27. Celebration

The day of the Favor Rite soon arrived. Lark woke early and was excused from her lessons so she took over an hour to carefully bathe and prepare herself. Sara helped her style her hair into a complicated braided knot. It was playful but elegant, leaving some romantic curls framing her face. She would not wear her gown until evening so she pulled on a simple linen dress to embroider in her private courtyard. Her favorite breakfast was ordered and Sara presented her with a small gift, a clumsily embroidered raven. Sara had enough rudimentary skill that Lark recognized King immediately. 

"You've improved so much!" Lark complimented her. "Thank you, Sara. He will have a place of honor in my room."

"I haven't saved enough money to afford you a real gift," Sara replied sheepishly. 

"This is perfect," Lark insisted. They embraced and chatted awhile before going to visit Bernard's study. Lark was looking for a volume about Favored pets. There were records of them somewhere in the castle's library. All of the local Lords and Ladies recorded information about their claimed humans, to ensure they would be considered legal property. They could never be stolen or claimed by another vampire without serious punishment. All had gained significant protection and power. 

Bernard presented the volume to Lark when they arrived and she flipped through it as she left Sara and Bernard to talk for a while. Their relationship had begun to blossom and Sara had confided in Lark that the two had exchanged letters. She told Lark of their secret correspondence and the sweet words Bernard had written her. She seemed optimistic about the handsome tutor and Lark was surprised to hear how soft and affectionate he could be. She stole furtive glances at the couple as they talked, both oblivious to her presence with warm smiles on their faces. Bernard was leaning towards the diminutive Sara, who took a step forward with a mischievous expression. But Bernard was committed to maintaining their reputations and leaned away, shaking his head teasingly. Sara scoffed and returned to Lark's side. 

"Are you ready?" she asked, linking their arms. As they swept from the room, Lark winked at Bernard who stood sternly by his desk. Though he turned quickly away, she glimpsed him blushing. The women returned to their chambers and Lark spent the afternoon pouring over the book, trying to find patterns in the successful Favored pets. Most lived long lives, longer than the average humans in the village. Many became fabulously wealthy and a few even owned property and employed staff. Most lived simple but lavish lives in their master's homes but it was heartening to see that several had also built lives of their own.

As night began to fall, Lark finally put the volume aside. Sara helped her into her gown, one Lark had chosen specifically for this event. The dress was cut from emerald green velvet and trimmed with black lace. The neckline was low and showed her neck and shoulders and the full skirt swayed elegantly as she moved. She tied a black ribbon around her neck and slipped on a pair of lace gloves. Sara tucked black feathers into her hair, many of which had come from King. She felt radiant as she left her chambers with Sara at her side. Though her handmaid wore a simple black gown and emerald necklace she also looked captivating with her own long hair twisted into beautiful coils. They made a beautiful pair as they stepped into the courtyard to wait for the celebration to start. In their excitement they had arrived slightly early. They had seen a few unfamiliar figures loitering in the main hall but the courtyard was quiet. All of the lights had not yet been lit and the fountains were only just being turned on. As they strolled among the flowerbeds, a familiar face appeared in a nearby window. It was Bernard. Lark waved and he noticed them quickly and rushed to join them. A hired group of musicians began to play a warm up in the main hall which could be heard all around them. Bernard offered Sara a hand and spun her into the center of the courtyard where they danced skillfully in each other's arms. It was clear Sara's private lessons had paid off. 

As Lark watched them she leaned against a low stone wall and daydreamed of the dance she would soon share either August. The musicians were very skilled and she felt herself swaying slightly to the music. While distracted she was approached by a man she did not recognize who had been walking through the garden. There was a guard posted nearby and she trusted August's promise that she would be safe. So despite her anxiety she curtsied politely. 

"Good evening, sir," she greeted him. He bowed in return. He was very pleasant to the eye with golden hair and striking blue eyes. His angular jaw and heavy brow gave him a very masculine appearance but he had enough softness to his face to keep him from looking brutish or intimidating. He seemed well-formed with broad shoulders and stood much taller than Lark herself. He was undoubtedly even taller than August. His suit was finely made and a plum color that was almost black in the dim light of the courtyard. He appeared to be fairly young, only a few years older than she was. 

"To whom do I owe the pleasure?" she asked, her eyes straying to his. They fixed her with a piercing look. She did not feel threatened but studied as if he were assessing her carefully. 

"I am Devroe," he replied with a small smile. "It is a privilege. Why do you find yourself so isolated?"

"I have been abandoned by my only friends," she lamented, feigning disappointment. "I fear I will be alone for the rest of the night."

Devroe laughed and his smile enhanced his looks. Lark could guess he must be popular in his territory. He exuded a confidence and charm unmatched by most men she had met.

"You will not be alone," Devroe replied. "Certainly you will find it impossible with so many men at your feet."

Lark shook her head and waved him away dismissively.

"Unlikely. I have not seen the attending ladies with my own eyes but I am sure that among them is at least one woman or vampiress who can outshine me."

Devroe admired the pale curve of her shoulders. 

"It cannot be," he teased. He leaned against the stone wall with her, following her eyes to watch Sara and Berard. They seemed entirely unaware that they were being observed. 

"Do you care to join them?" Devroe asked, offering Lark a hand. Lark declined but Devroe was politely insistent. Knowing that she still had some time to fill before the celebration, she then accepted. The pair joined Sara and Bernard on the stone terrace and Devroe proved to be an excellent partner. His body moved gracefully and his steps were bold and confident. He maintained a respectful distance between them, but the mischievous smile on his face caught Lark's attention. His grip tightened on her waist. It was possessive and self-assured. 

"I could stay close by you tonight," he suggested as he glanced over at Bernard and Sara dancing nearby. "They seem to have forgotten you."

Lark flushed and began to object when she heard her own name being called from across the courtyard. 

"Lark!"

She looked over Devroe's shoulder to see August approaching with William at his side. She released herself from Devroe and her face brightened as she stepped towards him. Without addressing Devroe, August bowed to her with a gentle smile.

"How are you?" he asked her. Devroe was silent, his expression confused. He had not expected the Lord to be wandering the courtyard seeking out harem women. Certainly the Favored girl would be revealed after the celebration had started. 

"I am well, my Lord," Lark replied. 

Though Devroe attempted to interject with his own introduction, August ignored him. 

"I prefer that you call me by my name," he said softly to Lark. She gave him a dazzling smile. 

"Yes, August," she responded. He extended an arm for her and she curtsied briefly to Devroe before accepting it. 

"It was nice to meet you," she said as was led away. Lord August had never acknowledged him. This was considered to be a clear sign of disrespect in court and Devroe concluded that Lark must be the woman of the evening. Either that or the Lord was overly protective of his women. Irritated, Devroe strutted to a different entrance to brood in the main hall. 

Sara and Bernard had snapped out of their reverie to witness the incident and hurried after Devroe to join the other guests now waiting for the celebration to start. They stood apart sheepishly, embarrassed that they had been so distracted by one another. Meanwhile August led Lark swiftly into a secluded corner of the gardens. He guided her towards him and embraced her even more fervently than usual. Though she made an attempt to pull away he tightened his rigid hold on her. Confused, she looked up at his face but was intimidated by his brooding expression. 

"What's wrong?" she whispered. She could not explain the feeling that she had done something wrong. He did not look upon her with anger but she could sense his disappointment. 

"I just wished to have the first dance of the evening," he replied with a forced smile. But she could sense there was more. 

"Is that all?" 

He sighed and his body relaxed slightly though she could still not free herself. 

"I admit seeing you in the arms of another vampire was not a pleasant experience," he muttered. "Lord Devroe should have exercised more restraint."

Lark's mind swirled. Lord Devroe? She had realized he must be a vampire due to his lavish clothing but it hadn't occurred to her that he could be someone as powerful as her own Lord. She hoped that she had not offended Devroe. She had spoken to him with familiarity. For most humans that would be unheard of. Most vampire Lords expected complete respect and submission. August was relatively unique in how he treated his subjects. He had never enjoyed being worshiped or fawned over. 

"We only just met," Lark explained. She felt her chest stir with excitement at his possessiveness. She felt some satisfaction at his jealousy. He must really care for her. "I did not know his title."

"It is his responsibility to choose his prey carefully," August retorted. "He knows better than to approach women here without first knowing their status." 

His prey. 

In her naivety Lark had not considered that he might be approaching her with the hope to isolate and feed on her. She was never a woman to relish jealousy in her partner. A fleeting moment was exciting but it was tiresome long term. August had freely allowed her to mingle with other men within the castle. But with her safety threatened he was willing to take action. She softened. 

"I will be more careful, my Lord."

"August," he corrected her. 

"August."

He led her to a side corridor and waited in a small vestibule with her as they prepared for her entrance. Usually the Lord would be in the main hall to receive her but given the actions of Devroe he felt it necessary to accompany her. Her name was announced and the couple entered the main hall as applause rose around them. Green and black tapestries adorned the walls and the tables were set with black lace and silver plates that mimicked the colors of her gown. Fresh greenery filled the center of each table and lush vines cascaded to the floor. Thousands of small white candles filled the space with a flickering golden light. It was soft and ethereal just as Lark had hoped, like the forest creeping gently into the castle itself. It felt like a strange dream as she floated down a curved staircase with August beside her. When they reached the bottom she curtsied and felt her face heat up as so many eyes studied her. After another short applause the crowd dispensed and August turned to her. 

"I have some business to discuss. Enjoy yourself. I will find you soon."

He kissed her once on the forehead and smiled down at her before wading through the guests and disappearing. Left alone Larl drifted around the expansive room. Lady Ferra had warned her during their most recent meeting that this celebration would be largely political. Parties like this were a perfect time to form or break alliances with nearby territories. She knew she would only receive polite attention and not be the true focus of the evening. She was grateful for the boisterous lords debating in every corner. They kept most of the guests from paying much attention to the lady of the evening. She stepped into an empty alcove to catch her breath and was joined by a familiar and handsome face. Devroe. Music began to swell around her, signifying that dancing was going to begin. He held out a hand to her and smiled warmly.

"May I have this dance?"