The Caged Bird

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.