The heady scent of rich blood floats to my nostrils as it swirls in my cup. Though there are many pleasures in my unlife, only one other can compare to fresh blood poured out to me freely. Ah, I can feel my vampiric impulses rising within me, demanding I satiate myself upon the viscera of the living.

But, alas, I cannot gorge like an animal. I must maintain a level of decency for being welcomed into the Delaine's Royal Palace, and indulging my every whim is far from acceptable to my hosts. Not that they seem to mind much when those whims involve the slaughter of their enemies, but we all have some restrictions placed upon us, and asking for a little dignity from me is a very acceptable price to pay for not being hunted down like a beast.

My guest, some minor functionary of the Delaines, shifts uncomfortably across from me as I continue drawing in the smell of blood. For some truly unknowable reason, these humans and elves of Morhaine seem to find themselves quite unnerved by my presence. You'd think a kingdom based around magic wouldn't have problems with a vampire walking around, though even I will admit that someone so beautiful and ancient as I can hardly be considered a normal sight. I bare my fangs in a gruesome smile at the human, whose face turns pure white as he looks away, clutching his robes tightly in fear.

I dramatically place a hand upon my face, striking a pose of resignation. The burdens of being so unfathomably superior to mortal kind weigh heavily upon these slender shoulders of mine, but I suppose it's to be expected from ignorant fools. Finally taking a sip from the chalice of blood, I allow the warm, viscous fluid to flow down my throat, exulting in the sensation of life flowing through my veins.

Oops, looks like that was a bit much for the human functionary; he's passed out in the chair, apparently overcome with terror at seeing a vampire greedily drink blood. A shame that I'm forced to control myself in the palace, or else his exposed neck would be the perfect opportunity for a quick meal. He's so vulnerable, after all...

Before I can act on these thoughts, the door to my private room opens, revealing the figure of Gavin Delaine, the current King of Morhaine. His weathered face is set into a strict expression, hints of his famous younger allure still somewhat present on his old face. Oh, what I wouldn't have given to get here a decade or two ago and drag him into a bed. Not that I wouldn't argue against it even now. A lewd grin stretches across my bloodless face as I place one leg over the other, leaning forward to let him glimpse my expansive chest. "Ah, good King Gavin, how are you this morning? It's so rare you grace me with your august presence."

Gavin sneers at my words before he roughly pushes the unconscious functionary out of his chair, paying no mind to the servant. His grand robes of state, woven of purple and red silk, fall around his powerful frame as he sits down. "Spare me the empty platitudes, ${character.name}. Trust me when I say that, if this matter were not so important, I would never waste my breath on a creature like you."

A shiver runs down my spine at Gavin's words - how utterly ruthless! I have to wrap my arms around myself or risk immediately lunging at the aging king, though whether to kill him for his impetuous words or ride him until his pelvis shatters, even I don't know, nor really care to discern. "Be still, O unbeating heart of mine. You shouldn't tease me so, Gavin. However socially graceful I might be, please remember that my passions burn as bright as my skin is cold."

Gavin snorts. "Whatever you say, vampire. I'll just get straight to business so I don't have to bear your presence any longer than necessary. My guards have captured a cultist, one that has admitted to being an advance spy. Apparently, this group of demon worshippers want to break into the palace cellars and unleash some fiend to attack the nobles gathering for dinner. So, your task is to lay in wait for these cultists and slaughter them before they can complete their ritual. Should be easy enough for you, yes?"

I place the blood chalice onto the table beside my chair, grinning widely at Gavin's mission. "So you're leaving an entire group of mortals to me, hm? You don't mind how I deal with them?"

Gavin stands and heads for the doorway. "So long as you control yourself afterwards, yes, you may deal with these cultists however you wish. They are set to begin their ritual an hour after the evening sun has set, so you have until then to make your preparations. I have actual business to attend to, so don't make any trouble." Without looking back once, the king exits the room, leaving the unconscious man where he lays.

Not that I give the idiot a single thought. Not only am I being allowed to slaughter an entire demon-worshipping cult however I want, but I'm also given free reign over the palace until nightfall? This mission must be rather important if Gavin's not even going to bother negotiating with me. I draw my noble attire closely around myself, shaking with excitement. Think of all the trouble I can get into before evening falls!