25. Union
The castle seemed restless in the following days. Whispers seemed to float through the corridors and hide in alcoves. A sense of unease was stirring but no one could determine the source. The humans and vampires employed within the stone walls seemed to be more quiet than usual, choosing to socialize in small groups in the most deserted parts of the complex. One name seemed to be in everyone's lips. Lark. Rumors had begun to spread that she was manipulating August. The more superstitious among them claimed she was using witchcraft or poison to control him. His presence had lessened in the harem dramatically and even his personal staff rarely caught a glimpse since he had returned from Hygate. He seemed tired and distant and was easily distracted from his duties. They had all become suspicious. Lark found she was now greeted with wariness by others in the castle, particularly other humans. They seemed to regard her with a sense of distrust. Even the guards assigned to protect the castle and its occupants did not offer her smiles and pleasantries as they once did. It took such a short time for this change to occur that Lark felt threatened by it. What was going on?
Sara was so close to her that none of the other staff would ever disclose anything to her. Other than Lady Ferra, Bernard, and August she had few allies. As she embroidered in her private garden with Sara reading beside her, Lark wondered if it would be unwise to reach out to Ariane. Perhaps her former friend would be willing to shed some light on the situation. August had been busy in recent days, only visiting to join Lark for meals and to feed occasionally. Absorbing Hygate into Ferin was a vast undertaking, and the logistics were complicated. There had already been some unrest in the new territory and the citizens of Ferin felt the strain of the new arrivals on their resources. August had barely been sleeping and was forced to spend quite a bit of time away from the castle. Lark had felt a tug of loneliness in his absence though Sara made a wonderful companion. But her parents had been moved into the castle the previous day, having recovered enough from their ordeal to make the journey. Sara was occupied with tending to them. They were still weak. Lark had located the deed and other paperwork related to the land that Sara's parents owned. August had begun an investigation but it was slowed by his busy schedule. Lark had little but her lessons and embroidery to occupy her. King had been visiting more frequently and she had finally managed to teach him to mimic her.
Ravens were gifted natural mimics and Lark had been trying to teach King words since she rescued him. But he had never grasped these new sounds. Until now. He joined her in the garden, swooping into a flower bed and hopping to her feet. Lark leaned down and ruffled the feathers on his head. He fluffed up and bobbed excitedly, making his happy croaking noises. Lark giggled.
"Hello!" she greeted him. Much to her surprise he quickly responded.
"Hello!" he called. His voice sounded eerily like her own. Lark clapped excitedly which seemed to inspire King. "Hello! Hello! Hello!"
Lark laughed until her sides ached and King strutted around the garden showing off his new skill. He seemed delighted by her reaction and quickly found a small stone on the ground to present to her. She thanked him and patted his head and he spiraled into the sky, back to a distant corner of the courtyard to rest. Night was quickly falling and Lark gathered her embroidery materials and returned to her chambers to eat and prepare for her lesson with Lady Ferra.
She found Ferra in the courtyard as usual. The vampiress made no mention of their previous discussion and elegantly avoided the topic as she explained the intricacies of polite dinner conversation. Lark quickly realized she would be of no further help to her. When she excused herself as midnight approached she hoped that she would see August again so she could express her concerns. Sara had come to meet her in the main hall and they nearly ran back to the safety of their chambers. The few guards seemed to scoff at them as they passed. Lark could feel her anxiety deepening. They collapsed on the couch out of breath and laughed at their flushed faces.
"I wonder if we're overreacting," Lark sighed, rubbing her face vigorously with her hands. "I don't like all this running."
Sara smiled and shook her head.
"I'd rather run than be attacked," she insisted. "Maybe you should carry a weapon."
"I wouldn't know how to use it."
"Maybe the Lord would teach you," Sara said innocently as she smoothed her skirts. Lark glared at her but her handmaid pretended to be occupied with a loose thread.
A quiet knock came from the feeding room and August peeked in as if he had heard Sara's comment.
"May I come in?" he asked. Lark nodded enthusiastically as Sara rose and curtsied. She said goodnight and quickly scurried into her bedroom. She still wasn't used to being in the Lord's presence and wanted to give them time alone. She winked at Lark before shutting her bedroom door but Lark pretended not to have seen. However she couldn't hide her small smile from August who had sat down beside her. Lark studied his face. He looked tired and pale like he was being stretched thin. She touched his face gently.
"How are you, my Lord?" she asked.
"I am better now," he sighed. "I can sleep soundly when the sun rises. Most of our complications and setbacks have been dealt with. And I can finally be in your presence again." He leaned forward and rested his forehead on her shoulder. His closeness made Lark blush and she stroked his shoulder lightly. He groaned as he relaxed into his exhaustion.
"Should you feed?" she asked softly. He leaned more heavily against her and nodded. Lark lifted her wrist to his lips and he drank. She was still not used to the pleasant sensation that accompanied his bite. Her face was glowing as she sank deeper into his arms. She felt herself floating and a comfortable warmth spread through her. It was much like her first experience. As before he healed her small wounds as she came down from her cloud. She tried to shake off the blurry feeling that had consumed her but it wasn't until August pulled her into his lap that she finally woke up completely. He buried his face in her arms and seemed rejuvenated but still weak.
"How are you, Lark?" he asked. His eyes seemed brighter and his face was fuller.
"It's hard to say my Lord…" she admitted. His eyes narrowed in concern. "I feel as if I am in danger. I hear my name whispered in the corridors and courtyards. I have been threatened and warned. They are saying that I'm…" she paused. August took her hand and pressed it to his chest. It was strange to feel no heartbeat.
"Favored?" she blurted. August smiled but there was an unexpected sadness hidden underneath.
"It is true I have not asked you outright or announced it," August replied slowly. "But that is only because there have been so many developments in Ferin these past weeks. Of course I favor you. I have been waiting for the perfect moment to discuss it with you."
"I cannot celebrate it," Lark said dejectedly. "I fear retaliation."
"I moved you here to keep you safe," August replied and gestured around them at Lark's chambers. "Regretfully I have been too busy to check on you often. But you feel unsafe even here?"
Lark nodded sadly.
"Lady Ferra expressed her concern in secret. I am thankful that she would even think of my safety. I fear another human is my enemy."
August could sense her hesitation.
"Who do you think is responsible?" he asked grimly.
"I am afraid to say. If I'm wrong I will have accused innocent people."
"Who?" August gazed directly into her eyes and she found she couldn't look away. Her protests died in her throat.
"Vayn and Madame Fawst have taken opportunities to abuse me since my return. Madame's lessons were stricter and her attitude was contemptuous. Vayn has threatened me. They seem the most likely to try and evict me from the castle. They do not think I should have been allowed back. I dishonored you and I cannot be trusted now."
Lark's face fell. She still felt some guilt for her few weeks of freedom. She had failed a test of loyalty and in some ways she felt as if she was still trying to gain it back. But August shook his head.
"I have already told you I am grateful that you are here regardless of your journey. I feel blessed that you returned to me of your own will. I will have some trusted personal staff investigate Vayne and Madame. I will also rotate out any guards caught gossiping. My priority is your safety."
"I'm not sure of what to do. I don't want to inconvenience you or the other pets during such a stressful time for the kingdom."
"There is no need to worry. I have capable advisors. There is nothing at the moment that requires my immediate attention. Can you stay within your chambers for a few days? I will send your tutors to you and I can accompany you to the courtyard in the evenings. Perhaps Bernard and I can find a solution."
Lark nodded. "Yes, my Lord. Thank you for your consideration."
August kissed her hand gently and observed her crestfallen face with a sense of worry and curiosity. It seemed as if she had been suffering with this anxiety since her return. Yet it had taken her so long to seek help. He knew Vayn very well and believed that it was possible that she may try and intimidate Lark to get her away from him. She had made no secret of her intentions to win his favor. Vayn was instrumental in running the harem smoothly. She and Madame Fawst worked diligently to keep it organized and ensure everyone's health and happiness. Vayn had taken a leadership role not to support her fellow pets but to hold more power than the others. It was one of the highest positions a human woman could hold in any territory. Distinguishing herself as a capable and confident woman would help bring attention to her and made her the obvious choice for the Lord to choose as his partner and confidant. But her efforts had failed. August knew she must be hiding some resentment. He was tempted to send her away but knew the other women would suffer. Vayn organized all of their activities and schedules and had a cool but motherly presence within the harem. He worried that without her there may be more fighting and unrest in the castle. With few responsibilities, harem women were more likely to amuse themselves with gossip or even choose a human partner and neglect their few duties. Bad behavior from a harem reflected poorly on any Lord or Lady. Despite August's empathetic views towards his pets he still needed to maintain a certain reputation to hold power. A weak leader would be targeted by nearby rulers.
He would have to confront her directly. Otherwise she might be able to manipulate her interrogator. Many could not see through her effortless deception but August was more successful than most. He would worry about it tomorrow. He pulled Lark easily into his lap and wrapped his amrs around her waist enthusiastically. She laughed and struggled feebly to get away before settling into his embrace.
"You caught me," she whispered.
"Don't worry, little bird," he replied. "If you sing I'll let you go."
Lark scoffed.
"Sing what?"
August smiled suggestively.
"I can help you sing," he replied. He rose to his feet and bundled her against his chest. Lark had yet to understand his intention but as he took several long strides towards the door to the feeding chamber she began to understand.
"I-Is it a duet?" she asked breathlessly.
August grinned and kissed her deeply, gripping her dark hair in his fingers.
"It is a duet."
He threw open the door and crossed the room quickly before carrying her into his bedroom. He laid her gently on the bed and climbed on top of her, dropping kisses on her face. She was flushed and breathing heavily with a blissful smile on her face. He was enchanted by her quiet laughter and increasing shyness. But as he removed her gown and slipped it off of her slender body she grew much bolder. To his excitement she reached up with her own searching hands and deftly undid the buttons and clasps of his own clothing. In moments both were laid bare on the dark comforter. Lark seemed to glow against the black satin, her skin so pale it was almost translucent. She appeared so fragile and human but her confidence was intoxicating and August found it difficult to control himself as she arched against him. He leaned into her and she pulled him closer until he slipped into her body and they feverishly consummated their unspoken feelings. Her cries grew louder and louder as waves of pleasure crashed over her. Her body tensed, then relaxed, softening beneath his intense movements. He gave a shuddering sigh as he entered her one last time and then withdrew. He collapsed beside her on the bed and she settled against him as her breathing slowed. She fell asleep quickly with a smile on her face. He cleaned her gently with a damp cloth from his wash basin and curled up beside her until morning.