Aiko sat up in surprise. 

"Kikiyo, please don't be foolish. In a world of vampires, darkness overcomes light," she said, motioning for the maid. Knowing her, the maid brought over wine, not blood. Niko smiled and thanked the girl, sipping from her glass. "Blood doesn't make a queen, but it does make a legend. Any ruler should be feared and respected. I am not feared, Kikiyo, and neither of us can deny that." Aiko stopped to look at Kai. The man was polite; she respected manners. It was the prince she worried about. 

"I agree with you, you majesty," the prince said, looking between the two of them, "A ruler should be firm, strong willed. Kikiyo, you are clearly very strong willed. I believe you would be a grand queen, one well worth watching." Ichiro honestly meant that. He liked how stand-offish she was. Bored by the entire ordeal. Ichiro smirked at the girl. "But I believe we have a deal to discuss."