My Vampire Harem Will Dominate Everything

A week pressed in blessed relaxation and the day of Ezra's official coronation arrived.

The grand hall of Caspian Tower had been decorated, looking resplendent in its dark majesty. Banners bearing the sigil of the Nightmare Court, a black crown on a white background, hung from the high ceiling.

Light filled the space and occupying the chairs are the guests invited to the coronation. Representatives from other courts, Overseers, rich and powerful vampires, anyone that was someone in the Monarchy was in attendance.

Everyone knew what the coronation meant. They'd all heard the rumors that all the relics were now accounted for and that the new prince was coming but this was the confirmation that the rumors were true.

It was not just an official addition to the ranks of the Nightmare Court but was also a declaration of power, a way to show the world that the Monarchy was still going strong.

Currently, Ezra stood at the base of the raised dais in the hall, his black and silver attire standing out against the blood-red carpet beneath his feet.

He could feel, and of course through his Aura, see, the countless eyes upon him, some measuring, some appraising, and others skeptical of the newest prince to join their ranks.

Olivia and Red sat in places of prominence at the front and he could tell that Olivia was receiving even more attention than he was. This was the first time any of them had seen a pregnant vampire.

As for Gen, she had stayed back in their suite, not gambling on the chance that one of the vampires could have a tattoo that would enable them to see her. And if they could see her, they could definitely affect her.

At the top of the dais, seated on their respective thrones, were the three existing rulers of the Nightmare Court, Caspian, Vance, and Akiko.

Each of them were dressed regally and wore their crowns. Beside them was a fourth and empty throne. Ezra's throne.

The princes and princess stared at him with neutral, officious expressions as they watched the ceremony.

The murmur of the room faded away as Caspian stood, his presence commanding absolute silence.

His silver-streaked hair gleamed under the light of the chandeliers, and his eyes bore into Ezra. "Ezra Matten, step forward."

Ezra stepped forward, his boots echoing in the silent hall. Vampires could really be quiet when they wanted to.

He reached the dais and ascended the steps, standing before the Caspian and the four thrones.

Caspian reached into the space in front of him and pulled out a ceremonial dagger. Making a small cut on his palm, he let the blood drip into a chalice.

He passed the dagger to Vance, who did the same, then to Akiko. When the chalice was full, Caspian extended it to Ezra.

"Drink, and be bound to the Nightmare Court." Caspian intoned like the grand prince of a cult.

Ezra had already been briefed on what would happen in the coronation, so this was not a surprise.

He took the goblet, lifted it to his lips and drank deeply. The dark liquid spilled down his throat, tasting like… iron. It wasn't even warm, it was lukewarm.

The whole thing was just ceremonial as Caspian, Vance and Akiko had already removed every speck of vitality from their blood before they gave it to him. This meant the blood was basically ownerless blood. No one could use it to form a link with them.

When he lowered the goblet, Caspian stepped forward, holding a similar golden crown to theirs. "Kneel."

Ezra knelt and Caspian placed the crown on his head.

"By the will of the Monarchy, and by the blood that binds us, you are now a Prince of the Nightmare Court. Rise, Ezra Matten."

Ezra stood as applause rippled through the crowd. He could see that not everyone had a smile on their face. Some clapped out of obligation rather than support. Some whispered behind closed lips. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire

But Ezra didn't care. He had carved his place here, and nothing would take it from him.

The coronation was concluded and they moved to the ball, where music filled the hall and vampires dressed in elegant attire moved in ways that would make professional dancers cry in envy.

Ezra moved through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries, memorizing faces, and noting those who offered him false smiles.

Then, he'd been a warrior but now, he was a ruler. This was a different battlefield and he needed to learn the ropes as soon as possible.

Then, it was time for the presentation of gifts. He stood with his wives at one end of the wall, the helps at the side to collect the gift and safely move it.

He stood as representatives from the Daydream Court appeared one after the other, standing out due to their lighter-colored attire. Nothing screamed 'I want to show everyone I'm with the court associated with daylight' than wearing white.

Even though the Daydream Court couldn't come in person—to not kick start a war from the pull attached to the relics of both cults—they had sent gifts and formal well-wishes.

He kept receiving the gifts and soon, a vampire diplomat stepped forward, carrying a carefully wrapped package. Unlike the other gifts, it was smaller. And Ezra could not see what was inside of it, even with his Aura.

He didn't change anything outwardly but his focus was immediately on the vampire.

"From Prince Romanus of the Daydream Court, wielder of Omnia." The diplomat announced, presenting the package with a slight bow. "A token of recognition."

Ezra accepted it without breaking eye contact. "A generous gesture. Give Prince Romanus my regards."

The diplomat inclined his head, then stepped back to join his delegation.

Ezra examined the package for a second longer before handing it over to the help, where the package joined the others, arranged carefully at the side.

Throughout the evening, Ezra took note of those who approached him.

Some nobles offered their support, while others made subtle threats disguised as casual conversation.

He could tell that he was now in a place where no warrior was honest. Every knight was an assassin in disguise and everyone had a hidden knife behind them.

The ceremony concluded with a final toast.

Caspian raised his goblet, his voice ringing clear through the hall. "To Prince Ezra Matten. May he rule wisely, and may his strength add to the might of the Nightmare Court."

Ezra lifted his own goblet before drinking, feeling the warmth settle in his chest. As he lowered the goblet, eyes swept across the gathered lords and nobles.

Had he just gone from frying pan to fire? Or was it from the fire to the frying pan?

Either way, he knew he was still close to the fire.