The Vampire King's Possession
Chapter 281. Threatening

Chapter 281: 281. Threatening

"Ah, that makes sense. Most of them probably have never faced off a paler. You have your work cut out for you but if you don’t mind, I can lend you a hand for as long as I am here." Haney announced.

Danag’s fork made a soft clang as it dropped on the plate. "Mr. Haney, I couldn’t possibly ask you to do that. Your job here is quite important and I’m sure it would take most of your time."

"Please, Danag it’s been a while since I had to train anyone. Being Lord Garth’s right-hand man is more restricting than you’d think. He had someone else to deal with that. Besides, I am just supervising and making sure everything goes as planned, I am not doing anything tasking, I have more than enough time."

"If you insist Mr. Haney, I would certainly need all the help I can get."

"It would be my pleasure to help for the greater good of vampires all around."

"I appreciate this, Mr. Haney."

Jael listened to the conversation without interrupting, he wondered if Lord Garth had anything to do with Haney’s offer or if he was simply doing it of his own free will.

It was likely but he wouldn’t put anything past the Lord. He was certain Lord Garth would have preferred to be here but being away from his estate for that Lord was sure to have some effects.

"Sire, I hope this isn’t me being too forward. I know you put Danag in charge because you trust his abilities. An outsider like me shouldn’t barge in."

"Outsiders?" Jael asked, "We both know there is no one better. My father used to speak of your skills. This mission is sure to thrive if you join us."

"I am glad you approve of this, Sire. I don’t want to be so impulsive that I would go against what you want."

"As I have said before now, we need all the help we can get. The Lords are a little stubborn. However, training new vampires would surely go a longer way than just relying on the old ones. I am counting on you two."

"I will do my best," they said in unison and bowed their heads.

"When are the recruits supposed to arrive?" Haney asked.

"Anytime soon, Sire didn’t issue any specific date but they should start to arrive in a couple of days."

Jael saw Mauve adjust from the corner of his eyes. This must be overwhelming for her. However, she would have to bear it and he would make sure she was guarded at all times.

He should have a conversation about this soon enough but for some reason, he did want to make her uneasy, not that there was anything for her to be concerned about.

Most of the vampires who would take part in the special units would be offsprings of the Lords and the Lords themselves; he doubted any of them would be crazy enough to try anything.

The rest would be guards and they would be restricted to the servant quarters of the castle. They wouldn’t be allowed to roam around so easily. The chances of her running into one would be pretty slim.

Still, he would have to be cautious. He didn’t think anyone would be stupid to try anything funny. However, vampires didn’t think much of humans; she was bound to face some kind of hostility.

Jawl winced, he should have thought this through. However, there was no other way to go about it. He didn’t want to have to restrict her movements further. He would just make sure she had enough security.

She did seem fine with Haney even though he could tell she was anxious but she was most likely putting up a front. Her relationship with the servants wasn’t any better but she seemed to be pulling through.

This wasn’t a problem he hoped. He was trying to make things conducive for her as soon as possible but he feared he might make it worse.

"How do you find the food, Mauve?" He asked.

She looked up at him immediately, looking a little shocked. "It’s nice as always. Mr. Herbert’s meals never miss," she said with a bright glee."

"This is the princess, I suppose. The one the humans made you marry, such ridiculousness." Haney suddenly said.

The entire table went silent, everyone stopped chewing. Mauve stopped breathing and it almost felt like time stopped.

"Yes," Jael said darkly, his tone dropping a little. He didn’t think Haney would acknowledge her presence. Did Lord Garth send him here with some kind of agenda?

"I figured, I have never seen her before now," Haney said, even though he was speaking about Mauve he kept his gaze on Jael.

"I see, likewise you didn’t attend the wedding."

"I apologize that I couldn’t," Haney said, his eyes slowly glancing toward Mauve who kept her gaze down.

"It’s not that big a deal. Besides, traveling to the human kingdom is a hassle. You should avoid it if you can. Would you like more soup?" Jael asked changing the subject, he didn’t like Haney speaking about Mauve so casually.

"Oh, Sire. You shouldn’t concern yourself with such things." He cried.

"You’re a guest here and should be treated as such. Please don’t hesitate to mention it if anything isn’t to your liking."

"I couldn’t possibly ask for more, Sire." Jael grinned and immediately looked away.

He glanced at Mauve only to see her eyes look away from him. He wanted to leave her with her in his arms. He would most likely do that as soon as the meal is over.

Jawl took the last of the food and wiped his lips. He carefully placed his napkin on the table just as Mauve did the same. Good timing, they could leave together.

He pulled his chair backward and a voice called to him. "Sire, might I have a word?"

"Now?" He asked darkly.

"Yes, Sire," Erick replied. "I figured you’d want to know about it immediately."

Jael swore and rose to his feet, "Then come with me." He returned.

"Yes, Sire," Erick said standing up.

Haney rose to his feet and bowed.

"You don’t have to do that, continue your meal, Haney."

"Thank you, Sire." He said and continued his meal.

Jael gently grabbed Mauve’s hand and lifted her to her feet. He let her give a curtsey to no one in particular before pulling her away.

She clung to him as they walked out of the hall with Erick behind them. He could still smell the meal on her.

"What’s this about?" Jael asked as they got to the end of the stairs. "I think it’s best we discuss this in private," Erick responded.

Jael jerked his head in his direction and frowned, "I guess we can discuss this in the study. It better not take too long."

"I will make it brief. I already know the contents, a brief summary should take five minutes."

"That’s not a brief summary, Erick. That’s a speech." Jael said darkly.

"I already went through the trouble of reading it, this is the best I can do," Erick said with his usual tone.

"This better be important."

"It is and a little worrisome too."

"Worrisome? You said read, it’s a letter. From who?" He asked slowly as they got closer to Mauve’s room.

Erick went silent.

"I see," he stopped suddenly. "Mauve, would you wait for me here, I will join you shortly."

They were standing in front of his room. It shouldn’t be dark, according to what he recalled. He could tell her to do what she wanted instead but he wanted to spend more time with her while he could. In the coming days, he would be busier than ever.

"You don’t have to rush your meeting for me, I am not exactly very busy."

"Considerate as always," he said and slowly let go of her hand. "I will see you in a few minutes."

She nodded and he opened the door to her room. After she walked in, he carefully closed the door behind her. The door made a soft thud and he turned to Erick.

"Out with it," he said and strutted to his study.

"The human king sent another letter," Erick blurted out.

"What? Evan? You interrupted me just for that. I don’t care what he sends."

"I figured, Sire. That’s why I went through the trouble of reading it myself.

"Well, it certainly explains why you didn’t want to speak about it in front of Mauve. So, what is this about?"

"He sent the same letter."

"What do you mean the same?"

Erick cleared his throat. "Damon gave me a summary about how he needs vampire-power for their petty wars."

Jael chuckled, "So, why did you see the need to inform me about it so urgently."

"The letter is the same but the tone is different. It’s threatening."

"What? Is this a joke?"

"It is as I have said," Erick replied not hiding his annoyance.

"I know you wouldn’t joke about something like that. That’s why I am hoping I misheard. What do you mean threatening?"