BLOOD. LUST. FAMILY. CHAPTER 13
Jun. 11th, 2021 07:03 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
learashiPairing: Sakumoto
Genre: Vampire AU, fantasy, drama, mpreg
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Contains violence, gore, blood.
Summary: Jun is hospitalised, and the Vampire Council is confronted.
Previously: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12
Jun stared anxiously at Shun as he examined the printout from the monitor strapped to his belly. This hospital room was just as luxurious as his previous ones, but to his overly sensitive nose, the odour of antiseptic in the air was making him feel queasy.
Shun gave a satisfied nod. “It seems as if things are settling down. When was the last time you felt a contraction?”
“Probably more than an hour ago?” Jun looked to Sho, who was holding his hand tightly, for confirmation.
Sho nodded and looked at Shun hopefully.
The reassuring smile which Shun gave them calmed Jun’s racing heart slightly. “It certainly appears that your condition has stabilized for now. We will run the IV for another twenty-four hours to continue to administer the medication and keep you hydrated.”
“Did I do something wrong?” Jun asked softly.
Shun hastened to reassure Jun that he was blameless. “Of course not. It’s extremely rare, but a severe iron deficiency in pregnant vampires can trigger preterm contractions. I didn't mention it to you when we discussed your anaemia, because I didn't want to worry you unnecessarily over something which was unlikely to happen. In my career so far I've never seen a case.”
Jun sighed, “Just my luck.” His eyes widened as a disturbing thought came to him. “What if the Council thinks that it is because of something which I did wrong? What if they decide to take me into protective custody?”
Sho immediately hastened to reassure Jun. “Please don't distress yourself. It wasn't your fault, Pet.” He tucked a stray lock of hair behind Jun’s ear with his free hand and kissed the top of his head. “I have discussed this with Shun, and if it's anyone's fault, it is that of King Matsumoto and the Vampire Council for placing you under so much stress,” Sho added, as he gently disengaged his fingers from Jun and rose to his feet. “And that's precisely why I am about to join Satoshi and Nino at a meeting with the Council to tell them to back off and to rein in Matsumoto.”
Jun struggled to sit up. “Are you sure that's a good idea? My father has allies on the Council.”
“As do I.” Sho’s eyes flared with red sparks. “My father is also a King, and although we are not close, I am his heir, and our youngling guarantees the future of the Sakurai royal line.”
Satoshi hurried into the room, carrying a huge bunch of sunflowers which he dropped on the foot of the bed before carefully hugging Jun so as to not disturb any of the lines and monitors to which he was attached. He agreed with Sho, and added, “Don't forget that I'm also Crown Prince of the house of Matsumoto.”
As he looked Jun over, Satoshi fired a barrage of questions. “Did the contractions stop? Are you okay? And your youngling?”
Jun smiled fondly at his big brother as he answered. “Yes. Yes. And yes, our youngling is fine. If you look on the top of the cabinet you will find a photograph from the scan which Shun performed earlier.”
Satoshi snatched it up and gazed in wonder at the black and white image of Jun’s youngling, which was slightly small, but perfectly healthy.
Jun was surprised to see Satoshi clad in a designer suit and with his hair neatly styled. For once he looked the part of a Royal, and Jun’s heart swelled with pride. “I'm so proud of the pair of you.”
“Not as proud as we are of you.” Sho kissed Jun and rested his hand on his belly, sending positive thoughts to their youngling. “We might be gone for some time. Will you be okay?”
Shun answered instead. “Jun, since I have other duties here at the hospital, I have arranged for my two best nurses to care for you in rotating shifts so that you will have twenty-four hour care. They are waiting outside to be introduced.”
Sho was immediately relieved to know that Jun would not be left alone. “Thank you, Shun-sensei.”
Jun was struggling to keep his eyes open as exhaustion settled into his bones, but he managed a small nod.
Shun walked to the door and ushered in a human female nurse of petite size, wearing a pink uniform. She had large intelligent eyes and full lips set in a pretty face. “This is Ishihara Satomi-san.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I work during the day, and you can trust me to watch over you while you sleep.” Ishihara offered a small bow and a charming smile, before exiting the room.
She was replaced by a male vampire, also wearing pink and with an equally charming smile. His dark brown hair was cut short in the back and he had a thick fringe, which framed his distinctively handsome face. “I’m Ikuta Toma, but please call me Toma. I’m your night nurse.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Jun replied, smiling automatically in response.
“I'm not due to start work for another fifteen minutes, so I thought I might grab myself a coffee. How about I grab you some synthetic blood at the same time, for a little snack?”
“Fine.” Jun had no appetite, but he knew that for the sake of his youngling he must try to eat and drink as much blood as possible. “Thanks.”
“You don't sound very excited,” Toma said with an exaggerated frown. “Let me see if I can find a way to change that.”
As Toma bounced out of the room, Shun also headed to the door. “I'll leave you in Toma’s capable hands.”
Sho bristled at the overly familiar tone of the nurse. He was far too good looking and charming for his taste.
Catching Sho’s expression, Jun giggled, “You’re cute when you're jealous.”
“Cute?” Sho huffed.
“Definitely,” Shun agreed with a grin as he disappeared out the door.
****
“Ta dah!” Toma pulled a clear plastic beaker of synthetic blood out from behind his back. It was decorated with two paper umbrellas which skewered a wedge of pineapple and two maraschino cherries.
Jun laughed and attempted to sit more upright so that he could hold it without it spilling. Sho and Toma reacted at the same time, and while Sho gently wrapped his arm around Jun and lifted him, Toma arranged the pillows so that Jun could recline comfortably and drink the blood being offered to him.
As Jun slowly but surely drank the synthetic blood, Sho and Toma shared a look of understanding over his head. Sho could see why Shun had assigned him to Jun; he obviously had the knack of making patients do what they would usually refuse to do without even realizing what they were doing.
Sho stroked Jun’s cheek and waited for him to finish the blood, before kissing his cheek, which still felt too cold but was a slightly better colour. “Call me if you need anything. I'll leave my phone on.”
“Please be careful. The Council won't take kindly to being told off.”
Satoshi reluctantly motioned to Sho that they needed to leave. “Don't worry, Nino won't let us say anything too stupid.”
“I hope so,” Jun said as he thoughtfully chewed on the piece of pineapple. “Because I’d prefer it if the two of you come back with all of your essential bits attached.”
Although Jun appeared calm on the outside, it was impossible for him to hide his true feelings from Sho.
Satoshi, who also felt a distressed murmur in the back of his mind, collected Toma who gathered up the flowers and they discreetly left the room, sliding the door shut behind them.
****
Sho climbed onto the narrow bed and pulled Jun into his arms. “Pet, I wouldn't leave you here alone if this wasn't so important.”
“I know that, and I’m sorry to be a burden,” Jun rested his head on Sho’s chest so that he could take comfort from his strong heartbeat. “If I was well, I wouldn’t be this needy. I used to be so much stronger than this.”
The lilac glow was back in Jun’s eyes, and as if sensing it, he shook his head to dispel any traces of weakness. He pulled away from Sho’s embrace and pushed him off the bed. “Go to your meeting and don’t worry about us. Your youngling and I will be fine.”
“Are you sure?” Sho’s brow creased worriedly. “Because I can stay here and leave it to Satoshi and Nino.”
Jun sat up straight and glared at Sho, dislodging the monitor strapped to his belly in the process. “I want you to go there and give them hell. I’d go myself if I could and tell them to their faces; they need to know that I refuse to allow them to continue to interfere in our lives and that they can’t bully me anymore.”
Sho internally kicked himself for once again falling into the trap of treating Jun as if he was helpless. A way to include Jun came into his mind. “If I need help, do you think you would feel up to speaking to them on the phone?”
Jun’s eyes glowed bright purple for the first time in a week. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure.”
Sho’s heart leaped with joy at the sight of his mate looking so fired up. He bent down with the intention of kissing him soundly but was interrupted as Toma bustled back into the room, pushing him out of the way and tutting over the disconnected monitor.
After settling for pressing a kiss to the back of Jun’s free hand, Sho headed off to catch up with Satoshi, even more determined to bring a halt to the meddling in his mateship.
****
Nino stood poised with his hand on the door to the Council chambers. He looked around at Satoshi and Sho. “Are you ready to do this?”
Looking determined, Satoshi nodded and squared his shoulders, while Sho took a steadying breath and stiffened his spine as he felt the reassuring hum of Jun’s supportive thoughts in the back of his mind.
“Don’t let them intimidate you. Remember that you are Royalty, and they are just a bunch of crusty old vampires who are little more than glorified public servants.”
“We have been here before, Nino,” Sho said as he resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
“Yes, but that was when they were being nice because they wanted something from you. It’s an entirely different proposition when it’s the other way around,” Nino warned.
The carved mahogany door swung open with an ominous creak as Nino led the way into the gloomy Council chamber.
The Council members lurked in shadowy darkness, seemingly revelling in the dramatic atmosphere. Nino sighed and walked to the light switch, turning up the dimmer and revealing the twelve members.
“We can't talk to you properly if we can't see your faces clearly.”
Ignoring the glares of some of the others, the Chairman laughed and looked fondly at Nino. “Always so bold, Ninomiya. Thank you for escorting the Crown Princes, but you may leave now.”
Surprised by the way the elderly vampire spoke to Nino, Sho ignored the others and focused on the Chairman, hoping to have found a sympathetic ear. “Thank you for agreeing to see us on such short notice. However, we would prefer it if Nino remains.”
“Then please be seated,” the sole female vampire said.
“We have requested this meeting to ask you to lift your threat of taking Prince Jun into custody.” Sho began calmly, but his voice grew louder as he continued. “It is your interference, and that of King Matsumoto, which has led to my mate being hospitalised.”
This caused a wave of discontent amongst the Council. “Why were we not informed of this? Do you not remember what was decided upon to protect Crown Prince Jun, and his unborn vampling after his rash behaviour during the incident involving the Matsuoka heir?”
“It is that very decision which has caused my mate unnecessary stress. How can he be expected to retain his health when he is under the threat of being removed from his mate and home? I have spoken with my father King Sakurai, and he was horrified to hear that Jun has been hospitalized and has agreed that the threat of removal hanging over Jun be immediately nullified," Sho said firmly.
“It is the duty of the Council to protect the weak,” the most ancient vampire insisted. "Personal feelings do not matter to us."
“Prince Jun is not weak, and he doesn’t need protection; he needs love and support.” Sho replied in a tight voice as he struggled to rein in his temper.
Satoshi leaned forward in his seat, unconsciously emphasizing his words. “I was as guilty as all of you, believing that my brother is in need of my protection, but that is far from true. You all have mates, and therefore you must be aware of the dangers of vampire pregnancies, especially those of the male submissive mate. Would you condone such treatment of your own mates at such a vulnerable time?”
A few of the councilors shifted uncomfortably in their seats and avoided meeting Sho and Satoshi’s eyes.
The most ancient looking vampire asked in a testy tone, “Why has Prince Jun been hospitalized? What is the nature of his ailment? If he has failed in his duty to protect the unborn Sakurai heir, there must be consequences.”
“That is none of your business,” Sho replied with barely restrained anger, shrugging off Nino’s restraining hand. “All you need to know is that his doctor has submitted a report to me stating that Jun’s condition has been exacerbated by a fear of failure which has been brought about by your actions.” Sho pulled the folded report from his pocket and smoothed it out before placing it down before the Chairman.
The Councillors huffed and hissed at the tone of Sho’s voice. The Chairman looked apologetically at Sho, but insisted. “I am sorry Prince Sakurai, but your mate’s medical condition is indeed our business. Both King Matsumoto and King Sakurai insisted that it be so.”
At this point, Nino cleared his throat and drew a slip of paper from his pocket and handed it to the Chairman before melting back into the corner of the room. The Chairman read Nino’s precise handwriting with a worried frown. He passed the note to the Councillor nearest to him, and indicated that the paper should be passed along. He turned to where Nino stood, almost invisible except for the vibrant purple of his running shoes. “Is this information regarding King Matsumoto correct?”
Nino bowed slightly and nodded. “It is, but I would suggest that we keep it to be used at a time where it might best serve the Council.”
The Chairman switched his attention to Sho. “I apologize for any distress which King Matsumoto has caused. We at the Council were unaware of certain of his activities. But to make a determination, we will still need to speak with Prince Jun.”
Satoshi relaxed in his seat; it appeared that Nino had worked one of his miracles. In his opinion Nino would make someone a perfect dominant mate some day, if they could look behind his sometimes intimidating work persona and see his caring side.
Sho felt his heart rate calm slightly. He drew his phone out of his pocket. “Jun is prepared to speak with you. I have arranged to make a video call so he can speak with you directly from the hospital.”
The phone rang only twice before it was swiftly answered, but Toma’s face loomed on the screen rather than Jun. “Sorry, but his royal highness is asleep.”
“Then wake him,” the ancient vampire commanded.
Sho growled, but Toma responded first. “Absolutely not. The health of my patient comes first.”
“It is an order,” the vampire continued, ignoring the Chairman who was obviously displeased by him taking control over the meeting.
A brown glow, the shade of molten milk chocolate flared in Toma’s eyes, and the tips of his fangs showed between his lips which were set in a thin line of disapproval.
Before he could reply, the phone was snatched from his hand and a new face appeared on the screen. The vampire looked around forty in human years and he was very handsome, but the most striking thing about him was his resemblance to Sho, including the blazing red fire in his eyes. “The Council would order that my son’s mate be woken from a healing sleep to answer your intrusive questions? You overstep your authority.”
The Chairman immediately rushed to make amends. “I apologize on behalf of the Councillors, your Majesty.”
Sho and Satoshi exchanged confused looks; although King Sakurai had been informed of the situation and agreed that Jun not be pressured, they had definitely not anticipated him visiting the hospital.
Sakurai continued to glare coldly at the Council members. “I have not set the best example, so to me Prince Sho’s attitude towards his own mate is a source of great pride. He, Crown Prince Satoshi, and Agent Ninomiya are more than capable of keeping Jun safe and well, along with his excellent medical team. They need no further interference from outsiders who have no business meddling in their private matters, including me and King Matsumoto. We all agree that Prince Jun’s actions were brave but foolhardy, but I have spoken to him at length, and he has reassured me he has no further intentions to place either himself or his unborn youngling at risk. His actions were those of a strong and loving mate instinctively protecting his family, and I am the first to admit that we were wrong to threaten him with being taken into care for fighting to defend those whom he loves. We like to think that we all would do the same, but I suspect that many of us would lack the courage which he has shown. How many of you could survive abduction, assault, an arranged mating, an attack upon your family, and now a highly risky pregnancy decades before such a thing should be possible?”
“We meant him no harm,” the female replied, as she shrank down into her seat, much like the other members of the Council under King Sakurai’s onslaught.
“No harm?” Sakurai spat. “Your actions have caused the exact opposite, and mine also. I have already apologized to Jun and expect you to do the same, or else I will be very displeased; and believe me, that is something which you do not wish to experience, because I can hold a grudge for a very long time.”
As the Councillors debated amongst themselves, King Sakurai indicated that he wished to speak with Sho in private. Sho caught Satoshi and Nino’s eyes and slipped out of the chamber, closing the heavy door behind him and standing in the empty corridor.
“I am sorry,” King Sakurai said softly.
“Fortunately Jun is fine,” Sho replied, as he leaned back against the wall, exhausted by the emotional toll of Jun’s early labour pains and the meeting with the Council.
Sakurai shook his head. “You misunderstand me. I apologize for neglecting your mother, and driving her and you away for all of those years. From now on I aspire to treat her as respectfully as you treat Jun.”
“How could you two stand to be apart for so long?” Sho had never understood his parents' separation. Mated vampires were rarely apart for longer than a few days at a time without suffering some form of either physical or emotional trauma.
“Our mating bond was never strong; we both managed to hold something back of ourselves. We are one of those rare mated pairs who do not share a psychic connection, even after a centuries long bond. For the duration of our separation we both felt slightly off-kilter but were able to function normally. Since reuniting we have grown closer, but we still lack the passion which I so envy in your mating.” King Sakurai looked wistful and slightly jealous. “Jun is beautiful and a credit to you. He will raise your vampling well.”
“Jun is my world. Our hearts are as one. I will never again allow anyone to interfere in our mateship without suffering dire consequences; and that includes you,” Sho said, meaning every word.
“And that is how it should be.” Pride shone from Sakurai’s eyes. The Royal House of Sakurai’s future was sure to be a bright one, with such vampires as Sho and his mate standing ready to inherit.
Genre: Vampire AU, fantasy, drama, mpreg
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Contains violence, gore, blood.
Summary: Jun is hospitalised, and the Vampire Council is confronted.
Previously: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12
Jun stared anxiously at Shun as he examined the printout from the monitor strapped to his belly. This hospital room was just as luxurious as his previous ones, but to his overly sensitive nose, the odour of antiseptic in the air was making him feel queasy.
Shun gave a satisfied nod. “It seems as if things are settling down. When was the last time you felt a contraction?”
“Probably more than an hour ago?” Jun looked to Sho, who was holding his hand tightly, for confirmation.
Sho nodded and looked at Shun hopefully.
The reassuring smile which Shun gave them calmed Jun’s racing heart slightly. “It certainly appears that your condition has stabilized for now. We will run the IV for another twenty-four hours to continue to administer the medication and keep you hydrated.”
“Did I do something wrong?” Jun asked softly.
Shun hastened to reassure Jun that he was blameless. “Of course not. It’s extremely rare, but a severe iron deficiency in pregnant vampires can trigger preterm contractions. I didn't mention it to you when we discussed your anaemia, because I didn't want to worry you unnecessarily over something which was unlikely to happen. In my career so far I've never seen a case.”
Jun sighed, “Just my luck.” His eyes widened as a disturbing thought came to him. “What if the Council thinks that it is because of something which I did wrong? What if they decide to take me into protective custody?”
Sho immediately hastened to reassure Jun. “Please don't distress yourself. It wasn't your fault, Pet.” He tucked a stray lock of hair behind Jun’s ear with his free hand and kissed the top of his head. “I have discussed this with Shun, and if it's anyone's fault, it is that of King Matsumoto and the Vampire Council for placing you under so much stress,” Sho added, as he gently disengaged his fingers from Jun and rose to his feet. “And that's precisely why I am about to join Satoshi and Nino at a meeting with the Council to tell them to back off and to rein in Matsumoto.”
Jun struggled to sit up. “Are you sure that's a good idea? My father has allies on the Council.”
“As do I.” Sho’s eyes flared with red sparks. “My father is also a King, and although we are not close, I am his heir, and our youngling guarantees the future of the Sakurai royal line.”
Satoshi hurried into the room, carrying a huge bunch of sunflowers which he dropped on the foot of the bed before carefully hugging Jun so as to not disturb any of the lines and monitors to which he was attached. He agreed with Sho, and added, “Don't forget that I'm also Crown Prince of the house of Matsumoto.”
As he looked Jun over, Satoshi fired a barrage of questions. “Did the contractions stop? Are you okay? And your youngling?”
Jun smiled fondly at his big brother as he answered. “Yes. Yes. And yes, our youngling is fine. If you look on the top of the cabinet you will find a photograph from the scan which Shun performed earlier.”
Satoshi snatched it up and gazed in wonder at the black and white image of Jun’s youngling, which was slightly small, but perfectly healthy.
Jun was surprised to see Satoshi clad in a designer suit and with his hair neatly styled. For once he looked the part of a Royal, and Jun’s heart swelled with pride. “I'm so proud of the pair of you.”
“Not as proud as we are of you.” Sho kissed Jun and rested his hand on his belly, sending positive thoughts to their youngling. “We might be gone for some time. Will you be okay?”
Shun answered instead. “Jun, since I have other duties here at the hospital, I have arranged for my two best nurses to care for you in rotating shifts so that you will have twenty-four hour care. They are waiting outside to be introduced.”
Sho was immediately relieved to know that Jun would not be left alone. “Thank you, Shun-sensei.”
Jun was struggling to keep his eyes open as exhaustion settled into his bones, but he managed a small nod.
Shun walked to the door and ushered in a human female nurse of petite size, wearing a pink uniform. She had large intelligent eyes and full lips set in a pretty face. “This is Ishihara Satomi-san.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I work during the day, and you can trust me to watch over you while you sleep.” Ishihara offered a small bow and a charming smile, before exiting the room.
She was replaced by a male vampire, also wearing pink and with an equally charming smile. His dark brown hair was cut short in the back and he had a thick fringe, which framed his distinctively handsome face. “I’m Ikuta Toma, but please call me Toma. I’m your night nurse.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Jun replied, smiling automatically in response.
“I'm not due to start work for another fifteen minutes, so I thought I might grab myself a coffee. How about I grab you some synthetic blood at the same time, for a little snack?”
“Fine.” Jun had no appetite, but he knew that for the sake of his youngling he must try to eat and drink as much blood as possible. “Thanks.”
“You don't sound very excited,” Toma said with an exaggerated frown. “Let me see if I can find a way to change that.”
As Toma bounced out of the room, Shun also headed to the door. “I'll leave you in Toma’s capable hands.”
Sho bristled at the overly familiar tone of the nurse. He was far too good looking and charming for his taste.
Catching Sho’s expression, Jun giggled, “You’re cute when you're jealous.”
“Cute?” Sho huffed.
“Definitely,” Shun agreed with a grin as he disappeared out the door.
****
“Ta dah!” Toma pulled a clear plastic beaker of synthetic blood out from behind his back. It was decorated with two paper umbrellas which skewered a wedge of pineapple and two maraschino cherries.
Jun laughed and attempted to sit more upright so that he could hold it without it spilling. Sho and Toma reacted at the same time, and while Sho gently wrapped his arm around Jun and lifted him, Toma arranged the pillows so that Jun could recline comfortably and drink the blood being offered to him.
As Jun slowly but surely drank the synthetic blood, Sho and Toma shared a look of understanding over his head. Sho could see why Shun had assigned him to Jun; he obviously had the knack of making patients do what they would usually refuse to do without even realizing what they were doing.
Sho stroked Jun’s cheek and waited for him to finish the blood, before kissing his cheek, which still felt too cold but was a slightly better colour. “Call me if you need anything. I'll leave my phone on.”
“Please be careful. The Council won't take kindly to being told off.”
Satoshi reluctantly motioned to Sho that they needed to leave. “Don't worry, Nino won't let us say anything too stupid.”
“I hope so,” Jun said as he thoughtfully chewed on the piece of pineapple. “Because I’d prefer it if the two of you come back with all of your essential bits attached.”
Although Jun appeared calm on the outside, it was impossible for him to hide his true feelings from Sho.
Satoshi, who also felt a distressed murmur in the back of his mind, collected Toma who gathered up the flowers and they discreetly left the room, sliding the door shut behind them.
****
Sho climbed onto the narrow bed and pulled Jun into his arms. “Pet, I wouldn't leave you here alone if this wasn't so important.”
“I know that, and I’m sorry to be a burden,” Jun rested his head on Sho’s chest so that he could take comfort from his strong heartbeat. “If I was well, I wouldn’t be this needy. I used to be so much stronger than this.”
The lilac glow was back in Jun’s eyes, and as if sensing it, he shook his head to dispel any traces of weakness. He pulled away from Sho’s embrace and pushed him off the bed. “Go to your meeting and don’t worry about us. Your youngling and I will be fine.”
“Are you sure?” Sho’s brow creased worriedly. “Because I can stay here and leave it to Satoshi and Nino.”
Jun sat up straight and glared at Sho, dislodging the monitor strapped to his belly in the process. “I want you to go there and give them hell. I’d go myself if I could and tell them to their faces; they need to know that I refuse to allow them to continue to interfere in our lives and that they can’t bully me anymore.”
Sho internally kicked himself for once again falling into the trap of treating Jun as if he was helpless. A way to include Jun came into his mind. “If I need help, do you think you would feel up to speaking to them on the phone?”
Jun’s eyes glowed bright purple for the first time in a week. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure.”
Sho’s heart leaped with joy at the sight of his mate looking so fired up. He bent down with the intention of kissing him soundly but was interrupted as Toma bustled back into the room, pushing him out of the way and tutting over the disconnected monitor.
After settling for pressing a kiss to the back of Jun’s free hand, Sho headed off to catch up with Satoshi, even more determined to bring a halt to the meddling in his mateship.
****
Nino stood poised with his hand on the door to the Council chambers. He looked around at Satoshi and Sho. “Are you ready to do this?”
Looking determined, Satoshi nodded and squared his shoulders, while Sho took a steadying breath and stiffened his spine as he felt the reassuring hum of Jun’s supportive thoughts in the back of his mind.
“Don’t let them intimidate you. Remember that you are Royalty, and they are just a bunch of crusty old vampires who are little more than glorified public servants.”
“We have been here before, Nino,” Sho said as he resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
“Yes, but that was when they were being nice because they wanted something from you. It’s an entirely different proposition when it’s the other way around,” Nino warned.
The carved mahogany door swung open with an ominous creak as Nino led the way into the gloomy Council chamber.
The Council members lurked in shadowy darkness, seemingly revelling in the dramatic atmosphere. Nino sighed and walked to the light switch, turning up the dimmer and revealing the twelve members.
“We can't talk to you properly if we can't see your faces clearly.”
Ignoring the glares of some of the others, the Chairman laughed and looked fondly at Nino. “Always so bold, Ninomiya. Thank you for escorting the Crown Princes, but you may leave now.”
Surprised by the way the elderly vampire spoke to Nino, Sho ignored the others and focused on the Chairman, hoping to have found a sympathetic ear. “Thank you for agreeing to see us on such short notice. However, we would prefer it if Nino remains.”
“Then please be seated,” the sole female vampire said.
“We have requested this meeting to ask you to lift your threat of taking Prince Jun into custody.” Sho began calmly, but his voice grew louder as he continued. “It is your interference, and that of King Matsumoto, which has led to my mate being hospitalised.”
This caused a wave of discontent amongst the Council. “Why were we not informed of this? Do you not remember what was decided upon to protect Crown Prince Jun, and his unborn vampling after his rash behaviour during the incident involving the Matsuoka heir?”
“It is that very decision which has caused my mate unnecessary stress. How can he be expected to retain his health when he is under the threat of being removed from his mate and home? I have spoken with my father King Sakurai, and he was horrified to hear that Jun has been hospitalized and has agreed that the threat of removal hanging over Jun be immediately nullified," Sho said firmly.
“It is the duty of the Council to protect the weak,” the most ancient vampire insisted. "Personal feelings do not matter to us."
“Prince Jun is not weak, and he doesn’t need protection; he needs love and support.” Sho replied in a tight voice as he struggled to rein in his temper.
Satoshi leaned forward in his seat, unconsciously emphasizing his words. “I was as guilty as all of you, believing that my brother is in need of my protection, but that is far from true. You all have mates, and therefore you must be aware of the dangers of vampire pregnancies, especially those of the male submissive mate. Would you condone such treatment of your own mates at such a vulnerable time?”
A few of the councilors shifted uncomfortably in their seats and avoided meeting Sho and Satoshi’s eyes.
The most ancient looking vampire asked in a testy tone, “Why has Prince Jun been hospitalized? What is the nature of his ailment? If he has failed in his duty to protect the unborn Sakurai heir, there must be consequences.”
“That is none of your business,” Sho replied with barely restrained anger, shrugging off Nino’s restraining hand. “All you need to know is that his doctor has submitted a report to me stating that Jun’s condition has been exacerbated by a fear of failure which has been brought about by your actions.” Sho pulled the folded report from his pocket and smoothed it out before placing it down before the Chairman.
The Councillors huffed and hissed at the tone of Sho’s voice. The Chairman looked apologetically at Sho, but insisted. “I am sorry Prince Sakurai, but your mate’s medical condition is indeed our business. Both King Matsumoto and King Sakurai insisted that it be so.”
At this point, Nino cleared his throat and drew a slip of paper from his pocket and handed it to the Chairman before melting back into the corner of the room. The Chairman read Nino’s precise handwriting with a worried frown. He passed the note to the Councillor nearest to him, and indicated that the paper should be passed along. He turned to where Nino stood, almost invisible except for the vibrant purple of his running shoes. “Is this information regarding King Matsumoto correct?”
Nino bowed slightly and nodded. “It is, but I would suggest that we keep it to be used at a time where it might best serve the Council.”
The Chairman switched his attention to Sho. “I apologize for any distress which King Matsumoto has caused. We at the Council were unaware of certain of his activities. But to make a determination, we will still need to speak with Prince Jun.”
Satoshi relaxed in his seat; it appeared that Nino had worked one of his miracles. In his opinion Nino would make someone a perfect dominant mate some day, if they could look behind his sometimes intimidating work persona and see his caring side.
Sho felt his heart rate calm slightly. He drew his phone out of his pocket. “Jun is prepared to speak with you. I have arranged to make a video call so he can speak with you directly from the hospital.”
The phone rang only twice before it was swiftly answered, but Toma’s face loomed on the screen rather than Jun. “Sorry, but his royal highness is asleep.”
“Then wake him,” the ancient vampire commanded.
Sho growled, but Toma responded first. “Absolutely not. The health of my patient comes first.”
“It is an order,” the vampire continued, ignoring the Chairman who was obviously displeased by him taking control over the meeting.
A brown glow, the shade of molten milk chocolate flared in Toma’s eyes, and the tips of his fangs showed between his lips which were set in a thin line of disapproval.
Before he could reply, the phone was snatched from his hand and a new face appeared on the screen. The vampire looked around forty in human years and he was very handsome, but the most striking thing about him was his resemblance to Sho, including the blazing red fire in his eyes. “The Council would order that my son’s mate be woken from a healing sleep to answer your intrusive questions? You overstep your authority.”
The Chairman immediately rushed to make amends. “I apologize on behalf of the Councillors, your Majesty.”
Sho and Satoshi exchanged confused looks; although King Sakurai had been informed of the situation and agreed that Jun not be pressured, they had definitely not anticipated him visiting the hospital.
Sakurai continued to glare coldly at the Council members. “I have not set the best example, so to me Prince Sho’s attitude towards his own mate is a source of great pride. He, Crown Prince Satoshi, and Agent Ninomiya are more than capable of keeping Jun safe and well, along with his excellent medical team. They need no further interference from outsiders who have no business meddling in their private matters, including me and King Matsumoto. We all agree that Prince Jun’s actions were brave but foolhardy, but I have spoken to him at length, and he has reassured me he has no further intentions to place either himself or his unborn youngling at risk. His actions were those of a strong and loving mate instinctively protecting his family, and I am the first to admit that we were wrong to threaten him with being taken into care for fighting to defend those whom he loves. We like to think that we all would do the same, but I suspect that many of us would lack the courage which he has shown. How many of you could survive abduction, assault, an arranged mating, an attack upon your family, and now a highly risky pregnancy decades before such a thing should be possible?”
“We meant him no harm,” the female replied, as she shrank down into her seat, much like the other members of the Council under King Sakurai’s onslaught.
“No harm?” Sakurai spat. “Your actions have caused the exact opposite, and mine also. I have already apologized to Jun and expect you to do the same, or else I will be very displeased; and believe me, that is something which you do not wish to experience, because I can hold a grudge for a very long time.”
As the Councillors debated amongst themselves, King Sakurai indicated that he wished to speak with Sho in private. Sho caught Satoshi and Nino’s eyes and slipped out of the chamber, closing the heavy door behind him and standing in the empty corridor.
“I am sorry,” King Sakurai said softly.
“Fortunately Jun is fine,” Sho replied, as he leaned back against the wall, exhausted by the emotional toll of Jun’s early labour pains and the meeting with the Council.
Sakurai shook his head. “You misunderstand me. I apologize for neglecting your mother, and driving her and you away for all of those years. From now on I aspire to treat her as respectfully as you treat Jun.”
“How could you two stand to be apart for so long?” Sho had never understood his parents' separation. Mated vampires were rarely apart for longer than a few days at a time without suffering some form of either physical or emotional trauma.
“Our mating bond was never strong; we both managed to hold something back of ourselves. We are one of those rare mated pairs who do not share a psychic connection, even after a centuries long bond. For the duration of our separation we both felt slightly off-kilter but were able to function normally. Since reuniting we have grown closer, but we still lack the passion which I so envy in your mating.” King Sakurai looked wistful and slightly jealous. “Jun is beautiful and a credit to you. He will raise your vampling well.”
“Jun is my world. Our hearts are as one. I will never again allow anyone to interfere in our mateship without suffering dire consequences; and that includes you,” Sho said, meaning every word.
“And that is how it should be.” Pride shone from Sakurai’s eyes. The Royal House of Sakurai’s future was sure to be a bright one, with such vampires as Sho and his mate standing ready to inherit.
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Date: 2021-06-16 09:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-06-17 10:37 pm (UTC)