Chapter 2 ~ A bloody banquet

"Godric? Are you sure?"

My master hadn't looked too pleased when I'd given him the news of our unexpected guest.

"Yes, master. He said his name was Godric. Don't you know him? Should I not have let him in?"

Dragan had jumped up from behind his desk and had taken me in his arms.

"Of course I know him! And you would have been foolish to refuse him entrance. He's the one called Death!"

"Death?" I'd thought that I was very well-read, but I'd never heard of a vampire with that nickname.

"Yes, damn it. What is he doing here? I thought I got rid of him for good when he moved to America."

Worried, I had watched as my master, lost in thought, had started pacing from one side of his office to the other. Then, suddenly, he had been in front of me again, clasping my upper arms so tightly that it had been almost painful.

"Had you veiled what you are? Tell me he doesn't know what you are!"

In reply, I had given him a smile. "No, Master. During our conversation I had myself completely under control. Not even I could feel my heartbeat and it is my heart after all." My little joke hadn't seemed to cheer him up so I had kept trying to calm him down. "And you had already given me your blood at the beginning of the night so that he could scent nothing but you on me."

These words had seemed to help a bit more.

"Good, good. But just in case, you will have some more."

A second later I had found myself in his arms in the cushioned sitting area with his bloody wrist against my lips. I always was quite grateful to him – after all, his blood was my elixir of life. But the fact that his free hand had slid along my body as usual as if it were a matter of course and had demanded something in return had been a very unpleasant development. And today in particular. When I had been able to speak again, I'd tried to plea to his sense of duty.

"Master, please... I still have duties to attend to before the banquet begins in eighteen minutes."

A snarl had reached my ears as an answer, but I had nonetheless found myself on my feet shortly afterwards.

"Then do your chores, Livia darling. With him as our guest we can't afford to make any mistakes. Just in case, I will summon your brothers to come. He cannot be trusted..."

Smoothing the fabric of my sari again, I had bowed briefly and then had left his office.

Now I stood there and let the guests in again. But this time they were also greeted by slow Indian music, which could be heard at a pleasant volume throughout the banquet hall and completed the wonderful atmosphere.

"What... exotic music, my dear. There'll be some livelier music later in the evening, won't there?"

Before I could say anything about Madame Lefevre's objection, a hand was placed on my shoulder and a cold shiver immediately went down my spine.

"What are you complaining about, Juleka? The music was specially chosen for me. And, in its present form, it guarantees exquisite conviviality and stimulating conversation."

I slowly turned and took a step back so that Mr. Sharma's hand slipped from my shoulder as if by chance. Smiling, I watched as he entered the Great Hall with my master. Again I bowed to him in Indian style and then I saw that almost everyone had already settled down on the cushions with a quick glance.

Normally we had a really big table standing in the middle of the hall which was a masterpiece of craftsmanship – because you could extend it to three times its size without being able to see at first sight where the extended parts were hidden. But for the Indian celebration my master had wanted something new and I had surprised him to have removed the table completely. Instead I had furnished a loose circle with round and square colorful cushions and in the middle there was a kind of buffet on a low table with heating plates.

Behind Aryan Sharma and my master I just saw the last guest enter the hall and quickly stepped up to him.

"May I escort you to your seat, Tanaka-sama?"

Turning half around, I saw that Mr. Sharma looked at me strangely, probably because I wasn't accompanying him. But he had already my master at his side. And to be honest I wanted to stay as far away from him as possible. But when I saw that our Japanese guest offered me his arm, I felt joy. I truly admired this man. Although he had been turned into a vampire when he was probably fifty or maybe already sixty years old, he had retained a youthful glow within. And he had been doing so for one thousand nine hundred and seventy-eight years!

"My best thanks, dear child." I laid my hand lightly on his arm and with a moderate step we approached the circle. "Tell me, how is your training?"

"I train every spare minute, Tanaka sensei."

And there it was again – it had just slipped out of my mouth, as if no time had passed. The corners of my lips turned into a smile as I thought of the times he had truly been my sensei. But that triggered another realization.

"But I fear I will never live up to your expectations." I lowered my head and sighed quietly. From the corner of my eye, I could see him nodding his head.

"It is not easy for young children to learn the art of resting within themselves and then to use this calmness in unleashing the arrow with the right amount of strength and aim. You must not forget that every time you put an arrow in your bow, you have to empty your thoughts and steel your mind."

Thinking about this, I stepped with him to a pillow and let him sit down. But he didn't let go of my hand. When I looked at him questioningly, he pointed with one hand to the pillow on his left side and I obediently sat down as gracefully as I could in my sari. Smoothing the garment under my shins as I knelt down, I thought about my younger self fifteen years ago, when I had met him for the first time. At that time, I had only twelve fast-fading vampire years to look back on. Dragan had given me the greatest possible attention that his lifestyle had allowed him which had resulted in me outwardly being the perfect lady of the house at my master's side on this first gathering which I had attended. But inside, I had still been a bundle of nervous energy and an unstable spirit. With just one look our Japanese guest had recognized this and took me aside at the end of that night. His and my presence at the meetings had become less and less, but his training with me more. When he had left six nights later, I had been in harmony with my inner being again as I had last been as a human. And for that I would be eternally grateful to him.

"You are teaching the young lady archery, Kaito-san?"

Hearing this voice, my thoughts instantly returned to the feast – and to the vampire sitting to my left.

"Hai, my old friend."

Before Tanaka-sama or Godric could speak any further, the Swede, who sat cross-legged next to Godric, interfered.

"Why? Isn't it a bit nostalgic? To give strength to such a delicate flower, you'd have to put a sword in her hands."

"Typical Viking..." I laughed softly and received a questioning expression from Eric Northman for my words. Looking around briefly to see if all the guests had settled down and were in initial conversations, I hummed contentedly and gave the boys and girls the sign that they could begin bringing the carafes. Sabin, Carla, Novu and Franz came in our direction and bowed shyly to our group of four. With a quick glance I made sure that Claudia, Anna, Kjell and Philippe were approaching the other group where my master had settled down too.

Knowing the favored blood group of my right seated neighbor, I took over Franz's carafe on its handle, while a porcelain goblet was held out to me expectantly. Raising myself to my knees, I tilted the carafe with my right hand, while with a light pressure of my stretched three middle fingers of my left hand I weighted down the lid. With a chaste glance I looked at my former teacher.

"Would you allow me to answer Sir Eric in your place, Tanaka sensei?"

Delightfully smelling the blood in his goblet, he looked at me and nodded.

"Go ahead, dear child."

With this approval I answered the Swede without looking at him.

"You are not wrong, Sir Eric. To become skillful in swordplay, one must practice a great deal and gain immense strength. But… can a delicate flower grow vigorously if it hasn't taken root in the soil around it? What better way for a newborn vampire to grow than first go inside and then, when he or she is ready, to explore the world with all the qualities found within?"

When my sensei's goblet was full, I brought the carafe over my lap with a gentle smile and looked up. What greeted me was silence. I hadn't even noticed that all conversation had fallen silent and now I had eight pairs of eyes on me. For a second I didn't know what to do next. My answer must have been louder than I had realized. But before the situation could become awkward, I was caught by Lady Tatarou's cheerful stare and decided to extend the one-on-one conversations to the large group. This would also give my master the opportunity to officially announce the beginning of the celebration without interrupting one of the guests in conversation.

"How do you see this, Lady Tatarou? What qualities must a young vampire have these days before he or she can be released into the world?"

Seeing the cheerfulness in her eyes flash again did me good. I hadn't forgotten that I had caused her grief earlier, although I hadn't yet found out the reason.

"I honestly have never thought about this, for I have no progeny of my own." While she was having her glass filled by Anna, she kept talking. "But I think Dragan has both chosen and trained you well. On my travels, I couldn't help but notice that many young people – sups and humans – nowadays are not aware anymore of the value of a well-managed household. You only have to look at how many private bankruptcies are filed because parents fail to teach their children how to handle money sustainably and with the necessary sense of responsibility."

"Listen up!" Juleka Lefevre threw this phrase into the round and applauded briefly.

"Yes, dearest Athena. Without wanting to praise myself, my Livia here has done really well, hasn't she? I am sure that she too will celebrate her thousandth anniversary some day. But today we are here for our friend Aryan." My master patted said vampire on the back and lifted his already filled goblet. "Fill your glasses and goblets as you wish and let us toast the birthday vampire."

That was my cue to turn back to my two neighbors who were sitting to my left.

"Sir Godric, Sir Eric, what blood type can we offer you? Would you like A-negative, too?"

"No. I would like to taste your AB-negative."

It happened like slow motion. At the end of his sentence he looked me straight in the eyes and I didn't know whether he meant the blood in Sabin's carafe or... mine. Yes, I had offered him to drink from me when he arrived. Yet even he wouldn't dare request my blood now in front of assembled company. Or… would he? Fortunately for me, however, the boy had dutifully listened and had already come closer to me. So I could fill the vampire's glass without having to answer him verbally after switching the carafes.

What was I to think of him? What was it that he did to me? Was he trying to intimidate me? Or just to manipulate me? A vampire of his age and that was called Death would certainly enjoy embarrassing a young thing like me. But... I didn't get any negative feelings from him towards me. Could it be that he was just curious? He and Mr. Tanaka seemed to really be old friends; otherwise my old teacher would certainly not have sat down next to him. Maybe he had mentioned me to Godric once? And now the young looking vampire was searching for a good housekeeper? Laughing inside, I let my thoughts run free, while the next thing I did was to look at the Swede, expectantly asking him what blood type he would like to have. He was free to serve himself, but of course he liked to be served, as I had expected from a Viking. Although… I had a hunch why he had waited until now, because if I assessed him correctly, it wasn't like him to wait until he was served last.

"I'll take some A-positive, dear lady."

Yes, my gift was back. My hunch had been right that he would be curious about the boy. While a smile brightened my face, Godric threw a questioning glance at the Swede.

"Since when do you drink A-positive, Eric?"

The Swede just laughed and I turned to the group of young servants who had been busy on the other side of the circle.

"Oh I'm sure it has nothing to do with the blood type, Sir Godric, but rather with the boy holding the carafe. Isn't that so, Sir Eric? Kjell, come here a moment please, Sir Eric wishes to be poured from your carafe."

The boy had just finished filling Athena's glass a bit awkwardly, and then quickly approached the – surely in his eyes huge – Swedish vampire.

"Of course, sir."

When I saw him shaking, I got up quickly. Whenever my master brought new boys and girls, I could teach and show them everything as best I could in theory. But for the first time facing and serving a vampire, they had to master it themselves. Today it was the first time for Kjell and for the fact that he was only ten years old he had done it very well so far. But I sensed his nervousness and didn't want him to be punished when he spilled the blood. So I quickly walked to him behind the two unequal vampires and knelt down next to the boy so that we were at eye level. May my master see this as he wanted, me leaving my role as lady of the house and taking over my other role as patient leader of my subordinates instead, it was all the same to me. He could punish me for this later, but then at least it would be me and not the boy.

Holding one hand slightly under the carafe to stabilize it, I spoke softly to him. "Kjell, calm your heart. You are doing very well." Without letting go of the carafe, I looked at the Swede. "Sir Eric, would you like to drink from a glass or a goblet?"

Without taking his eyes off the boy and me, he grabbed a vessel and then held out a glass to us. With a grateful nod, I turned back to the boy.

"Remember, never pour too quickly. We are the hosts and would like to please our guests with every form of comfort. To give the act of pouring a drink your native attention is a form of appreciation. You know, Sir Eric here comes from your country's past. He is one of the natives that are still written about in the history books."

"A Viking?"

I could barely suppress a smile at his eager question. The boy was always so attentive and despite his past I was sure he was very resilient and I could help him into a good future. A smug laugh to my right made me look back at the vampire then.

"That's right, boy. Would you like to learn about Vikings while you pour me a drink?"

Kjell nodded enthusiastically and I slowly rose to walk back to my seat. But before I could sit down between the two vampires again, I noticed a jerky and angry movement outside the building at the entrance and lost my balance because of the suddenness.

Now it isn't exactly the case that vampires are known for their clumsiness, and so I not only saw my master jump up in surprise, but also felt how I was held by strong arms one blink of an eye later.

Storm-whipped grey-blue eyes stared at me while I tried in my sari-wrapped state to regain my balance. But every few seconds I felt the violent movements again, as if I was standing in the middle of a hurricane. Damn it! What were those morons doing at the front door? Swallowing the pain, I straightened up a little in Godric's arms as best I could and looked at Dragan.

"Master, it seems that Jacques and Pierre Mercier will be joining the party after all."

"I'll go get them." Most grateful that he didn't bother to make a polite extended exit, but simply vamped out, I finally managed to settle back down on my cushion.

"Livia, darling, are you okay?"

"What an outrageous interruption!"

"Tell us, girl, are Godric's arms as strong as they look like?"

"Mistress Livia?"

While waiting for the pain within me to subside completely, I took the liberty of ignoring the comments that came my way. The only two vampires that I didn't get any comment from at that moment, but silence and calmness, were my immediate neighbors. Then I noticed that Godric was still holding my wrist. Astonished, I looked up and bowed slightly.

"I beg your pardon, Sir Godric. And thank you."

He stared at me as if to make sure I was completely recovered.

"What had come over you? How can you inwardly feel that visitors are demanding to enter?"

He looked at me as if he had no ulterior motive in asking. But an alarm bell began to ring loud and clear in my head.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not permitted to reveal this to anyone outside my bloodline."

I looked at him asking for understanding, but he didn't give the impression that he resented my rejection. On the contrary – the expression in his eyes was even appreciative.

"That is what I thought. You are indeed an intelligent and loyal woman. Dragan must be very happy that he has found someone like you."

I smiled gratefully at him and, addressing all my girls and boys through him, then turned to Kjell, who was still standing next to Eric with big eyes and staring at me in horror.

"Everything is alright, Kjell. Don't forget to put the carafe down, if no one wants a refill currently."

Kjell hesitated for a few moments. But when he noticed that the other children were following my advice, he did the same. I gave them all another encouraging smile, and then I wanted to apologize to our guests for this unpleasant interruption, when voices started to be heard in the corridor in front of the hall. Maniac laughter – as if the brothers were drunk – reached my ears and who knew, maybe they were drunk. If the snacks that had kept them in town had been drunk themselves, it could well be that the alcohol was also affecting them. But I didn't know that. My master had always kept silent about such things. Perhaps out of concern that I would be addicted to alcohol if I thought I wouldn't suffer any physical consequences? That was ridiculous!

Hearing them coming nearer I sighed and wished to have a better connection with my master. Was he pleased to see them? Surprised? Angry? I just didn't know and that made my life quite often very difficult – like right now. But in any case, I would have to inform Louis and Lex that they were needed after all tonight. I quickly gave an appropriate signal to one of the waiting serving maids and listened for a few seconds as she disappeared into the corridor that lead to the kitchen.

Then Jacques, Pierre and my master came up to our other guests and I rose once more to greet the brothers properly. As I approached them, I felt attentive glances in my back and wondered if this was still Godric who was following me with eagle eyes.

"Aaah, the little flower. Good to see you again, dearest Livia."

Before I could say anything, I found myself in the arms of one of them and felt his lips on mine.

"Pierre Mercier! You let go of my daughter immediately! This isn't France!"

For a split second, I was so surprised that I didn't react. But then I felt something from my master – and it was more than just a protest against this kiss. It was terrifying repressed anger. And that fired my own rage and disgust. Behind me I heard Jacques Mercier laughing and had enough. With no regard for my sari, I let my knee collide with the most sensitive part of a man with all my strength, bending down at the same time to get under his upper body which fell forward from the sudden pain. I threw him over my shoulder with force, turned around in a flash and pulled out my two small silver daggers from the leg holsters under my underskirt. While he was still landing on his back with a terribly pathetic groan, I held one dagger against his throat while the second one toward his twin brother. Jacques' laughter was silenced, as were all the other conversations and I found myself, once again that night, in the center of attention of all present.

"You should be ashamed of yourself, Pierre Mercier. Not only were you and your brother missing the beginning of the feast in honor of Aryan Sharma, to which you both announced your presence, but you also have the audacity not to show me the respect I deserve as the daughter of Dragan Markaitis and as the lady of this house."

With a snarl, he tried to push himself off the floor, but I held the dagger where it was. When he felt the pain of the silver cutting into his skin and we bystanders could smell his burning skin, he stopped trying to get up and raised his hands in surrender.

"Good decision, sir. Remember, I am neither a whore nor easy. Nor do I care for any supposed French charm."

Without letting him out of my sight – I was well aware that I was rebuking a vampire who was forty times my age – I slowly rose and retreated until I felt the immediate reassuring presence of those next to my seat.

"Really, Pierre," Athena Tatarou now interfered, while my master still looked at the Frenchman with a deep growl. "You should act your age. That was more than tactless. How are you going to be a good example to our Aryan here, now that he has risen to the league of the millennials, when you put on such a show? We were actually just giving him pointers on what he can do now and here you come with this kind of Neanderthal behavior."

Running his fingers over his bloodied throat and licking them with relish, Pierre jumped up and looked at me with a cheeky grin.

"Had I known that such young things can't take a joke nowadays, I would have chosen my action more carefully. I apologize to you, Dragan."

With that he bowed to my master – definitely mocking me – and then settled down next to the Irishman.

I denied myself spitting out the insults that were on the tip of my tongue and just gave the boys and girls the signal to serve the next course.

"Who would have thought that the delicate flower also has thorns?"

From Eric's voice I heard not only amusement, but also a little respect. And hearing that from the Viking's mouth made me feel pleased with myself.

"You must work on your observation skill, Eric-san." I looked to my right neighbor – Mr. Tanaka was still kneeling relaxed on his cushion, eyes closed and nibbling on his goblet. Seeing him you could have thought we were in a tea house... There was something immensely calming about it, but at the same time it made the situation surreal, as my master in the background of my vision was still looking angrily at the French brothers.

"What do you mean, Kaito-san?"

"Well, I admit that with Livia's lovely face, it's hard to see behind it. But if you look closely, you soon realize that she doesn't only consist of flowing brown hair, long eyelashes, deep blue eyes and kissable red lips. I would have thought that your maker had taught you to look into the innermost of a being and not to be deceived by appearances."

On my left, I could hear Godric chuckling. "You are right, old friend; one would have to assume that, sure enough." Then our eyes met and I realized that respect shone in his eyes as well. "Those are beautiful daggers. May I?"

"Um..." Looking down at me, I realized I was still holding both of them in my tense hands and relaxed visibly.

"Of course." Careful not to make a mistake, I quickly wrapped the blade in the cloth end of my sari and handed one weapon with the hilt to Godric. He took it and carefully pulled the blade out of the cloth while I let go of the blade at the same time to not ruin the fabric. Behind me I heard the girls and boys bringing the bowls with the hot blood-soup decorated with a hibiscus flower and put my second dagger in front of me.

"Who taught you to play with daggers, dear Livia? Certainly not Dragan?" Aryan Sharma glanced at the bowl he had just been handed and smiled dreamily. I couldn't blame him; the bowls were handmade like my sari and painted with historical scenes from his homeland. But then he looked at my master.

"Speed, no hesitation in her movements, fierce and clear in the expression of her will... Livia will become a serious fighter if she continues to train like this. But you always preferred other weapons, didn't you, Dragan?

"That is true. Kaito-san had made it his mission after their first meeting to teach my daughter the art of combat, and today I'm glad he hasn't only focused on archery."

Again he looked angrily at Pierre Mercier but this time his brother came to his aid and tried to restore his honor.

"You can't really blame Pierre for giving Livia a kiss, can you? I mean, look at her." With few exceptions, I had – once again – everyone's attention and sighed. "That fragrant hibiscus flower here in the soup is a beauty in itself swimming in a sea of red. But Livia... Oooh, Livia is a feast for the eyes. Just sitting there, she's a goddess. But when she moves," a hungry growl escaped his throat, "she is the sexiest thing I've seen in decades. A visual perfection… I'd really like to know where you have found her, Dragan. Because you just have to caress her, this soft skin that smells so wonderful of pure and light winds."

Closing my eyes I had no idea how much longer I could stand to be in the same room with these two! Was it possible for me to get sick? Because while chilly shivers chased down my back, I felt nauseous and tried to freeze to ice inside so that I wouldn't show my disgust on my face. Because how could I possibly smile his words away? If only they had stayed away. For all I cared, they could have enjoyed the sun in their drunken state!

I heard him taking in a breath to make further praises of my appearance, but suddenly it became quiet. Even the music seemed to get quieter somehow and I looked around curiously what might have caused it. I found the cause next to me – sitting completely still and with his eyes closed he had only raised one hand and thus achieved such a reaction of all other vampires.

Death... it sounded in my head and I got an idea of the power this man had over others. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Mr. Northman looking at me completely seriously and that almost scared me even more. Only after this short time of the night I had known him I already imagined him with an always mischievous glint in his eyes. When I was about to say something to relax the situation – after all, we were actually having a birthday party here, damn it – he put an index finger on his lips and sealed mine with this action too. Not a second later I found out why he had signaled me to remain silent. I felt a deep vibration beside me and quickly looked at Godric again. From the innermost depth of his chest a growl came to the surface, most likely aimed at the two brothers. For they were the only ones who were holding their ears and yet they were writhing in pain with eyes wide open in horror.

'Wow,' I thought. I had never seen anything like this before. Every part of my mind told me that I should be afraid of this powerful vampire who still held my dagger in his left hand and now slowly let his right hand sink down again until it lay flat on the carpet while bending forward at the same time and leaning slightly on his hand. But my body felt amazingly comfortable near him and I only just realized this then and there. It felt like I could wrap myself in the power he was exuding like in a blanket and unconsciously moved a little closer to him, lowering my head in awe.

Everything around me faded from my perception – the other vampires, the music... I couldn't even feel the pillow under my legs anymore. Deeper and closer I was drawn to his very presence and suddenly saw his flame blazing in front of my inner eye. Had I felt my physical body at that moment, I wouldn't have been able to prevent the tears from falling which I felt in my soul. For as I had just suffered at the words of the Frenchman, so had he too. I couldn't even begin to imagine what must have happened to his soul for such words to have made his strong and shining flame to turn ice-blue, but it broke my heart. I wanted to comfort him, to warm him, but then he began to speak and I found myself suddenly pulled back into my body, panting quietly. My gaze met that of the Swede again and this time he looked at me with a knowing, but also frightened expression. But what could have frightened the Viking? It hadn't been him who had angered the Gaul.

"From time immemorial, the strong have always fed on the weak. This is especially true for vampires. But the society in which most of us grew up is different from the one we live in today. Other values and norms determine the lives of humans, and if the vampires are to survive, they too must change. And by that I do not just mean reinventing themselves every few decades – the Great Revelation made that obsolete."

His tone was even and he spoke quietly. But I sensed and saw that even my girls and boys and also the serving maids, who were standing near the wall of the banquet hall being available when needed, listened reverently to Godric without exception.

"Women have proved time and again over the centuries that they are in no way inferior to men. They are our equals and must be treated accordingly. They are not objects to be caressed for their good smelling skin! This is deviant behavior and unworthy of a vampire who should have had his impulses under control for centuries due to his age. And I am especially shocked that you show such behavior to a fellow vampire in our round. Our hostess! With her twenty-seven night years, she is already more of a vampire than you are! You should kneel before her in amazement that she has controlled herself so much that these daggers are not in your hearts right now and you are still allowed to live. I have tolerated your behavior in silence so far, but if I hear one more lewd, sexist or derogatory word from your mouth this night, I will exercise my right as your elder to discipline you as I see fit. Take this as a warning."

He had barely finished his sentence when I heard gurgling sounds and directed my gaze from him to the French brothers. Jacques and Pierre Mercier not only bled from their ears and noses as if they had the bleeds, but also spat blood as if internal wounds had been inflicted on them. Although they held richly decorated handkerchiefs in front of their mouths after the first spitting, the damage was already done. In front of each of them was a small puddle of blood now, and with a very satisfied feeling, because of their condition, I wondered how to get the blood out of the carpet again. I would have to do some research on that. Up to now, even the messiest eaters had been so obliging to only let something be bled on what could be cleaned in the washing machine.

'What a bloody banquet tonight...' Sighing inside, I was very grateful to Godric for his words – and deeds. But I was also worried about my subordinates. Looking around I found them standing at the edge of the circle with slightly dreamy looking expressions. Frowning I wanted to rise and go to them, but found myself stopped by a hand that suddenly came to lie on mine. Godric's gaze met me and I noticed that the pain, that had changed and cooled his flame of life, was also visible in his storm-lashed eyes. Then he leaned toward me and I felt his breath on my neck.

"Do not worry. By the end of the night, the little ones won't remember what just happened. I glamoured them into forgetting it."

"How did you do it? At this distance and all together?" I whispered with both wonder and gratitude.

"I am afraid that I too cannot reveal this secret of my bloodline, dear Livia."

"Well..." A somewhat bored yet uncertain voice was heard from the brothers' compatriot. "Since this seems to be settled, perhaps we could return to more pleasant matters? This excitement is ruining my appetite, and it would be a pity if the delicious-smelling blood soup were to go cold."

"Yes, I think it's all said and done." And with that I felt the small bond between my master and me fade away again. These were rare moments and only in those full of intense feelings I could enjoy a vampiric connection with him. Meanwhile I was used to it, but the first years after my turning I had a hard time with it. At that time my brothers had still been present to get to know me. But I had unconsciously driven them away over time for I had never been able to feel the intimate affection of our master for us, which they had always raved about. And it had made me furiously jealous and aggressive towards everyone! For even after I had told him about my problem, it hadn't gotten better. Yes, he could have verbally reassured me night after night how he felt about me. But he was just a man. Especially one who after nearly two thousand years on this earth had absolutely no desire for sentimentalism. And so I had felt alone – alone and taken advantage of. Because what woman wouldn't feel that way if she had to put her body at the disposal of her master without ever really receiving any love at all? This had led me – especially in the first five years of my vampire life – to behave childishly and to consciously violate the rules of my master, so that I could connect with him through the intensive consequences. To my shame I have to admit that I did this until Dragan started not to punish me anymore but his servants, for fear of causing irreparable damage to me. One night a young woman named Anja had paid the ultimate price for me being as screwed up as I was. Dragan had forced me to watch as he drained her – the first dead person to be on my account. And she had died a horrible death, because he hadn't glamoured her into a half-sleep. Like me, she had witnessed at firsthand how her strength slowly faded from her body and all her pleading and fighting had achieved nothing.

Afterwards I had pulled myself together – I learned to hide my feelings on the outside and to suppress the inner pain. Through this the relationship with my master had also improved and sometimes he even let himself be carried away to a tender and loving gesture. A kind smile here, a stroke on my hair there... His outburst towards the impudent Frenchman had been the strongest emotional reaction on his part that I had received from him for years. There had been a time when that would have bothered me, but it no longer did now that I had found my inner peace.

And so I just smiled when he turned to his conversation partners again and looked at Godric. But before I could express my thanks for his sympathy and words, he spoke again.

"Is there any reason why the lady of the house is so generous and yet drinks nothing herself?"

I didn't know why my cheeks blushed, but his eyes always seemed to respond to something inside me. So it was hard to think of anything plausible and reflexively I turned to my master looking for help. For at my age no one would believe me when I said that I wasn't hungry.

Fortunately, the incident seemed to have increased Dragan's attention towards me, because he hadn't only overheard Godric's question but also answered as soon as I looked at him.

"You have nothing to worry about, Godric. As you can imagine, I am still teaching my Livia about some of the issues of our existence. And this includes the ability to control her hunger in company and still behave normally. This isn't the USA, where groupies rip their clothes off and throw themselves at the feet of certain vampires."

At those words, his eyes slipped to Mr. Northman and his lips curled into a sarcastic smirk. "I'm sure there's tremendous benefit in owning a well-known vampire bar, isn't it right, Northman?"

"Can't complain, Markaitis…" came a mocking reply from my left next to Godric. Yet I also saw the inscrutable expression on my neighbor's face and wished to know what was going on in his head. Would he accept this explanation?

"But why does she have to do this training during a party, Dragan?" The Greek vampiress looked at my master with unmistakable rebuke, and it tempted me to change the subject for everyone present.

"As much as I appreciate your words, Lady Tatarou, I can assure you I am perfectly well. And you know, currently I'm not in the mood for blood, but for dancing."

With a graceful smile, I rose and quickly walked around Godric and Mr. Northman to reach the open area of the banquet hall. On the way there, I slipped discreetly out of my thin shoes and moved my right ankle in a special way so that with every step they could hear the little bells on the ankle chain I was wearing. At the same time I elegantly wrapped myself out of the long sari fabric and let it slide to the ground. When I arrived in the middle of the dance floor, only wearing my choli and skirt, I looked at Dragan.

"Forgive me, Master, but for the dance I wish to move freely."

I paid no further attention to his frowning and looked at Mr. Sharma, who was already making a very angry face because of what had happened, were he hadn't been the center of attention.

"I dedicate this dance to you, sir. Happy birthday. A toast to our honored guest!"

Several voices joined in the belated birthday greeting and I rang the bells on my ankle, starting to move to the music like I knew dancers would do in his country.