The Vampire King's Possession
Chapter 308. A Wet Cloth

Chapter 308: 308. A Wet Cloth

Jael squinted his eyes some more and fought the urge to insist. However, he wasn’t satisfied with her response and just as he was about to comment on it, Haney called his attention.

"I don’t understand the circumstances of your travel but for you to leave in such a hurry, I have to assume it was important," Haney asked, twirling his cutlery.

Jael tore his gaze from Mauve and turned to Haney. "I supposed," Jael responded.

"I don’t mean to overstep but I would very much like to know just how important this issue was?" Haney asked.

"What does it matter? It has been dealt with so there is no need for you to concern yourself with such matters." Jael said dismissively, he didn’t need to explain his actions to anyone let alone Haney.

Haney bowed his head, "As you wish, Sire."

They resumed eating and Jael brought his napkin to his lips as he finished his meal. He glanced at Mauve and she looked ready to go as if she had been waiting for him.

Jael stood to his feet as he stretched out his hand to her and she took it. "Thank you," she mumbled as he pulled her to her feet.

From the corner of his eyes, Jael could see Haney stand to his feet too. The vampire wasn’t even going to give him a couple of minutes. This matter better be of the utmost importance.

They started for the door and Jael cussed under his breath as Haney followed behind them. They went up the stairs and he went up without saying a word.

When he stopped in front of Mauve’s room, Haney stopped with them and at this point, Jael had had it. "Haney," he called darkly. "Wait for me in the study, I will join you in a couple of minutes."

"As you wish, Sire." He said and started to walk away. Jael glared at his back as he walked away.

"Jael," Mauve called, drawing his attention. "You don’t have to follow me inside my room, I can..."

She must have seen the expression on his face because the rest of her words dried out as she looked up at him with big brown eyes.

He pushed open the door, "If I didn’t know better, I’d think you don’t want to spend any time with me."

"That’s not true," she retorted, with a firm look to her gaze.

"I know," he replied, opening the door for her but standing in a way that she would have to brush against him.

"Then why did you say that?" She asked.

"Because I find it annoying that you worry about unnecessary things. Haney can wait a few minutes."

"I don’t want to delay you any longer than necessary."

Jael squinted his eyes, "This is necessary," he said, pushing the door closed and lifting her across his arms.

She squealed, giggling slightly. "Jael put me down," but there was no fight in her words and she settled in his arms.

He shrugged and walked to her bed with her head resting on his chest. He was reluctant to place her on the bed.

Her room hasn’t changed much since the last time he saw it, not even the sheets. If he needed any more indication that she was spending more time in his room, he already got it.

"Should I send for Mill?" He asked as he placed her on the bed.

"No," she shook her head. "I am fine. Now go to your study, I don’t want to keep you any longer."

He squinted his eyes as he stared at her, trying to see if he could read anything. He sighed, "If you insist."

He stood to his feet and headed for the door, he opened it and turned around, "If you need anything don’t hesitate to interrupt me."

She grinned at him, "I know."

He slipped out the door but not before seeing her expression change. However, the door had already shut at this point.

He didn’t give it much thought other than she was tired and quickly made his way to the study. He pushed open the door as Haney immediately got to his feet. He could see the vampire made himself comfortable.

"What is this about, Haney? As you can see from the pile of letters on the table, I am quite busy." He gestured with his hand to the table.

"Yes, I understand Sire and I do apologize for bombarding you with issues when you have only just arrived."

"Out with it, Haney," Jael said as he sat down. Someone has turned on the lights in his study and from the incessant amount of light it was most likely Haney’s work.

"The gates, Sire."

Jael frowned looking up from the table, "Isn’t it a little too early to worry about that? You just started on the walls, Haney."

"Yes, Sire but these things are better prepared beforehand."

Jael sighed. What was the point of hiring someone when this would still become his problem?

"You can use the old gates then, refurbish it or something." He didn’t have the headspace to think about something so unnecessary.

"I am afraid that won’t be advisable, Sire. The old gates are in such poor shape, the only use we can make of them is to turn them to scraps of metal."

"Then what are you suggesting, Haney?" This conversation was already boring him out, if Haney himself didn’t have a solution to this mess, why did Haney think he would?

"I’d like to take a couple days off, I need to purchase the iron that would be used for the gates. Lord Garth was supposed to do that but unfortunately, he is currently tied up with some personal affairs."

"That’s it?" Jael asked. "You don’t need money or more men to work on the walls?"

"No, Sire. I am simply asking for permission to leave for a couple of days. The men know what they are supposed to do so they should be able to continue building the wall while I am away."

"That’s fine," Jael said, waving his hand. "You’re not a prisoner here, if it is for the walls you can leave whenever you want to, you don’t need my permission for that."

"Thank you, Sire. I shall take my leave immediately."

"Take a few guards with you, Palers are still roaming, it’s best to be safe."

"Thank you, Sire for caring for an old geezer like me."

"On your way out, tell Damon and Danag to come in without knocking."

"As you wish, Sire." Jael could already feel their presence as they went past his room.

No sooner did the door close that it opened again, Damon walked in with Danag closely behind him.

"I thought you said only Damon had a report for me, what are you doing here Danag?" Jael said as he started to open the letter.

Danag shrugged, "I figured I could give an in-depth report of the situation."

Jael sighed and leaned back. "I am listening."

"The batch of blood arrived last night just before sunrise ." Danag started to say.

Jael looked taken aback, "That fast? How did he get the information across so fast?"

"I don’t know about that, Sire." Danag responded.

"Not that it matters, all that matters is we got blood. I suppose the rations have been sent to the appropriate places."

"Yes, Sire, the guards did that as soon as night fell."

"Good, anything else?" Jael asked.

Damon nodded and stepped forward, "I am afraid there is, Sire. A letter came this evening just before we arrived, it is from the human..."

"Toss it out!"

"But sire..."

"I don’t want to hear it and toss any more letters that may arrive."

"Yes, Sire. As you wish," Damon said with a bow.

Danag was about to argue further when a knock interrupted their conversation. "Come in," Jael said immediately, putting an end to Danag’s next words.

Mill pushed open the door and walked in with a worried expression. She was twisting her fingers and looked very disturbed.

She took in the situation immediately and bowed her head, "If this is not a good time, Sire. I can come back."

"No, come in. Is something the matter Mill?"

She gently closed the door and took a step into the room.

"Is this about Mauve?" Jael asked softly, trying to see if he could make it easier for her.

She nodded vigorously, not coming any closer. "This is completely my fault. On the day you left, I..." She paused and cleared her throat.

"I left Mauve unattended but it was only for a few minutes, I didn’t think Corbin would..."

"What did he do to her?" Jael asked darkly. He didn’t realize he was standing on his feet until he heard the sound of his chair falling to the ground.

Mill jerked at his words, obviously scared but Jael was past reasoning at this point because all he would see was him wringing Corbin’s neck like he was trying to get water out of a wet cloth.