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Golden platters of the finest food were being graciously served as bards hummed songs of pretty maidens; Lady Aurora's name-day celebration feast was in full swing, and had clearly cost a pretty penny.
With a painted smile on her lips, Astrid nodded absent-mindedly to Lady Giselle's gossip, her nimble fingers reaching down to touch the silk gown that snugly enveloped her figure.
She never would have thought such a small thing like wearing a gown of different material would please her as much as it did.
The silk felt nice rubbing against her skin and was much more flattering than the cotton gowns herself and Rebekah had been supporting before coming to the court.
She supposed it was the simple things; a warm bath, a comfy bed and a soft gown, they made her feel normal. Like she wasn't a creature who survived by feeding on human blood.
The blonde Lady opposite her sent her a mischievous grin, her eyes suddenly darting to the side, entranced by someone entering the hall.
Half expecting to find Kol, wearing a cheeky grin with a flustered woman on his arm, Astrid was disappointed when her eyes landed on Tristan.
Though she tried not to visibly show her worries, Astrid was growing increasingly concerned about Kol.
An entire week had passed since their welcoming feast, Kol was still managing to immaturely avoid her, not wanting to acknowledge his drunken mistakes.
Whether he was ashamed or feared Astrid would not forgive him was beyond her knowledge.
Whatever the reason, the more important matter was the fact that though he was talentedly avoiding her radar, he had been attracting unwanted attention in the village beyond the castle gates.
Eight mangled corpses had been discovered, completely drained of blood, all of them appeared to be peasants.
Kol was getting sloppy, he had even left a witness alive, who had ordered an audience with the Count.
The elderly gentleman had frightfully spoken of a fanged demon that had attacked his family at nightfall, drinking the blood of his wife and teenage son.
Fortunately, the Count cared little for his villagers, unless they were in debt to him, and had passed the old man as senile and crazy.
He had even laughed as the old man had fell to his knees, letting out a shrill wail as he begged his liege to believe him, though the Count had simply waved his hand before a guard had dragged the man from the room.
Not only would Kol blow their cover if he continued to be reckless, he would also attract Mikael's attention.
"He looks very handsome tonight." Lady Giselle giggled, covering her mouth as she hungrily eyed Tristan.
