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Victoria knew a lot of things but chief among them was the fact that her prospects were severely limited. So when the representative of Lord Szarr approached her in the dinner line at the Open Hand Temple Victoria only hesitated briefly. The lady, Dalyria, was probably a drow; she was an elf with pink flesh, pale hair, and red eyes. Drow. But she spoke kindly and Father Lorgan said all would be well.

The other fact Victoria knew as well as her own name was that her father was dead. She had been at the funeral three months past. She had seen him lying stiff, kissed his cold cheek, and seen him lowered into the ground. Armed with these facts, when Dalyria asked if she would like to go with her to Szarr Palace, if she would like a new father, Victoria had agreed.

It did not seem right that a patriar could just choose an orphan to live with him, but a great many things did not seem right to Victoria, like when the older children took all the warm spots in the temple kitchen, and she had no say in that either. So she did not look this gift horse in the mouth.

Jann was sniffling and picking at the skin around her fingernails. "I'm going to miss you, Victoria."

Victoria hugged her. "I'm not dying. I'll write you letters."

"But, I can't read!" Jann was looking like she might start crying. "And Michael said I'll never learn because I have porridge instead of brains."

Victoria handed Jann her blanket. "Michael is a bully. Father Lorgan will read them to you if you ask. And I will probably be able to visit you." She knew she was lying, she would never, ever come back to the Open Hand Temple if she could help it.

The girls embraced again and kissed each other's cheeks. Dalyria was standing by the door speaking in a relaxed undertone to Sister Cynthia while the friends said their goodbyes, but Victoria felt it every time the lady looked at them. She kept glancing at the door and Victoria could tell she was anxious to leave.

Victoria pulled away from the hug first. "Well, here I go! Wish me luck?" She asked.

Jann hesitated, and even though Victoria knew it did not really matter if she was wished luck or not, she was afraid Jann would refuse. But, then her friend wiped her nose on her sleeve and grinned through her tears. "Good luck, Victoria."

And that was it. There was nothing else left for Victoria to do. She walked to the adults, her chin held high. Dalyria held out a gloved hand with an encouraging smile and Victoria took it. Sister Cynthia ran her fingers through Victoria's hair, quickly untangling a knot that she had not noticed. "Now, Victoria, I was just talking to Miss Szarr and it's agreed that I will come to check on you tomorrow and every Seconday. Do you understand?"

Victoria nodded, the little ball of anxiety in her stomach lightening. Victoria did not want to come back here, but this proved she was not going to be eaten by the drow either.

The sister smiled and patted Victoria's shoulder then she turned back to Dalyria. "Please extend our thanks to Lord Szarr. His donations have kept our doors open more than once, and this," she gestured at Victoria. "This is very kind."

Dalyria smiled sweetly. "I will tell him, Sister. If the temple is ever in need, the Szarrs will gladly assist as we can." She looked down at Victoria. "Are you ready to go, child?"

"Yes, Miss," Victoria answered. They began to walk away from the kitchens and Victoria turned to wave one last time to Jann, but Dalyria did not seem to notice and Victoria had to face forward again to keep up with the hand holding hers. They paused by the main doors and the adults said goodbye, and the sister gave Victoria one last pointed smile, reminding her to smile. This was a happy occasion.

Victoria smiled broadly as the big doors closed and Dalyria guided her to the carriage waiting in the dark street. The step up was too high and Dalyria simply hoisted her by the hand so she could get her foot in the carriage. Victoria thanked her and took a seat against the farthest wall. The lady followed her in and sat across from Victoria looking at her with as much curiosity as Victoria herself felt.

After a moment the carriage jerked into motion. Dalyria was dressed very nicely, Victoria thought, with a large skirt that must have been supported by several petticoats. She even had a pearl necklace that disappeared into the neckline of her bodice. Dalyria broke the silence. "Are you nervous?"

"Yes," Victoria admitted automatically but then she worried that maybe it was rude to admit to being scared. She cleared her throat. "I just don't know anything about Lord Szarr."

Dalyria smiled and smoothed her skirt. She swayed gently with the movement of the carriage, looking very graceful. "That is understandable. I imagine I would be anxious too. What do you want to know?"

"Is he nice?" Victoria asked. That seemed like the most important question to her.

Dalyria laughed melodiously. "He can be, but mostly he is very busy. He is an important man and you will likely not see him frequently."

Victoria considered that as she rubbed her thumb over the sharp bone of her wrist. It made her sad. Her father had always been there whether she wanted him to be or not. It had been annoying sometimes. Maybe this was for the best, Victoria did not think anyone could really be like her father had been, and this way she would not be disappointed. She sat up straighter. "Are there other children? Will I have friends? Or siblings?"

Dalyria shook her head sympathetically. "No. Lord Szarr's children, we, are all adults. You will meet the whole family when you arrive."

Victoria thought it would be good to have an older sister. Dalyria seemed nice. Victoria felt a flush of shame at her earlier thoughts about Dalyria possibly eating her.

Dalyria continued after a moment. "There are some children among the staff. How old are you?"

"Eleven."

"I think the stable boy is about your age, and there is a girl in the kitchen a bit older than you." Dalyria leaned forward slightly. "But they have duties and you should not bother them if you see they are working."

Victoria nodded her agreement and rubbed at her eye. Dalyria tilted her head. "We keep late hours. If you are tired, you should try to sleep now, once we reach the palace it will be a long time before you can rest again."

Victoria was very tired but she knew better than to fall asleep in front of a stranger, especially one who seemed kind, it was a mistake you only made once. So she just shook her head, "I can't sleep. I'm too excited to see where we're going."

Dalyria glanced at the dark windows. "It will not look like much in this gloom. The moon is hiding behind the clouds." She returned her attention to Victoria. "Was there something else?"

Victoria realized she had been staring and she made a point to look away. "I was wondering if you're a drow."

Dalyria frowned but did not seem overly offended. "That is rude."

"I'm sorry. I was just wondering because you're pink."

Dalyria smiled and pulled off one of her lace gloves to look at her own hand. "So I am. Do you like pink?"

Victoria nodded. "It's my favorite."

"Mine too," Dalyria said like she was sharing a secret. Victoria's smile relaxed into something more natural. "I am not a drow." Dalyria continued. "And neither is Lord Szarr. Does that make you feel better?"

"A little," Victoria answered with a sheepish shrug of her shoulders.

"Drow are not so bad," Dalyria said pulling her glove back on and buttoning its cuff. "One of my tutors was a drow and they were very kind in their own way."

Victoria understood the rebuke and nodded. "Will I have a tutor?" She asked with interest.

"Probably not," Dalyria said. "But there are seven of us adult children. Likely Lord Szarr will have us educate you." She laughed and shook her hair. "It will be fun. We are a lazy bunch and it will be good for us to be more structured. Do you like to learn?"

"I do! My father was teaching me algebra, I can read Common and Elvish, and I just learned to cast Mending." She felt like she was trying to prove that she was smart, that she was worth the effort of educating. The realization made Victoria feel bad and she stopped talking suddenly. She looked at her hands awkwardly.

Dalyria had the grace not to comment on the abrupt shift. "Then you are a very lucky girl. Lord Szarr is a wizard too." Victoria looked up again. Dalyria brushed her hair behind her ear. "He has a large library with all sorts of spell books. He is very protective of it but maybe if you are good he will let you use it."

Victoria could be good. No one ever complained that she was bad. Her eyes began to drift and she knew she was fighting sleep. She yawned and Dalyria's smile became amused.

"Sleep, child. Nothing bad will happen to you during the drive and I am running out of interesting things to say." Dalyria said soothingly, with a laugh at herself.

"Please call me Victoria." She rested her head against the tufted wall, her eyes sliding closed.

"Sleep. I will wake you when we get there."

Every jostle and rustle caused Victoria to jerk awake, but each time the lady was just sitting looking out the window. She was so calm and still, it made Victoria feel calm too, and she would drift back to sleep within moments. In the end, Dalyria did not need to wake Victoria. She sat up with a jerk as soon as the carriage stopped moving.

The door opened and a uniformed man held his hand out for Dalyria to assist her out. The lady stepped out smoothly. Victoria stood and tried to disembark gently too but her feet hit the gravel with a clatter and crunch.

Victoria reached for Dalyria's hand and the lady gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze. "Let us go in." Dalyria was already leading the way and Victoria followed her. "There were preparations made for your arrival. New dresses. I hope they will fit." Dalyria looked her over as they walked. "You are thinner than expected."

Even though her tone was still gentle it sounded like an accusation, as if Victoria was skinny on purpose. Victoria pulled her hand back. "I'm sure I'll get fatter soon." Dalyria nodded in agreement but did not say anything further.

The word 'palace' inspired an image of tall white walls and lush gardens in Victoria's mind. Szarr Palace had tall walls, so tall that Victoria's neck craned back to see the tops, and the gardens they passed were likely very beautiful in their season, but the palace was dark. The stones were blackened with age and gargoyles guarded the steps to the entrance.

Dalyria pushed open one of the doors and propelled Victoria through with a hand between her shoulder blades. A very irritated looking man in a neat jacket stepped out of the way as they entered. Victoria thought he must have been about to open the door and that was why he was annoyed. "You are late, Dalyria." He greeted, ignoring Victoria entirely.

Dalyria smiled at him in a way that Victoria felt was distinctly unfriendly. "Duffey. Please, tell the Master that the child, Victoria, has arrived." Both adults looked down at her and Victoria realized the human had red eyes too. "Victoria, this is our chamberlain, Duffey."

"I'm very pleased to meet you," Victoria said, feeling entirely too small.

He inclined his head to Victoria and then addressed Dalyria. "It may be some time before the Master will receive her, but I have taken the liberty of having some food set out in the west parlor, cakes and tea."

Dalyria gave Victoria a warm smile that, combined with the promise of cake, calmed the anxiety that had begun to build again. "I am sure we girls can entertain ourselves while we wait." She took Victoria's hand and led on. Victoria heard the heavy door close behind them.

The entrance was as big as the main chapel in the temple had been and every click of Dalyria's heels echoed a hundred times before fading. Victoria imagined they must be very shiny to clack like that though she could not see them. Victoria was very aware of her drab green skirt and almost white blouse. "Should I change before meeting Lord Szarr? I don't want to look dirty."

Dalyria hummed to herself as they turned down a side hall. "You do not look dirty. He will not care about your clothes, I promise. There is no knowing when he will call for you, and it is better to be ready when he does than to risk needing to ask him to wait."

Victoria nodded. That made sense, but she had her doubts about whether Dalyria was being honest about her cleanliness. It had been a few days since her last full bath, but she had washed her face before dinner so perhaps it was all alright.

Dalyria opened a blue-painted door and they stepped into a room that reminded her of the sitting room in her father's apartment, only four times bigger. It had sofas, and rugs, and several armchairs, and there on a low table in the middle of the room was a feast of tiny foods, too much for them to possibly eat. Victoria wished Jann were here to share it.

Victoria hesitated in the doorway, unsure what to do. Dalyria settled herself on a sofa and then looked up as if surprised to see Victoria still waiting. "Come sit. Eat. This is all for you." She said coaxingly and patted the seat beside her. "Do you like tea?"

Victoria sat down on the offered seat. "Not really. I think it takes like grass."

Dalyria laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I do not like tea very much either." She poured two cups and placed a cube of sugar in the one she handed to Victoria. She took her own plain. "But there is a certain charm in the ceremony of it, and if you hold out your little finger while you drink you will feel very pretty."

Victoria copied Dalyria's gesture and was rewarded with an approving nod. She tried a sip. It was still bitter but Victoria thought it tasted the way roses smelled and her eyebrows raised in surprise. "That's nice."

"Try a cake. You must be hungry." Dalyria raised her teacup and watched with quiet interest as Victoria did as she was told. Victoria took a small blue confection that had been decorated to look like a seashell and tried a small bite. She worried that if she took too many she would seem greedy but if she did not eat enough she might look ungrateful. Victoria finished the first sweet and picked a bright white spongy one next before sitting back to eat it more slowly than she had devoured the first.

"Do you know your courtisies?" Dalyria asked suddenly her head tilted slightly.

Victoria swallowed shrugged. "I know how to be polite... but I think what I was taught might be different than what is expected here."

Dalyria patted Victoria's arm. "You will learn if you watch. For now, however, show me your curtsy. You will need to know that when meet your guardian." She gestured to the space in front of them. Victoria set down her cup and saucer and stood feeling awkward.

Victoria stood in the middle of the carpet and faced Dalyria. She gripped her skirt and bobbed at the knees, inclining her head. Dalyria's mouth twitched but she did not laugh at Victoria's effort. Still, Victoria blushed sensing she had done the thing all wrong.

"That is serviceable in the world, but here you should not rush. You are offering your respect, and so you should do so with poise. Watch me." Dalyria set aside her cup and stood smoothly. She did not step away from the settee. She stood very tall and then in one fluid motion that did not disturb her skirt she seemed to melt, her head bowing forward gently as she lowered herself. She stayed at Victoria's eye level for a heartbeat and then just as smoothly she rose again. Dalyria gestured to see Victoria try again.

This time Victoria moved more carefully and she resisted the urge to grip the table for balance. Her legs burned and wobbled.

"Keep your back straight," Dalyria instructed as she seated herself again, her bright eyes never leaving Victoria. "Better. Now up... slowly." She had Victoria repeat the exercise twice more.

Victoria thought she was getting better but her legs were starting to really hurt and she was just about to ask for a break when the door opened with a loud bang. The sound sent her rocketing back to standing, and she whirled to face the newcomer, panting with exertion and shock.

"The Master wants us-" The newcomer caught sight of Victoria and he stopped midstride. He was also an elf, even paler than Dalyria and his hair was a shock of white curls. His surprise shifted and nose wrinkled in disgust as he regarded Victoria. "Taken to robbing cradles, Dal?" He asked, closing the door behind him.

As he advanced Victoria retreated until the backs of her legs bumped into Dalyria's knees. "I'm not a baby," Victoria said with weak defiance. "I'm eleven."

Dalyria did not stand but she drew herself to sit even taller and she gave the man a brilliant smile. "Victoria, this is one of my brothers, Astarion. How interesting that the Master never told you that the child was coming." Her voice dripped honey. "One would think the topic of Victoria's adoption would have come up given the frequency of your private audiences. Then again, perhaps your time is not spent conversing."

Dalyria was doing that thing that adults did sometimes, where they argued with nice words. Victoria did not understand it entirely, but she realized that if Dalyria thought Astarion should have known that Victoria was going to be taken in, then she was chosen specifically. The thought made Victoria feel proud and nervous.

Astarion came closer, and Dalyria laid a protective hand on Victoria's shoulder. "In front of little ears? Sister, you shock me." He did not sound shocked. He also did not look happy to meet a new sister, just irritated and confused, although his smile never waivered. "No, the topic did not come up. What inspired this sudden philanthropic urge?"

"If the Master has not seen fit to tell you, then it is not my place to discuss the matter," Dalyria said smuggly.

"So loyal," Astarion said clapping his hands together once with a high laugh. "Your deference is awe-inspiring. Truly." His tone indicated that the variety of awe was not complimentary. "I suspect that all will be revealed presently, in any case. The Master sent me to call you to the ballroom, 'Family Council'." His red eyes landed on Victoria again and this time they seemed less hostile and more wary. "I suppose that will include you now."

Dalyria stood gracefully and held out her hand for Victoria's. "Of course it does. Victoria is the guest of honor. Come along, child." Her voice was less warm now but she radiated a calm self-possession that Victoria, nervous as she was given the mixed welcome, wished she could project. We must not keep the Master waiting."

Victoria took the offered hand, embarrassed by her sweating palms, but she held herself straight with her chin up copying Dalyria.

"Already teaching the pet tricks. Adorable." Astarion held the door for them. "After you, ladies." He gave them a shallow bow that seemed to be more of a joke than the offering of respect Dalyria had talked about.

Dalyria swept past him, pulling Victoria along down the hall. "Ignor him. Astarion is only jealous that I was sent to collect you, and he was not." She whispered in a low tone to Victoria. From behind them, Astarion made sound between a snort and a gag. Dalyria rolled her eyes at Victoria with a smile that said, 'See what I mean?' "Now, remember; stand straight, curtsy when Lord Szarr acknowledges you, do not speak unless spoken to, and even then, answer briefly and clearly."

Victoria nodded anxiously. "I understand... What does Lord Szarr want me for?" The conversation between Dalyria and Astarion had disabused her of the idea that she was simply a new daughter.

Dalyria shot a glare at Astarion over her shoulder. "Now look, you frightened the lamb." She patted Victoria's hand, the one she was holding, and continued in a softer tone. "What is any child for? He wants you to grow and be part of our house. In a phrase, he wants you to be you. That is all."

The ballroom was the most beautiful place Victoria had ever seen. The floor was dark polished tile, and the ceiling was so high that Victoria thought she should like to try making an echo, but she did not. There were people, all with those bright red eyes that made her neck prickle, standing in gendered pairs.

Astarion peeled away to stand beside a halfling with brown hair and a human with loose blonde waves. The other set was two ladies; another elf, exceptionally tall, and with long white hair, and a petite, dark-haired teifling with a burn scar on half her face. Victoria realized she was squeezing Dalyria's fingers and forced her grip to relax.

They watched as Victoria and Dalyria approached the man standing alone at the center of the room. Victoria knew by instinct that this was Lord Szarr. Everyone was facing him, and only he looked truly at ease.

He was of average height and lean. His hair was dark and smooth like Victoria's, but he wore his tied back tightly. He was dressed severely in a black suit that made Victoria think of funerals. Dalyria pulled her hand free gently from Victoria's vice-like grip, and she sank into a low curtsy under his keen eyes.

Victoria hurried to follow suit. She hooked one foot behind the other, and keeping her back straight, she lowered herself slowly. She hovered, thighs trembling, and then rose gratefully when Dalyria did.

"You are Victoria." Lord Szarr said into the profound silence. It was not a question, but he seemed to want an answer.

She nodded, meeting his gaze. "I am. It is an honor to be here."

He smiled and stepped towards her. "It is an honor. You have done well, Dalyria. Go stand with your sisters." Dalyria dropped another silent curtsy and drifted away. Victoria was alone. "You look strikingly like your father." His tone was neither kind nor unkind. It was simply a statement of fact, but her throat clenched with emotion.

"I didn't know you knew each other, my lord."

"Do not use contractions in my presence. It is disrespectful."

Victoria was taken aback. She did not understand how it was disrespectful, but she corrected herself. "I did not know you knew each other, my lord."

Lord Szarr began to walk a slow circle around her, examining her like a zoo animal. She had to fight her instincts so as not to follow his movement. "I met him shortly before his death. Victoria, do you know why you are here?"

She kept her face neutral as he came to stand in front of her again, much closer now. If she reached out she could have touched his jacket, an impulse she did not test. She tilted her head back to meet his eye. "To be part of the house." She repeated Dalyria's answer.

Lord Szarr considered her response. "A correct but incomplete answer. You will be part of the house" his gaze shifted to the men and women watching them. "A permanent member of my family under my protection and authority." The tall woman looked annoyed, as though the warning was directed at her specifically. He walked away still addressing the adults. "You have become complacent, indolent, and rebellious. Victoria will assist you in remembering your better natures. Her education, well-being, successes, and failings will be your responsibility."

Victoria felt very uncomfortable. She was being used to teach a lesson, and the intended pupils would only resent her for it. She was beginning to regret her acceptance of the invitation. Tomorrow she would talk to Sister Cynthia.

"You are your sister's keepers." Lord Szarr concluded. "Victoria" he turned to her suddenly and she jumped, but he only motioned for her to join him. She did so with some reluctance. He gripped her shoulders and turned her to face the adults whose expressions ranged from alarmed to amused.

"Let me introduce my children. My other children." Lord Szarr amended with a chuckle at himself. "This is Aurelia, my eldest." The teifling woman gave her a tight angry nod but just as quickly returned her attention to Lord Szarr. "You know Dalyria, and this is Violet." The tall woman smiled sharply. "And here is my eldest son, Astarion." He glanced up from his examination of his nails with a mix of pity and resentment. "Yousen." The halfling waved jauntily at her. "And Petras." The human bowed performatively with a wide grin.

Victoria hesitated. "I am very glad to meet you all. I hope we will... be good friends. In time."

Lord Szarr did not release her shoulders. The silence stretched. Victoria wanted to go to bed, her eyes hurt, and she wanted to ask Sister Cynthia to take her back. This was a very bad idea. Then Lord Szarr gave a little start that caused a few of the adults to shuffle nervously. "But we are forgetting someone! Petras, the fledgling is in the hall, tell Godey to bring him in."

Victoria turned to watch with great interest. She was pretty sure fledglings were baby birds. She wondered what sort of bird the Szarrs kept. But it was not a bird cage that Petras returned with. He was followed by a skeleton, a walking skeleton in armor, and it in turn, half-dragged half-carried the dirty and beaten but unmistakable form of her father.

Victoria did not scream. The sound died in her throat, coming out as a strangled wordless moan. One of Father's eyes was swollen shut, but the one that still worked locked on her. It was red, not the warm brown she remembered, but that was her father. He was not dead. He was here, and he was hurt.

Victoria started to move on instinct, but Lord Szarr's hands on her shoulders held her firmly in place. Her father's face contorted in horror, and he lunged forward. "Gods, no! My baby, Vicky!" The skeleton pulled her father's arm up, twisting it harshly behind his back. He yelped and was forced into a deep bow. Petras returned to his place, looking very entertained.

"Daddy!" Victoria screamed now. "Stop that! Stop it, you're hurting him!" Suddenly, lights popped behind her eyes, and she stumbled several steps to the side, only held upright by the collar of her blouse, now tightly gripped by Lord Szarr.

"No! Let her go!" Her father struggled and the skeleton drove a heavy boot into the side of one of his knees with an audible crunch. He crumpled to the ground with a guteral howl.

"What did I say about contractions?" Lord Szarr admonished, and Victoria rubbed the side of her head in stunned silence. "I had hoped you were a quicker study than your father, but to hope is to be disappointed." He tutted. Lord Szarr walked to Father and she staggered as she was pulled along by the scruff. "I am so glad you could join us, Leon. I know your schedule is very full these nights, but this is a special occasion." Victoria looked to Dalyria for help, but she avoided Victoria's eyes.

"Let her go," Father growled through clenched teeth from his place on the ground. He tried to stand but his leg would not hold his weight.

"You already wish for your daughter to leave?" Lord Szarr sounded wounded. "But Victoria has only just arrived, and she does not want to go. Is a father's love so transient?"

"I'll kill you. I swear I'll-"

Another dizzying blow. One of Lord Szarr's rings must have caught her because Victoria felt hot blood run down the side of her face. She clutched her head with a wail. "But it wasn't- was not me!" Father was yelling too. She struggled but Lord Szarr shook her violently until she felt sick and stopped fighting, eyes closed.

"Silence." Lord Szarr said so quietly that Victoria almost did not hear him but Father immediately closed his mouth and the ballroom was deadly still. "You have brought this upon yourself and your get with your willfulness." Lord Szarr hissed venomously. He released her and Victoria collapsed, moving towards Father but even as she came closer he recoiled from her.

"Fight him! Get up, Dad!" Victoria cried trying to push her father to his feet. Blood dripped slowly from her temple and splattered on his hands on the floor.

"Get back, Vicky!" Father shouted and pushed her away roughly. He turned his face away from her with a grimace.

Lord Szarr reached down and lifted Victoria back to her feet. "Now, Leon, that was not very paternal, and after all this effort was taken on your behalf." He smoothed a hand over Victoria's hair, and she cringed away from his touch. "Now, enough writhing. It is unbecoming. Stand."

Father slowly got up, gasping and panting. He had to put all his weight on one side. Victoria was afraid his leg was broken. Lord Szarr smiled, very pleased with himself. "Unfortunately, you missed the earlier introductions, but it is just as well, as your relationship regarding *my* ward will be different than that of your siblings." He began to stroke her cheek with his thumb while he continued to speak to Father. It was very cold. "They are responsible for her. She is responsible for you. You will apply yourself to your duties faithfully, with gladness even, and your failures and rebellions will be her burden to bear. "

Victoria hoped Father would rush forward, hit Lord Szarr with a firebolt or his fist, and save her. He was on his feet again. Nothing was stopping him. Then they could go home, back to their apartment above the Bonecloak's apothecary. But Father just bowed his head, his shoulders falling in on himself. "Yes, Master."

Lord Szarr's smile widened. "You need time to consider this in its fullest. Godey, take my son to find time to reflect on my generosity." The skeleton clicked and rattled as it moved forward and gripped Father by the arm once again. He went quietly. He did not even say goodbye to Victoria. Her eyes began to tear anew as the heavy doors swung closed behind him.

Her ears felt full of water, ringing and muffled. She stared at the door he left through long after he was gone. She only looked away when she was inexorably steered by the shoulders back towards the two groups of adults. Lord Szarr was speaking again, and she tried to listen to him. "-a credit to this house and my name. She is my legal ward. You will not harm her nor allow her to come to harm." Victoria blinked angrily at the shoes and skirts ahead of her. He had just hit her moments ago. That was harm. "Do we understand one another?"

A chorus of 'Yes's and 'Yes, Master's filled the ballroom. "Delightful!" Lord Szarr clapped her shoulders bracingly. "I will leave you to become acquainted." He pushed her firmly towards the adults, and she raised her eyes in alarm as she was propelled. She heard his footsteps retreating at a stately pace.

They were all looking at her with loathing, pity, and curiosity in various degrees. When the final echo of Lord Szarr's shoes had faded and the door clicked shut behind his departure a slow theatrical clap broke the silence.

It was Astarion, his mouth twisted in a sarcastic smile. "Oh, Bravo. Not terrible for your debut performance, pet." He stepped forward and bent down to look at her temple with idle curiosity. She turned away from him not liking his face to be so close to hers. "Although the true star of the night was Dalyria. Honestly, a tea party?" He stood again and turned placing one hand on his hip. "Tell us, did you know the plot of the Master's little tragedy when you acquired the leading lady?"

The teifling turned on Dalyria, her simmering anger finally finding a target. Dalyria's eyes flashed with fear before her face smoothed over and became impassive. "You did this? You brought a child here?" Aurelia asked shaking her head in disgust.

"It was the Master's orders." She looked from Aurelia to Astarion. "He did not tell me the object of the acquisition. I did as was required and" her eyes finally found Victoria's. "I did it with what kindness I could."

Violet laughed. "I'm sure, sister. It is easier to slaughter a sow if it does not first see the knife." She did not sound disapproving. The tall woman now came forward to inspect Victoria. "The Master said not to allow her to come to harm, what do you think he meant by that?" Victoria backed away from her. "She could be fun to play with, but if he will be in knots over every little scratch that ruins the appeal."

Victoria clenched her fists and made herself hold her ground. "Don't come any closer."

Petras rolled his eyes and paused his conversation with Yousen with an amused drawl. "Or what? Do you plan to stop her? Look at her. She's nearly twice your size." He sighed and looked at the door Lord Szarr had left through. "This has been grand, but I have no intention of playing nursemaid. It's my night out, and there is a lovely set of titts already calling my name." He waggled his eyebrows at Yousen.

The halfling chortled and shook his head. "Off with you then. If we are responsible for her upbringing, this could be a chance to impress the Master." Yousen stepped forward to join Violet. He was only a little shorter than Victoria, coming to about chin height. "Are you educated, girl?"

Dalyria, Astarion, and Aurelia had stepped away to continue their bickering in rising tones, Dalyria's increasingly desperate and Astarion’s more mocking. Victoria hesitated, the emotional whiplash was straining her faculties. "I am."

Dalyria broke away from her accusers, latching onto this chance to demonstrate Victoria's novelty. "She has a talent for the Weave. And can read Common and Elvish. Dalyria stepped around the hostile eldests to join Violet and Yousen. "Go on, Victoria. Show us how clever you are."

The dried tears on Victoria's cheeks itched, and she rubbed her sleeve over them. "My father, is he going to be... hurt more?"

Astarion's eyes glittered. "You're right, Dal, she is clever." He knelt in front of Victoria. "Yes, pet, he is. Quite a lot, I'm afraid." His tone was a cruel laugh but he was telling her the truth she had dreaded and Victoria hung on his words. "But he has a newfound resilience and I'm sure you'll see him soon." Astarion pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to her. "Do you understand the kind of house you've been brought into?"

She shook her head wiping her nose. Astarion frowned. "Alright, pet. Come with me. We'll find your room." He did not offer her a hand but he stood up and faced the others. "Unless anyone has an objection?"

Dalyria huffed. "I do object, as a matter of fact. I brought her, the child trusts me. I will take her to her bed."

Aurelia bared her pointed teeth in a snarl at Dalyria. "You will not. I would permit Petras to guide the child before you. Do not repeat your 'Master's orders' bleating." The focus of the room shifted as Aurelia advanced on Dalyria. Dalyria was retreating, her serene mask fully shattered. Victoria could see a fight was brewing.

"Time to go, pet. As excellent as this promises to be, you won't like it." Astarion whispered and he pivoted on his heel, striding away. Victoria faltered but a terrible hardness settled in her gut. Dalyria was not sweet. She knew her father was here and had not told Victoria. She had brought her to the man who hit her. Victoria looked away and followed Astarion, leaving Dalyria to her own problems.

The sounds of arguing and jeering faded as Victoria jogged to keep up with Astarion's long strides. He did not glide gracefully like Dalyria, he loped like the displacer beast Victoria had seen at the carnival.

"Did anyone tell you where your room is?" Astarion asked slowing enough for her to draw even with him. His eyes seemed to glow slightly in the dim light.

Victoria looked away unnerved. "No."

"Well, Duffey will know. Let's go interrogate him." Astarion led on and Victoria was relieved he did not try to hold her hand or shoulder. She scrubbed at the phantom touch of Lord Szarr's thumb on her cheek. "She lied."

"You'll have to be more specific." He barked a laugh. "We all lie, all the time."

Victoria wondered if she should have stayed quiet but since she had already begun she continued. "Dalyria. She lied when she said she didn't know why I was... acquired." The word felt painful, like she was a vase collected from a shop. "She told me in the carriage that Lord Szarr wanted you all to teach me."

Astarion's smile widened. "Ooh. The others will love that. Do me a favor, pet, and keep that little tidbit between us for now."

Victoria did not answer. She could not think of anyone she wanted to tell other than Astarion. He had told her the truth and now she felt like they were even. If Victoria were honest with herself, she also felt a nasty spike of vengeful pleasure at the idea that Dalyria would pay for what she did.

Astarion led them down a small hall, less opulently decorated. "This is where the staff stays. The housekeeper is through there, but she is daytime only, so you'll likely never see her." He pointed out a door. "And here's the cryptkeeper." Victoria's eyes widened and she stopped walking. "Duffey." Astarion clarified with a grin. "Feel free to tell him I called him a pompous ghoul."

"But you didn't."
"Now I have."

Astarion rapped sharply on the door and after a moment it opened to reveal the chamberlain. He did not look any less irritated at this meeting than he had at the first. "Astarion." His eyes fell to Victoria's. "The child. To what do I owe the pleasure?" He asked in a drone.

"Where is she to sleep?" Astarion asked, the amused tone vanishing from his voice like a snuffed candle.

"She is a child of Lord Szarr. She will sleep in the dormitory with the rest of his children."

Victoria held her breath. Would her father be there? The idea that she might see him again so soon made her head swim.

"Are you insane?" Astarion scoffed. "She's a child, a living, bleeding, child, she can't stay there. The noise alone. She'll wet the bed and cry all day."

"I don't wet the bed!" Victoria protested.

Astarion sneered at her. "You will, given one day in there." He looked back at Duffey. "It's unsuitable. We need space away from her. What about a guest room? There are several that are rarely used."

Duffey turned and walked to his desk. "Your suggestion is noted, however it is the Master's instruction. He feels that the shared space will encourage familial bonds."

Astarion crossed his arms, his jaw flexing silently for a moment. "Far be it from me to question the wisdom of our Lord and Master, no doubt he simply overlooked the logistical difficulties of that arrangement."

Duffey sighed and rolled his eyes. "I will not petition the Master on this matter. Her safety is not my concern as it is yours." He looked at the ledger on his desk. "If it pleases you to appeal to him directly, I will delay having the child's new belongings delivered until the Master's will is clarified."

Victoria had forgotten. There were dresses for her. The thought did not raise her spirit as it had before. She did not care about dresses.

"Fine." Astarion snapped but then more quietly he continued to Victoria. "Come along, pet. This isn't over."

He turned and brushed past her. Victoria met the red eyes of the chamberlain, and hating the smallness she had felt all night she said in a rush "He said you're a pompous ghoul." Then she ran to catch up with Astarion before the consequences of her words could be discovered.

They returned to the main hall and mounted the grand steps to the second floor. Astarion was glaring at his own shoes as they walked. "Do you all really share a room?" Victoria asked, huffing slightly at the effort to keep up. It seemed odd that in such a big home, so many adults would sleep together.

Astarion hummed as if he had not heard her but then after a moment he straightened his posture and answered. "No. Not all of us. Violet has her own room right now. And Leon... your father usually spends the day with Godey. I think that will change now that you are here."

Victoria's stomach twisted and the cakes she had eaten threatened to make a reappearance. "Because he has to be good for me?" She asked, hugging herself.

"No doubt, he'll see it that way," Astarion said blithely. "If he just stayed the course and let you sweat it out a few times... the Master would probably move on from boredom. But, Leon is easily manipulated."

"Astarion?"
"Yes, pet?"

Victoria paused unwilling suddenly to ask the question that had occurred to her, but she had to know. "My father died. I know he was dead. How is he here?"

Astarion avoided looking at her as they turned a corner. "Ah, the copper drops. Yes, he was dead, and now he's not. You read, you must know what we are."

She did. "Vampires?"

Astarion nodded once. "Good girl. Full marks." His voice was too flat to truly sound like a jest.

She did not react the way she felt she should have, no crying or whimpering in fear. The confirmation slotted into place like the last horrible piece of a simple puzzle. "Am I going to be a vampire too?"

"Do you want the truth or to be comforted?" Astarion asked slowing to a stop and looking down at her. "I'm not very adept at either, but as you've had a trying night."

She did want to be comforted but there was no one here to offer it. Not even her father. "Truth."

"I don't know, but probably not. You are more useful as a living tool for the time being, and a pint-sized spawn would be an eternal headache. You probably have a few years before-" he looked very uncomfortable and shook his head. "But as I said, I don't know. The Master's mind is his own."

They started walking again. "Do I have to call him 'Master' too? I don't want to." Victoria scowled.

Astarion made a faux wretching noise. "If you do before being explicitly told to do so, I'll cuff you myself. For now, just call him Lord Szarr." Then he gave her a look of profound irritation. "Now, enough questions or I'll change my mind about appealing to him. Just close your mouth and contemplate the meaning of life."

Victoria closed her mouth with a sharp clack of her teeth. Her fingers touched the tender spot on the side of her head where Lord Szarr had slapped her. The blood had dried and she picked at the flakes. Astarion had begun to smile and there was a little bounce in his step. Victoria wondered if the elf was mad, because the longer they walked the more animated he became, and she could not understand why he would be excited to see Lord Szarr. But, Dalyria had said something about them spending a lot of time together, maybe Astarion had a better relationship with him than the others.

They came to a stop in front of a plain black door and Astarion gripped her chin suddenly, forcing her to look up at him. She tried to pull away but he held her easily. Then he released her just as abruptly. "You have a sour expression." He whispered. "This is a delicate matter that would be easier with your assistance but I can't risk outbursts from you. Can you put on a happy face?"

Victoria was breathing hard with anger at the touch and the insult. She tried to smile but it came out like a rictus grin. Astarion shook his head. "That's a no, then. Sit there against that wall and do not go anywhere until I come back."

Victoria glowered at him. "I'll bite you if you do that again."

Astarion laughed, his own teeth flashing ominously in the candlelight. He pushed her towards the wall. "Ha! You can try, pup. Now, sit. Stay."

She slid down the wall, simmering with anger and shame. Astarion watched Victoria draw up her knees and rest her chin there. Then he straightened his waistcoat and knocked twice. The call to enter followed shortly after and Victoria's odd ally vanished into the dark room beyond.

He had called her a dog and ordered her to sit and stay, but Astarion was also the one facing Lord Szarr on her behalf. Victoria did not know why. The others had been happy enough to ignore or bait her. She regretted her threat to bite him.

Then a new thought occurred to her. If she were to be punished for her father's misbehavior, would he be punished for hers? Victoria's heart roared in her ears. What if Astarion tattled? He was alone with Lord Szarr at that moment. If he told, Father would be hurt, and it would be all her fault because she lost her temper.

Quietly, she crawled forward, and she lay down on her belly to look under the door into the study. The floor was cold, and her breath disturbed a fine layer of dust, sending it swirling. Victoria strained her ears to hear the conversation on the other side of the door.

She could see Astarion's shoes, pacing, shuffling, never still, but Victoria could not hear anything. The room must have been charmed, she thought, with disappointment and dread. She would just have to trust Astarion. So far, he had been honest with her, even when it hurt. She would ask him if he told on her when he came back out.

She was just about to move away from the door when she saw Astarion stop moving. Another pair of shoes, these black and brightly polished, closed the distance between them quickly. Astarion's feet fell back a step. Then he knelt, the bottom half of his legs and knees coming into view. Victoria pressed a hand over her mouth and backed away quickly from the gap under the door. She did not want to see whatever was about to happen.

She pressed herself against the wall where she was told to stay and closed her eyes, hiding her face in her skirt. Victoria started to cry again, and she hated herself for it. She had to be stronger. She had to be good. But she was so tired and scared, and somewhere in this big empty palace, her father was being hurt, and she could not save him. She remembered how he had pushed her away, and she cried harder.

She cried until her eyes were gritty and her face hot. It was a long time. Eventually, Victoria was just sitting there, in that hazy state where all the tears were gone and there were no feelings left to feel. She was listlessly pulling threads out of her skirt when the door opened and Astarion came back. He looked fine, with a smirk at one corner of his mouth.

Victoria climbed to her feet. "Do I get my own room?" She asked him with as much hope as she could force into her voice.

"The depends." He answered. Astarion seemed to notice her swollen face, and she wiped her eyes quickly. "What manner of beast have I returned to? Are you a biting pup or a sweet pet?"

Victoria hung her head. "I'm sorry, Astarion. I didn't mean it. I won't bite you."

Astarion stepped closer and spoke quietly. "Chin up, pet, don't be so soggy." Victoria raised her gaze from her shoes to his face. He was not smirking anymore, just looking at her with what could have been concern if it was anyone other than Astarion. "Yes, you will have your own room. It's far enough from the dormitory that we don't have to hear you cry, but it's closer to the Master's study. I win some, you lose some."

Astarion began to walk slowly away down the passage, and she followed him. The energy that had carried him until now seemed to have left him, and he looked as tired as Victoria felt. "Did you tell on me?" Victoria asked after a moment.

Astarion looked confused and irritated by the resumption of her questions. "Tell what?"

She sniffed. "That I said I would bite you."

Astarion frowned at her. "Why would I tell him that?"

Victoria did not know how to politely say what she was thinking, so she only shrugged. Astarion took his handkerchief out of her hand with a look of mild disgust. "Gods, you soaked it." It vanished into a pocket. "No. I didn't tell him. He said your failings would be our responsibility. I am disincentivised to offer unrequested information."

Her room, when they reached it, was not a child's room. It was luxurious in a way that struck Victoria as grotesque. It was spacious, with a large bed, a writing desk, and a little sitting area. Astarion swept past her and began removing books from the table beside the bed and the shelf above the headboard. She spotted a key on the desk and Victoria picked it up.

The iron key was too large for the lock on the desk drawer so she tried it on the door. It fit and the lock engaged when she turned it.

"Unlock that." Astarion snapped at her and she whirled to face him. His eyes had gone wide and his mouth was drawn tight, books clutched so tightly the cover of one warped. Victoria hurried to obey. She heard him take a deep breath and he continued in his usual tone. "You can lock it after I go, but locking yourself in with a monster is asking for trouble."

Victoria had almost forgotten he was a vampire. That was not something she should forget. "I'll remember that." She watched him move towards the door still carrying the stack of books. She noticed sadly that he had taken them all.

He caught the disappointment in her expression and he shook his head. "Oh, no. Absolutely not. I'll see what I can scrounge up by way of literature but these are decidedly not for you." Astarion dropped them unceremoniously in the hall and turned back to her. "I am going to go salvage what is left of my night. If you have any last burning questions now is the time to ask them."

Victoria's mind was suddenly blank and she struggled to think of a single question. Then she asked, "When can I see my father?"

Astarion sighed and leaned against the door frame, crossing his arms. "Not for a few nights if you're smart. Sooner if you ask the Master directly. But it won't help you or Leon if you show that you are desperate."

"You asked him directly." Victoria blurted. "You asked for me to have my own room. Why? I don't think you like me."

Astarion grinned wolfishly. "You've answered your own question. Children are disgusting, loud, messy, nosey" this he said with a particular emphasis, "and needy. I have needs too, such as sleep."

His words stung and Victoria looked away, her lips pressed tightly together. Astarion seemed satisfied by the reaction his words had provoked. "You're a bully, just like him." She muttered angrily.

"Yes, I am, pet," Astarion said and his voice was more gentle and a little sad before becoming businesslike. "Now, rules. There will be more, but as I would like you to survive long enough to be your father's problem again, this will get you started." Reluctantly she looked at him again to show she was paying attention.

"One, do not wander. Until you know the house have a servant or one of us to guide you. Two, do not be a pest. Be quiet, polite, and mind your elders. And three," Astarion hesitated as if unsure how much to say but then he hardened himself and pressed on. "Three, do not trust any of us. Not even Leon. We have been ordered not to harm you but with enough determination, an order can be defied. Do you understand me, pet?"

She did and she nodded to indicate as much. "I don't like you grabbing my face." She said but it came out more plaintive than the bold tone she had intended.

Astarion's face twisted with something like pain and he turned away. "I know. But worse will happen to you and you need to be able to control yourself when it does. Consider it practice." He stepped into the hall. "Go to sleep, Victoria."

Victoria wanted to slam the door in his stupid pointy face, but she could not do it. They were both tired and sad. She closed the door gently as Astarion bent to gather the scattered books. She locked the door. Her new belongings could be left in the hall for when she woke up. Right now, Victoria wanted to be alone and she knew she would never sleep if she was afraid someone might come in.

She blew out the candles and stumbled to the bed. Victoria climbed in, still dirty from the day, and wearing her temple clothes. She pulled the thick blankets over her head and waited for sleep to take her.