But then, I'm not a courtesan tonight. I'm simply the daughter of a minor noble, and the girlfriend of a Lord. There's nothing wrong with that.
And yet, I'm nervous about it. Other than one short attempt while I was at the academy, I've never been a girlfriend before. I'm not sure how to act the part. But I'm sure it's not that different from what the men at the balls expect from us high-end courtesans. Charm, wit, and sophistication, without a hint of dissatisfaction.
I hope that's enough for tonight.
I rise from my dressing stool and over to where my dress is waiting for me. It's one of my finest, but not one I wear very often. The bell skirt and glistening blue fabric aren't particularly in fashion when it comes to the normal parties I attend. But the moment I saw the gown in a shop window a few months ago, I had to have it. Really, I'm lucky to have a chance to wear it.
I slip it on, and twirl in front of the mirror, loving the way the dress billows out around me. I let out a carefree laugh. I haven't felt like this in years.
The buzzer sounds on my tablet, and I rush over. A couple of taps on the screen reveal that it's exactly what I think it is. Julian is here downstairs, and Sonia on reception has sent me the message via the brothel's normal system.
I grab a fur stole, then hurry down the stairs to reception.
My heart skips a beat as I spy Julian in a smart suit. Even from this distance, I can tell that it's of the finest fabric and tailoring available inside the City Of Blood. Which isn't surprising. This is one of the main events of the year for the vampire aristocracy. One where they show off as much as they can. Even more so than at the Mayor's parties.
His face lights up as they land on me. "Bindi, you're a vision as always."
"And you're the same charmer you've always been."
He strides towards me, stopping once we're close to one another. I'm dimly aware of Sonia leaving the room. She's practised in discretion, and often slips away when clients come to call. Though that isn't what Julian is.
"I brought this for you." He pulls out a small box and opens it.
A snowflake of sparkling silver and gems sits on a velvet backing. I've no doubt of what it's worth.
"It's beautiful," I whisper.
"It's a famous piece given to my Grandmother by one of her lovers," he explains as he pulls it out of the box and gestures for me to turn around.
I raise an eyebrow, but do as he instructs. My hair is already swept into an updo, so there's no need to hold it out of the way.
Julian drapes the necklace around my neck and fastens it, his fingers brushing against my skin as he does. My eyes flutter closed from the contact.
"I chose it to give to you because it would make a statement. Everyone knows the history behind it."
"To make it look like we're more serious than we are." I turn around and touch the pendant. It's surprisingly heavy against my skin and hard to ignore.
He nods.
"If you hand me the box, I can put it in the pocket of my gown so I can give it back to you later," I suggest.
Julian shakes his head. "It's a gift, I don't expect it back."
I try not to gape at him. No one has ever given me anything like this before. Not even the wealthy regulars give gifts this expensive.
"Julian..."
"Please, accept it, Bindi. I've never wanted to give it to anyone until you, but this feels right."
I touch it again, running my fingers over the stone. "Thank you, it's beautiful."
"As is the woman wearing it."
A blush rises to my cheeks, though we both know it shouldn't. I've been a courtesan for decades, I should know how to take a compliment. Yet from him, it feels different. Maybe it's because I can't forget the crush I had on him as a child, or that he's grown into a handsome man.
"Flattery will get you everywhere, Lord Melberry."
He chuckles. "Since when did you call me that?"
I shrug. "A lot of men like their wives and escorts to use their proper titles."
Julian grimaces. "It's very cold."
"I think it's a power thing, but I'm not sure. It's easy enough to make it sound intimate, so I've never thought twice about it."
"How in the night can you make it sound intimate?"
A low chuckle escapes me. He really doesn't frequent brothels.
I step closer to him and lean in. My breath tickles his ear, making the dark red curls there bounce.
"I can do anything your heart desires, Lord Melberry." I keep my voice low and sultry.
He clears his throat, and a satisfied smile spreads over my space in response.
I step back and raise an eyebrow. "Satisfied?"
"I'd still prefer it if you call me Julian."
"I will," I promise. "This is just a fun evening out between two friends, no need to be sultry unless you want me to seduce someone into business with you or something."
An amused smile lights up his face. "I assure you, that's not what I need you for."
"I'm glad to hear it. I'm looking forward to a night where no one needs anything from me."
"Except for a fake relationship."
I shrug. "But that'll be fun. We get all of the perks of being in a relationship, and none of the pitfalls."
"Isn't sex normally one of the perks?" he asks as he holds out his arm for me.
I take it, resting my hand on his forearm. "Have you seen where I work? Sex is hardly an issue for me."
"Do you enjoy it?" he asks suddenly.
"Do you enjoy your work?" I throw back.
"Of course. What's the point of doing it if I don't enjoy it?" He pushes open the door to the Black Fan and we step outside into the moonlight.
"The same goes for me." I pause, wondering how much I should admit about the others who work here. It's better if I say nothing though. How they became courtesans is their business and not mine. It certainly isn't Julian's. Each one of the courtesans working for Lady Catherine, or any of the other brothels, has their story. But they aren't mine to tell.
"This is our car," Julian says, pulling the door open.
I raise an eyebrow. There aren't many cars within the City walls. Mostly because there isn't any need for them. Who is Julian trying to impress? It has to be someone at the party. The nobles who live here are the kind who are impressed the old-fashioned way. Wealth and status mean everything to them. Which is why they came here in the first place. Vampires have the rule of the city, and it gives them the ability to lord over humans in a way that isn't possible in the outside world. At least, not from what I remember from before the walls went up.
Sometimes I wish I'd been on the other side when they had done. I hadn't realised the city was going to be sealed off overnight.
I slide into the back seat, certain Julian will tell me if I need to do anything to help him impress someone.
Chapter 4
Lights stream through the double doors at the entrance to the manor house. I've spent so long away from noble society that I don't recognise it. Until now, I didn't think there were any houses like this inside the walls.