Vanas shrugs, casually answering, "We can decide later, beloved. We can check several while we are at it; let us enjoy our time out together first shall we?"
*****
It took several minutes to walk through the streets of the city center getting to experience the thrill of the city's nightlife. They visited many different bars along the way enjoying drinks and food.
"Count Vanas," A voice calls from behind.
Both turn to see a knight standing beside them dressed elegantly wearing full plate armor adorned by golden trimmings. His helmet is decorated with intricate designs.
Seeing both of them looking at each other, the man bows politely, greeting them warmly.
Tapping the shoulder of the armored figure, Vanas replies, "you have been on our tails since we started, is there an issue?"
Lowering his head, the knight apologizes saying, "My apologies Count Vanas, my name is Sir Krans. I would like to suggest the drummers announce your presence when you go to the last tavern."
Vanas narrows his eyes and rubs his chin thoughtfully for a few moments. "No one has ever heard the beats before, so they wouldn't know."
Sir Krans continues speaking, explaining further, "This particular tavern owner happens to own an establishment that most vampires frequent during the evening. If you wish to avoid walking into a crowded area, please allow me to make arrangements beforehand."
Vanas looks around noticing how busy the street had become now being filled with numerous patrons going inside various establishments. He notices some men who seem familiar among those entering the buildings.
Taking notice also, Siadra turns to him asking, "Are you certain you want to go there?"
'I still haven't found what I am looking for! Lord Hisha made sure that I do that and report in two days.' Vanas thinks angrily remembering his conversation with him. 'If only I knew more information then maybe things may change!'
"It's alright, beloved. It is the last one like he said." Vanas whispers soothingly.
Looking back at the knight, Vanas confidently replies, "Yes, thank you very much. You've done well informing us ahead of time."
The knight salutes respectfully and transforms into his bat form to alert the rest on patrolling the streets and the drummers ready themselves for the announcement while their Count spends his few hours in the Tavern.
*****
Back to the present,
Vanas glares at the drummer, hissing in irritation. 'This is why I don't like announcing my presence!'
Upon their arrival, Vanas noticed the tavern is brightly lit with lamps illuminating the entire structure, and the signpost 'Torture Tavern' has Siadra burst into a chuckle.
"You should be more polite, dear." Her whisper rings clearly in his ear.
"Why?" Vanas questions with a frown.
"Because we need all the support we can get," Siadra answers with a wink.
Vanas grumbles lowly, "I don't care about that and no one in Radomir dares challenge me!"
Sighing deeply, Siadra places her hand on his cheek.
"Your arrogance has gotten you this far in life, but you really shouldn't be so rude to others."
Vanas turns to look at her, seeing the concern on her lovely face. "Those who deserve it will get it coming."
Placing her hand on his chest, she gives a thumbs up of approval to the effort put in by the drummer.
The drummer looks down shyly at the compliment, his face reddening slightly.
As did the last who had tried to reach out for his wife, the drummer fell face flat into his drum and broke his neck.
Before he could heal, Vanas made sure to stop his heartbeat with a clench of his fingers. "No one tries to flirt with my beloved!"
The three other drummers all take a step back, staring in horror-stricken silence at the sight.
Siadra hums softly, "How long do you plan on staying here?"
"I am not leaving until I find what I seek," Vanas states firmly.
"What if you're too late? What if it's not here?" Siadra questions.
Vanas leans in close to Siadra whispering in her ear. "Then that's where you come in, beloved."
Walking inside, the pair notice the interior is dimly lit with only a few lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
The room seems to be empty, but Vanas senses numerous people lurking nearby.
He catches sight of the glint of a blade thrown in his direction. Vanas twists his body and grabs Siadra by the arm, bringing her into his cloak, and deflecting the weapon away.
Vanas growls, his fists clenched tightly, ready to pummel anyone who tries to attack him again.
Clap!
Clap!
Hisha claps his hands together, his voice echoing through the tavern. "Vampires, assemble! Count Vanas has arrived!"
'Damn I have always wanted to say that.' Hisha cackles as he takes a seat along the trio at the far end of the table.
Siadra looks up at Vanas and says in a whisper, "Doesn't that bother you?"
Vanas sighs and replies, "I am not foolish enough to think that everyone will follow orders willingly. They are free to try and kill me, but if they do try, then they will die without regrets."
"Count Vanas, may I introduce myself, my name is Cassius, the owner of Torture Tavern. As you can see, I run this place quite well." He bows his head respectfully.
The rest of the vampires came out from their hiding spots and stood before Vanas.
Cassius continues, "do pardon our method of welcoming you since we were a bit skeptical about the rumors of the Count and Countess of Radomir visiting us. However, now that you have arrived, we welcome you with open arms."
Everyone around them nods in agreement.
Cassius stands up and claps his hands once more, "lets all drink tonight!"
Vanas is standing at the edge of the bar counter while Siadra sits beside him.
Looking over at the group, Vanas could feel a murderous intent seething off one of its members.
Siadra navigates her hand under the table, places it on his thighs, and whispers, "there is no one stronger than you in here."
Vanas smiles at Siadra and leans in closer to whisper in her ear. "Thank you."
The music picks up the beat, the bartender begins pouring out drinks. The customers begin to cheer with delight.
Beside them, Hisha laughs loudly and holds up his glass, clapping his hands together in celebration.
[Host, you do remember you're staring to a suspicious degree?]
Before Hisha could respond and tear his gaze from the couple, he felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Kier, do you know the Count?" Drac questions, looking behind him to see the veil of darkness obscuring his vision of the vampire chief.
A grin made its way on Hisha's lips, he could tell no vampire in the tavern could fully see Vanas face, instead, they had their attention fixated on his beautiful wife.
Leaning to his side, Drac questions Hisha's motive. "It's bad business to have your eyes on her."
Drac takes another sip of his wine and goes back to staring at the veil of darkness. "I'm just curious."
"No, you don't understand. She is a very beautiful woman, why wouldn't I stare at her?" Hisha questions.
Quick to mask his true motive that his gaze was not only on the wife but on Vanas his true target. 'How well can you boost my carnage level points?'
Drac snorts in disgust, "you can't even speak to a woman properly. You're an embarrassment to your tribe."
'I can't speak to a woman properly? Who the fuck was this Kier that I suddenly morphed to?' Hisha chuckles as he shakes his head at Drac's words.
Hisha turns to look at Drac, his lips curving into a wicked grin. "You are a fool to think I'd ever make a move on her. I would never risk my life for a woman."
"Why not? If I had someone who looked like her, then I'd let you mate with her right here and now."
"I am not an exhibitionist!" Hisha snaps at Drac.
Shrugging, Drac looks over to Siadra and then at Cassius who looks like he was keeping them company as he tries to advocate his Tavern.
"Do you really want to find out how good my skills are?" Hisha challenges Drac.
*****
A/N
How do you see Vanas and Siadra's interaction?
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