The Vampire King's Possession
Chapter 711. Death Penalty?

Chapter 711: 711. Death Penalty?

"What are you implying?" Lord Phelan asked.

"What’s this about?" Lord Drusile added.

"I am not implying anything, but surely you’ve heard what happened last night, and if you haven’t, that’s a shame."

"I may have heard some details about it," Lord Drusile admitted first.

"Likewise," Phelan added.

"Wonderful," Lady Marceline said with glee. "Then this shouldn’t take too long."

The lords looked from one person to another, trying to figure out what Lady Marceline was hinting at. Jael glanced down at Mauve with question in his eyes and she lifted her shoulders to tell him she had no idea why was going on. He then pulled her back to their seats.

"What shouldn’t take long?" Lord Phelan asked.

"I propose a ruling."

"What ruling?" Phelan asked, starting to lose his patience.

Locking eyes with Phelan, Lady Marceline said, "I propose that the next time any vampire goes after the Primus’ mate, they shall receive the death penalty."

"What?" Phelan wasn’t the only one shocked by this; the question was spoken in unison.

"That’s too forward, Lady Marceline," Drusile replied. "We have only just decided to stop fighting about a human being the Primus’ mate, and now you propose this? That’s a little too much."

"Is it really? I think it’s merciful," she replied without missing a beat. "One would think that because she belongs to the Primus, it would be a clear warning for everyone to stay away, but clearly, that isn’t nearly enough."

"But to kill a vampire for a human? Unacceptable!" Phelan’s favorite word didn’t waste time in making an appearance.

"Are you saying you’re in support of what Seraphino did? It would make sense."

"W-what are you talking about? I never said that!" Lord Phelan looked around the hall for support.

"That doesn’t answer the question, Lord Phelan," Lady Marceline pressed. Seeing how disturbed Phelan was by the accusation made her push even harder.

"I don’t like your accusatory tone, Lady Marceline," Lord Phelan’s eyes shone with anger. "I am not in support of what Seraphino did. How can I be?"

"Accusatory tone?" Lady Marceline asked, feigning innocence. "I think you might be reading a little too much into my tone. I was simply asking a question. Besides, what’s there to be worried about? It won’t happen to you as long as you stay clear of the Primus’ mate. So, the death penalty?" she asked, turning to the room in search of supporters.

"I agree to that," Mill said. It was the first word she had said since she walked into the room. Mill didn’t miss the look her father shot her, but just like she had ignored him when she walked in, she kept doing so.

"Same here," Sabrina replied.

"Nobody is agreeing to anything," Lord Drusile interrupted. "We are not moving from barely accepting the Primus’ mi..." He paused to rephrase. "...decision, to killing vampires."

"We are not killing vampires," Lady Marceline corrected. "We are simply making sure the Primus’ mate is safe. Isn’t that what’s important?"

"But you’re doing that by killing vampires?" Lord Phelan asked.

"Only those who try to harm her. I don’t understand why you’re fixated on the wrong aspect of this. Are you trying to harm the Primus’ mate?" Lady Marceline asked.

"No!" Lord Phelan said adamantly.

"Then you have nothing to worry about."

"I just think the death penalty is a little too much," Lord Phelan dragged.

"I don’t think so. It’s only too much if you intend to harm her. For something you don’t intend to do, there is nothing to worry about," Lady Marceline stated with a smile. "Any objections?" she asked.

"I don’t have any objections," Lady Francine spoke. "However, we haven’t given the death penalty—no matter the crime—for as long as vampires have gathered here. It would be excessive to make such a rule now for..." She let the rest of her words trail off as she glanced in Mauve’s direction.

"I don’t think so," Lady Marceline countered. "How else would we prevent this from happening again?"

"We do not condone what has happened to her, and putting the right measures in place to prevent it from reoccurring is a good idea. Regardless of our personal feelings, she is still the Primus’ mate and should be treated as such. However, the death penalty is extreme."

Mauve glanced at Jael, but he didn’t look like he would join the conversation. She couldn’t help but think it was the right decision. It was best to let the lords decide what punishment would be fitting for her aggressors. Still, Mauve was shocked Lady Marceline would go this far. If this was how she wanted to prove herself, Mauve was quite impressed.

"I agree with Lady Francine," Lord Levaton commented. "We won’t change all our cultures and traditions in one night."

Mauve froze at his statement. She knew Lord Levaton didn’t agree with her being the Primus’ mate now and not his daughter. It was clear that the only reason it was accepted was because Jael had marked her. Even though it was conclusive, it had still been this chaotic.

"How about banishment? And if you’re a lord, you’d be stripped of your titles, and any estates you may have would be given to a different lord. How about that?" Louis suggested.

"I still think it’s a bit harsh," Lord Phelan insisted.

"Maybe, but it’s still better than the death penalty. And before the banishment, a trial would be held, and every single lord in charge of the trial would need to be in agreement with the verdict. What do you all say to this?" Louis asked.

Mauve watched the lords whisper among themselves, and a few of them nodded. It was definitely a better option than dying. Mauve could see how the lords would consider this. Whether or not they agreed to it, it was already more progress than she had assumed they would be able to make in one night.

"I agree," Lady Marceline replied.

Lady Francine nodded, and the rest of the lords gave their replies—even Drusile. The only lord who seemed to take his time was Lord Phelan but when it was clear he was the only one left, he reluctantly agreed.

Mauve let out a sigh of relief and leaned on Jael’s shoulder. To say she was exhausted was an understatement. She had had an overwhelming night, from the events of the night before to now. All she wanted to do was go to her room and sleep.