Chapter 726. The Most Fascinating
"They’ve questioned me for years, Mauve. First for waiting to ascend the throne, then for the changes I’ve made. None of it has stopped me, and this won’t either. Let them talk."
Their talks he could handle. It would be a different case if they tried to do something about it, like harm Mauve or the child, but Jael didn’t mention this part. He was absolutely serious about not giving Mauve anything to think about, and he intended to keep his word.
Mauve nodded, and the rest of the conversation trailed into silence. Not long after, Jael led her back into the castle. It was almost time for the last meal, so they both headed to the dining hall, which was already filled.
As Mauve settled into her seat next to Jael, she could feel the subtle shift in the room’s energy. The dining hall, though grand and expansive, felt smaller under the weight of so many eyes. Conversations quieted, forks clinked against plates, and whispers floated around like ghosts. Mauve kept her posture straight, her hands resting lightly on the table.
"Good evening, Mauve," Lady Marceline said warmly, her tone soft yet firm enough to draw Mauve’s attention. "How are you feeling today?"
"I’m managing," Mauve replied with a faint smile. Lady Marceline often shuffled between calling her Mauve and My Lady, but recently Lady Marceline stuck to her name, Mauve. "The walks help, though Jael insists on hovering." She shot him a stare, which resulted in a smile from Jael.
Lady Marceline chuckled, glancing at Jael, who had already turned his attention to Erick. Mauve was unsure what they were talking about, but it didn’t seem too serious.
"That sounds about right. He’s always been protective, but with a child on the way? He’ll be even more so, and he has more than enough reason for that."
Mauve was surprised Lady Marceline was able to blurt out the fact that she was expecting. It was loud enough, and with vampires’ sharp ears, more than a few were sure to pick it up. At the same time, there was no point hiding it; all the vampires sitting at the dining table were very much aware of her pregnancy. Though none had confronted her, she knew it wouldn’t take long before someone did or snitched. They most likely already did the latter.
Mauve glanced toward Jael, catching the slight tension in his jaw despite his calm demeanor. She sighed. "I know he means well."
Marceline leaned closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Exactly," Lady Marceline replied. "It’s a good thing, you know. He’s doing what any mate would do—what any vampire would do. He might have a few screws loose, but he would still do the right thing for his family."