"Like I can't trust you. Don't go telling Mauve about our personal matters. Leave that to !" Jael spat out. He sounded angrier than he needed to be, and Mauve involuntarily took a step back.
Louis, however, didn't look the least bit bothered by Jael's outburst. "She was just voicing her concern about the current situation, and unlike you, she has a good head on her shoulders to try to think of how this might affect you."
Louis walked past them. "I know not to poke my head in more than I am allowed to. You don't have to worry about that. Even if you don't trust , at least trust that I have Mauve's best interests at heart."
"That remains to be seen," Jael comnted.
"Jael!" Mauve scolded, pulling him. "Don't say that to Louis."
However, Jael's jaw only hardened as he stared at Louis, who continued on without looking back. Jael didn't look away until the door closed behind Louis. Only then did he turn his attention to her. "Did he ask you any weird questions?" he asked.
"What do you an?" she asked with a frown. "I was the one bugging him with questions."
"What did he tell you?"
"That there was nothing to worry about and that you would most likely step down if the Lords didn't accept ."
"It wasn't his job to tell you that," Jael spat out, glaring at the door again.
"Would you really step down from the throne?"
Jael turned his gaze to Mauve. "It doesn't matter."
"It does," she cried. "I wouldn't want you to do that because of . You have worked so hard, and you are the rightful leader. It doesn't make any sense."
Jael's face softened, and he ruffled her hair. "Such things are inconsequential. Did you take the herbs you said you would make?" Jael's face was completely devoid of his earlier outburst, and he was currently looking at her with worry and concern clearly written on his face.
"You're not listening to ," she cried.
Jael touched her face. "I am. Pay no mind to what Louis said. I won't give up my position so easily. However, I do not think I have the patience to convince the Lords, but it would be ridiculous for them not to see reason. So, you have nothing to worry about. The only ones who would make a big deal about this are the ones who clearly want to be difficult."
Mauve frowned as she stared at Jael. "Surely, it can't be as easy as you say it?" she asked. She could clearly rember the conversation she had with Lord Levaton and Louis too. Picking a vampire mate was gravely important. There was no way it would be brushed aside so easily.
"It is. The thod I used to choose you can't be erased or changed. They can't do much except battle to accept it. The contest would be on if they want a Primus with a human mate or to pick soone else. They cannot ask to choose another."
Mauve was happy, but at the sa ti, she wasn't. She didn't want Jael to lose anything because of her. He certainly didn't deserve that, and considering she had brought him nothing but sothing to worry about, she was extrely stressed.
His finger undid the creases on her forehead. "Don't try to overthink this situation or try to figure it out. Let take care of it. I don't want you to worry about a thing. Right now, we should get the herbs going so you can drink so of it."
"My stomach feels fine," she retorted, realizing he had no plans to let go of the situation.
"Right now, but who is to say it won't happen again? Better safe than sorry."
"Jael," she called. "I'd rather not drink it unless I absolutely have to, and from what happened during the first al, I'm sure I don't."
"I will drink it with you," Jael offered.
"What?" Mauve asked. "If that would help."
"No, it wouldn't. It would also be a waste of good herbs," she cried.
"No, it won't. If it can convince you to take it, I am willing to have a taste too."
Mauve stared darkly at Jael, but she could clearly see the look in his eyes. He had no plans to give up on this, and it would be easier to give in to what he wanted than fight him over it. Mauve sighed reluctantly and walked to the door.
"Where are you going?" he asked, but she didn't answer.
He rushed after her, followed her everywhere, and didn't leave her alone until she drank the herbs. Then he made her get into bed and asked Mill to watch over her to ensure she got proper rest. Mauve wasn't very pleased about this, but she didn't fight it. As long as it would get him to leave, she would do what she wanted after he left.
---
A flash of light could be seen as Jael struck his ax into the wood. The huge tree fell imdiately, and Jael grimaced. The cut had not been as clean as he had wanted. He was annoyed this was taking him longer to get used to.
He swung the ax and then stopped. He tilted his head until it was all the way back. "What do you want?" he spoke to the dark.
Danag stepped forward and bowed. "Sire," he said.
"I don't really care for your greetings, Danag. As you can see, you are interrupting a very important session, so spit out your business or be gone." Jael had turned away from him and was now eyeing the next tree he would try to cut down.
He sized it with his eyes. He wasn't worried about it falling in one strike; he was worried about precision. Power was one thing he knew he had that explosively. However, he knew the advantage of being able to compress his explosive strength.
"It has been hard to get your attention these past few days."
"You have it now, Danag, and I am afraid you might lose it in re seconds if you aren't careful."
"I would like to discuss the matter with Mauve—"
Jael froze and turned to glare at him. He casually moved the ax so it rested on his shoulder as he shot Danag a glare that could lt ice. The guard realized his mistake right away and imdiately sought to rectify it.
"Please forgive ," his head bent even lower. "Her ladyship. I would like to discuss the matter with her ladyship," he corrected.
"What about it?" Jael asked. "I am very sure we have concluded on the matter. I have marked her, and there is barely anything left to be said about it."
Danag shuffled on his feet. "True. Unfortunately, this is not sothing a lot of vampires have control over. However, a Primus' mate is soone..." he paused and cleared his throat.
"Careful now, Danag. You're leaning very close to treason," Jael grinned.
The vampire gasped, "Please do not misunderstand , Sire. I do support who you have chosen as your mate. However, I fear the rest of the vampires, especially the Lords, might not like the current developnt."
"Are you suggesting I erase my mark, even though she was rightfully chosen by , and toss her aside simply because the Lords don't approve?" Jael turned his full fra to Danag and took a step closer, intimidating the guard with not just his stare but his eyes and weapon, which bounced on his shoulders with each step.
"No!" Danag cried. "No! That is impossible." Danag shuffled on his feet. "The Primus has already made his decision, and no one can change that. However, I fear your nonchalance—"
"Nonchalance!" Jael spat out.
"I do not intend to be rude, Sire. I simply an this is sothing you have to address. You have chosen a mate. The Lords would have to accept the results regardless, but you cannot continue to keep them in the dark. That would only worsen the current terrible situation, Sire."
Jael could clearly see the beads of sweat on the guard's forehead, and he knew exactly what Danag ant. However, he had more important things to worry about than whether he was doing things right by the Lords. He couldn't care less about appeasing them.
"It is my announcent to make. I can keep them in the dark for as long as I intend to."
"This isn't just about the Lords," Danag spat out. "This is also for her ladyship. She won't be respected and acknowledged properly if you do not do the needful. Vampires will continually think it is okay to disrespect her if you don't officially announce her as your mate as soon as possible. It would be best to deal with this as soon as possible, to hear their grievances for her ladyship's sake."
And safety. Danag didn't add this, but Jael knew exactly what he ant, and he felt himself freeze at the guard's words. "Leave alone," Jael spat out.
Danag didn't protest. He just bowed and left.
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