Ch. 126..130: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 126-130

Chapter 126: A biased person like you

As Alora and Magnus returned to the palace in their chamber, the first voice they heard was of Madam Aubrey.

"Alora, my dear, why are you punishing us like this? Your sister is in prison while your father is forced to leave his position as the High Chancellor. You want me to beg you, then I will do that," said Madam Aubrey. "I will get on my knees to save my crumbling family if that’s the apology you desire, Alora. Please just forgive them both," she stated.

"Why don’t you get on your knees before my mother?" Alora asked her grandmother.

"Wh-what?" Madam Aubrey’s reaction was mixed. She didn’t know why Alora said that.

"You should beg forgiveness from my mother, Madam Aubrey," Alora sternly said. She didn’t call her ’grandmother’, which was the first change the entire Wilson Family noticed in her.

Rhea didn’t know what happened with her daughter, but she was happy with this change. Alora stood for herself, commanding everyone, which made Rhea proud of her for some reason.

"Alora, she is my mother, your grandmother," Norman intervened since he felt it was an insult.

"Will you please stay quiet? I am here to make the decision. Then, let me do my work," Alora pronounced. "Whatever happened with Venus is because of the filth Madam Aubrey filled in her head. You always knew it, yet you blamed my mother for everything. I’m happy that a biased person like you is removed from the position of the High Chancellor," she stated.

Norman was humiliated, but he kept his tongue sealed now. Another word and he didn’t know what Magnus would do to him since he had been glaring at him since the moment he entered the drawing room with Alora.

"Alora, we should sit first," Magnus said and took her to the sofa. "Lady Rhea, have a seat," he offered only her.

"I’m fine this way, Your Highness," Rhea said. She didn’t wish to sit down in the presence of her husband and mother-in-law, who were still standing.

"Mother shall sit down," Alora said this time. "She doesn’t have to fear these people," she asserted.

"Rhea, sit down. Don’t be hesitant," Norman told his wife this time. Rhea sat down across from them, wondering what Alora had in her mind.

"Madam Aubrey didn’t kneel before my mother for destroying her family," Alora remarked, narrowly glancing at her.

"She is old, Alora. I will do it," Norman opined and stepped up.

"No. Madam Aubrey should do it," Alora clarified to her father.

"I will do it if that’s what removes your anger," said Madam Aubrey.

"Also, tell everyone why you wished to kill my mother even before I was born," Alora suddenly instructed her.

Magnus gazed at Alora with a perplexed glance.

"What did you say, Alora? Why would I do it? This girl has lost her mind, Norman. I am humiliated enough," Madam Aubrey suddenly turned furious.

Alora chuckled to see how her grandmother wanted to escape the truth. However, she was determined to bring the truth from years ago in front of her family. To protect all of them, it was necessary to show them what Aubrey truly was.

"Venus isn’t going to leave that prison ever if you step out without telling the truth," Alora pronounced.

Norman furrowed his brows together as he looked at his mother. "What is it about? Do you really~" His words trailed off since he was unable to believe that his mother would ever try to harm Rhea.

"I have no idea what Alora is saying," Madam Aubrey said. "Why would I even attempt to kill Rhea?" She pretended not to know anything.

"I shall remind Madam Aubrey then," Alora stated. "When I was born, the midwife and her assistant were burned alive as soon as my gaze fell upon them. That’s because they both wanted to kill Mother after my birth on your order," she asserted.

"Norman, your daughter has turned mad. What kind of accusation is she putting on me? I don’t want to stay here for another second," Madam Aubrey was ready to leave.

"Mother, I met the woman who blessed me with these eyes in Shadowbrook. I asked her why she chose me and not the others. Stella, the Lunar Goddess told me that it was Madam Aubrey, who attempted to murder and my eyes merely wanted to protect you," Alora pronounced, revealing the truth to Rhea and the others, who were unaware of it.

"I can read minds. I know what all of you are thinking at the moment. Norman, your mother indeed started all the terrible things in your family. Madam Aubrey attempted to murder my mother-in-law that day," he stated, supporting the claims of Alora.

"They are lying, Norman. Alora wants us to be destroyed," Madam Aubrey said, telling his son not to believe those two.

"Norman, your daughter’s eyes are harmless as long as the person before her doesn’t think wrong about her. Now, it’s up to you to decide whether to save your family or not," Magnus remarked.

"Father must have seen how his mother always filled Venus’s ears against me. Even my own younger brother hates me. Father is no lesser than his mother, but he indeed let me grow up in his house. I know you’ve always liked Venus more than me and I never complained about it. Even now, I have no complaints. However, what Venus did should not have ever happened. She can be punished to death because she plotted against me, who is now a Princess."

Norman had observed the activities of his mother for a long time. "Why did Mother do this? She knew my choice was always Rhea," he finally questioned his mother.

"Son, I-I..."

"I don’t know what to say. The Wilson Family wasn’t supposed to become a laughing stock," Norman said, lowering his head as he finally realized the damage that occurred in his family.

"Well, Norman, you are an equal participant in this. You never treated Alora as your daughter. So, your position will not be restored," Magnus announced his decision.

Chapter 127: The right decision

"Please don’t do that, Your Highness. I’ve realized my mistakes. I’m ready to repent for those mistakes," Norman pleaded. He even requested Alora to forgive him this time.

"Unfortunately, I cannot forgive you," Alora responded.

Norman asked Rhea to tell their daughter to forgive him.

"The decision will remain unchanged," Alora stated, not letting her mother intervene. She then continued, "I want Madam Aubrey not to live under the same roof as my mother’s. So, Father make sure that Madam Aubrey is sent away. Will you do it?" She asked.

"Alora is lying. Why would a Lunar Goddess come to her? She thinks we are fools," Madam Aubrey opposed her this time. She told Norman that they should have gone to the King instead of coming to Alora.

"The King, who is my father, doesn’t want to hear this case. He is irritated with all of you," Magnus asserted.

"If Father wants to save his family, then he must throw away the person, who created holes in it," Alora remarked. "Until Madam Aubrey is in that house, he will keep seeing his downfall," she asserted.

"Don’t listen to her son. No mother wants her son’s bad," Madam Aubrey replied. "Elliot, tell your father to not listen to Alora."

"I will send my mother away," Norman proclaimed. He knew Alora would never put false claims in front of him, nor Magnus would, who could read the thoughts. He didn’t wish to escalate the drama and wanted to talk with his mother out at home. He needed to confront her.

Madam Aubrey glanced at him with shock. How could her son not trust her? There was no evidence of her doing so, then why? She suddenly turned silent since she knew nothing could be done anymore. She made a mistake by accompanying Rhea.

Rhea finally spoke and looked at her daughter. "For me, you three are equal. What Venus did cannot be changed, so I won’t force you to take any decision. What you feel is right, I will accept that."

"I don’t know if I should forgive Venus or not. I cannot differentiate between her truth and lies. She fooled me once, which cost me a lot. I felt numb and a burden. I don’t know what I’ve done wrong that she wanted to kill me," Alora said in a low voice. She was upset and hurt more than anyone. Her words showed it.

Rhea’s eyes welled up in tears because Alora was broken this time. She gazed at her husband and her mother-in-law, who contributed to Venus’s downfall. It was a question of her upbringing too.

"Venus shall stay imprisoned. I know how to discipline my sister. Mother has to bear for a while this. I am deeply sorry for not being able to free Venus. Because if I do, I don’t know what can happen," Alora announced her decision. She was never heartless on any of her family members. But this time she had to.

Magnus didn’t expect this decision from Alora given her nature.

"What if Sister Venus never changes!?" Elliot asked in a worried tone.

"Then, she may have to spend her whole life in prison," Alora proclaimed, holding her tears back. "If there was someone else in Venus’s place, the person was given a death sentence. I am still biased in my decision, I believe."

Both Rhea and Norman didn’t oppose Alora’s decision, nor did they ask her to consider it once.

"I think the matter has been resolved. All of you should leave," Magnus said.

Rhea got up from her place and so did Alora. She hugged Alora, patting her head. "Take care," she whispered, and then, she pulled away. Norman, too, patted her hand gently and then walked away, followed by Elliot, who took his grandmother with him. Rhea was the last one to leave when Magnus asked Tobias to escort his in-laws safely back to their residence.

"Did I do well?" Alora asked.

"Incredible," Magnus replied.

"Mother is upset. I know, she is hurt the most. I felt if I pardoned Venus, she may increase Mother’s headache. Moreover, releasing Venus would not be the right decision," Alora stated.

Magnus agreed to her. "Your decision was perfect. You even threw away the leech in the Wilson Family. I’m surprised you decided to bring that," he amusedly said.

"If grandmother hadn’t come here, I would not have," Alora said, fiddling with her fingers.

Magnus gently caught her hand, intertwining their fingers. "I believe everything will work out for your family now," he assured her.

"I share the same hope," Alora whispered back. A tear fell onto Magnus’s hand, prompting him to lift her chin tenderly. She buried her face in his chest, allowing herself a few minutes to cry before pulling away.

As she wiped the tears from the back of her hand, her nose and ears remained red from crying.

"Feeling better?" Magnus asked her, his fingers stroking her hair.

"Yes," Alora nodded at him. "Let’s go in. You should take rest," she murmured and stood up.

Magnus pulled her down to his lap, wrapping his arms around her lower back. His face inched closer to her and he said, "I don’t need rest. I want to look into your eyes to feel better."

Alora smiled at his words. After peering at each other for a few seconds, she asked, "Isn’t it enough? Tobias may arrive any time and may see us."

Magnus brushed her hair tenderly and he buried his face in the crook of her neck. "I will find out before him if he arrives," he whispered. "What perfume have you used today?" he asked.

"I don’t know what it was. I didn’t ask Selvina," Alora replied.

"I think it’s a mix of roses and lavender," Magnus brushed his nose on her neck, which was ticklish for her. She giggled and asked Magnus if he would stop.

"I stopped," Magnus faced her and saw how pretty she looked while smiling. His eyes landed on her lips, which were inviting him to kiss her.

Chapter 128: Our pure breed of vampires

"Stop that, Lillian. You aren’t supposed to complain about Magnus to me. Who even told you to take Norman and Elliot to their chamber?" Izaak questioned her. His fingers danced around the rim of his wine cup, the liquid within swirling as he lifted it to his lips for a sip.

"But Brother Magnus could not have attempted to kill me. Brother Izaak shall use his authority. This feels so wrong. Brothers are supposed to save their sister," Lillian said with a troubled glance.

"Magnus doesn’t like us intervening in his in-laws family matters. Do you understand, Lily? Next time you do it, he may not hesitate to pierce the stake through your chest. So, better stay away from him," Izaak suggested to her and he drank the wine.

"Alora is the reason why Brother Magnus treated me in such a terrible way," Lillian asserted.

Izaak placed the cup on the table and scratched his eyebrow. "Alora isn’t a villain of his life. Learn to respect her. She is a nice human. I would say she is the best person I got to know," he stated.

Lillian was astonished to hear her brother’s words.

"Brother Izaak sounds strange. He is praising a woman. He never even talked in such a way about any of his dead wives," Lillian remarked. It was tough to please Izaak, even tougher than Magnus.

"You wanted my opinion and gave you one along with free advice. Whining in front of me won’t give you any results. You should stay away from Magnus’s affairs for your long life. Ahh, and don’t try to harm our sister-in-law. If you do, even I won’t save you," Izaak stated after warning her.

"I’ve no interest in harming Alora. I dislike her because she’s a human and our pure breed of vampires got impure by her inclusion in our family," Lillian replied.

"Try not saying this in front of Magnus. Focus on your growth or better get married so that you would not see Alora anymore," Izaak suggested to her.

"I won’t get married this early," said Lillian.

"Well, then keep your mouth shut and mind your business, Lily. I hope you do that," Izaak said and he rose from his feet. "I want to go out. You shall leave for your room," he said and walked away.

Lillian sighed and decided to stay away from Magnus. She touched her neck and still felt the pain.

~~~~~

"Norman, are you sending me away? Do you believe Alora? She lied to all of you to prove her authority over us," Madam Aubrey told her son as soon as they arrived home.

"Let’s say Alora lied, but Prince Magnus would not have. Mother, I need to rectify my mistakes. It was wrong to give you this household, where you destroyed my family. I always despised Alora... I wasn’t a good father to her. You truly need to leave this house and spend the rest of your life in Elmswood. I will frequently visit you, but you can’t live in this house anymore after what you planned against Rhea," Norman clearly announced his decision to everyone present there. Before his mother could speak, he left for his room, followed by his wife.

Elliot gazed at his grandmother. "Why did you think of doing that, Grandma? Mother has always been so good to you," he said with a disappointed look.

"You all are believing a wrong person," Madam Aubrey stated.

"Grandma, what Alora said today made me open my eyes. I feared her because I was told from a young age that her eyes kill. Mother wanted me to be a good brother, but I couldn’t do that. I never tried to talk to her because I feared she would kill me. Even while growing up, you always told us all sorts of stories about Alora. She is right. Venus turned evil because you turned her against Alora. When Venus was wrong, you never once scolded her. You blamed everything on Alora."

Elliot was a quiet and reserved child from a young age. He distanced himself from Alora in fear. He also turned selfish like the others in the family toward her, but today, hearing her frustration out, Elliot felt he should have been at least nicer to her. That was why he didn’t hesitate to speak his heart to his grandmother.

Finally, he walked away since he didn’t wish to spend another second in front of his grandmother.

Madam Aubrey found out she was left all alone by herself. For the first time in her life, she felt she was abandoned by all of them for whom she built this family.

Inside Norman’s and Rhea’s bedroom, Norman apologized to his wife for handing the family affairs in the wrong person’s hands. "I’m equally guilty in this. I don’t know how I should even repent. I wish Venus had listened to me," he said, hitting his head on the wall while weeping.

"Please don’t do that, My Lord!" Rhea held his arm, holding back her tears.

"What do you think will happen to Venus? How will she survive in prison? We couldn’t even see her. I don’t know anymore what to do. Alora was not wrong either. If there were someone in Venus’s place, she would be given an instant death sentence," Norman stated, feeling vulnerable. His entire life was full of pride, but in one single moment, everything was snatched from him.

"Alora knows what she is doing, Norman. Give her time. I think she is disciplining Venus. What we couldn’t do, Alora has to do," Rhea asserted, giving support to her husband not to feel low.

"However, you have to change too. Show Alora that you equally consider her as your daughter. She was so angry today. I couldn’t even say things to her," she added.

"I have decided to rectify everything. At least, Alora never put us in such a shame. As a father, I failed to give the two of my daughters equal attention. I let Venus do everything and today she skipped out of our hands. I have to turn many things right," Norman affirmed with a determined gaze.

Chapter 129: I will take it off

"Your Highness, how does this look?" Alora asked, twirling in her gown as she got ready for the evening ball in the vampire community. After such a long time, Magnus and Alora would attend such an event.

Magnus, who was reclined on the recliner straightened up to look at her. He was mesmerized to see her in the off-shoulder, short-sleeve gown of the golden color. Though the train of the gown was weighty, Alora liked it so much that she decided to wear this gown despite its heaviness.

Magnus approached her in the blink of an eye and lifted her chin. As he began kissing her, Alora gave him a gentle push. "We have to go," she reminded him.

"There’s still time," Magnus replied and again captured her lips. His same hand cradled her neck, taking another step close to her. He nipped her bottom lip, yearning a low cry from her, making him smirk. Nibbling her same lip, he soothed the pain with a gentle lick before claiming her upper lip.

After some time, both of them pulled away while gasping for air. "It’s hard to resist your temptation, Alora," Magnus whispered, his thumb tracing her lips.

She pursed her lips together when felt the brush of his lips on the center of her forehead.

"In this gown, you look enchanting," Magnus told her, his words carried his affection for her.

"I’ve something to tell His Highness," Alora said.

"Speak it, Dear," Magnus said.

"I have to wear the blindfold. It’s an important event for the vampires. I cannot become the reason for any mishap or accident," Alora answered.

"Alright. Wear it," Magnus told her. Though it pained him to see how Alora had to act blind for the sake of the others. He grabbed the blindfold from Alora and made her wear it. As he stood behind her, he grabbed her arms gently, leaning close to her ear, "Alora, during the dance, I will take it off."

"Sure," Alora agreed. "I forgot to wear my heels," she suddenly recalled.

"I will make you wear the heels. Stay here," Magnus said. She missed the cold touch of his hands on her arms as he wasn’t in the chamber. However, a few seconds later, she felt his presence.

Magnus took her toward the recliner and made her sit on it. He himself got on his knees and made her wear the golden heels. Holding her hand, Magnus pulled her up and then, took her outside. Tobias and Selvina also followed them to the grand ballroom in the palace.

Alora was excited to mingle among the vampires, but at the same time, she was ready for criticism from them. As their name was announced, everyone present in the ballroom, turned their attention to them.

The King was delighted to see them, appreciating Alora’s gesture of respecting others’ space by donning the blindfold.

"Why is it so silent?" Alora whispered.

"Because none can take their eyes off us," Magnus replied.

"Is it so?" For Alora, it was hard to believe. She felt they were silent because of her presence.

Lillian looked at her gown and then, at Alora’s. "Why is her better than mine?" she grumbled and then, went to her mother to complain about it.

"Lillian, you look prettier in this. Don’t feel low," Queen Margaret told her.

"But everyone’s gazes are on her. Shouldn’t it be me?" she sharply glared in Alora’s direction.

"How old are you?" Queen Margaret asked her daughter. "You aren’t a kid anymore. Don’t be childish. It’s an important event for us vampires. So, enjoy the night," she opined.

Magnus and Alora finally halted in front of the King and Queen. They both curtsied to them. Though Margaret didn’t like Alora, she didn’t hate her either. "You look pretty, Alora," she complimented her, thus instantly bringing a smile to Alora’s lips.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Alora replied.

Magnus took Alora to the side, where his brothers were standing, keeping his arm rested on her back to support her in better walk.

"Did you tell Alora what’s the occasion today?" asked Izaak from Magnus.

"Yes. It is the celebration of the King’s reign," Alora answered immediately.

"You seem enthusiastic about this night more than the others," Izaak remarked.

"Because I’ve never been to a ball before," Alora responded. "Isn’t Brother Izaak excited about this ball?" she queried.

"I’ve attended many balls, dear Sister-in-law," Izaak replied with a boastful tone.

"I’ve heard that you can find a partner in such balls. Who knows Brother Izaak find love here?" Alora remarked while smiling.

Magnus gazed at Izaak. "Will you?" he arched his eyebrow at him.

They were interrupted by the King’s voice, who raised the cup to toast. The servants had handed the wine glasses to almost everyone to accept the toast of the King. Alora held the wine cup when Magnus asked her if she would handle it.

"Handle what?" Alora inquired.

"Wine," Magnus answered.

"Yes, I can."

As everyone present in the ballroom drank the wine after the King, they heard King Esmond speak further, "Also, this second toast is for my son and daughter-in-law. After their marriage, it is the first time to attend such an event."

Magnus looked at his father in astonishment, who was smiling at him. As the King finished the wine from the second toast, the others did the same.

The cup was taken from King Esmond and he announced, "The ball begins here!"

Taking the hand of his Queen, the King led the dance. The other couples joined them while Magnus told Alora that they should discard her blindfold.

"Umm... I think it’s better to keep it. I hope His Highness understands," Alora whispered.

"No, I don’t." Magnus stood in front of her and his hands reached to the back of her head. Taking the blindfold off her eyes, Magnus stuffed it into his pocket while Alora wandered her eyes around in the ballroom.

Magnus gently brought her to the dance floor, and he began the dance with her.

Chapter 130: Not interested in knowing

Alora was seated in a chair as she was tired after the dance, which she enjoyed. Lowering her hand after adjusting the blindfold on her eyes, Alora waited for Magnus to come. The King wanted to introduce Magnus to a few elder vampires, so he wasn’t around.

"Your Highness, good evening," a feminine voice greeted her. Alora turned her head in the direction of the voice as she heard a chair being pulled out. "I am Scarlet Lannister."

Alora’s mind flickered with recognition at the name she had heard from Izaak.

"May I sit beside Princess Alora?" Scarlet humbly inquired.

"Yes. Sure." Alora passed a tiny smile to her.

"Thank you," Scarlet said gratefully. "I’ve always wanted to speak with Her Highness, but I’ve never had the opportunity."

"Oh, why? I thought no one ever was interested in meeting me," Alora asserted.

"That’s not true. A lot of vampires wish to meet Princess Alora since she got married to Prince Magnus," Scarlet explained in her humble tone. This was Alora’s first time when she observed a female vampire from a noble family could be gentle.

"Everyone was stunned to find that Prince Magnus could look into her eyes. I have always liked him. I tried to win his heart for a long time. Then, he suddenly left the Vampire Council and shifted to Elmswood," Scarlet didn’t hesitate to tell Alora the feelings she used to carry for Magnus.

"Rest assured, Your Highness, I no longer like Prince Magnus," she added.

"I think... Destiny plays a role. I never thought I would ever get married to anyone. My eyes always scared the people around me, so I had no expectations from my own life. It was all a fairytale to me when Prince Magnus saved me, looked into my eyes, and then, proposed me," Alora proclaimed with a smile full of happiness.

"Her Highness is right. It’s all on destiny," Scarlet agreed to her. "Vampires used to fear the princess," she said with a smile.

"Now they don’t?" Alora probed with curiosity.

"I think some still do, but in my circle, most do not fear you," Scarlet asserted.

Alora felt a sense of relief and hope. She believed that if she were to join the council, they might not judge her based on her eyes.

"Prince Magnus seems to be angry with me. I apologize if my presence ever made him feel uncomfortable. I hope Princess Alora relays my message to Prince Magnus," Scarlet affirmed.

"I think you should talk to Magnus yourself. Come to see us tomorrow. I’ll be happy if we can have tea together if you drink," Alora stated. She felt it was the time for her to make friends. Perhaps, Scarlet would be her first female vampire friend.

"Your Highness, I can drink tea. I will surely come to see you tomorrow," said Scarlet, thus accepting her offer.

"Alora, you are here! Would you like to drink wine?" Izaak asked as he handed the cup to her. However, someone else, who was none other than Magnus, snatched that cup from her.

Finishing the wine, he plonked the cup on the table. Scarlet had by now risen to her feet.

"Come, Alora," Magnus helped her get up.

"Scarlet, I will see you tomorrow," Alora said and she left with Magnus.

"Why did you see her tomorrow?" Magnus inquired her.

"I became friends with her. Scarlet is such a nice... What should I say... A person or a vampire?" Alora mumbled as they halted at their places.

Magnus had unfolded the blindfold from her eyes. "You already befriended her. I don’t like her. Why do you have to make her a friend?" He complained. They were outside, on the balcony of the grand ballroom.

"It’s not good to dislike anyone for no apparent reason. I called Scarlet for tea with me tomorrow. She told me the vampires in her acquaintance do not hate me for my eyes. Also, she told me to convey a message to His Highness," Alora stated.

"What kind of message? Leave it. I’m not interested in knowing," Magnus nonchalantly replied. He then placed his hands on the balustrade and looked at the night sky.

"Why does His Highness not like Scarlet?" Alora inquired as she stood close to him.

"I don’t like those who chase," Magnus simplified his answer. "Alora, we need to test your eyes soon," he switched the topic of their conversation.

"Huh? Yes. But whom to test," Alora said.

"Someone who doesn’t know you or carry wrong feelings toward you," Magnus asserted. He then turned to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You need to overcome your fear."

Alora hummed and told him she would definitely co-operate this time. "I have to prove the King. I couldn’t look at His Majesty when he asked me to. I seriously want to end this fear," she expressed.

Suddenly, they heard the noises and the commotion coming from the ballroom.

Both Alora and Magnus turned around to find out what was going on. As they went inside the ballroom, Magnus heard that some vampires went berserk.

Griffin approached Magnus with a worried glance. "Your Highness, the vampires seemed to be in someone’s control. Prince Izaak has gone to check outside along with Prince Alaric," he informed him.

"Stay here with Alora," Magnus said and rushed out of the ballroom.

"Who can control vampires? I thought they were hard to be controlled," Alora stated.

"The witches can do that, Alora. They have always been our enemies. But that’s my suspicion. I’m not sure," Griffin stated. The ballroom started to empty since the guests present headed out to check.

"We should go too," Alora told Griffin.

"You are the only human present here. We cannot go." Griffin advised her to stay back.

"I don’t think I’ll be harmed easily," Alora said. She felt it was the moment when she should check her eyes. She should find out if they work or not. Alora recalled how she was able to calm down Magnus when he had an increased blood thirst on blood moon night.

"Are you sure? Last time things didn’t go well," Griffin reminded her.

"I feel I should go out," Alora stated.