearing. He knew first hand how it felt to live in the Society and this was… freeing.

The Society had been rigid, oppressive in its governance, demanding obedience without compromise. This system, while still hierarchical, allowed for more independence.

It was a refreshing change, but he knew it also meant more responsibility. Instead of City Lords to keep the peace and keep people in line, he'd have to do it with his own power.

"Interesting." He murmured.

Before he could say more, the door to the office opened and a vampire guard stepped in, bowing slightly before announcing, "Princess Akiko, Prince Ezra, the new caretaker has arrived."

Akiko glanced at Ezra with a smirk. "Well, it's time for your first official introduction, brother."

The guard stepped aside, allowing a tall male vampire to enter the room. He had high, angular features, dark hair slicked back neatly, and an air of quiet authority. His attire was immaculate, his every movement composed.

"Prince Ezra Matten, allow me to introduce Orion, the new caretaker of the Monarchy's interests in the Crossroads." Akiko said, gesturing toward the newcomer.

Ezra rose from his seat, setting his glass aside as he stepped forward. He was keenly aware that this was his first real test as a prince of the Nightmare Court.

He straightened his posture, keeping everything about him regal as he extended a hand. "It is an honor to meet you, Orion. I appreciate the work you will be doing to ensure the stability of the Crossroads."

The relics all had an aura of nobility. All he had to do was power it a bit and he had his noble aura.

Orion took Ezra's hand in a firm grip, his expression respectful but neutral. "The honor is mine, Prince Ezra. I pledge to uphold the Monarchy's interests here and ensure that peace is maintained. The Crossroads is a vital region, and I will see to it that our presence remains strong."

Akiko watched the exchange with satisfaction, raising her glass in a silent toast before taking another sip.

Ezra inclined his head slightly. "I look forward to working together, Orion. We have much to accomplish."

The formality of the meeting soon gave way to logistical discussions about the transition.

Orion was briefed on security measures, trade routes, and the new relationship they had with the Monarchy now that the Monarchy had Ezra Matten as its new prince.

Ezra noticed that Orion was a much better fit than Sariel had been for this post. The man was efficient and left no detail untouched. While he was a bit reserved, Ezra could tell that he had confidence in what he could do.

He was a good fit for the role.

**********

A few days later, as dawn barely brushed the horizon, Orion stood at the gates of the Monarchy's estate, watching as the convoy prepared to leave.

The combat ready and reinforced hover cars lined the courtyard, waiting for their occupants. It was finally time for the Matten coven, along with Akiko, to leave the Crossroads and into the Monarchy proper.

Ezra stood beside Olivia and Red, with Gen floating unseen behind them. This would be his first major step into Monarchy politics.

No longer an outsider, he was heading to Rivermount, Prince Caspian's capital city, where the two remaining princes of the Nightmare Court were waiting to finalize his official recognition as a new prince.

Akiko adjusted the cuffs of her long coat, turning to Orion. "Keep things running smoothly here. If anything threatens the Monarchy's peace, I expect swift action."

Orion gave a curt nod. "Of course, Princess. You need not worry. The Crossroads will remain in safe hands."

Ezra turned to Orion, giving a firm nod. "Until next time."

Orion smiled politely. "I look forward to watching your progress, Prince Ezra. Show them why you deserve your seat at the table."

With that, Ezra turned and stepped into the vehicle reserved for the Matten coven, the door shutting behind him.

The convoy pulled out of the estate, moving down the road toward their next destination.

First, the airport. Then from there, a private jet to Rivermount.

And when he finally gets there, his true induction into the Nightmare Court.