The library was dark with only two bracket lamps lit and the windows painted black by the rain that had begun to fall an hour earlier, just as the guests had started to arrive. Thankfully Allen had set up the bays for the travelling carriages, and some quick witted servant ensured a sheltered walkway from the alighting point to the high doors of the Manor. The low hum of a hundred guests bemoaning the weather, greeting each other and commenting on the extravagances of Lord Kamelot filtered all around the middle floors of the Manor, but they had yet to penetrate the thick walls of the library, absorbed by the parchment pages of the silent books in their neat rows.

Tyki tapped the oak table top in a slow rhythm, not out of annoyance rather for the lack of something to do. It was only fair that now he should be the one kept waiting. Tyki could have picked a heavy volume from the shelves to pass the time, a mischievous glee rose in him at the thought of further irritating the abnormally cool woman by giving her only his divided attention. The ruse might be better used on his Lovely and Tyki chuckled out loud at the more animated reaction he would receive from her. Lovely would no doubt pout adorably and glare at him with those green eyes until he could take it no longer and give in.

Unconsciously Tyki's hand went to his other wrist; under the silk shirt he could feel the outlines of the tightly bound bandages. Tyki had not had the heart to tell Lovely that the bandages were unnecessary for such a minor wound, a mere scratch really but the girl had insisted on providing the care. He had let her; it seemed to make her happier to do it. She had not seemed herself this afternoon, and it troubled him greatly to think that perhaps there was more to her relationship with Bookman.

It was odd that one person should look after another's grandfather with such care. But Lovely was lonely and isolated, no wonder she was looking for another.

Lavi conveniently disappeared from time to time without explanation and he had reacted quite explosively that time Tyki kissed him, an action he still could not fully explain the reasons for to himself. Lovely on the other hand almost never complained, at least not little a significant amount of closeness later.

Yes Lavi was quite delicate in his looks, though Tyki could not count that against him as he looked no more delicate than Allen did after all. Besides, Lavi was taller than the latter. When it really came down to it, had Lovely not been overly upset when she accused him of being more inclined towards the stable boy? If she were playing a game of guises surely such a thing would not have bothered her?

Tyki shook his head clear of the insidious musings of deception. He had explained the importance of the Bookman family to both red heads in question. To one the respect for Lilia Bookman and the other of loyalty enough to pull him from a burning fire. Lavi had been absent since that particular, which was to be expected after hearing such a story.

If Lovely knew the ends he went to help her and the scars he bore for it. There was no way she would keep that personality away from him.

Lovely would not lie to him.

"It's not often one finds Tyki Mikk with such a look on his face," out of the gloom came a melodious voice. The owner of the voice emerged not long after in a glow of her own. She was wrapped in expensive flowing threads that shone with a golden lustre, gold spun hair and bore eyes as yellow as the hunting lioness. "A penny for your thoughts?"

"I did not think that you, Lulubell would ever be caught carrying anything as small as a penny." Tyki grinned rakishly and stood to pull out a chair for Lulubell. She did not offer her hand as another simple woman would have done, but she did take the proffered chair blankly taking in Tyki's choice of meeting place.

"No, not usually, I could perhaps make an exception for you today though as you are choosing to also behave so out of character." Lulubell click gold dusted nails on the oak wood table. "I wonder if you are pondering the same situation that kept you from keeping our earlier appointment."

Rolling his eyes and leaning forward Tyki took Lulubell's hand in his, "Mimi out did herself once again. I hope you're paying her enough Lulu. Beauty sure is an expensive and time consuming art."

"She's happy doing her work so don't go putting ideas of civil action her head. I would hate to lose a good servant to a factory because she began to dream about things beyond her." Lulubell's eye's flashed dangerously, the corners of her mouth turned up into a cruel smile. "Speaking of girls who dream beyond their station, I hear that we have such a character staying with us now?" The smile was extinguished from her face, leaving a smooth, cold surface behind.

The golden glow around Lulubell dimmed a little. Tyki gave her back her hand and leaned back against the high wooden back. He schooled his reaction to the barb, knowing full well that the Earl's spy was examining him closely. Lulubell formed a bench of interlocked fingers for her elegant chin to rest, patiently waiting for Tyki to take the bait.

"Before looking to the girl for fault, we must first consider her circumstances of arriving at the Manor." He stared back at the bored stare Lulubell gave him and chose his words carefully. "She is but a parentless child Sheril has taken under his wing."

Lulubell arched a single eyebrow, "And you believe this?"

"I believe," Tyki leaned back in his chair. "I believe that Sheril has invested too much in that little story for there not to be some kind of scheme behind it. He is infatuated, no obsessed with Lovely and with keeping her to himself."

"You sound almost angry about that Tyki."

Tyki composed himself, it would not do to have Lulubell report back to the Earl that like Sheril he was letting a woman cloud his vision. Lulubell laughed when Tyki failed to respond, a high tinkling sound that was as sharp as a knife.

"Tyki, you mustn't be so coy about it. While you kept me waiting today I was presented with the most opportune moment to have a long, informative conversation with Tricia." The golden woman laid her arm flat on the table, palm down and her nails tapping the oak top as if they were immaculately manicured talons. "I do not need to hear you defend your stance with the girl or whatever value you attribute to your relationship. To have both two Noah brothers tripping over themselves for her than this Lovely must be quite extraordinary indeed. Usually it would not be my business what you do in your spare time Tyki, but this relationship ends here. You're engagement is to be announced tonight, after all. However, I did not come here to talk to you about who is warming whose bed in the Manor."

"You're right; you do not have any business concerning yourself with my pass times Lulubell." The air inside the library grew frostier. Tyki's pride was stung a little at the reminder of family bonds and shackles. Lulubell had chosen her words carefully, making it clear that in this matter she spoke with the Earl's voice, leaving Tyki little room to manoeuvre. "Perhaps we should limit this conversation to topics you do have some control over?"

Lulubell narrowed her eyes. "Do you remember the circumstances under which the Earl took you in all those years ago?" Another sting to wound his pride further; He nodded grimly. "Do you remember the crimes of those you trusted so freely? How they stabbed our family in the back and threw away years of loyalty and friendship?"

Tyki nodded once more.

"How is it that there are those bearing the name Bookman in this Manor and no one has seen fit to inform the Earl?" Lulubell remained cool but voice the accusation simmered just beneath the surface. "You do him a disservice after he has given you so much, home, wealth and security."

The feet of the chair squealed on the stone floor and standing up Tyki threw on his jacket, smoothing out the wrinkles. For the first time Tyki decided that he would very much rather be attending a ball than playing truant. He tapped his breast pocket once to be sure of the content and then candidly caught Lulubell's gaze. "Seeing them here was a surprise for me too. But I was not sworn to secrecy by Sheril nor was I asked to spy on my brother. It does not bode for them if the Earl were to be made aware of the family. I, for one am rather grateful that Sheril planned far enough ahead to track down Bookman. How would it look to us to be without our own fluent translator? And for that translator to be the original deal broker is that not even better?"

"Have it your way," Lulubell sighed, "Upon my return I will inform the Earl. Whether he will see things similarly to you remains to be seen. Whatever happens next, on your head be it. Don't you think that family has lost enough members?"

"We will be late."

Ignoring the warning Tyki outstretched an arm to the still seated Lulubell. She took his arm and allowed Tyki to walk her through the library and out into the corridor.

"Will the ward be attending tonight?" She gave Tyki a sidelong glance.

"She may or may not be. When I saw her earlier she said she would be." Tyki mentally slapped himself for revealing he had seen Lovely that day. "It is ultimately Sheril's decision."

"Earlier?" As expected Lulubell clung onto the vital piece of information, "Was she the unavoidable appointment you had this afternoon?"

Tyki rolled his eyes.

"You must point her out to me Tyki. But I expect you will be too busy."

"Busy?" Tyki said cautiously. "Why would I be busy?"

"I have someone I want you pay particular attention to tonight. I'm afraid there won't be any time for your Lovely."

Wordlessly Tyki followed the golden woman into the hall, the memory of silver weighing heavy in his pocket.

The person looking back from the other side of the mirror, perfectly draped in midnight blue satin, layered with shimmering chiffons and taffeta creating and ice cream swirl of a skirt, was not a person Lavi recognised. With a diamond studded bodice, her hair elegantly twisted and curled into a waterfall down her back and a band of lapis nested in clusters of diamond kept the waves at bay parted from the side swept fringe bordering straight eyebrows and darkly shadowed eyes, Lavi did not look or feel herself at all.

Jonny had taken extra pains to beautify her this evening, muttering that Lavi would be the best dressed at the ball. She had plucked, powdered and painted against Lavi's every protest. Lavi was glad that Jonny was not here now to see her stare wonderingly into the mirror. The powdering was not at all as heavy as she had expected, and the rouge did not give her apple cheeks as she feared merely only the suggestion of definition to her cheekbones.

The neck line was rather low and capped sleeve and coiled silk straps of her dress were almost indecent. Though that would all be rectified by the ermine stole. Dare Lavi admit she was pleased with the outcome?

That was only until she caught a glimpse of her own eyes boring back into her. Her deformation and years of practice had taught Lavi how to look into a mirror and avoid eye contact with herself, however the bold lines of black kohl that Jonny had ringed them in forced her attention to her own gaze. The bands were thick, though not thick enough to cover up the thin tails of scars that netted around her right eye. The camouflage may have been Jonny's original intention, although it looked as if even the seamstress could not justify using enough kohl to turn Lavi into a raccoon.

Lightly to avoid damaging the seamstress' handy work Lavi traced the exposed marks. A deep voice floated into her inner ear. You should count your blessings… I was there.

Had it really been less than a week since that night in the village? Since then Tyki had not once mentioned the source of his scars to Lovely and there had been a number of situation where those scars could have been discussed. The man had not even offered an explanation or boasted bravado for his own souvenirs of from the flames. Maybe Lavi should have asked or at least offered her scars to him as Tyki had done to her or maybe as Lovely the story was not meant for her ears.

Tyki's behaviour since then bothered her greatly. He had refused her request for him to stay the night and the offer of her real name. But then he had said he wanted to remain friends until she was ready to be with him. However, whenever they had or spent time together Tyki did not treat her as a friend would, he could not keep his hands to himself. Not that his touches were a cause for complaint. It confused her.

Did Tyki really mean it when he said he loved her?

Blackness filled her vision.

Satin soft material pressed against her face and with warmth at her back and tightening pull around her skull Lavi's vision again cleared. "I did not hear you come in, my lord."

Too lost in thought Lavi had not noticed Sheril enter the room, nor had she noticed sidle up behind her close enough to tie the masquerade mask in place. Sheril stood behind her admiring the complete look. The delicately crafted black butterfly was striking with its wide wings and intricate silver patterns dancing across the body.

Sheril laid his hand on her bare shoulders and familiarly stroked her arms down to the wrist and back up again. "You look wonderful tonight Lovely."

"Thank you." Moving quickly Lavi stepped away from Sheril to avoid his creeping fingers. Since that night Lavi had baited his jealousy and fury, those same fingers had drawn fresh bruises on the paper of her skin. All Lavi wanted was to leave the room as fast as possible and join the throng of ball goers and remain anonymous.

The furs of the stole were soft and cool beneath her touch as she wrapped it around her shoulder, the inner lining hugging her tightly. Her hand fumbled over the clasp in her rush to be on her way. Sheril came to assist her from behind, pressing himself flush against her and his warm breath on her ear and neck. Lavi worked hard to suppress the urge to recoil from the man.

"Did you know the window from the dining hall provides a perfect view of the garden?" Sheril whispered into her ear.

"No my lord, I have never been given the privilege of enjoying a meal in the dining hall. I would not know of its view." Lavi knew what kind of trap Sheril was attempting to walk her into. Trying to catch Lavi in a lie had become his favourite game of late. To catch her in a denial would be perfect.

"It's an excellent vantage point, however not so great for those trying to hide a secret love." Sheril pressed his lips against the top of her jaw. Lavi remained perfectly still. "Why don't you blush prettily when I kiss you, Lovely?"

"Many reasons," She threw caution to the wind as her disgust at the man won out against her self –preservation. "The one I like to choose is that your brother just happens to be better at it than you –"

Lavi cried out in pain as Sheril dug his fingers into her ribs and threw roughly aside. Grateful that the bed was there to catch her Lavi looked up at Sheril. The man had already walked away and was nonchalantly retying his tie in the mirror.

"I know he was here that night. Does he still visit you?" Sheril was perfectly composed as he threw the accusations casually over his shoulder.

"How could he, when you're here every minute of the night?" Straightening the creases out of her dress Lavi threw Sheril a distasteful look. "Not everyone is a slave to their desires Sheril. If you really wanted to be sure he was here you could have searched the rooms or why don't you go ask him yourself."

Sheril raised a bemused eyebrow. Lavi ignored him and strode passed him to the door, but he caught her around the middle, stopping her in her tracks. "Talking to me like that here, in this room is fine Lovely. Be sure to control yourself in front of my guests. I might not be so forgiving then."

For long time the two just stared at each other, reaffirming the power each held over the other. At length Lavi stood up straighter and reached up to knot Sheril's tie. He looked at her approvingly and with one last check in the mirror Sheril led Lavi to the door.

It was not until they were halfway to the corridor that Lavi spoke again the Lord of the Manor. Picking at the material of her skirt, Lavi goaded Sheril further. "I was with him earlier." She did not need to elucidate who she meant. "In the hospital wing, he came to visit Jiji too. Imagine my surprise when he told me that the old man had a grandson working in the stables and a mother who died within these very walls."

Sheril stopped in his tracks; the grip on her arm tightened enough to make Lavi gasp. "That's enough Sheril, you'll leave a mark."

He did not hear her, his eyes were large and Lavi thought she saw something akin to fear swimming in his yellow irises. "Does Tyki know your name?" his voice now a low growl.

"No," Lavi tried to tug her hand back. "There is no connection to be made. He is ignorant."

"Good." Sheril let her go and began to walk again, though it did not seem as if he truly saw the carpet beneath his feet. "Cross will be your escort to the ball tonight. See to it that you do not stray far from him. You will not leave until I come to you and say that you may. Then you will go straight to your room and nowhere else."

Lavi nodded in agreement. A little bit overwhelmed by the sudden commands being issued.

"And you must absolutely not engage with Tyki in anyway or with any woman he may be with." Sheril ground out the words forcefully.

The pair turned a corner to find Cross Marian leaning against a wall a wine glass in hand, waiting. Sheril handed Lavi over without a word and entered the party hall deep in thought.

Lavi took in Cross' appearance, a deep scowl drawn across her face. The man wore a dark suit, simple but effective. The mask he sported was a bleach white and covered one half of his face and his mass of vibrant hair, as red as hers, was held back in a loose ponytail. The tall man glowered down at her.

"I understand why I'm not happy with this partnering, but what's your problem?" She crossed her arms and obstinately did not meet his gaze on purpose.

"Look at this!" Cross lowered the glass and took a hold of a bright strand of her hair. "It's offensive. The minute I walk in there with you, everyone will be thinking that I'm parading an illegitimate daughter."

Lavi gaped.

"You are about the right age…"

"I think I have more to lose from that association than you do!" Lavi dragged Cross by the arm towards the door. So furious was Lavi that she was spitting like an alley cat. "And don't for even a second delude yourself into thinking my mother would have wasted any amount of time on you. And neither will I lie so just enter and drink yourself into stupor for all I care."

"Steady on, Lavi I plan on drinking into stupor anyway. But just so you know I'm supposed to keep you away from Lulubell. So be a good girl, leave me alone and leave her alone too."

"Don't call me that!" Lavi hissed. "And who's Lulubell?"

"Lulubell Noah," Cross grinned. "You won't miss her. She'll be the brightest star of the ball."

Hope you enjoyed :)