Ch. 111..115: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 111-115

Chapter 111: Stay as a human

An hour ago:

Magnus sat down on the mattress in front of Alora. "What are you writing?" he tried looking inside it, but she didn’t let him. Instead, she closed it and hid it under the blanket.

"I will tell when I finish," Alora said. "Is His Highness done with his morning drink?"

"Yes. I feel recharged now," Magnus stated. He refrained from telling her how Venus schemed to take her life. He felt Alora should enjoy the time she was in Shadowbrook.

"I forgot to ask what happened to the vampire hunter who was caught?" Alora curiously questioned.

"I don’t know. I have no idea about that," Magnus said. "The weather is good today. It should stay like this for a few more days," he asserted.

"I pray for that," Alora stated.

"Your Highness, why don’t you meet with the vampire hunter?" Alora suddenly gave him a suggestion.

"Why? It’s the work of the Guardians and head here to do the interrogation. I’m not here to do any kind of work," Magnus affirmed.

"Your Highness, I understand that. But I don’t want a human to die in the interrogation by the vampires. We need to find out why a vampire hunter was here. And we need to make sure he doesn’t get brutally punished," Alora opined, showing her genuine concern.

"According to the rules, humans aren’t punished by vampire laws, except for certain cases. They won’t be harsh on him," Magnus explained to her.

"The Vampire Hunter didn’t harm us in the forest. There must be a reason behind it. He could have harmed you. Don’t you think?" Alora asked a question that forced Magnus to think now.

"I told Brother Izaak to go on his own to see the hunter," Magnus then revealed.

"That’s bad. His Highness should have gone too. Can’t he go now?" Alora queried. "I don’t want more hunters to grow. I hope you understand what I mean," she added.

"I get it. I will go," Magnus said and rose to his feet. "Don’t go outside. Enjoy your resting time," he asserted.

"Where would I probably go without you? Of course, I’ll rest," Alora said.

Magnus smiled and tenderly stroked her hair. "Then, shall I stay here?" he questioned.

"No. You should go and find out the real matter," Alora opined. Magnus pulled out his hand from her head and left for the central prison.

**At Present**

"This human is making me wait, Brother. I think he should die without seeing the painful death of the one, who ordered to slaughter his family," Magnus said and approached Rubin with lightning speed.

"Let me stay as a human, Your Highness. I swear I’ll stay in your service without even turning into a vampire," Rubin proposed.

Izaak had no idea what his brother was up to.

"How do I believe you’ll stay loyal to me?" Magnus queried.

"If the prince punishes Dylan, then I will. The reason why I joined Night Saviors was because I wanted to kill him," Rubin stated with a determined gaze and honesty.

Magnus stared at him, for a few seconds before saying, "Let him rot here." He turned to leave when Rubin stopped him.

"Your Highness, I want to live as a human," Rubin truthfully told him about his feelings. "Even humans can be loyal to the vampires if they stay loyal to them," he asserted.

It was the answer that Magnus wanted to hear. For the sake of Alora, he came to see Rubin and felt that he didn’t want their bad. Merely to take the revenge, he was in Shadowbrook.

"How did you mask your scent?" asked Magnus.

"I drank a liquid, which my group provided me," Rubin stated.

"Name?" Izaak inquired.

"I am not told the name. It is a secret. Only one at the top knows about it," Rubin stated.

Izaak cast a questioning glance at Magnus, silently inquiring whether they would release Rubin.

"Yes, we must uncover why Dylan violated the law by harming a human family," Magnus declared firmly.

"Very well," Izaak conceded, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "I didn’t anticipate your involvement this way," he muttered before summoning Frederick inside.

"Release Rubin. He is departing with us," Izaak instructed Frederick.

"But—" Frederick began to object before deciding to comply with the order. With that, Rubin was released from his shackles.

"Inform Dylan that I expect to see him this evening," Magnus instructed.

"I will convey your message," Frederick assured him.

Rubin was feeling weak, his legs shaking, so he sat down to take some rest. Magnus pivoted on the heels of his boots and told Griffin to bring Rubin to the cottage.

Izaak followed his brother outside. As they walked, he asked, "Why did you decide to let him go? I know you did it for another purpose," Izaak was skeptical about his brother’s decision.

"His innocent family was slaughtered," Magnus stated plainly.

Izaak chuckled at his brother’s response. "You must be joking. Magnus has never been one to care about anyone’s family. His concern extends only to Alora," he countered firmly.

"My older brother knows me all too well," Magnus replied, offering a smile in return.

"Tell me, what are you thinking?" Izaak pressed once more.

"Nothing. My mind is blank for now," Magnus replied evasively, opting not to divulge his true motive to Izaak.

"You should share with me, at least," Izaak insisted.

"First, tell me that you’ll let Alora join the Vampire Council along with me," Magnus brought a condition before telling him the motive for helping Rubin.

"Father will intervene. Do you think the vampires will be happy seeing a human joining their council? Don’t forget Alora isn’t an ordinary human," Izaak reasoned as to why he couldn’t let Alora join.

"Brother Izaak has all sorts of excuses to not let Alora join the Vampire Council," Magnus complained. "I want to work alongside Alora. There will be nothing wrong with that. We won’t affect anyone’s work," he added.

"But Alora isn’t a vampire and also carries special eyes," said Izaak, stressing the fact that noble vampires would rebel against his decision. "I already told you the way Alora can join the council: either turn her into a vampire or show everyone that anyone can look into her eyes without fear," he pronounced with a serious tone.

Chapter 112: In a more satisfying way

Alora eagerly greeted Magnus as he entered, finding him reclining on the mattress. She approached him on her knees, offering to fetch him some water.

"Yes, please. I could use a drink," Magnus replied.

Alora rose from the bed and swiftly returned with a glass of water, handing it to Magnus, who expressed his gratitude with a nod of thanks.

After Magnus finished the water, Alora promptly placed the glass on the bedside table. Intrigued, she inquired about the vampire hunter’s ability to bring someone back from the dead.

"You were correct, Alora," Magnus began, sitting up. "The vampire hunter harbors no ill will toward us; his revenge is against the one who took his family from him," he explained.

"What? His family was murdered? By whom?" Alora was taken aback by the revelation.

"Well, it is the Vampire Head of Shadowbrook, Dylan Tresvon. It seems he wanted something from Dylan’s family. I decided not to punish Rubin, who is the vampire hunter, since it would be injustice to him," Magnus asserted. He couldn’t believe he intervened in the matter of a human and a vampire, who weren’t related to him.

"His Highness did right," Alora stated proudly.

"I can do anything for you," Magnus said. "Do you feel better now?" he asked.

"Hmm. I have been resting for almost three days," Alora reminded him.

"It’s good to rest in this time," Magnus answered. "I have brought Rubin here. He will go with us to Velaris," he added.

"Uh? Why?" Alora was confused.

"Because Rubin is an honest man. We need to develop good relationships with humans. I mean I have to, so that I can gather supporters for you," Magnus stated.

Alora’s heart swelled with appreciation at Magnus’s words. As he leaned down to remove his boots, she surprised him with a soft kiss on his cheek. Magnus tilted his head, intrigued, and sat up straight. Alora mirrored his movement, her fingers curling nervously.

"That’s all I can offer you for now," Alora whispered softly.

"Then offer it in a more satisfying way," Magnus suggested. Before Alora could react, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss, his gentle nibbles sending shivers down her spine. His hand found the back of her head, drawing her closer in a tender embrace.

Alora breathed out as they withdrew and peered into his eyes. She brought her hand small hands to caress his face as she admired him inwardly.

They both were disturbed by a knock on the door. Alora was quick to move back and told him she would check. As she went to the door and opened it, a servant presented a scroll to her with her gaze down.

"Your Highness, the King has sent this."

Alora took the scroll from her when Magnus came to her side. "Let me check," he said.

"I’ll read. Where I get stuck, you can help me," Alora replied and went to bed.

Magnus also went there after closing the door and saw Alora opening the scroll. She began reading and her expression changed.

Magnus snatched the scroll from her and tucked it away. "Read it later," he instructed, recognizing its significance regarding Venus.

"The King emphasized its importance," Alora countered.

"Who holds greater importance for you – your husband or this message?" Magnus pressed.

Alora chuckled at the question. "You are more important," and reached for the scroll, but Magnus deftly evaded her grasp.

"Your Highness!?" Alora held a bewildered gaze at him. "The King must have something important to tell us. You should not ignore the message," she asserted.

"Father wants us to return early, nothing more. I told Tobias not to share information with anyone, but he didn’t listen to me," Magnus stated, feeling annoyed.

"Oh. Then, we should go back after 2-3 days," Alora said.

"No. That’s too early," Magnus refused. "Would you like to have some fruits?" he asked and rose to his feet. "I’ll be back soon." He rushed outside, leaving Alora in bewilderment.

Magnus ran downstairs while holding the scroll and opened it. Reading it, he found it was indeed about Venus. King Esmond wanted them to return soon to clarify the matter.

"What’s going on?" Izaak inquired, leaning in to read the message over Magnus’s shoulder. "Father wants us to return, at your father-in-law’s behest," he relayed.

"We’re not heading back so soon," Magnus declared, pulling his brother’s head away from his shoulder.

"Don’t tell me you’ll keep this from Alora," Izaak remarked, noting Magnus’s silence. It was evident that Magnus had no intention of informing Alora about the situation unfolding in Velaris. "Venus is in prison, and she’ll likely blame Alora. Do you want to see more tears in your wife’s eyes?" Izaak queried, observing Magnus as he neatly folded the scroll.

"No, that won’t happen. This is my chance to deal with Venus as I see fit. She deserves to languish in prison a while longer. And Brother, you won’t breathe a word of this to Alora. If you do, I won’t speak to you," Magnus asserted firmly.

"This isn’t a good way to shut my mouth, Magnus," Izaak stated.

"What do you want then? You’ve everything with you," Magnus asserted.

"Let me use Alora’s eyes on someone," Izaak said.

"Never," Magnus refused it immediately.

"I am ready to do what you desire from me. Can’t you do something for me, Younger Brother?" Izaak queried.

"Why don’t you ask Alora about it yourself? She may agree with you. And don’t open your mouth in front of Alora regarding this message," Magnus said and headed to the kitchen to order the servants to give him a bowl full of fruits.

Izaak rolled his eyes watching his brother leave. "They both are tough to please. However, Magnus should not keep it a secret from his wife about Venus’s imprisonment," he murmured. It was tough to make Magnus understand and he feared that their father might punish Magnus this time for not listening to him. "When will Magnus understand that rules are made to follow them," he shook his head and sighed.

Chapter 113: Behind closed doors

"I’d like to go for a walk," Alora announced, turning to face Magnus as they stood on the balcony of their room. "It feels like I’ve been cooped up in this house for months," she lamented, remembering past restrictions on her outings.

"Alright, I’ll accompany you," Magnus agreed. "Would you like to freshen up first?" he inquired.

"Do you think I don’t look good in this outfit?" Alora queried, seeking his opinion.

"You look lovely. I simply thought you might prefer another gown," Magnus explained.

"This one is comfortable. Moreover, we aren’t going far. Just for a walk around the cottage," Alora replied. She hooked her arm around his and walked out of the room. As they descended the stairs, Alora found out the living room was empty unlike the other days. Though she didn’t ask about it and went straight out of the house.

"It’s wonderful to be under the clear sky, enjoying the gentle breeze," Alora commented, relishing the outdoor atmosphere.

As they walked through the pavement, Alora suddenly said, "I got a nightmare."

"Nightmare? When did this happen?" Magnus asked, his concern evident.

"Last night," Alora answered. "It was about my mother," she added.

Magnus furrowed his brows, leaning in to listen intently. "What happened? What did you see?" he inquired.

"It was awful, Magnus. I saw her grave," Alora confessed, her pace slowing as she spoke, mirrored by Magnus’s own deceleration. "I want to see my mother. I think a grave danger will befall on her," she asserted.

"It was a nightmare for a reason, Alora," Magnus told her not to think much about it.

"But Brother Izaak had a vision that my eyes would burn my mother. That should not happen. How will I survive if something happens to my mother?" Alora questioned him, her voice delivered her fear.

"Nothing will happen to your mother. Also, she loves you. Izaak’s vision was wrong. Why would she get burned?" Magnus asked her to think about it once.

"Brother Izaak said that his visions always comes true," Alora stated.

Now, Magnus halted and so did she. They both faced each other. "You are right. However, your mother cannot die as per the vision my brother saw. That’s absolutely ridiculous. If anyone loves you even more than me, then that’s Lady Rhea. Your eyes harms only those who think ill of you," he proclaimed, reminding her about Stella’s words.

Alora lowered her eyes. Her heart was restless since the morning. She put on a smile, thinking the fear would leave her. However, it didn’t happen.

Magnus placed his hands on her shoulders and continued, "Look at me, Alora." She met his red orbs, ready to listen to him further. "What is written in the destiny that will happen. Since you are concerned about your mother, we should return tomorrow. And you cannot ruin your present thinking about Izaak’s vision. Do you understand?"

Alora simply nodded. His words brought her comfort, but not completely. "We were here to spend time together. I must have upset you for asking you to take me back to Velaris," she stated, feeling low.

"Not at all. Let’s return to Velaris tomorrow then. I will tell Louis to make the preparations for it," Magnus asserted.

As Alora prepared to express her gratitude, the tranquil moment was abruptly shattered by the thundering hooves of approaching horses. Their attention snapped forward as a carriage came to an abrupt halt before them.

Sensing the tension, Alora instinctively averted her gaze, while Magnus recognized the visitor without needing a glance.

Stepping out from the carriage, a familiar figure extended greetings to the duo, breaking the silence that had settled over them.

"Dylan Tresvon, a pleasure to see you after such an absence," Magnus greeted warmly.

"Likewise, Your Highness," Dylan replied, his gaze briefly shifting to Alora. "Congratulations on your marriage. It took us all by surprise," he remarked.

Magnus chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Surprised that I wedded the most formidable woman alive?"

"Everyone was surprised when Prince Magnus married the Curse of Velaris," Dylan remarked without putting much thought on his statement.

"You dared to say that at my face," Magnus stated with a grim look.

"Everyone whispered it behind closed doors," Dylan continued, unfazed by Magnus’s reaction. "Forgive my bluntness, Your Highness. But it’s a sentiment echoed by many," he added, standing his ground.

Despite Magnus’s imposing demeanor, Dylan remained unperturbed, knowing he had the backing of the King himself. Once a counselor in the royal court, Dylan had long since moved on to Shadowbrook, where his influence still held sway.

Magnus never liked Dylan and he got one more reason to take his life.

"Come inside," Magnus said and took Alora with him.

They sat on the couch when Louis came to the living room.

"Bring Rubin," Magnus ordered, his tone tinged with steel. "Take a seat, Dylan," Magnus instructed, gesturing toward the couch, his demeanor betraying none of the animosity brewing within him.

"Why did His Highnesd summon me?" Dylan inquired casually from his seat on the couch. Magnus’s response was swift and serious.

"You’ve committed a grave act, Dylan," he stated firmly.

Dylan’s laughter rang out, dismissing Magnus’s words as jest. "You’ve not lost your wit, Prince Magnus," he remarked softly.

Rising to acknowledge Prince Izaak’s presence, Dylan paid his respects with a courteous bow. Despite Alora’s instinct to stand, Prince Izaak signaled for her to remain seated.

"Why did you order the murder of a human family? Speak truth in front of me. You know what power I hold," Magnus said with an intimidating gaze.

By then, Rubin had come to the living room with Louis. His blood boiled to see Dylan and he clenched his fists.

"Rubin, tell your sister’s name," Magnus said.

"It was Pansy Karlson, Your Highness," Rubin answered.

Dylan’s facial expressions changed to hear that name and he finally gazed at Rubin.

"Why did you murder the Karlson family? You know that vampires get punished severely for harming the humans," Magnus stated, glaring in Dylan’s direction.

 

Chapter 114: Her first victory

"Your Highness, that’s tough to explain," Dylan stated.

"Why? When you gave out the order to kill them, didn’t you think it can turn tougher later?" Magnus mockingly asked.

"Not to mention, because of your craziness, a human turned into a vampire hunter," Izaak remarked, shifting his glance at Rubin.

"Dylan, a moment ago, your mouth acted sharply. Now, you are so quiet. What’s the reason? Don’t tell me you now fear the consequences of your actions," Magnus affirmed, feeling a bit glad because Dylan was in his clutches now.

"I liked Pansy Karlson. We both saw each other for some time and when I asked her to be my mistress, she refused. I ordered my men to kill her since Pansy could be a threat to me. However, a mistake occurred, ending the life of everyone in that house, leaving only Mr. Rubin alive." Dylan answered with such a calm face as if it wasn’t a big matter.

Magnus chuckled and he taunted, "So, you cheated on your dear wife with Pansy. You decided to kill a human just because you couldn’t satisfy your ego of getting a rejection. I think Brother Izaak shall make the righteous decision from here onward."

Dylan felt scared and he apologized to Rubin.

"Dylan, you cannot stay in the position of the Head of this region anymore. Also, your trial will go in Velaris. You tried to keep it a secret from everyone. The laws are clear. Innocent humans cannot be harmed at any cost," Izaak announced his decision.

"Brother, I don’t think a trial is needed. Dylan deserves to die," Magnus stated.

"I have a family, Your Highness. I’ll make sure Mr. Rubin starts a fresh life and will provide him everything," Dylan tried to convince them not to do that.

"Except for a family," Alora pronounced, bringing their attention to her. "Firstly, keeping an extramarital affair outside the marriage is wrong. Secondly, Mr. Dylan Tresvon ordered to kill Miss Pansy merely because she didn’t wish to live as a mistress. Thirdly, Mr. Rubin’s wounds can never be filled with any material thing that Mr. Dylan claims to give him. Humans have lesser strength than vampires. That doesn’t give the vampires a right to abuse it whomever they want to."

Alora was frustrated with the fact that Dylan wanted to buy Rubin’s happiness with some money. All he cared about was his own family, neglecting the others.

"Princess Alora isn’t supposed to intervene in the conversation of the vampires. Pansy started blackmailing me for money only. She didn’t want to be my mistress, but she wanted my money. Such filthy humans don’t deserve to live," Dylan said.

Alora curled her fingers as she felt agitated. "Will Prince Izaak not give Dylan the punishment of death?" she asked.

"Well, the protocols must be followed," Izaak answered.

"When my entire family was murdered, vampires didn’t remember those protocols. I want Dylan to be dead– that will be the true justice for me," he pronounced with a furious tone.

"I tried meeting the council, but I was refused entry saying humans should complain it to the Magistrate for the humans. When I went there, my case wasn’t taken just because I didn’t have sufficient proof. If I get injustice today, my trust in the King and his administration will end. I want the vampires to see my pain as well, and the months of trauma and torture I underwent," Rubin blurted out the odds he had to face just because he wanted to follow the protocols.

"Brother, I don’t think we need any kind of protocols here. I have promised Rubin to provide him justice. Please just give out the order to take out Dylan’s heart in front of everyone in the market," Magnus requested his brother.

Dylan was terrified to hear that. He was now on his knees in front of the princes. "Please don’t do that. I’ll not stay as the Head Of Shadowbrook. Please don’t kill me," he pleaded this time.

Magnus chuckled as he shook his head. "Remember what did you call my wife outside? I cannot let you go easily, Dylan," he proclaimed.

Alora felt that the vampires needed to be empathetic toward the humans too. If he would be killed, then the vampires might feel angrier. They might not understand Dylan was wrong.

"We should go with Prince Izaak’s advice," Alora said, making Magnus puzzled while Rubin irritated.

"The Vampire Council should have humans too for those conflicts, which occurred between the humans and the vampires. Such matters if handled by both can bring better outcomes. Rubin, let’s follow the protocols because that way the vampires will think twice about abusing their powers on the humans," Alora suggested to him.

Izaak was impressed with Alora’s presence of mind. All this time, he found Alora naive. But she was quite smart.

"Princess Alora, please ask the princes to pardon me this time. I will never do such a thing again," Dylan requested her, thinking she might melt away.

"You should be punished, Dylan. I could have used my eyes to burn you because you did utterly wrong with Rubin. However, I want every vampire to understand that we humans are as equal as them, and that’s why you must undergo the trial. You will be punished for what you did," Alora announced with a determined tone.

Rubin now realized who Alora was– she was the woman with the most unique eyes in the world.

"I agree with Princess Alora," Rubin stated.

"Louis, call Frederick and tell him to imprison Dylan Tresvon. Send a message at his home telling them they don’t need to come here to beg for his life," Magnus instructed Louis, who readily followed the order.

Dylan felt stuck, but he believed that in the capital, King Esmond would save him. He would never want to punish his loyal, who worked for years for him and still did.

"Alora, you are smart. I will make you and Magnus join the Vampire Council. I didn’t expect you to carve a way for yourself given your personality," Izaak stated while taunting her.

"Thank you, Brother Izaak," Alora said and smiled. This was her first victory in her journey and she would do her best to win the people’s trust in her.

Chapter 115: Can enchant anyone

After Dylan was taken away, Magnus shifted his gaze at Rubin. "Are you satisfied now? Dylan will face consequences once he’s brought to the capital," Magnus declared.

"Let’s not jump to conclusions, Brother," Izaak interjected, rising from his seat. Turning to Rubin, he revealed, "Our father, the King, shares a close bond with Dylan. There’s a chance he may escape severe punishment." With that, Izaak vanished from the room.

Rubin turned to Magnus, seeking confirmation, "Is that true, Your Highness?"

"I believe my brother was jesting. Our father wouldn’t be unjust to you," Magnus reassured Rubin, though uncertainty lingered in his words.

"Rubin, trust in my husband’s word," Alora chimed in, her touch comforting as she placed her hand on his arm, her gaze brimming with affection for Magnus. "Prince Magnus keeps his promises. You can rely on him. He’s proven it to me countless times," she affirmed.

Magnus chuckled at her praise. "You flatter me, my dear. Don’t heap too much praise upon me," he quipped with am amusing expression gracing his face.

"I trust Prince Magnus," Rubin said. "I thought Princess Alora used to wear the blindfold. That’s what I heard from the people," he clarified as Magnus looked at him once again.

"Alora decided to not live like a blind person when she’s not the one," Magnus replied.

Rubin settled into the seat across from them, a silent acknowledgment of his newfound ease with Magnus.

"But I don’t look at anyone with bare eyes. So, Rubin doesn’t need to fear me," Alora stated with a tiny smile on her lips.

"Then, how can she look at Prince Magnus?" Rubin was curious to know.

"Because I don’t fear her eyes. Do you want to look into her eyes?" Magnus amusedly asked her.

"No."

"Yes."

Alora and Rubin answered at the same time. She was astonished to find that there existed one more person, who willingly wanted to look in her eyes.

"Interesting!" Magnus commented and he leaned close to Alora’s ears. "You should test your power," he whispered.

"I don’t fear Princess Alora’s gaze. I’d like to meet her eyes," Rubin declared with a smile, displaying an uncommon eagerness. Magnus frowned slightly at Rubin’s enthusiasm, feeling a twinge of jealousy creeping in.

Till now, no man ever dared to make such a move on his wife.

"Alora won’t look at you. Go away," Magnus suddenly said, his reaction perplexed both of them.

"But I-I thought–"

"Don’t think anything!" Magnus ordered him. He grasped Alora’s hand and took her out again.

"Did I do something wrong?" Rubin murmured, unable to understand why Magnus suddenly got angry at him.

"Because you attempted to make a move on my dear Sister-in-law," Izaak said, who had returned to the living room with a silver cup in his hand.

Immediately Rubin stood up and shook his head. "My intention wasn’t that. I would never dare to do that," Rubin said while furrowing his brows together in embarassment.

Izaak smiled and enjoyed his drink.

"What is His Highness drinking?" Rubin inquired.

"Blood," Izaak replied.

Rubin gulped and he suddenly felt scared.

"Don’t worry. I won’t suck out your blood. My dear brother wants you to work for him, so I cannot probably harm you. However, if you betray him, then I may," Izaak asserted, causing Rubin to shiver in fear.

"I won’t betray my savior," Rubin replied.

"Rubin, please come this way with me. I’ll show you the room, where you will stay," Louis interjected and gestured to Rubin to follow him.

Exhaling deeply, Izaak murmured, "I cannot believe we will have now two humans arround us."

~~~~

"Could you please slow down, Prince Magnus?" Alora requested gently. "We’re quite a distance from the cottage," she added, urging him to ease his pace.

Magnus came to a halt and released her hand, his expression stern. "You can’t smile like that in front of any man, except for me," he commanded firmly.

"Pardon?" Alora’s eyes widened in confusion at Magnus’s command. "When did I smile, Magnus?" she inquired, genuinely puzzled.

"You did, earlier, with Rubin," Magnus responded, his tone firm.

"Did I?" Alora struggled to recall the moment, unsure of what Magnus was referring to. Alora chuckled and playfully swatted Magnus’s arm. "His Highness shouldn’t be jealous. It was just a normal conversation," she reassured him.

"Why would I be jealous of a mere human?" Magnus retorted, dismissing her assertion with a hint of amusement.

"You were jealous. You told me not to smile in front of any man in a certain way," Alora stated and took a step close to him. She moved her arms slowly to his shoulders and peered into his eyes.

"I admit that I got jealous of Rubin," Magnus confessed, his gaze meeting hers.

"We are married, Magnus. You know that I’m yours only," Alora said, smiling at him.

Magnus placed his thumbs on her cheeks and nodded at her statement. "However, my wife is the prettiest woman in the kingdom. I’m glad only I can look at you currently because your eyes are charming and they can enchant anyone. They can make any person fall in love with them," he asserted.

Alora tenderly kissed his lips. "These eyes hold love for one man only, and that man is Magnus Lukeson, the Vampire Prince," she declared with affection.

She nibbled on his lips this time while standing on her toes. Magnus wrapped his arm around her back and leaned down, making her rest on her feet. They shared a fervent kiss under the evening sky, for a minute.

"Come, I’ll show you something magical," Magnus invited, taking her hand and leading her forward.

"But it’s getting dark. Should we venture far from the cottage?" Alora questioned, her concern evident.

"You can only see it at night," Magnus explained, guiding her away from the narrow pathway with a firm grip on her hand.

After an hour of walking, they finally arrived near a waterfall. A swing was attached to a huge tree just beside it.

"I used to come here when I was much younger, around 17 or 18," Magnus reminisced, guiding Alora to sit on the swing.

"This place truly is magical," Alora remarked, taking in the serene surroundings.

"Not as magical as what’s to come," Magnus declared with a smile, giving her a gentle push on the swing.