The Vampire King's Possession
Chapter 421. Change of Plans

Chapter 421: 421. Change of Plans

She leaned forward, "I asked a question. Shouldn’t you start the journey now so we can get to the castle early enough?"

Mauve watched the confused expression on Jael’s face and she couldn’t help but smile to herself. He looked like he couldn’t understand a word she was saying.

"Jael," she called, placing her palm on his chest as she leaned even closer.

His head was slightly bent backward and his back was pressed against the carriage seat. He kept his gaze on her, his eyes were starting to glow a little.

"Yes," he said and closed the gap between them. He rested his forehead on her forehead and closed his eyes.

"Did you hear my question?" She asked.

"Yes, but not yet." He pulled his face away.

Mauve blinked at the lack of physical touch. She fought the urge to rub her forehead. "Why?" She asked instead.

"I want us to stay in the carriage for as long as we can. The journey won’t be so easy. I will have to run really fast and jump over trees and any other obstacles on the road. The carriage would be a smoother ride for you."

"I am sure I can handle it," she said.

"I know," he said. "But there really is no harm in taking more time. As long as we get to the castle before the sun rises."

He touched the side of her face and she leaned into his palm. She grabbed his arm with both her hands as she looked at him from the corner of her eyes.

"That’s fine," she whispered. "Whichever you think is best."

She pulled her head from his palm and rested it on his chest.

He moved his hand to her head and gently stroked her hair while his other hand held her frame to his body.

Mauve didn’t even bother trying to get off. This was comfortable, there was no reason to pretend otherwise.

She didn’t know how long stayed in that position when suddenly Danag shouted, "Sire."

Jael’s back straightened as the carriage picked up speed. Jael’s arm around her tightened and Mauve felt her heart skip. She pressed her body against him.

She could tell they were under attack. Jael’s expression hardened and she could see him looking at the window with intense concentration.

She heard a soft sound as something dropped on top of the roof. A head poked into the carriage. It was Louis.

Mauve yelped at the unexpected sight. "Louis," she cried.

"The carriage isn’t safe," he said. "We can’t seem to shake it off or intercept it. It’s ignoring all of us and heading straight for the carriage. I don’t think we can stop it in time."

"Just one?" Jael asked.

"I don’t know," Louis replied. "So far, we have only seen one."

"How long would it take to reach the carriage?"

"Two minutes and that’s pushing it. Erick and the rest of the guards are trying to block its path but it just goes around them easily. Since it isn’t hunting us, it’s harder to chase down."

"Stop the carriage Danag," Jael said.

A loud screech could be heard Danag pulled on the reins forcing the horses to an abrupt stop. They neighed loudly in protest.

The force of the carriage propelled her forward but Jael held her in place so she didn’t move so much. However, the same couldn’t be said about Louis.

He was no longer on the top of the carriage. Mauve hoped he wasn’t flung off. She didn’t have time to process this as Jael was already kicking the door open.

"Change of plans," he said to her as he jumped out of the carriage. "I am taking you to the castle now."

She nodded her head. Mauve barely felt the force as he hit the ground. All she could do was hold on to him and she made sure she tightened her grip.

"Jael, you maniac! You couldn’t have given me a warning before asking Danag to stop. I was literally flung off the carriage," he yelled as he approached them.

Jael gave him a once-over. "You look unharmed. I don’t understand the need for the dramatics."

"You..." he started to say but Jael interrupted.

"You’re coming with me," he ordered and without giving Louis a chance to reply, he turned to Danag. "Ride as long and fast as you can, hopefully, the Paler still chases the carriage but I doubt that now."

"I shall do just that," Danag said with a soft nod. She couldn’t really see his expression.

"Our goal isn’t to engage. Flee and protect yourself. There is likely another Paler present and even if there isn’t, we’ve made enough noise to attract them."

"I could stay with Danag," Louis offered.

"No," Jael said immediately. "I already told you, you’re with me. If it starts to get out of hand, you’re allowed to leave the carriage, Danag."

"Yes, Sire."

He turned to Mauve, "Is there anything in the carriage you can’t afford to lose?" He asked.

She squinted her eyes for a few seconds. There were a few things but they were all replaceable and she could already tell that’s exactly what Jael would tell her.

"No," she replied.

"Okay," he turned his gaze to Danag. "Try to protect the carriage but don’t risk your life on it and if it starts to get dangerous, ditch it. If the guards get to you before the Palers, empty the carriage and head to the castle. You are all expected to get to the castle tonight."

"Yes Sire," Danag responded.

"Now move, we have already wasted too long. The Paler is probably no longer chasing the carriage. If it is, drag it out as long as you can."

"Yes, Sire."

Danag swung the reins and the horses started to move again. They started with a steady trot and then moved on to a full gallop.

Mauve watched the carriage sway from side to side. It was most likely easier to move now that a significant amount of weight was off the carriage.