The Vampire King's Possession

Mauve woke up with a blinding headache. She tried to keep it hidden and act as if nothing was wrong, but Jael could tell immediately. With her facade up, Mauve grabbed her head and buried it under the pillow. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"What’s wrong?" asked a panicked Jael.

"A headache," Mauve replied. "Jael, it hurts so much." She was practically on the verge of tears.

Jael swore and got out of bed. He returned moments later and gathered her into his arms. "I already sent for Kieran, he should be here any moment now."

Mauve nodded, still grabbing her head. It hurt to move, it hurt to think, all she could do was stay still as she waited. As if Jael understood without her needing to explain, he stayed as still as possible with her in his arms.

"Mauve," Jael called, but she couldn’t even respond. It would take effort and energy to do that, and she had neither.

When Kieran finally arrived, the pain had subsided to some extent; at least it no longer felt like her head was about to split open. "What happened?" he asked. He was dressed in nothing but his bedclothes.

Mill had come into the room with him. The servant Jael had sent to get Kieran had run into her on the way and told her what happened. She and Kieran had ended up coming into the room at the same time.

"A headache," Jael replied. "At least, she’s not screaming anymore."

"I didn’t scream," Mauve mumbled. "But my head really hurts. I don’t know what could cause that. It is slightly better now, but it still hurts."

"Let me see," Kieran moved closer and checked Mauve’s eyes, her temperature, and her heartbeat. "I’ll prepare some herbs."

"Do you think this has anything to do with the fact that she drank my blood?" Jael suddenly asked.

Mauve would have laughed if it wasn’t that her head hurt so much. She should have known Jael would find some way to bring up this topic.

"No, I don’t think so. I think this is just stress," he whispered. "Her temperature is fine, but I am afraid if you stress yourself any longer, it can’t be good for either you or the baby."

Mauve nodded. She wasn’t surprised that Kieran was aware. However, she didn’t think he had been aware for too long, but he didn’t question, nor did he scold her. Besides, Kieran’s advice was not news to her. Mauve knew she had to slow down, or the worst could happen.

"I won’t do anything hectic," she promised.

"Not just physical, mental stress can also take its toll. If you’re bothered by anything, please let someone know. We will ease your stress as best as we can," Kieran said.

Mauve nodded. "These past few days have been hectic on different levels. A lot of things have happened, but I am fine. I will make sure to get as much rest as I can."

"That’s not enough," Kieran said with a stern look on his face. "I will prescribe at least three days of bed rest."

"What?" Mauve asked but quickly grabbed her head. She had never heard Kieran sound so stern.

"You can only leave the bed during meals, but otherwise, you’re not allowed to leave. My lady," he sighed. "When Louis told me, I could scarcely believe my ears. Only after Mill confirmed what my brother said did I figure we couldn’t have two liars, and Mill had absolutely nothing to gain from lying to me. I still don’t believe it, but if there is really a chance, I am sure it’s a very delicate pregnancy, and the chances of losing your baby are very high during the early stages. I have no choice but to take these precautions."

Mauve could only nod as she grabbed her stomach. She had done nothing but put her body through mental and physical strain. She couldn’t afford to do that anymore.

"It’s my fault," Jael stated. "If only I had waited—"

"I am fine, Jael. There is no need to worry. I won’t put myself at risk again, and I am sure you won’t either. I can stay in bed for three days," Mauve ground her teeth as she said this.

"I will keep you company," Mill offered.

"I will appreciate that," Mauve said with a smile because the chance that she would lose her mind was pretty high.

"Good, I will be right back with the herbs. Please don’t move unless you absolutely have to. Mill, would you please come with me? I will need your help."

"Of course," Mill replied.

Mauve watched them leave the room with a somber expression. Nothing was more important than her unborn child. She would never forgive herself if she ever lost the child and the fault was on her. Mauve leaned on Jael, and he wasted no time wrapping his arms around her.

"Whatever you need, I will get it for you, and for the three days, stay in my room, please. I will spend as much of the time as I can with you."

Mauve nodded. "Yeah."

"How’s your head?" he asked.

Mauve shrugged. "Still hurts like hell!"

"I am sorry," he whispered.

"Don’t you think you’ve apologized enough?"

"Not even close," he said.

"I will be careful. I want the baby more than anything else in this world. Being able to bring your child into this world would bring immense happiness. I couldn’t even describe it."

"I almost took that from us," Jael whispered.

"No, you didn’t," she said. "I am still here, and so is the baby. Can you hear anything?" she asked, changing the subject. The last thing she wanted to think about right now was Seraphino when things were finally getting better.

Jael shook his head. "Too early, and that’s a good thing because if I can, it means every other vampire can."

Mauve nodded. She knew they might not be able to keep it a secret for long, but as long as they could, it was best the other lords didn’t know. "Jael," Mauve suddenly called.

"Hmm," he replied absentmindedly.

"Can I ask you something? Promise you won’t get angry."

"I wouldn’t dare. What is it?"

"Do you think I cou—" Mauve jerked as a knock rang out, and Kieran and Mill walked right into the room.