Chapter 703. What Part?
It took a few seconds for the rest of the Lords to join in, but there was no way they would remain seated when their Primus was on his feet. Mauve slowly approached the table, and she heard a slight gasp but nothing more as the hall plunged into further silence.
They all remained standing until Jael sat down, and he didn’t sit until Mauve was seated. As he sat, Jael turned to examine Mauve, and his eyes froze on her neck. Mauve adjusted in her seat, wondering if this was the right plan, but she knew that keeping it hidden wasn’t the way to go. If the Lords were all willing to let her endure something like this, then they should have the stomach to see the bruises left behind.
Mauve didn’t miss that Otis wasn’t at the table. She wasn’t sure if Jael had also chased him out of the castle, and to be honest, she didn’t care. Mauve knew there would be a final meeting today before the big announcement tomorrow, but she didn’t know when exactly it would take place. She could only assume it would be when all the Lords had gathered together.
Jael tried to meet her eyes several times, but Mauve kept her gaze glued straight ahead, meeting the eyes of everyone else, which was surprisingly fewer than usual. The Lords always watched her like hawks—every time she lifted her head, there was always someone staring at her—but that wasn’t the case now. Conversation was also minimal; at her table, it was nonexistent.
"Lord Louis," Mauve said at the end of her meal, "might I have a word?"
He raised a brow and then softly replied, "As you wish, my lady. When would you prefer?"
"Now," she stated.
Louis glanced at Jael, who was staring at him with anger in his eyes. Louis sighed and slowly got to his feet. He walked to where she was and tried to take her hand, but Mauve completely ignored it and just walked ahead.
"You have every right to be angry," Louis started to say as they walked out of the dining hall.