The Vampire King's Possession-Chapter 800. New World

It has been three months since his birth, and Mauve has lost track of all the things that have happened in that time. So much had changed.

After her brother arrived just a few days after she had taken Darcy on his first walk outside, it didn’t take long for her to realize this wasn’t just an uncle coming to see his nephew. It also had to do with their kingdoms—especially with the update from Danag that even with cave explorations, they had only run into five Palers, and that was months ago. Now, they hadn’t seen a single Paler in a month and a half.

They were fully convinced they were rid of Palers, though they hadn’t dissolved the search party just yet. They still stood guard in the Nolands, but other developments were underway, and today was the culmination of it all.

"My lady," Mill cried as Mauve remained by her son’s crib, playing with him. She shook a toy in his face, and he giggled loudly as he tried to catch it, but just before he reached it, she moved it away, making him giggle even louder.

"Mill," Mauve called absentmindedly without paying her any attention.

"I have been looking all over for you. We have to get you ready. The event is starting any moment now."

Mauve pouted as she kept playing with him. She had recently moved him to his own room, much to her displeasure, but it was hard to get her way when Lady Marceline was always breathing down her neck.

She had sneaked in to check on him only to discover he wasn’t asleep and had ended up playing with him instead. She wasn’t sure if he was adjusting to the separation, but she certainly wasn’t. Darcy, however, didn’t seem bothered.

"He’s awake," she mumbled, as if that were an excuse enough.

She could understand Mill’s agitation—as well as everyone else’s, humans and vampires alike. This event wasn’t just for the lords to see Darcy, but also to showcase the new relationship between humans and vampires.

It was also a celebration of the fact that they were rid of Palers, and to mark the completion of the drug for the white disease that Kieran had developed. Mauve was sad she hadn’t been part of the final testing, but she had been preoccupied with her son—and she wasn’t bothered, because he was more important to her than anything else.

It was a big deal, and Malcolm and her mate had spent a long time planning it. Despite her pretense, Mauve was worried. Tonight was a defining night. Yes, many things had been put in place, and she doubted everything would be ruined if the night didn’t go perfectly—but it was still crucial that it did.

After all, this was the first time so many humans would be in the same location as vampires, not as slaves, but as equals, celebrating together. Mauve could not believe they were here.

With the Palers gone, Malcolm and Jael wasted no time taking advantage. New roads now led through the Nolands, and humans and vampires were beginning to trade and do business together.

"We can ask one of the maids to look after him. We need to get you dressed now, my lady, please."

Mauve sighed and withdrew from the crib, even though it physically hurt. "Okay," she said and stepped away.

"Thank you," Mill said with relief and led Mauve to her room while a maid watched over her son.

At first, she had thought about taking him with her, but Mill would not be pleased—Mauve had a bad habit of stopping everything to pay attention to the baby.

They went to her room, and the maids moved quickly, helping her into her new dress and arranging her hair. Mauve let her thoughts drift. She was so grateful for how things had turned out, she couldn’t put it into words.

Mill’s face looked serious as she barked orders at the maids. Mauve could tell her mood had improved over the past months. She didn’t know exactly when it happened, but she noticed it got better as Mill and Louis’s relationship improved.

The two of them didn’t speak much about it, and Mauve tried to tease it out of Mill, but she refused to say anything. However, she was glad it was better—and by the way Mill acted flustered every time she mentioned Louis, Mauve was sure it was more than better.

The door suddenly opened and Jael walked through. He was dressed in dark blue clothes with a coat over his shoulders, and he was holding Darcy, who was also dressed extravagantly.

"My baby," Mauve was quick to exclaim, stretching out her hands toward them.

Jael stayed back, staring at her with love in his eyes. "We are late, my love."

"I’m almost ready," she whispered as the maid did the finishing touches.

She could hear the instruments playing; the party had already started. At first, Mauve was anxious, but Jael’s presence wiped all that away—especially when he was looking this good.

"I can see that," he said but didn’t step any closer.

Mauve stood up and walked toward him, the flare of her dress swaying with each step. She stopped in front of him and looked up so their eyes met.

"Isn’t my mate so handsome?" Mauve complimented as she peered up at him.

"It’s nothing compared to your beauty," he said and bent to place a kiss on her lips.

He pulled away and offered his elbow so she could slip her hand through. "Shall we, my love?"

"Yes, please."

Mill held the door open for them, and Jael led her out to the hall where the party was happening. Mauve instinctively leaned closer to Jael. She couldn’t believe it.

Too many things had happened in such a short time—too many to keep up with—and she was so grateful for all of them.

She winced at the bright lights as they turned the corner toward the great hall. Appearing at the top of the stairs, the hall went quiet just as a trumpet rang out.

A loud voice introduced them and the newborn. Everyone clapped while Mauve waved to the audience. She could see a few people she recognized, with Sabrina waving hard, a drink in her hand.

Mauve’s eyes scanned the crowd, which was almost an equal mix of vampires and humans. There was not a single hint of hostility in the air; everyone seemed to be having a good time.

They were led to their seats, where different lords, both humans and vampires alike, came by to see the future Primus. Darcy seemed to like the attention and kept smiling at everyone who cooed at him.

By the time she could leave the party, Mauve was exhausted. Unfortunately, she couldn’t use the baby as an excuse; the only time he fussed was when he was hungry.

Mauve didn’t drop him off in his room as she usually would but decided to let him sleep in theirs this time. Besides, Lady Marceline was too busy with the party to notice.

The maids helped her get ready for bed, and as she got into bed with Darcy, Jael arrived. The maids were quick to bow and exit the room.

"Sire, aren’t you supposed to be with your guests?" Mauve teased.

"And leave my beautiful mate and her son by herself?"

Jael tossed his coat onto the nearest chair and took off his clothes, changing into something more comfortable before joining her in bed.

Darcy kicked his legs as Jael joined them, indicating he was still awake.

"Why is he still awake?" Jael asked with a laugh.

"I don’t know," Mauve said with a chuckle and leaned against Jael with the baby on the other side of the bed.

"How are you?" he asked instead, studying her face intently.

"I couldn’t be better," she replied and kissed him. "Really," she said, pulling her face away. "I am so happy."

"I am glad," he said, looking at her lovingly.

"And the party was a success. I can’t believe we were able to get that many humans to come here. Things really are getting better."

"And we have you to thank for that. The drug that Kieran made using your blood made this possible."

Mauve shook her head. "It’s not just me. None of this would have changed if you hadn’t wanted it to. Thank you—for this new world, and for making sure our son will never have to feel like he doesn’t belong in it. I love you, Jael. I always will."

"And I will always love you," he whispered, his voice thick. He pulled her close, his forehead resting against hers. "My Mauve."

Their lips met in a kiss that held every promise of the past and every hope for the future. In the quiet of the room, with their sleeping son between them, the world felt perfectly, irrevocably, at peace.

The End.