Aiko glanced over at her sister, grimacing at the look of pain on her face. She was trying her best to be strong, firm. Aiko smiled at Kikiyo, reaching out to hold her sister's hand. Whatever it came down to, Aiko would protect her sister, defend her until the end. She looked over at Kai when he spoke. 

"Yes. It is true. Kikiyo has a lot of Dracula's lineage in her. But you know, she is my sister. Therefore, so do I," Aiko said, letting out a long breath. She didn't appreciate being put under her sister. Everyone acted like Kikiyo was ten times better than Aiko, simply because of those golden eyes. For once, Aiko wanted someone to recognize that she had rarer vampire features. Kikiyo had her eyes, but Aiko had her hair, her light features, her tall frame. Aiko pushed the thoughts aside. 

****

Ichiro smiled at Kai, biting his tongue. It was rude of his friend not to be on his side. 

"My apologies, your highness," he said, watching the younger princess. "I am impressed by your lineage. Very sought after bloodlines." Ichiro decided to fall into his overly polite self, ignoring how insulted he was by this entire situation. Kai clearly wanted him to be nice, and so he would. Fake, but nice.