The Vampire King's Possession

Jael kissed Mauve as he stopped her in front of her room. As much as he wanted to follow her into the room, he would have to deal with the Garths, who were waiting in the drawing room. He could see the worry in her eyes as she pulled away. Her anxiety tore at him. He wanted to tell her there was nothing to worry about, but he doubted that would make her worry less. Still, he felt compelled to try. "There is nothing to worry about," he whispered, cupping her chin and staring deep into her eyes.

Mauve closed her eyes and nodded. "I know," she mumbled, slowly opening them, "but Lord Garth looked even angrier than Lord Levaton"—who you had a relationship with his daughter, she almost added but held her tongue.

"His anger or actions can’t change anything. Might explain why he is so angry," Jael smirked.

Mauve wished she could be as casual as Jael was, but with each lord that arrived, the dagger in her side seemed to twist tighter. She knew she would have to get used to it; they weren’t even halfway through, and the next few days promised to be hell.

"I wanted to ask you something," she suddenly blurted. Now that she had the thought, she didn’t want to push it aside for later. She would like to know so she could brace herself.

"Go on," he replied.

"Will Lord Seraphino be invited?"

Mauve watched the smile disappear from Jael’s face. She didn’t want to ask the question, but she wanted to know what she was dealing with, and by the expression on his face, she already had his answer.