26. Favor Rite

After a blissful night and with their desires satiated, August and Lark reluctantly separated late in the morning as Lark had promised to join Sara and her parents for lunch. August still had many hours until he could move freely as the sun was bright in the cloudless sky. She joined the family in the servant's wing where they enjoyed a beautiful platter of food that Sara's mother had prepared. Evidently she had been assigned to the kitchen and was working among the cooks where she easily settled into her role. Sara's father had joined the guard and had been given a relaxed station. Despite the lack of stimulation guarding such a quiet castle, he was also relieved to have something to keep him occupied. They had already gained some weight and appeared considerably more vibrant. Lark had recieved news from Bernard before she had gone to meet Sara. She showed them the letter. It confirmed that they were the recognized owners of their farm and could return of they were willing to press charges against their son. They could send word any time to have him detained by a castle guard. This was considered a great honor, as criminals captured by the human enforcers in the village were often badly mistreated. The recent surge of rouge vampire attacks left little time to manage human troublemakers. Patience was wearing thin and criminals were often banished within days of their capture. In these few days they were often neglected or abused. A public scandal could be avoided if the Lord's guard arrested Sara's brother. They would not parade him through the streets or punish him in the village square.

Sara's parents seemed conflicted by the news. Though they expressed sincere appreciation, Lark could see that the thought of having their son arrested caused them significant anxiety. They loved him. And they were still recovering from their ordeal. Lark assured them that they could take their time deciding their next course of action. She and Sara returned to their chambers feeling a bit lighter. One immediate issue had been nearly resolved. But after an afternoon of reading and embroidery they went to see Lady Ferra and were confronted with a new challenge. 

"Do you feel you are prepared for your Favor Rite?" she asked as Lark recited a poem from the book in her laugh. Lark gave her a quizzical look and paused in her recitation. 

"Favor Rite?" she echoed.

"When a pet is claimed as Favored there is usually a celebration. A Favor Rite. The local Lords and their Favored pets usually attend, along with the host's harem and occasionally distinguished guests or council members."

"I have never heard of it," Lark protested. "And I am not claimed."

Ferra laughed. 

"Oh, my dear, it is only a matter of time. You will have a dance with the Lord and be formally introduced. Otherwise your only task will be to accept gifts and eat. It is nothing to trouble yourself with. If you remember our lessons you will be the envy of every pet."

"I am humbled by your compliments, my Lady," Lark replied. She was excited by the prospect of a party in her honor, but she could not help but feel that it would serve to expose her further. She glanced up at Ferra. "But do you think it will make me a target?"

Ferra shook her head delicately.

"Not in the moment. There will be too many guards and allies around. And the castle is already aware of your status. Making it public will hardly make a difference."

Lark nodded and was lost in thought. She was so distracted that Ferra soon dismissed her and she and Sara lingered in the courtyard.  They gazed up at the stars and strolled the perimeter in silence, appreciating the chorus of frogs and insects. An owl called in the distance as Sara collected herbs in her pouch. When they finally slipped back into their chambers and Sara headed to bed, August came to visit. 

"Good evening," he greeted her. She looked up at him from the embroidery in the lap and smiled.

"Good evening, my Lord," she replied. August came and sat beside her on the couch sliding his arm around her shoulders carefully as not to disturb her work. 

"Call me by my name," he said gently. "I am not only a Lord."

Lark set aside her embroidery and turned to him.

"Good evening, August," she murmured. Saying his name felt strange but so familiar. She called him by his name so often in her thoughts and dreams. But never out loud. 

He pulled her close to him and they embraced for so long that Lark felt herself fully relaxing. Her body seemed to fit perfectly into his and she soon felt herself dozing off. He kissed her hair gently and stroked it slowly, lulling her into a blissful warm sleepiness. But before she could surrender to sleep he roused her.

"Lark," he whispered. She hummed in reply. "Would you permit me to feed?" Lark nodded lazily and he lifted her up into his arms. She woke completely as he carried her into the feeding room and tossed her playfully into the nest of pillows. Lark laughed and tossed a pillow in his direction, which he caught easily. Before she could react he leaped at her and pinned her down. She stuck her tongue out at him and he leaned down and bit it. She scoffed and pushed him away but she held her closer and closer until she protested and he released her. She offered him her wrist but he refused, shaking his head. The mood became more serious as his eyes fixed on her throat. 

Her eyes widened and she flushed as he leaned forward and slowly pushed her dark hair behind her shoulder and let his fingers rest on her slender neck. He kissed her carefully on her parted lips and then under her ear as she leaned her head to the side. She noticed the growing tension between them as his tongue flitted over her flesh. She felt a jolt of electricity and he bit down suddenly, flooding her with pain that quickly faded into pleasure. A moan escaped her lips and he seemed aroused by it, deepening his hold on her. Before she could be injured he forced himself to pull away and healed her with his own blood. She collapsed against him and curled up like a kitten in his lap, her eyelashes fluttering sleepily. 

"Thank you, Lark," he whispered, running his fingers through her hair. She smiled softly and glanced up at him with her eyes shining. Her joy was evident as she reached up to touch his face. He covered her hand with is.

"I have something to ask you," he muttered.

"What is it?"

"Would you do me the honor of allowing me to claim you?" he asked, unable to meet her eyes. He was clearly flustered.

Lark's face brightened immediately and she found her energy was renewed. She sat up quickly, holding both of his hands in hers. He seemed surprised by her enthusiasm.

"Of course," she replied. "I accept!" 

August gathered her into his arms and laughed at his own relief. 

"Thank you, Lark. It is a privilege to claim you. You are a rare bird."

He helped her out of the nest and led her to his chamber where they celebrated with a bottle of wine and a chocolate cake with strawberries. They discussed the Favor Rite. 

"The menu will be your choice and I will buy you a new gown. And there may be other gifts." He averted his eyes as if he already had something in mind. "And you can invite whomever you choose."

"Will it be safe?" Lark asked softly. 

"Certainly," August assured her. "I will take every precaution."

Lark described her vision for the celebration and August scribbled notes on a piece of parchment. They parted soon after as Lark was exhausted from his feeding. She curled up underneath her blankets dreaming of dancing into the deep night in August's arms. 

The following day the announcement was made within the castle. Vayn was sitting in the courtyard reviewing the harem finances when a call came from within the castle. It was Ariane calling her name. When she hurried inside a letter was thrust into her hands by the other women. 

"It happened," Rose whispered shakily. "Our Lord has formally announced it."

She peered warily at Vayn as she read the letter in her hands. 

It is decreed that Lark of the harem is henceforth claimed by our Lord and has been given the position of Favored. 

Vayn remained calm as she reviewed the message, folded it, and tucked it into her gown. The other women were surprised by how relaxed she appeared but she concealed a cold and bitter rage. She had been expecting this development but this guaranteed their relationship would be consummated after the celebration. It would be nearly impossible to extract her rival once that bond had been secured. She had thought she had more time to act but she now felt the claws of desperation at her back. She would need to make a move soon. She turned to her companions. 

"It was expected," she said simply. "And it is our Lord's will. Return to your activities."

Dumbfounded, the women floated away one by one back to their games and books, leaving Vayn to brood alone as she returned to the courtyard. The numbers on the page in front of her began to blur together as she was blinded by her anger and anxiety. Lark had so quickly destroyed her progress with August and ruined her well laid plans. Was there any hope of redemption now?

She knew she could not risk an encounter at the Favor Rite. But there was not time to form a plan before the celebration. Vayn would be forced to attend the event and make her move afterwards. Despite her frustration she smiled. After many years of loyalty Vayn had received many fine gifts from the Lord including gowns and jewelry. She had a fair amount of personal savings as well which she could put to good use. She may not be able to prevent the Favor Rite but she could be so dazzling that she would draw everyone's eye and Lark would no longer be the center of attention. She was understood to be the most beautiful of the harem women and was confident that with some effort she could easily stand out among them. 

She returned to her room and pulled a golden gown from her wardrobe and laid it on the bed. It was more fitted than any of her other gowns with a matching cape that fell from her shoulders. A wide gold choker and arm bands would ensure that she made a strong statement. Gold would not suit any of the other women, but it complimented her dark skin beautifully. She would be like a vision of opulence. As she carefully selected her jewelry she tried to focus on the possibilities of her future. She would be both beautiful and powerful and finally able to shape her own destiny.