(Author’s POV)

"Healer Hector, is His Majesty totally fine now? The medicine, is it working properly? ... It won’t have any side effects on him, right?" Elisa asked, sounding genuinely concerned. She batted her slightly wet eyelashes, waiting for Iris’s answer in anticipation, her hands joined, as if she were praying.

Everyone in the living room was waiting desperately as well. The four vampire elders, all the Everests’ siblings, Elisa Queens, Chris Shadow, and, of course, Fabian, were all present. The room was buzzing with people.

After waking up and taking the medicine, Jacob had hurried out of the mansion in search of Fabian.

His parents’ death anniversary was just a day away, and at that particular time of the year, the boy was especially gloomy. Though he never showed it to others, but Jacob could see what others couldn’t.

Iris darted her eyes around, then, releasing a heavy sigh, she finally spoke, "His majesty~ ... the result of the healing ritual has come out~ .... positive. The medicine, the potion~ ...." Saying this, she shot a look in Chris’s way, her expression unreadable, "~Secretary Shadow brought back with him, it is working just fine."

Collective sighs followed her words. Some were filled with relief; others were mixed with irritation and aggravation. Brian even dared to grit his teeth and scoff in frustration, but thankfully, no one noticed his reaction.

"I told you I am feeling fine now. You all have been making a fuss over nothing," Jacob shook his head casually, sitting on the couch.

"But, your majesty, the potion was some unknown substance. We were just worried about your health," Silvia Silver, the third Elder and the head of Primus Night Clan, spoke.

"I trust Secretary Shadow~ ... completely," Jacob gave a quick glance at Silvia’s way, then settled his gaze on Chris, "I can trust you, right?"

"Of course, your majesty, I am your loyal servant. I would never betray you," Chris answered in the affirmative, his right hand placed on his heart. Jacob nodded, and a smirk appeared on his slightly pale lips.

He then looked at the Everests’ siblings and said, "Lycan Alphas, Princess, I am truly thankful that you all honoured my request and stayed at the Larson mansion. I know you’re all already busy with your pack affairs. And the meeting related to the treaty, which you eventually came to Esteria to discuss, kept getting delayed because of the ongoing situation. Still, you all agreed."

"Vampire King, as mentioned earlier, we did what an ally should do," Alaric said.

Jacob nodded and smiled. He then recalled something and said, "Ohh~ ... on our way back, I heard the Luna of the Moon Shine Pack, your mother, Luna Sara, is here in Esteria. Why is she staying at the hotel?"

"Chairman Larson, our mother, she didn’t want to intrude on your rest in such chaotic times. Plus, she had some business to attend~ ..." Brave added.

"Intrude? No way. That is not right. As your brother said, she is an ally. The Luna of the most prominent werewolf pack. And as a host, it won’t look good on me. She can’t stay at a hotel. Gunnar, arrange a proper room for Luna Sara and accommodation for her entourage as well," Jacob commanded.

"Yes, your majesty," he replied immediately, gave a slight bow and exited the premises.

Jacob then glanced at all of them, crossed his legs, made a hand steeple, and said, his tone turning serious. "The meeting regarding the treaty, it will be held the day after tomorrow. And~ ..." he paused and gave a languid glance at the four Elders, then continued, his voice deliberate, "And~ .... I have a really important announcement to make."

Before he could stop himself, Brian spouted, "Announcement? What sort of announcement, your majesty?" He could feel a churning in his stomach, a bad feeling cropping up.

"What? You seem quite eager, Elder Tape," Jacob remarked and chuckled. "If you are so~ ... then I should ease up your curiosity, right?" His eyes then turned sharp, his voice imposing, "I want to announce the decision regarding the Clan’s future, about the next head."

His words were like dropping live bombs from the air. The elder eyes, they were ready to pop out of their sockets at any moment. Brian was at it again, "Your majesty, you forgot to add the word temporary. Don’t worry, it can happen because of your condition."

Jacob, making a smoulder, gave a curious look. Then replied nonchalantly, "I never intended to add the word ’temporary’ to it, Elder Brian Tape."

"But~ ... you~ ..." Brian didn’t get the hint, but Jacob cut him off, his tone ruthless, "Or are you trying to put words in my mouth now, huhh?" Hi gaze was sharp, almost laser sharp.

Brian gulped down hard and bowed his head, mumbling, "I apologize, your majesty, for my oversight." He ground his teeth, clearly pissed by the humiliation.

Catherine clenched her fists into tight balls. She stepped forward, her eyes levelling on Jacob as she said, her tone even as well, "Your majesty, I understand your intention. But such an important decision, you can’t take it in haste. You need to discuss this with us, the vampire council, privately and formally." The private remark for the werewolves present, and everyone understood it.

"Your majesty, although I agree with most of your words and have no intention to defy your words. This time, I will have to side with Elder Richards." Surprisingly, Silvia was the one who spoke this time. "This matter, it should be thoroughly discussed."

Jacob remained silent, looking at all of them. He then released an exhausting sigh and settled his gaze on the youngest Elder, "And what are your thoughts on it, Cardamone? Do you have anything to add as well?"

Vinicio thought for a little while and then said, his tone casual as usual, "Nups, Elder Silver, summed it up well."

Jacob had expected such a reaction. And no one disappointed. He smiled at them and spoke, "Very well then. You want to discuss the matter. Alright. Secretary Shadow, call all the Clan leaders to come to the Larson mansion tomorrow. We will talk over it then. Now~ ... all of you may take your leave. You see, I am kind of exhausted after all the talk," he got up, and with the help of his cane, went back to the room, his posture straight.

To Be Continued . . . . . . . .