The proud nation is divided into a dozen duchy, each one with their own set of rules and atmosphere. Shallowplains is a modest piece of land, supervised by the noble house of Eldret since generations, their recent history tainted by blood, the last and only member of their lineage being Marresqua. She turned of age a few weeks ago but took her duties at a really young age. Where most kids were playing, she was studying under the careful supervisions of her servants, showing her the ropes of managing such a vast land and all subjects under their supervision.
A grand reception is being held, the nobles of the region, as well as the neighbor dukedoms, gathered to see for themselves how things are faring so far. Marresqua doesn't enjoy the political intrigues but it is a necessary evil, needing to know with whom she can treat and who to avoid, economy and inland safety being delicate matters to analyze and manage.
As the sun is high in the sky, hidden by thick layers of clouds, the Eldret manor remains a somber piece, perched above the moor, looking down of the small city below. Vast plains and woods surround the vista, with farms and humble villages here and there, a few dirt roads linking the heart of these lands with the rest of the kingdom. In the heart of the opulent manor, sitting the ball room, the duchess herself look around the few guests that already arrived. Her servants travel all around the gigantic room, making sure that refreshments keep flowing.
As the Duchess scans around the reception, looking around the people who visited, her eyes catch a young, handsome man with dark hair and a athletic broad frame, a scar over his right eye. She knows he's unfamiliar to her, as she walks over to him.
She notices the young man looking at her, walking towards him. His features seem unusual and she can't recall meeting anyone like that before. Perhaps he is from one of the other dukedoms visiting Shallowplains for this event. She decides to engage in conversation with him.
"And who might you be? I do not recall seeing you at any of my previous receptions."
The young man stands out with his scar and broad shoulders as Duchess Eldret Marresqua walks over to him. "You seem unfamiliar with this place, I presume?" she asks politely, her voice clear and refined despite the curiosity laced into each word.
He smiles as he vows slightly, introducing himself as Duke Kris de la Mort. She has heard of him, she knows he rules the barren wasteland where the vampires inhabit.
Duchess Eldret Marresqua nods politely in acknowledgement, "Ah yes, I see now." she replies as she continues to gaze at him with curiosity. "You must have journeyed quite far to attend this reception." It is an observation more than a question, but nevertheless she waits for his response with interest.
Kris de la Mort gives her a warm smile in return before answering. "It was not too far from my lands actually. I found the road conditions acceptable and arrived just in time to partake in your most illustrious feast." The young duke pauses for dramatic effect, taking another sip of wine before continuing, "I must admit though, I have never met a noblewoman with such an... interesting tail. Quite the unique feature you have there, Your Grace."
Eldret smiles at his compliment, telling him that he's not so bad either. Kris laughs softly as he sips on his glass, containing a blood red liquid.
She blushes lightly at the compliment and thanks him with a curtsey before continuing. "It is not something I am unaccustomed to hearing, but it does make me different, doesn't it?" Eldret pauses for a moment, considering her words carefully. "Perhaps that was why my father disliked me so much... He could never accept me as his daughter."
Her expression darkens slightly at the memory of her past, but she quickly regains her composure. "But enough about me," she says brightly. "Tell me more about your domain, Duke de la Mort. I must confess that I have never been there myself, but I am quite intrigued by what you've told me so far."
Kris smiles as he explains about his domain he rules, and the castle he built there. He tells her about the vampires who inhabit there, and how he managed to negotiate with them for peace.
"Forgive me if I sound ignorant, Duke de la Mort, but... vampires? You mean these creatures of legend, who feed on the blood of others?" The young duchess listens intently as he explains about his domain and the agreement he's made with the vampires. It sounds intriguing, and also rather precarious. "It must take great skill to maintain such a delicate balance," she remarks thoughtfully.
"And what of your personal role in all this, Duke? Do you rule from afar, or do you live amongst these creatures yourself?" She wonders aloud, curiosity getting the better of her once again. The tale Kris has to tell could prove invaluable in understanding not only his domain but also the complex politics at play within their shared kingdom.
Kris suddenly grins mischievously, as he gently offers his drink for her to taste it. Eldret's eyes widen by the taste of real blood, as Kris gently pulls her close and shows her his fangs.
Marresqua's eyes widen in surprise as she tastes the blood and sees his fangs. She tries to suppress a shiver that runs down her spine. Despite herself, she finds the duke's presence oddly... intoxicating. "Duke de la Mort," she whispers, her voice thick with desire and curiosity. "Tell me more about your domain... and yourself." Her tail swishes behind her nervously, eager for more information about this mysterious man and his dark world.
The air between them seems to crackle with unspoken desire as they stand close together. For a moment, the sounds of the ball fade away, lost in the depths of their gaze. Duchess Eldret Marresqua finds herself willing to forge an alliance with this man... even if it means crossing lines she'd never considered before.
Kris smiles, whispering in her ears that it would rather be nice if they are private for their talk. She nods, slightly taking his arm, leading him to her private chambers.
Her heart races as she leads Duke Kris de la Mort to her private chambers. The atmosphere is charged with desire and the promise of secrets yet to be revealed. She feels a strange thrill at the thought of exploring his domain, and possibly even sharing a taste of vampiric power herself. As they enter the room, she closes the door behind them, trapping them together in this cocoon of forbidden pleasure.
"Tell me everything," she breathes, her voice husky with anticipation. "About your people... and what it would mean for us to be allies." She takes a step closer, letting her tail sway dangerously near him as he speaks.
The air in the room seems to shimmer with heat, their bodies practically vibrating with need. Duchess Eldret Marresqua unties her deep purple sash, allowing it to fall away revealing more of her curves and bringing them tantalizingly close together. Her heart pounds wildly in her chest as she waits for his reply, every fiber of her being focused on the here and now... and what might happen next.
Kris smiles mischievously as Eldret leans closer to him, as he slowly wraps his arms around her shoulders. With a lightning fast strike, he sinks his fangs on her neck, as she lets out a weak gasp before collapsing limp in his arms.
Her body tenses as she feels the sensation of his fangs sinking into her neck, followed by an overwhelming surge of pleasure that washes through her. With a moan, she relaxes further into his arms, allowing him to drain her fully and revel in their connection. As he pulls back, his lips stained red with her blood, she gazes up at him with hooded eyes, breath coming in ragged gasps.
"Now," she whispers, voice raw with desire, "tell me everything." Her hands roam over his broad shoulders, trailing down to his chest and beyond, as if yearning to memorize the feel of him. "What do you truly want from me?" she purrs, her tail lashing against his legs teasingly. "And what role would I play in your domain...if we were to align ourselves together?"