"As a relative term, yes. Even if there are factions in Ikorr, even if the hierarchy of power is a brutal thing, even if the courtly politics are cutthroat, they still come and go freely and mingle in this city. They do not behave like a people in fear that a single wrong word in the presence of their king or warlord could have their head ripped from their body on the spot." Even Carmilla, much as Lenore loved her, had demonstrated such a temper on a not-infrequent basis. Every vampire court Lenore has ever known has been ruled by fear.

"Rivers of ink have been poured upon the subject of whether vampires from our world are capable of peace and cooperation, or whether it is our very nature that drives us to competition, ambition, and violence." Wrinkling her nose, Lenore looks over at Alucard with a wry smile. "But I'm not sure whether you want to hear a treatise on vampire philosophy."