He watched the fields below calmly, seated on the edge of a tall wall. He had a perfect view of the horizon and the figures that crept from it. Every moment, they would be a little closer, headed for the castle.

His eyes narrowed, never one to appreciate the sight of vampires. These made him feel worse, somehow. They were marching proudly towards the gates, and even from so high above he could notice the arrogance in their eyes.

They wore black banners on their shoulders, which displayed their insignia, a sharp dagger with venom dripping from its blade. It reflected well what type of clan they belonged to, and their usual approach to a threat.

Nerys had told him of their talent: killing their targets before they could even know they were in peril. They either backstabbed or poisoned their victims… if they did not rip flesh with their fangs like all vampires did, of course.

Bastian sighed, now much more understanding of her apprehension and dread. He could see the entourage, their lines, and how they did not travel without sustain. They had a cart that pulled a cage, which sadly held a few slaves captive.

Disgusting.

He stood away from the edge with a huff, to then walk towards the end of the wall. His steps down the stairs were calculated, reflecting his pensive state of mind. He was heading back to the quarters of the servants, where he would be staying while those beasts roamed.

I wish I knew for how long.

Nerys did not like the idea of him leaving the chambers she gave him, but both knew it was for the best. She had a reputation, and it had to be maintained. No lords would accept a human being treated as an equal, much less like vampiric nobility. Mockery and derision would arise, which in turn would make diplomacy harsher.

The servants had nice rooms, even if much smaller and with many shared utilities. He was fine with the change; the place was not very different from the quarters he roamed back at Hollowgrave. But it still bothered her, immensely.

There was nothing she could do, however. And so, she stood now by the gates, with her arms crossed. She tried to hide the hate in her expression, seeing clearly the amusement in those dusky eyes, which met hers conceitedly. He rode his horse past the gates, and as soon as he got down from it, he strode into the courtyard like it was his. She scoffed silently, seeing him grin like a fool, his greeting full of thinly veiled derision.

“Good to see you, Nerys.” He and his men halted in front of her, her own soldiers tense, both clans near. “Not a single red stain on your grounds, as always. You are either keeping a very attentive watch of your castle or you are starving your court.”

She could not say she was glad to see him. Her retort was formal, firm and controlled.

“Hello, Idris.”

She let his name drag slightly, the mere thought of it unpleasant. He just laughed, and she had to contain a growl when he set a hand on her shoulder, speaking and looking up at her as if he was the one to rule in her domain.

“Ah, I have not travelled for days just to stand here and salute you. We have things to discuss and arrange, in order to-“

“There shall only be a discussion, not an arrangement.” She grabbed his hand in a non-threatening manner, lowering it away from herself. “Whatever it is you want, I am free to deny, without issue.”

She put emphasis on those last two words, concealing a warning. He only shrugged and snapped his fingers, commanding his troops to move and settle around.

“Sure, sure. Still, I am sure you will come to reason once you hear me out, young one.” She smiled, but her fangs were clenched; the bastard walked off towards the corridors, heading straight for the throne room. “Now, I’m thirsty… The journey has been long and tiring! Shall we begin our talk with a drink, Nerys?”

She shook her head with a tired sigh, taking the first step of the many she would need to keep a close watch on him.

“Right…”

Before she left her soldiers behind, she moved a claw subtly, signalling in a way that only her court recognized. Those jade eyes narrowed, hinting understanding. Her brethren bowed as she left, signalling back to her.

They would keep an eye on Idris and his spawns, for they all knew that not doing so could be costly. Their greed was excessive, and it could be fatal for some of her subjects.