The Vampire King's Possession
Chapter 705. Sympathetic in Private

Chapter 705: 705. Sympathetic in Private

"Vampire history—are there books I can read about this?" Mauve asked, dropping the bombshell.

Danag froze for a second, his eyes straying to her neck. "Yes," he mumbled.

"But?" she added. He didn’t say it, but she could tell from his body language.

"It’s in the old tongue, and I am afraid humans aren’t allowed to—"

"I know all about that. You don’t have to tell me in detail. What about by word of mouth?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" Danag asked with exaggerated confusion.

Mauve frowned. She knew Danag wasn’t that dense, so it was either that he couldn’t tell her or he wanted her to be explicit. "You could tell me about vampires as best as you can. Since I can’t read it, can you tell me all about it?"

"What do you need to know vampire history for?" Danag’s tone almost sounded as though he was telling her to know her place. However, this was Mauve’s place now, and she refused to be discouraged.

"Don’t be silly, Danag. We both know how important every kingdom’s history is. It’s imperative that I know enough if I want to properly perform my duties."

Danag studied her for a moment before replying, "Yes."

"Would you tell me about it?"

"There isn’t much to know," he replied.

"Even the tiniest details are very important, Danag, and I would appreciate it if you could tell me."

"Right now?" Danag asked.

"I don’t think we have enough time. There is a meeting, no?" Mauve asked.

"Yes. However, I won’t be in attendance. It only concerns the Lords."

"I will be," Mauve replied matter-of-factly.

Danag couldn’t hide his shock, prompting Mauve to add, "Surely, you don’t expect me not to attend a meeting about me?"

"I didn’t say that, my lady," Danag bowed once more.

"But you thought about it. No matter," she said dismissively. "I understand how things work. We are done here. Would you be so kind as to walk me back to my room, Danag?"

"Of course," Danag replied, jumping out of his seat.

Mauve stood, ignoring Danag’s attempt to help her, and started for the door, only to slow down when Danag began to speak. She didn’t turn around, just kept walking at a slow pace.

"I heard what happened. I am sorry you had to go through that again."

Mauve shrugged. "As you’ve said, it’s not the first time, and there’s no need to apologize for something that isn’t your fault." Mauve thought of saying more but decided against it.

"Still, I want you to know vampires do not support these sorts of acts, especially towards the Primus’ mate."

"Speak for yourself, Danag," she said, stepping aside to let him open the library doors for her. "Because last I checked, the bruise on my neck was caused by a vampire, and it’s not the first time. If this were truly the case, it wouldn’t happen."

"Lord Seraphino has questionable character. A lot of Lords would agree with this."

Mauve shrugged. "No need for excuses. I don’t think the worst of you all. Not that my opinion counts—after all, there’s only one of me—but you don’t have to appeal for the rest of the vampires. If they felt that way, they would have told me. The door, Danag."

"Yes," he said and opened the door.

She walked out of the room without looking back. When Mauve reached her floor, her door suddenly flew open.

"I told you she wasn’t in there," Lady Marceline was saying to her mate, who held onto her tightly.

"Lady Marceline," Mauve called, looking from one person to the other, then at her still-open bedroom door. "What’s the matter?"

"Mauve," Marceline replied. "We were just looking for you."

"I see that. What for?"

Lady Marceline looked taken aback, but Mauve didn’t care. None of these vampires were ever truly on her side; none of them would step over another Lord to help her.

Lady Marceline recovered. "I heard what happened and wanted to check that you’re fine."

"I’m fine, Lady Marceline. This isn’t the first time. Looks like I can handle another choking tryst since it’s Lord Seraphino’s favorite thing to do."

Lady Marceline tilted her head slightly as she walked forward. "Are you angry with me?" she asked with a puzzled expression.

"Angry?" Mauve laughed. "Of course not. Now, if you will excuse me."

Lady Marceline didn’t move. "What is it, then?" she asked.

"Just disappointed. Vampires excuse bad behavior because the act was against a human, even if the human is the Primus’ mate."

"I don’t condone this act," Lady Marceline said.

"Maybe, but you’re not exactly clamoring for justice. If you ask me, I don’t see the difference. You all let it happen, and the Primus’ hands are tied because of it. I don’t care for vengeance, to be honest, and I understand completely that I won’t be treated any differently. What I won’t stand for is acting all sympathetic in private when I cannot rely on you in public."

"Ah, I see. This is not how you win people over, Mauve."

"But this is how to win you over, and that’s "My Lady" to you. Unlike what you all think, I do have some backbone, and this is the last time I will be trampled on. I understand that you and the Primus are family, and I will give you respect for that. However, don’t expect familiarity when you haven’t treated me in that manner."

"I have been nice to you."

Mauve scoffed. "You said I wouldn’t last. Not one of you mentioned the attack during the first meal, even though it was clear as day."

"It would have been bad manners."

"I guess digestion is far more important than the Primus’ mate being strangled. Excuse me, Lady Marceline. I have important things to attend to, and arguing in the hallway is bad manners."

"We are sorry," a feeble voice said, stopping Mauve in her tracks.

"Alaric," Lady Marceline called, but she didn’t stop him.

"We are really here to apologize, not only to ask how you are."

Mauve wanted to turn around, but she stopped herself. She didn’t think she had ever heard Lord Alaric speak this long or this loud.

"I know Lady Marceline isn’t the greatest at expressing herself, but you really are important to us. In our eyes, you are the Primus’ mate, whether human or not, and we will do everything in our power to show we aren’t just sympathetic in private."