The Vampire King's Possession
Chapter 676: The Levatons’ Disapproval

Chapter 676: The Levatons’ Disapproval

Mauve didn’t like the way Jael said it. "Is there a reason why he is here?" she asked, lifting her chin so her eyes could meet his.

His gaze softened at her worried expression. "You could say that," he carefully touched the side of her face as she ventured closer.

"Does he know you marked me?" she asked. She doubted the pregnancy was common knowledge yet, but if Lord Levaton was here, he at least knew Jael had marked her. Her neck suddenly felt itchy, and the urge to touch it was a little strong. Mauve resisted and concentrated on what Jael wanted to say.

"Yes, that’s what the letter was about. He also informed me he would be arriving very soon. I may have wished he was merely joking, but it looks like that’s not the case." He took her hand in his. "However, that’s inconsequential. Let’s get you fed, which is more important than anything else."

Mauve wanted to counter this but she simply nodded and placed her hand in his. She doubted it was as unimportant as Jael would like her to believe, but there was nothing else she could do except agree with his words. She walked beside him as Jael led her out of the room and down the stairs.

The doors of the dining hall opened, and Mauve could barely hold in her surprise. Didn’t they just arrive? How were they already seated in the dining hall? Lord Levaton’s gaze was locked on her as soon as she stepped in. His disapproval was clear as day, but his stare wasn’t as bad as his daughter’s next to him. Mauve didn’t think she would tag along, so her presence was a bit shocking, and her stare was even more so, but Mauve should have expected it.

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other as she did her best to ignore the stares. The vampires all stood to their feet in one accord and didn’t sit back down until Jael was seated, and Jael didn’t take a seat until he was sure Mauve was comfortable.

Mauve almost melted into her seat. She wasn’t surprised when neither father nor daughter spoke to her, and she would have preferred it remain that way, as they both looked like they had a bone stuck in their throats. She knew whatever they would say to her wouldn’t be good.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t ignore them. Usually, she would have, but for some reason, it felt wrong to do so now. She made sure they were comfortably seated before she opened her mouth to speak, only to be interrupted.

"My lady," Louis started with a smirk on his lips. "Did you rest well?"

She turned her gaze to look at him, surprise and confusion written on her face. "Yes," she replied. It was the second meal; of course, she rested well before coming.

"That’s good," he said, then turned his attention to the Lord and his daughter. "Welcome, Lord Levaton, Lady Jevera," he said with a soft nod.

"Lord Louis," Lord Levaton said curtly, while Jevera didn’t even acknowledge the greeting.

"Welcome—" Mauve said with the brightest smile she could muster, but the rest of her words dried up, and her smile fell at the glares shot in her direction.

One could hear a pin drop in the hall. The air got so still, that it was almost hard to breathe. Thankfully, a servant chose that moment to bring her meal, and Mauve was so happy for the distraction.

Louis and Danag simultaneously turned to look at Jael. Mauve didn’t miss this, nor did she miss the way Jael stared darkly at the duo. She held her breath, wondering if he was going to address it, and sighed in relief when he didn’t. It wasn’t worth starting a fight over.

The rest of the meal went seamlessly, and barely any conversation occurred. However, at the end of the meal, Lord Levaton spoke after a while. "I’d like to have a word after the second meal, Sire," he asked. His tone indicated Jael had no choice in the matter.

Jael frowned, not appreciating the Lord’s tone. "No," he replied without any explanation.

Lord Levaton looked taken aback, but he quickly composed himself. "Please, Sire. This is important."

Jael glanced at Mauve, and she nodded her head immediately. She didn’t know if Jael actually wanted her input, but she didn’t want to give him any reason to decline. Lady Jevera didn’t miss this exchange, and Mauve shifted some more in her seat as her stare worsened.

"Okay, I’ll send for you when I’m free," Jael said dismissively.

Lord Levaton nodded and glanced at his daughter. Lady Jevera looked ready to burst, but somehow she kept her lips sealed, even when Jael took Mauve’s hand and led her out of the dining hall.

Mauve waited until they were almost at her room to ask Jael why he had declined the Lord’s request. She looked up at his face, with her hand through his elbow.

"I know exactly what he wants to talk about, and I’d rather not discuss it. He is here on his own accord, he has no right to make demands."

"It wasn’t exactly a demand; it was more of a request," she replied and walked into her room as Jael held the door open for her.

"Request or not, I can decline. I am not required to agree. He’s already in my castle without my approval."

"Are you going to kick him out?" Mauve asked.

"Of course not. He’s welcome here, but I don’t have to listen to his every whim."

"Is it because he’s going to ask about me? Is that why you won’t speak to him?"

Jael went cold immediately. That was exactly why, but it felt wrong to say it. "I will speak to him. Happy now?" he asked.

Mauve nodded. "I don’t want you having any issues. I know you said this isn’t a problem," she pulled her arms away from him and wrapped them around herself, "but I don’t want to cause you any trouble with the Lords."