As the vampires raised their heads, Draven spoke to the maidservant, dismissively.
"Fetch me some clothes please, preferably a black and red suit. We'll continue what we started some other time."
That's probably a lie. Hopefully, I'll be in bed with one of these vampires.
"Y-yes Master." She said, pulling up her outfit to cover her exposed breasts, and ran to fetch him his clothes.
Afterwards, Draven made his way over to the throne and ran his hand over its material before he took a seat.
Warm. Someone's been sitting here recently.
"Who is currently in charge?" He said, turning to face the vampires who now stood on the red carpet.
A woman stepped forward. Her hair was white, a sign of pure Vampire blood, and she wore a long black cape over a modest white suit.
Even in modesty, Draven could tell that her body was well-built and curvy. And her mannerisms were proud, like a queen.
"That would be me, Master." She bowed her head out of respect but spoke with a confidence that suggested she saw herself as an authoritative figure.
"My name is Serena. I've been trying my best to lead the Noctaris people as my father had. Unfortunately, we've been facing a lot of trouble. Things have changed drastically since... You united the vampire clans."
Ahh, what wonderful days to look back on. Me and Dracula were truly menaces.
"What sort of troubles?"
"Well." She started. "Of course, we do not have to worry about the vampire clans anymore; thanks to you, we are all under the Noctaris name. However, the werewolves have a new leader, Lunaris Silverclaw, and her strength is incredible."
The werewolves were one of the vampire's oldest enemies. Draven had dealt with many of them in his time, and they were part of the reason why he went into hibernation.
"Not only that but with the death of my father, many of the other clans have decided to strike out against us."
The world of Velhalla was incredibly large, and home to many clans. All with different races, cities, powers, and rulers.
And subjects. Subjects to Draven's cruelty.
His mouth began to twist into a smirk.
"Master!" One of the vampires cheered, stepping forward with excitement. "With your return, we'll be able to fix all of our problems."
Hmm, who's this? Confident enough to speak out of line.
He analysed the woman.
Her hair was a light blue colour and flowed down to her round behind. She wore bright white and gold robes that suggested she was a vampiric healer. And her face was innocent and cute.
"Well," he said, looking her up and down.
Not bad.
"That is the reason I woke up, after all. I sensed that things were amiss"
The faces of the vampires showed great surprise and respect. It was no easy feat to be able to sense the living world whilst in hibernation.
Draven was on an entirely different level. Once the news of his return had spread to the corners of the world, everything would change.
The maid then returned, with the black and red suit that Draven had asked for.
He stood up to take it from her and began to dress himself.
Some of the women were turning their heads, looking away from his naked body out of what they thought was respect.
Others, such as the blue-haired girl, blushed and had a look of lust on their faces.
Oh?
"What's your name, healer?" He said to the girl.
Realising she had been caught admiring him, her cheeks grew flustered and she clutched the hems of her robe
"I'm Florissa. It's a pleasure to be in your presence." She bowed her head once again.
He flashed her a smile.
"Florissa." He tested the name. "Come to my chambers later, assuming I still have one?"
The question was directed to Serena, the white-haired woman who had been acting as clan leader.
"Yes Master, your usual chambers have been kept and cleaned for the last thousand years."
There seemed to be a hint of jealousy on her face and tone. Whereas the girl with blue hair's eyes lit up with joy.
"Then you will meet me there Florissa."
The girl bowed again, deeper than before.
"Yes! I'll be there."
She was so excited she had forgotten to call him master.
It wasn't only Serena that was jealous now, all the others seemed to be as well.
I was right. This will be fun.
After he was finished dressing, he sat back on his throne.
"Which clan has been presenting us the most trouble." He asked Serena bluntly.
"Well, the Whiteyes are closest to us, so they've been testing our borders for a while. Their le-"
"Then I will deal with them first." He cut her off with anger in his voice.
The Whiteyes? Such a weak clan has dared to test our borders. When I was still lord, I had their Queen eating out of the palm of my hands.
Times really have changed...
"Yes, master," Serena said. There seemed to be a stubbornness in her voice. As though she did not like being interrupted.
Draven noticed and kept that information for later.
It will be fun cracking her.
"Well, you're all dismissed. You will hear from me about your next orders soon. If you do desperately need to call me, then you can speak to my assistant-" he paused mid-sentence, remembering that he was forgetting something.
"Is Dracula even still around?" He asked, with slight hope.
"Yes." Serena replied, "he should be in your chambers.. tidying the dust."
Draven let out a loud laugh that filled the halls of the throne room.
He was pleased to hear that his greatest friend still lived.
"Tidying the dust. Yes, that sounds like him..." Memories ran through his head for a few seconds. Better times, before the Great Clan Duels.
"Now then, I will keep in touch with you all. But for now, you're dismissed."
The women gave one final bow, before making their way to the exit.
None dared to linger. They had tried their best to hide their fear, but Draven could smell it.
Every single one of those women cowered from him.
It wasn't every day that you got to meet such a figure.
Draven Noctaris leaned back on his throne and enjoyed the comfort of the cushioned seat.
Well then. He said with a smirk. I guess it's time to meet my assistant.