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"Red Emperor, if you rid us of the Evil Dragons, rest assured—Carmilla will repay you generously."
Tenra flashed an easy grin. "I've had enough of empty promises, Your Majesty. Let's settle the terms now. No surprises after the fact."
Queen Carmilla bit back a curse at this slippery devil. She knew better than to try sweet talk or vague deals—Tenra wouldn't lift a finger unless he saw real benefit.
"Fine, then. What do you want?" Her voice was cool, bracing herself for a steep price.
But Tenra only smiled, saying nothing.
Carmilla's eyes narrowed. She was quick—she understood immediately. "Everyone, leave us."
Her command swept through the hall. Elders and courtiers bowed and withdrew, leaving only Tenra and the Queen.
Tenra turned to Yubelluna and the others. "You girls wait outside. I'll call for you when I'm done."
"Yes, Lord Tenra." With a graceful bow, Yubelluna and the rest followed the vampires out.
In moments, the grand hall was silent—just Tenra and Carmilla, two rulers alone.
"Now, Red Emperor. Name your price."
"No rush, Your Majesty. Why not tell me first what you're willing to offer? I'll see if it's worth my time."
Carmilla's lips tightened. "Gold, women—whatever you want, you can have."
Tenra chuckled. "Generous as always. But do you really think a Phoenix devil needs gold? And as for women—every one of mine is a world-class beauty. If you want to pay in women, then bring me a hundred—no, two hundred—who match my companions in beauty and strength."
He clicked his tongue, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Carmilla's face darkened. A hundred women to rival Yubelluna and her peers? Even she couldn't assemble such a force—unless she handed Tenra every elite vampire she had, and even then, it wouldn't be enough.
"Pick something else."
Tenra shrugged, still smiling. "Since Your Majesty can't meet that, I'll name my own terms."
He stepped up the dais, stopping directly before Carmilla, his gaze wicked.
"How about this, Your Majesty? Forget the rest—just give me yourself as payment."
The words dropped like a stone into the silence.
For a moment, Carmilla's presence seemed to freeze the air. Her eyes flashed, cold and lethal. "Red Emperor, do you have a death wish?"
Tenra didn't flinch. "Not at all. And I doubt you could kill me, even if you tried. I'm simply proposing a deal."
He met her gaze head-on, voice steady. "Your current strength isn't enough to defeat the Evil Dragons. Even if you win, Carmilla will be left in ruins. But if you sacrifice just yourself, you can save your entire clan. Seems like a bargain, doesn't it?"
His eyes burned with open desire.
Carmilla's lips curled in a sneer. "So that's your game. Take me, and you control all vampires. With Tepes gone, Carmilla is the last true bloodline. If you have me, you have everything."
Tenra grinned. "You see right through me, Your Majesty. I need power—lots of it. Having the vampire clan behind me would be a major asset. And, frankly, I find you irresistible."
He reached out, gently lifting her chin.
"Impudent!" Carmilla's fury erupted. She swung at him, but Tenra caught her wrist easily, his grip unyielding.
"Careful, Your Majesty. This isn't the moment for pride."
He leaned in, voice dropping low. "Accept my terms, and you keep your throne. I'll guarantee Carmilla's future is brighter than ever. Refuse, and your people may vanish from history."
Tenra's tone was icy, his offer absolute.
Carmilla's resolve wavered. No one understood the stakes better than she did. That damned human-faced Evil Dragon was growing stronger by the hour, devouring everything in its path. If this went on, Carmilla could fall just like Tepes.
She weighed the choices, silent and grim. Tenra waited, giving her time.
At last, she met his eyes. "Red Emperor, I accept. Defeat the Evil Dragons, and I am yours. The vampire clan will follow your command."
Tenra's eyes narrowed, reading her carefully. Carmilla was no woman to bend easily—he sensed hidden daggers behind her words.
But he only smiled. Schemes meant nothing against overwhelming strength.
"It's settled, then. When the Evil Dragons attack tonight, I'll crush them. And Your Majesty—prepare yourself. I expect you to be ready for me."
He stroked her flawless cheek, then turned and strode from the hall, laughter echoing behind him.
Carmilla watched his retreating back, a cold, enigmatic smile curving her lips.
"Red Emperor… If you want me—if you want to rule my people—let's see if you have the power to take it."
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