The Vampire King's Possession
Chapter 697. Late Arrival

Chapter 697: 697. Late Arrival

Louis’s words about Lord Garth gave Jael something to think about, so even after Louis left, he sat by his desk for some time deep in thought. There was truly nothing he could do about the situation; all he could do now was watch and see how things play out in the coming days. Though a part of him refused to believe Louis’s words, it was a little hard not to consider them.

After pondering for a while and coming up with no solution, Jael rose and left the study, heading straight for Mauve’s bedroom. There was a guard at the door who bowed and stepped out of the way at the sight of Jael. He pushed open the door and walked into the room to find Mauve alone in the room.

She sat on the bed against the headboard, her head leaned forward a little as she stared at her hand as she crocheted. Her face was slightly flushed and her brows knitted in concentration.

The sound of the door broke her focus; her brows were still knitted, but now it was from confusion. When her gaze settled on Jael, she smiled immediately. Jael stopped, rooted to the spot. Her smile was too dazzling, and knowing it was just for him almost made his heartbeat quicken.

Mauve dropped the yarn and rushed toward him. She stood in front of him and looked up. Her hair was a bit of a mess, and there were wrinkles on her dress, but none of that mattered as Jael couldn’t see them, all he could see was Mauve staring up at him. "You’re so beautiful." Only from the blush on Mauve’s face did he realize he had said that out loud.

"Jael, what are you talking about? I am sure I look like a mess," she mumbled and pushed up on her heels so she could lean forward, resting her head on his chest.

"What mess? How do you feel?" he asked, changing the subject. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer to himself.

"Good," she mumbled and leaned into him.

"And?"

Mauve knew he was asking about earlier. "I am fine," she nodded into his chest.

"Are you certain?" he pressed.

Mauve pulled away, not completely out of Jael’s grasp, just enough so she could see his face. "I am certain. It was an unfortunate accident that was completely my fault."

"It was an honest mistake. Nothing about it was your fault. Don’t feel bad," he replied. "If it had been anyone else, I am sure it wouldn’t have gone the way it did. Lord Garth has clearly shown he has a problem with you."

Mauve nodded, but she didn’t believe his words. She was sure it would have likely gone just as badly—or even worse—if it had been a different Lord she had bumped into. She could count the number of Lords who would have let it slide on one hand, and there would still be enough fingers left to write with.

She didn’t voice her fears on the matter as she didn’t want it to drag on any longer than it had. She was trying to make things easier for Jael, but somehow she still ended up causing trouble.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked as he smoothed her brows.

"Nothing," she smiled and pulled away from him. "It’s time for the second meal, right? I need to brush my hair." She walked to her dresser and took the brush.

"Let me help you," he whispered right into her ear, and Mauve jumped. She hadn’t even heard him come up close. He took the brush from her hand before she could protest and pushed her into the seat. Mauve just sat still and let him do as he wanted but it was hard not to be self-conscious.

"You’re as stiff as a board," he chuckled. He tucked her hair behind her ear and lightly traced it with his finger.

"Jael," Mauve cried, trying to ignore the tickling sensation.

"What?" he asked, feigning ignorance.

"At this rate, we’ll be late for the last meal."

He scoffed. "They can wait. Don’t worry about it." However, he didn’t tease her again and just diligently helped her brush her hair. "Done," he announced proudly and stepped back for her to inspect his work. If one heard him, they wouldn’t have guessed all he did was brush her hair.

"Well done," Mauve praised as she stood up, ready to go.

Jael frowned. "You didn’t even look at it."

"I did," she said and laced her hand through his. "Besides, what’s there to check? I’m sure you did a great job." She beamed at him, and his face softened immediately.

"Alright, let’s go."

They got to the dining hall, and for a moment, Mauve thought Lord Garth might not be at the second meal, but the four blonds lined up at the dining table told her otherwise. She let out the breath she was holding.

Lord Garth didn’t even look in her direction, though he paid his respect to Jael. Mauve couldn’t help but think there was more friction between them. At first, it was clear Lord Garth’s anger was directed at her; now, it almost looked like it was directed at Jael.

Sabrina also wore a sad look on her face, but Mauve wasn’t sure if she was just tired or if something more had happened. She could always ask Sabrina after the second meal. Recently, they had been spending that time together.

Halfway through the second meal, a strange noise drew everyone’s attention to the doors, and not a moment later, the doors burst open. Seraphino strode into the room wearing a fur coat with Otis behind him. His hair was slicked back, accentuating his pale face and sunken features.

Mauve stopped breathing immediately, and the hall went dead silent. He walked further into the room; no sound of his footsteps reached Mauve’s ears as he sauntered toward them. She swallowed, and when he met her eyes, Mauve looked down.

Seraphino stopped and bowed elaborately, Otis doing the same. The bow lasted longer than it should have; it was clear Seraphino was reveling in the attention. He lifted his face and smiled. "Sire, I apologize for the late arrival."