Happiness, more or less.

Every place else was nearly empty. Anyone who resided in the castle and held some importance was stationed at the ball and put to work. The massive room echoed with voices and scampering feet, young servant men were on their hands and knees scrubbing away at the floor as someone entered from outside, trailing behind them mud from the damp night. The castle musicians were tuning instruments and passing ideas to one another. Maids, desperate to carry out their tasks as soon as possible to get to the next one and be finished, hurried through then disappeared into a side doors hidden by curtains.

Larkin entered through the doors at the back, which were identical to the front doors. His presence was immediately known, but no one ceased their chores to greet him. He was on his way to the man in charge of the show. He was a little older than Larkin, but there was no authority gained over him, not even on the matter of the party plans.

He was well dressed, one of the richer men in the city, and very nervous. Parties like this were held maybe three times and year. But even if they were held every other day, it would not have decreased the anxiety the man felt before each one. He was a worrier, and not one single scenario of disaster escaped his imagination.

“Every thing is well, I trust?” Larkin said upon greeting. The man was startled, obviously having been stuck up on. He turned to face Larkin, fidgeting with his vest, needlessly pulling it down, and adjusting it to center on him just right. Once his vest lost its reason, he began to pat his hair, careful to make sure every strand was in place.

“Absolutely,” he said with an awkward bow, “your majesty.”

There was no need for questions. Larkin knew this man was trustworthy, and so he gave a nod of approval and moved on through the room. He examined the new decorations, obviously pleased with them. He couldn’t keep a smirk off his face. The knowledge that his castle was the most grand of all, that he threw the most envied parties pushed him almost to the point of giddy.

Up the stairs that descended into the room from outside he went. The doors were closed, and two of the many guards who were keeping an eye on those who entered and left opened them. Larkin glided through and stood atop the curved steps outside the door, his eyes sweeping across the crowds.

The guards who had been loosely watching the entertainers were now standing straight and tense. Their eyes became sharp and sped over the crowd. If there was a crazed someone who was bent on attacking Larkin, which was not uncommon, it was their job to make sure it didn’t happen. Of course, anyone who had been allowed through was stripped of all weapons. Just to keep up the appearance for Larkin, they made themselves look dutiful.

Several men who had been ushering the entertainment into the yard approached Larkin, each handing him a list. He snatched them from their hands, glancing over them. He pointed to a blank spot that was missing the company of a tiny X, and said, “Find some.” They nodded and took back their lists, disappearing back into the crowds, a little disappointed that their jobs were not finished.

Silence rushed through the people below Larkin as they slowly became aware of his presence. It was rare that Larkin made a public appearance. Getting into the castle festivities was usually the only way an outsider could get a look at him, if they were of lower status. If Larkin were to roam the streets in peasant’s clothing, it was doubtful that anyone would recognize him. But his orange eyes were an uncommon trait and would soon give him away.

He went back inside.