Snippet #1981484

"Of course, my Lady," Haku whispered, taking the shivering pouch full of gliders into his hands. He glanced once at Dominique, who nodded his permission, before leaving the room. Dominique watched him go quietly. Better that the human-turned-vampire not be present for this. He was too servile, too delicate and submissive to handle the mental contest which would come to pass tonight. He would try to defend Dominique from the potentially cruel words of his dissenters. He would get himself hurt.

Slowly, Dominique turned his flat eyes on the rest of the room.
"If everyone would please come forward and introduce themselves," Dominique called with immense politeness. He was so cordial about it, the listeners almost missed the fact that it was actually a command. "I would like to get to know you better."

The vampires in the room shifted, whispered warily, but one by one they came forwards to bow before him, kiss his hand and call him Lord Tepes. Dominique hardly stirred, watching those who did not join the greeting throng. They were the ones he would have to look out for the most - Sansa, for instance - and the rest he could judge by the sincerity of their kiss.