Dorian stood in front of the tall mirror while the maids fussed over him, adjusting the sleeves of his violet-coloured shirt, rolling them just right up to the elbows. When they draped the dark cloak over his shoulders he barely glanced at it, letting it fall as it may, brushing the tops of his black wellington boots that came up to his knees. He didn't wear a hat as his hair was combed straight back, shiny in the light, he looked at himself, not for long, just long enough to make sure he still looked as he liked. The maids waited, shy, ready to fuss some more, but he waved them away and they scurried off. Alone now, he stared at his reflection for a very long time, a faint smirk tugging at his lips like it had a mind of its own.
"Vanity" he said out loud, he's smile growing wider and unsettling.
A knock at the door disrupted his personal moment with his beautiful reflection, he knew who it was before it came, he didn't didn't even have to say a word for the person to come in as yhe door swung open and Nathaniel popped in, that boy always walking like he owned the place. "Wow! As handsome as ever!" he said, his words coming out dramatic.
"I know," Dorian said, his voice lazy, not bothering to move his lips more than needed, just looked at himself for a heartbeat longer.
Nathaniel tilted his head, "But why are you dressed as though you're going to take part? You're just an observer, not competing."
"Who knows," Dorian said, brushing past him, his steps slow and measured, not too fast, neither lazy, the kind of walk that said he owned the space.
"Why are you following me?" Dorian asked after a few paces.
"Why won't I? We're going the same way," Nathaniel said, with a dumb grin he always wore.
"Well, I'm not taking the carriage, I'll ride a horse, you go your own way."
Nathaniel frowned, then blinked, realizing how silly he sounded, "Ah… right." Dorian gave him a look, sharp, mocking, the kind that made Nathaniel want to shrink back a little.
"Why are you still following me" Dorian asked
"It was a last minute decision, but I decided to take a horse too".
They reached the stables, the smell of hay thick, horses snorting and shifting, hooves clopping on the stone. Godfrey the stableman, rushed forward to help them bring out the horses. Dorian's own was brought forward first, It was his favorite horse, "Black" it was named just like it's shiny coat like polished night mane flowing and proud. Nathaniel got the plain brown one, nondescript, practical, nothing flashy.
"Of course you get the black one," Nathaniel muttered.
Dorian didn't answer as he mounted with ease, Black shifted under him, it's hooves striking the ground softly, but with a presence that said the horse knew it belonged to a master. Nathaniel climbed up beside him, as they left.
The road to Mr. Evernight's estate was long enough to feel the wind, the smell of earth, the dust lifting beneath the horses. When the white walls appeared, gleaming under the afternoon sun, the contrast was immediate. Evernight's mansion was all bright stone and whitewashed walls, looking like some cheerful castle in a storybook. Dorian's own house was… not like that, it was the kind of place that swallowed light, where shadows seemed to stretch longer than they should, heavy and thick.
Guests filled about in the gardens, dressed in silks and velvets, laughing politely, servants walked between them with trays of wine and fruit. The air smelled of flowers, but also of human and non-human's presence, perfume and sweat mixing into something almost tangible.
Dorian stood almost alone enough to observe, his eyes sweeping the nobles, the host, the servants, noticing the small things, the nervous smiles, the forced laughter, the way a duke adjusted his gloves just so to appear calm.
Duke Evernight approached, tall and pale, he had a few strand of grey hairs at the corner of his head with a pair of blood shot red eyes, indicating he was a vampire, he was a good looking older vampire. His hands were behind his back. "I did not know if you would grace our humble occasion, Lord Dorian," he said, eyes flicking to Dorian's face, which held a polite smile.
Nathaniel who was never shy leaned over. "Everyone knows the only invitation Dorian rarely turns down is archery, so why act like it's a surprise?". His statement made Dorian chuckle lightly, looking at Duke Evernight with mockery on his face.
Duke Evernight's eyes flicked to Nathaniel, a shadow of irritation there, before moving to Mrs. Evernight. She smiled soft and polite, ladylike as ever, hiding the twitch of annoyance that ran across her features. Nathaniel, already strolling away, left it in the air.
"I hope you enjoy yourself." Duke Evernight said, polite, trying to smooth the ripples left by Nathaniel's remark.
"Sure," Dorian said flatly, settling himself on the seat he'd chosen at the front, where he felt he always beloned, at the front and not behind others, where he could see everything but not be seen too much.
Guests continued to arrive, more nobles, more ladies in gowns of pale linen and silk, hair braided, jeweled, perfumed, the chatter rising and falling like soft waves. Servants adjusted tables, set trays of glasses, moved quietly but quickly. Dorian noticed all of it, calmly, quietly, like he could see the whole game before it even started.
A soft, deep feminine voice called, "Good afternoon, Lord Dorian, Pleasure to meet you here."
Dorian turned, casual, letting his eyes fall on a young woman who looked almost too docile to be real. Lady Eliza, he recalled, daughter of another Duke. He studied her for a moment, contemplating whether he should respond, then gave a faint nod.
She smiled, shy, then gestured to her mother, who gave a subtle thumbs-up before turning back to her friends.
"You look as dashing as always" she complimented despite it being the other way around.
"I'd say the same about you" making her blush which she playfully hid behind her white Kerchief.
"May I seat next to you?" she asked curtly
"Sure" he answered seeing no problem there.
"So… what do you think of the party?" she asked softly.
"Nothing has happened yet," Dorian said, "but we shall see."
"Oh but we know," she said, scanning the gathering, "all of Duke Evernight's events are always the best."
"I must agree with you, Lady Evelyn," Dorian said, eyes locking with hers for a moment too long, her heart skipping in delight and confusion at the same time.
Small talk continued, light and polite. She spoke more, Dorian less, answering when needed, occasionally letting his gaze wander to the field, to the targets being set up, to the nobles arranging themselves for what was to come. Nathaniel wandered nearby, causing small disturbances, drawing a few eyes, making the women giggle quietly.
The murmurs in the garden began to soften as the archery targets were prepared, arrows strung, and the crowd began to settle, whispering, shifting, waiting for the event to truly begin. The tension, soft but present, hung in the air like a ribbon of smoke, and Dorian's eyes swept across the field, calm, detached, yet fully aware of everything.
The first archers would soon step forward. The crowd leaned, anticipating, and the day's entertainment was about to start.