Ch. 181..185: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 181-185

Chapter 181: Remove the curse

King Esmond settled on the central place of the plush sofa. Head Witch Gloria and Dolores were before him on the sofa chair on his right side while Caden’s family was on the left.

"Your Majesty, that was a sudden invitation," said Gloria after placing the cup on the saucer. "What could be the important matter for which His Majesty has to see us at this hour?" she curiously asked. She gazed at Dolores, wondering if she had done something.

"Dolores, why don’t you tell everyone here?" asked the King.

"I cursed a vampire because he killed my daughter," Dolores replied.

"When did this happen?" Gloria inquired.

"A month ago," Dolores answered.

Caden’s mother spoke up. "It was an accident from the carriage driver. My son was present inside the carriage. The young girl ran toward it, and... that unfortunate incident happened. I beg you, Dolores, please take back the curse," Caden’s mother pleaded with her.

"I need my daughter back. I won’t take that curse back," Dolores angrily said.

Gloria felt that the matter wasn’t easy to handle. However, she also accepted what Dolores did was completely wrong. It was a pure accident of which a vampire became a part.

Caden’s parents kept requesting Dolores, but she turned a blind eye toward them.

King Esmond observed everything and decided to intervene finally. "What does Gloria think about this? I know she has always been unbiased," said King Esmond.

Dolores glanced at Gloria when the Head Witch addressed her.

"Dolores, what happened with you was an unfortunate incident. No one shall undergo that pain. The carriage wasn’t pulled by Caden himself. He was present inside the carriage. You can’t put a curse on him for something he never intended to do. Most importantly, your actions of can truly affect our relationship with the vampires. The other witches may try to curse them even for the tiniest matters."

As expected Gloria gave an answer with an unbiased stand.

"I know it’s hard to accept, but death is inevitable. It can happen to any of us at any time. We cannot stop it, Dolores," Gloria stated.

"Mrs. Dolores, Caden has two small kids. They will turn fatherless without having any fault. Please as a mother see that part too." Caden’s mother joined her hands, ready to get down on her knees.

"I will remove the curse if Dolores doesn’t," Gloria offered.

Dolores widened her eyes, and she protested against it. "What about me? Shall justice not served to me?" she asked.

King Esmond finally spoke up. "Dolores, why don’t you tell the truth about how the young kid ran toward the carriage because you threw her toy in the direction?"

"What?" Caden’s father exclaimed in shock.

Dolores stopped blinking to hear that. She saw the shocked gazes of the others at her.

"Is it true, Dolores?" Gloria asked.

"It’s true," King Esmond replied and told Valet Peter to bring the witness. "That day something more happened, which Dolores hid from everyone. She threw the toy in the middle of the busy road, knowing how the carts and carriages move on it all the time," he affirmed.

The witness, who was a human, entered and respectfully bowed to the King.

"This is the witness, who saw Dolores throwing the toy in the middle of the road. The young child left her mother’s hand and that unfortunate accident happened," King Esmond stated.

Dolores curled her fingers as tears emerged in her eyes when the human told her the exact thing that happened a month ago.

"Peter, reward this human before sending him away," King Esmond instructed. The human was delighted and thanked the King before leaving.

"Your Majesty, I’ll remove the curse from Mr. and Mrs. Langford’s son," Gloria assured the King and glanced at Caden’s parents. "Please take me to your home. We need to remove the curse soon before anything wrong happens," she stated.

"Sure." Caden’s parents were in a hurry and they asked the King for permission to leave. Esmond told them they should leave and the three left the palace.

Dolores had her head hung low.

"You should leave too," King Esmond stated.

"W-Won’t I be punished?" Dolores asked in a trembling voice.

"There’s no use to do that. Moreover, I don’t wish to taint the relationship with any of the witches. I don’t wish to know why you threw that toy away, but I would like to know from you one thing," King Esmond pronounced, causing Dolores to lift her head.

"What does His Majesty want to know?" Dolores inquired.

"How did you hide your thoughts from Prince Magnus? This truth you didn’t let him read that," King Esmond stated, eager to know the trick she used.

Dolores told her how she used a spell to protect those thoughts from Prince Magnus.

"Can anyone use that spell?" King Esmond asked.

"Only the witches know it or their families if they practice witchcraft," Dolores replied.

"Hmm. You can leave, Dolores," King Esmond stated. He glanced at a maidservant, who was ready to escort Dolores out.

"Is Magnus still present in the palace?" King Esmond asked Peter, who just returned after rewarding and sending the human away.

"No, Your Majesty," Peter replied.

"Hmm. Call Tobias. I have to converse with him," King Esmond stated.

Peter bowed and left the chamber.

As he came out, he encountered Alaric at a short distance.

"Did everything go well?" Alaric queried Peter.

"Yes, Your Highness. His Majesty is inside. You can talk with your father," Peter said and went ahead.

Alaric felt relieved to hear that and rushed to the chamber to express gratitude to his father.

"Father, I heard that everything went well. Will Caden be safe now?" Alaric inquired.

"Yes. Gloria will remove the curse," King Esmond answered.

"Thank you, Father," Alaric said with much relief. "But how did Father do this?" he asked with a curious gaze.

"Every major incident is reported to me. Dolores was the one, who caused the accident of her daughter. In anger, she put the curse on Caden. However, everything is sorted out now. You should now prepare for your marriage. Tomorrow my dear friend and his daughter will come here to see you. Dress nicely," King Esmond stated with a smile.

"Yes, Father," Alaric replied with a fake smile.

Chapter 182: Troubling you?

The Next Morning:

At the Wilson Residence, Magnus woke up early in the morning. Odin arrived shortly after with a fresh supply of blood, and the two settled into the garden chairs.

"How is Her Highness’s family treating her now?" Odin asked.

"They’re finally acting like a proper family," Magnus replied.

"And what about Venus?" Odin inquired.

"She’s changed in unexpected ways," Magnus said, setting his cup on the table. "She’s kind to Alora and has embraced the role of a true sister. Sometimes, she reminds me of Lillian, though Lillian is still far superior to Venus," he added thoughtfully.

Odin smiled at the Prince’s thoughts. "Indeed, Princess Lillian never had a poor opinion of any of her siblings."

"Where’s Griffin? He usually comes to see me," Magnus said.

"Griffin is seeing a woman," Odin replied.

"Really? He didn’t tell me. I feel offended," Magnus remarked, though his eyes betrayed his happiness at the prospect of Griffin starting a family soon.

"What about you, Odin?" Magnus queried, lifting his cup again. He sipped the blood slowly, feeling rejuvenated.

"Nothing for now. I am enjoying my current self, Your Highness. Maybe in the future, I’ll consider it," Odin asserted. He noticed Magnus’s nearly empty cup and filled it from the jar, encouraging him to drink to his heart’s content.

"Don’t you wish to drink?" Magnus asked. "Bring a glass for yourself from inside," he added since no servant was around. He wished to have company while enjoying the meal. Odin left his seat and walked inside the mansion.

As he crossed the living room, he encountered Venus, who had some heavy utensils in her hands. He wondered where the servants were, but then turned a blind eye to it.

"Where’s the kitchen? I want a cup," Odin asked after clearing his throat.

Venus, who was walking ahead of him, halted and turned to look at him. She greeted him and said, "It’s there." She pointed her finger to her back. "I’ll give you the cup," she asserted and asked him to wait there.

"I don’t mind getting it myself," Odin said, falling into step beside her. "But where are the servants? I thought the spoiled young miss of the Wilson family didn’t like to do such work," he taunted.

"I’m not spoiled," Venus retorted. "The servants are in the storerooms, cleaning them. My mother ordered these new utensils last week, so I thought I’d take them to the kitchen," she replied, struggling with the heavy wok at the bottom of the stack. The strain was evident, and she silently regretted not asking for help from a servant.

"Can by any chance Odin help me carry a few utensils?" Venus urged.

"No. I don’t wish to help you," Odin said and walked ahead of her.

Venus’s jaw dropped down. She hadn’t seen a rude man like him and she drew her brows close. Finally, she arrived at the kitchen and found Odin was unable to spot the cups. She rested the utensils on the counter and took deep breaths.

"Where do you keep the cups?" Odin asked.

"Why should I tell you?" Venus muttered. "You didn’t help me when I asked for your help."

Odin met her gaze with a sharp glare. "Princess Alora will be quite upset to see her dear younger sister troubling the guests," he stated firmly.

"Troubling you? When did I do that?" Venus retorted, frowning. She moved to the wall cabinet and eyed a silver wine cup on the top shelf. Using a stool to reach it, she stretched up and grabbed the cup. As she turned to descend, she lost her footing and tripped.

Odin watched her stumble and fall, deliberately making no move to catch her. Instead, he laughed and got on his knees, snatching the cup from her.

"Even that stool doesn’t like you. That’s why you fell," Odin remarked, standing up. "Thank you, Venus." He smiled and exited the kitchen.

Venus got up and dusted off her gown, wincing at the bruise forming on her elbow. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Why are all the men so hateful toward me?" she whispered. She recalled how Eugene had despised her from the very first day of their marriage, his eyes always filled with disdain.

~~~~~

Alora stretched out her arms as she finally woke up. Her eyes widened when she saw the time. "I slept a lot," she murmured, quickly getting out of bed. She made the bed and neatly tucked the duvet inside the leftmost cupboard in the room.

After Alora freshened up and got ready, she went downstairs.

Her eyes sparkled to see her father and her husband talking with each other. Norman usually used to be afraid of Magnus, but at the moment, he looked free of his fear.

She slowed down and finally descended all the steps.

"Your Highness, I have farms of apple orchards and pears, along with paddy fields. That’s my main source of income now, and of course, Elliot earns as well," Norman stated.

"Norman, if you hadn’t angered me, I might not have taken such a step. You have no idea how much Alora has cried because her own father never stood up for her and saw her as a burden, a jinx," Magnus said seriously.

"I have realized my mistake," Norman affirmed. "I feel I deserve this punishment," he added.

"I’ll see what I can do for you," Magnus said.

"What is Father and my husband discussing?" Alora asked, making them both turn around. "Good morning," she greeted them with a cheerful smile.

"Nothing important. You woke up late today. Did you sleep well?" Magnus asked.

"Yes, I did. His Highness didn’t even wake me up. Let’s go for breakfast. Where are the others?" Alora suggested, glancing around.

"They are in the storerooms," Norman replied. "I will call them," he stated and walked away.

Magnus approached Alora and kissed her unexpectedly.

"Your Highness! We are in the living room," Alora exclaimed, a tiny smile playing on her lips.

"I know. But that’s how I say good morning," Magnus replied with a grin.

 

Chapter 183: A forceful marriage

Izaak examined the three dresses he had urgently ordered from the seamstress the previous day. Each dress was exquisitely crafted, which showed the seamstress’s skill despite the rush.

Zerah carefully folded and wrapped them in fine silk cloth after Izaak approved them.

"Whom does Prince Izaak wish to give these dresses?" Zerah inquired with a curious gaze. He wondered if the prince started seeing someone again.

"Someone," Izaak replied, his tone deliberately vague. He rose from his seat and approached Zerah. "Did you pack them securely?"

"Yes, I ensured they are well-protected," Zerah confirmed. "Shall I place them in the carriage now?" he asked, ready to execute the next task.

"Yes. And also put a fruit basket and other edible items in the carriage," Izaak instructed him.

Zerah looked puzzled for a moment, wondering if the prince intended to visit the human from that night. However, without any confirmation, he kept his speculations to himself.

After Zerah left, Izaak went to the dressing room to choose an overcoat to wear over his clothes. He meticulously examined his options, wanting to ensure he looked his best.

After going through several overcoats, he finally chose to wear the overcoat of white and gold combination. Spraying the exquisite perfume near his neck area, he set it down.

Izaak once again checked himself in the mirror before leaving the chamber. Upon arriving outside the carriage, Zerah informed him how he had put everything inside the carriage.

"Great job, Zerah!" Izaak stepped inside the coach and it was locked from the outside. Zerah used the horse to stay behind the carriage, not wanting the prince to go alone.

The weather wasn’t dark today, so it was easy to navigate the distance to the town where Melody’s small house was present.

Zerah got off the horse and was surprised to look at the mud house before them. "Is Prince Izaak in his right mind? Why has he come here?" Zerah murmured and heard the coach’s door being opened from the outside.

Turning to face Izaak, he noticed a different smile on his face– it was a new sight for him.

Izaak walked toward the hut and saw the door was locked from outside. He couldn’t sense Melody’s presence around. Where was she?

"Your Highness, why are we here?" Zerah asked.

"Can you ask someone from the neighborhood where the owner of this house is?" Izaak instructed him.

Zerah complied with the order and after a few minutes, he returned. "Your Highness, the old lady in the other house said that the young lady isn’t at home. She returns late at night," he informed Izaak.

"Ahh," Izaak recalled that Melody used to work even for a cent.

"We shall return to the palace. Weather can turn bad any time," Zerah opined and looked up at the sky.

"We will wait till she returns," Izaak said and he went back into the coach. "Inform me when she arrives." He closed the door from inside and rested in the carriage, waiting patiently for Melody’s return.

~~~~~

In the evening, Ember came to the palace to thank Alaric. Though Jasper didn’t wish to let her see Prince Alaric, he couldn’t make his master upset if he learned about it later.

Alaric raised his head from the book in his hand upon learning from Jasper that Ember wanted to see him. He placed the book on the small table beside the recliner and went to the drawing room.

She greeted him by giving a respectful bow. Alaric could see that Ember looked good, better than the day when she visited him with her swollen eyes.

Alaric asked all the servants, including Jasper to leave as he felt Ember wanted to talk to him in private. Once the door shut, he said, "Mrs. Langford shall speak."

"Thank you for saving my husband. The curse is removed. He is safe now," Ember began as she expressed her gratitude. Her eyes were moistened as she was unable to express how much grateful she was!

"I’m glad to hear this," Alaric said, smiling at her.

Ember lowered her eyes and curled her fingers. "I used His Highness’s feelings for me. Isn’t he angry at me? I couldn’t give him what he wanted from me ten years ago," Ember said, her voice trembling with a pang of guilt.

"I couldn’t force you to marry me. So, getting angry at you doesn’t suit me. I am against forceful things, Ember," Alaric stated. Because this was his last conversation with her he felt he should speak everything, which he kept in his heart for a long time.

"I truly wished to see you by my side. However, your happiness at that time mattered the most. A marriage started because of a compromise would not have done well. I was genuinely happy for you the day you married the man you loved. I only regretted the fact that I couldn’t move on," Alaric said and their eyes met. They carried a lot of emotions, unexplainable at that moment.

"Forgive me, Your Highness. I’m truly sorry," Ember said.

"It’s alright. It was me who gave the heart to you. Perhaps I knew where we both would end. I expected a lot from these one-sided feelings. I’ve no complaints from you. I just wish you happiness," Alaric asserted, his words touched the bottom of her heart.

"Thank you for doing so much for me, Prince Alaric. I’ll never forget it. I promise. However, please move on. I want to see you move on with your own wife and kids by your side," said Ember with a hopeful gaze.

"My marriage is fixed with Scarlet Leninnster," Alaric broke out the news to her. "I may get married within the next week," he stated.

Ember was shocked to hear that, but she was happy. She congratulated him and hoped for his happiness. The two conversed for a brief moment before Ember took her leave.

As she stepped out of the chamber, Jasper escorted her to the carriage in which she had come. Before she could enter it, she told Jasper to congratulate Alaric once again for his marriage.

Jasper’s jaw tightened to see her smile.

"I never wanted to say this, but you are selfish Ember. Because of you, Prince Alaric chose to get into a forceful marriage. Just don’t come here ever begging for any of your family members’ life," Jasper blurted out.

Ember was bewildered to hear him. The smile on her face disappeared and she saw Jasper leave her sight.

Chapter 184: In need of a servant

"Your Highness, the young lady has returned," Zerah announced, opening the door with a resounding thud. Startled from his deep slumber, Izaak jerked awake, momentarily disoriented.

"What? What did you say?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he tried to gather his bearings.

Zerah repeated the same words and Izaak was quick to step out of the carriage. "Stay here. When I signal, then bring the items to her house," he instructed Zerah and walked ahead.

Izaak finally reached the front of Melody’s small house and walked in. He saw one lamp glowing outside the hut, making the path visible. He halted before the door and knocked on it.

A minute later, Melody opened the door and was shocked to see the prince standing before her. "Your Highness!" she exclaimed in surprise. She was so captivated by his red-golden eyes that she forgot to ask why he was there.

"Will you not welcome me inside?" Izaak asked, bringing her out of the trance.

"In-inside?" Melody was confused. How could she let him in when the house wasn’t like the palace, where he lived? But the question was why Izaak even wanted to enter her house.

Izaak read her expressions. "Well, I thought to provide you with some items," he stated and glanced at Zerah, who was present on the other side of the house. He signaled him to come there with those items.

"Some items? But why, Your Highness?" Melody queried. Her long skirt had mud stains in many places, which made Izaak feel more upset.

’Where did she work today?’ Izaak thought. Even her eyes looked tired as if she didn’t sleep well last night.

"Your Highness, I’m here," Zerah said, showing the packed dresses to Izaak. He took it from her and handed it to Melody.

"It’s been given to every lady present that night in that place," Izaak lied, causing Zerah to look at him with a shocking gaze. He felt Melody might not accept them if he would tell her the truth. Behind Zerah, a coachman came with two big bamboo baskets covered well: one consisted of fruits while the other had dry fruits, and cookies present in it.

Melody accepted the silk packaging from the prince with a smile and thanked him for being so benevolent. She glanced at the coachman carrying the baskets and quickly went in to put the package first.

"Are those for me as well?" Melody asked, looking at the bamboo baskets.

"Yes." Izaak took them from the coachman. Melody was ready to take those from him when he said, "They are heavy."

"I can carry them, Your Highness. Please don’t trouble yourself," Melody stated and forwarded her hands to take those when Izaak walked in. He wanted to see the condition of her house from the inside.

Melody went after him while telling Izaak he should not do such tasks.

Izaak placed the baskets on the small table, which was worn out, and wandered his eyes around. Despite it being small from the outside, and looking shabby, from the inside Melody decorated it well. What bothered him was that there was no bed, but a thick wooden plank, which rested above some mud bricks and was her bed.

"Your Highness, thank you for these items. I am deeply grateful for your kindness," Melody’s voice broke through Izaak’s thoughts, drawing his attention back to her. She was smiling warmly.

"Hmm," Izaak responded thoughtfully. Stepping closer, he asked, "Where do you work?"

"I have secured employment as a server at a wine shop. They pay me four cents a day. Thanks to Your Highness’s generosity, I have been able to regain a sense of normalcy in my life," Melody explained, her smile widening with genuine appreciation.

"I am in need of a servant. If you can tell me about someone who can serve me in the palace, then I’ll appreciate it." Izaak felt that Melody was a more of hardworking woman. She might not accept his money even if he would offer her enough to live a comfortable life.

He felt if he had to know more about her, then he needed to keep her close. So, he came up with a lie. Servants in the palace were chosen after a careful examination. Melody had a weak appearance, so she might not be chosen as a servant in the end if she undergoes a proper selection process.

"Oh, I can do it, Your Highness. I am good at cleaning, cooking, and serving," Melody volunteered herself.

"Really?" Izaak feigned ignorance. "Then, I’ll tell Zerah to appoint you in my service. You can live in the palace once you join the work. The payment is decent and food will be free," he asserted.

"That’s wonderful!" Melody felt that she could pay off her family’s debt if she got work in the palace easily. The reason she was taken to the slave market that day was because she couldn’t pay them in a timely manner.

Suddenly, a heavy downpour began, the rain falling in torrents. It was the first significant rainfall of the day.

As the water began to drip onto Izaak’s head, he looked up to see the roof leaking. Reacting swiftly, Melody rushed to his side. Tiptoeing, she reached up and shielded his head with her hands, trying to protect him from the downpour.

"Forgive me, Your Highness. That wasn’t supposed to happen," Melody said and she pulled him away from that spot. Zerah shouted from outside, telling the prince they should return to the palace.

Melody saw Izaak’s side face was covered in the rainwater and she apologized to him. She didn’t know whether to touch him or not as she stopped her hand near his face.

"I-I am t-truly sorry," Melody stuttered in fear.

"Why are you sorry? It’s not like you could stop that rain," Izaak remarked and looked around once again. The water was leaking at many spots from the roof and for the first time, he felt bad for a human.

"His Highness shall go back to the palace before the rain gets heavier," Melody said with a worried tone.

"You shall follow me too," Izaak said, causing her eyes to widen.

Chapter 185: Elliot’s injury

"Now?" Melody inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, you agreed to be a servant," Izaak replied firmly.

"Give me a moment to lock the house, Your Highness," Melody responded, asking the prince for a bit of time. "And I need to bring these with me," she added, pointing toward the items, which Izaak gave her a moment ago.

Zerah rushed into the hut and asked Izaak to hurry. "If we don’t get out of this town now, the carriage may get stuck in the middle, Your Highness," he urged.

"Take these with you. We are leaving," Izaak said, signaling at the baskets.

Zerah didn’t question him despite he was a bit perplexed. He was quick them out with the coachman and readied the umbrella for Izaak.

As Izaak and Melody stepped out of the hut, she carefully locked the door from the outside, tucking the key securely into the pocket of her dress. She turned around just as Izaak’s cold hand gently rested on her back, pulling her under the umbrella with him. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she followed his lead towards the waiting carriage, her breath catching in her throat for a moment.

Izaak helped her into the carriage before climbing in himself and closing the door behind them.

Melody glanced at Izaak, noticing his slightly drenched hair and the water droplets trickling down his forehead. The sight made her gulp involuntarily.

She quickly looked away, shaking her head to dispel any admiration she felt for the nation’s first prince. Lowering her gaze, she clenched her dress tightly in her hands, trying to steady her nerves.

"Your Highness, a servant isn’t supposed to enter the carriage," Melody suddenly said.

"You want me to make you run behind the carriage in this rain!?" Izaak quipped.

"No. I didn’t mean that," Melody said, waving her hands in the air in negation. "I mean, the Prince allowed me to get in the same carriage as him. That’s a big thing for a petty person like me," she stated.

"Why did you call yourself petty?" Izaak questioned.

"Because I’m of low status, Your Highness," Melody responded.

"Why do you live alone?" Izaak asked with a curious gaze.

"My parents passed away last year," Melody replied softly. "I’ve been alone ever since."

After a moment’s silence, Izaak inquired, "How did you end up in the slave market?"

"I couldn’t repay my family’s debts in time," Melody explained, her voice tinged with sadness. "The landlord we borrowed money from sold me to settle the debt. I’m so grateful to His Highness for saving all the women there. I truly am." Her eyes brimmed with tears.

Izaak’s jaw tightened, and his gaze turned a bit darker. He decided to punish that landlord tomorrow morning. How dare he trouble Melody?

She looked at him with inquisitiveness, wondering why he looked a bit different, but she refrained from asking and quietly slumped back on the seat.

After some time, the carriage came to an abrupt halt, its wheels screeching against the ground.

"What happened?" Melody asked, pushing the curtain aside to peer out the window.

Izaak’s nostrils flared as the scent of fresh blood filled the air. He quickly opened the window on his side and called out to Zerah.

Zerah, guiding the horses, turned back and replied, "A human body is lying in the middle of the road. He’s badly wounded. It appears he was attacked by a vampire or a werewolf."

Melody got scared to hear what Zerah said and looked at Izaak, who immediately made his way out of the carriage.

Izaak quickly made his way to the front of the carriage. He went closer to the human and got on his knees to check. Zerah kept the umbrella above the prince.

As Izaak turned the body he was shocked to see it was Alora’s brother, Elliot.

"How did he–" Izaak was unable to speak further and the first thing he did was to ask Zerah to cover Elliot’s face with the umbrella. He removed the black glove from his hand and checked Elliot’s pulse.

"Your Highness, is he alive?" Zerah asked.

"Yes, but the pulse is weak. We need to take him to the palace soon," Izaak asserted. "Zerah, go to Alora’s house and inform her about Elliot’s injury. Tell Alora and Magnus to come to the palace," he ordered. He carried Elliot up in his arms and rushed him to the carriage.

~~~~

"Magnus, the rain is heavy," Alora said as she turned around after closing the window. "The sky is thundering repeatedly. It makes me scared. Elliot hasn’t returned yet," she expressed her worries to him.

"Elliot isn’t a child, Wife. And he is out with the young woman who sent him a love letter. Perhaps he dropped her home. That’s why he is getting late," Magnus stated and he appeared before her. He embraced Alora, and at the same time, caressed her head affectionately.

Alora was still restless. She felt her brother should be home by now. And for some reason, she started getting suspicious now. She pulled away and looked into Magnus’s eyes. "We shall at least send someone to check out if everything is fine," she suggested.

"We don’t even know where he is!" Magnus said. He read his wife’s expressions and felt she was disturbed. "Fine. I’ll go and check out if everything is fine," he asserted.

"Where will His Highness go? Send someone else. I think I should ask the guard," Alora stated. She walked out of the room with Magnus as he agreed to her.

As they reached downstairs in the living room, Magnus felt Zerah’s presence around.

"Alora, Prince Magnus, do you two want something?" Rhea asked as she stopped peeling the potatoes and decided to take the plate to the kitchen.

"Your Highness, we found Elliot in the middle of the road. He was covered in the blood. Prince Izaak has taken him to the palace," Zerah, as soon as stepped into the house, said everything in one single breath, without noticing the presence of the others.

"What?" Magnus frowned.