Ch. 191..195: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 191-195

Chapter 191: May find real love

Feeling utterly exhausted, Izaak collapsed onto the bed as soon as he entered his chamber. With Alaric now engaged to Scarlet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his turn might come soon too.

These days, it was impossible to predict what was going on in his father’s mind, and that uncertainty weighed heavily on him.

"I didn’t see Melody around," Izaak mumbled, propping himself up on one elbow and glancing towards the door. As he spoke, the door creaked open and Zerah walked in.

"Your Highness, Prince Magnus wishes to see you," Zerah informed him.

"I’ll be out shortly," Izaak replied. After Zerah left, he got up from the bed and slipped into his slippers. He made his way to the drawing-room, where he found Magnus seated on the sofa.

"Is everything alright?" Izaak looked concernedly at his brother.

"No," Magnus responded, his voice heavy with frustration.

Izaak raised an eyebrow and sat down across from him. "What happened?"

"Ralph came by earlier. It turns out Rubin was never part of the Night Saviors Organization. He deceived me...deceived us all," Magnus said with a frustrated tone. The deep furrows on his forehead expressed the depth of his agitation.

"What?" Izaak exclaimed. "But didn’t you read Rubin’s thoughts? You said he was telling the truth," he asserted.

"No," Magnus replied; his annoyance now deepened. "He masked the truth from me. He’s not from a family of humans, but from a family of witches. Dylan’s disappearance has something to do with him," Magnus pronounced, his voice filled with suspicions and anger.

"But Dylan wouldn’t have hidden his thoughts from you," Izaak stated, his confusion evident.

"Exactly. That’s what confuses me," Magnus murmured. "Rubin’s intentions for being around me weren’t simple. If I confront him and demand the truth, I doubt he’ll confess. Moreover, I need to uncover what else Rubin is capable of," Magnus confided to his elder brother, his voice tinged with concern.

"And how do you plan to do that?" Izaak queried, interested in knowing his brother’s plan.

"I need to set a trap for Rubin. He’s desperate to become a part of the council. My spy informed me that Rubin met with a vampire a few days ago. I wonder what this man is scheming," Magnus muttered, his mind already formulating a plan.

"And you want me to be a part of your plan," Izaak remarked, arching an eyebrow in amusement.

"Yes," Magnus replied simply.

"Alright. Let’s do it, Magnus. I never trusted Rubin much, and I’m eager to see him pay for deceiving us all," Izaak asserted with a grin.

~~~~~

"Brother Alaric, here’s a small gift from my side for you," Alora said, forwarding a box to him. He accepted it and opened the knots around the tiny box.

"Why did Alora give me a gift?" Alaric was curious to know.

"Umm... There’s no special reason. I bought it two days ago when a jeweler visited our home. I saw the brooch and thought of you," Alora stated casually, then covered her mouth abruptly. "Oops! I already told Brother Alaric about the gift," she mumbled, feeling embarrassed.

Alaric smiled at her innocent gesture, finding her endearing.

"It’s alright," Alaric reassured Alora before finally opening the box. His eyes shimmered with delight upon seeing the gold brooch with a red, shining stone at its center. He carefully picked it up, feeling the weight of its craftsmanship, and sincerely thanked Alora for such a beautiful gift.

"Did Brother Alaric like it?" Alora’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she awaited his response.

"Of course, Alora. I’ve never received something quite like this before. It’s truly exquisite. Thank you," Alaric replied warmly, his appreciation evident in his words. He then delicately removed the brooch from his overcoat and replaced it with the one Alora had gifted him, admiring its beauty once more.

"Is Brother Alaric happy?" Alora asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"Pardon me?" Alaric chuckled lightly, caught off guard.

"About your marriage with Miss Scarlet."

She felt that behind that smile, that gaze hid an upset Alaric, who didn’t wish anyone to see through it.

Alaric’s smile faltered slightly, revealing a glimpse of the turmoil hidden inside him. "Not quite happy. However, I can’t stop it either. Now, I am even engaged," he said, glancing down at the ring on his fourth finger, the symbol of his impending marriage.

"Brother Alaric, it’s not wrong to move forward. Perhaps it’s tough now, but you may find real love soon with Miss Scarlet," Alora said, her voice filled with positivity.

Alaric peered into her eyes, searching for reassurance. "I hope so. I just hope I don’t make Scarlet suffer in this marriage. I have no idea if she’s even happy about it or not," he admitted, his brow furrowing with concern. Earlier, he had read her face—Scarlet had looked uncomfortable, perhaps even forced into this union.

"Then why doesn’t Brother Alaric meet with Miss Scarlet before the marriage functions start?" Alora suggested with an encouraging tone.

"Should I? That’s not a bad idea, Alora," Alaric said, liking her suggestion.

"Yes. You can see Miss Scarlet in the evening or tomorrow, whenever you’re free," Alora opined, smiling.

"Hmm. I think the evening would be best. I’ll send a message to her through Jasper. Instead of meeting at the palace, perhaps we should meet somewhere outside. A coffee shop could be a good place," he pronounced, nodding thoughtfully.

"A coffee shop? I heard it’s always packed with people. Won’t it be too crowded, Brother Alaric?" Alora remarked.

"There are also private areas where we can sit," Alaric reassured her.

"Then, that’s good. Brother Alaric shall give something to Miss Scarlet if he meets her in the evening. She will like it. An important thing, Brother Alaric!" Alora raised her pointer finger. "Miss Scarlet doesn’t like Prince Magnus. I know everyone thinks that she lies, but I feel she doesn’t," she added.

"Oh. It’s good if she doesn’t," Alaric said. He understood the feeling of one-sided love.

 

Chapter 192: End up hating yourself

"Where were you?" Magnus asked as he set the cup on the table. The ring on his index finger shone bright and he fixated his gaze on Alora.

"I was with Brother Alaric," she answered. Instead of sitting on a separate chair, Alora internationally sat on Magnus’s lap, astonishing her. Her hands wrapped his neck and she looked at his lips.

"Are you drinking blood?" Alora asked with inquisitiveness.

"Yes."

"Oh, then you should enjoy the drink."

Alora almost stood up when he drew her back to his lap. His nose rubbed against her and he said, "Just stay here. I feel good when you are close." He licked his lips, his tongue moving to his fangs to wipe them clean.

"Why does it seem that you are stressed about something?" Alora peered into his eyes, trying to read his thoughts.

"I don’t get stressed. I only feel agitated," Magnus remarked.

"Agitated? Why?" She arched her eyebrows. "Who angered His Highness?" Her fingers moved to his jawline as she caressed his skin.

"Rubin has angered me," Magnus replied.

"What did he do? Did you find anything related to him? Wait, did Ralph return?" Alora asked a few questions at once.

"Rubin is scheming something evil. Ralph met me in the early morning. He confirmed to me that there’s no one named Rubin in the hunters’ organization," Magnus shared with her.

"Oh. Then, go and grab him. Why are you letting Rubin roam freely?" Alora queried.

"That man is clever, Wife. He fooled me. Do you think he will tell me the truth? That’s why I’ve to play the game like he’s playing with me," Magnus asserted.

"Oh. Do what you find is right to expose him. I can’t imagine he even befriended me, hiding his real face. Did he lie about his family too? And what about Dylan? Were you able to get any clue regarding him?" Alora questioned.

Magnus shook his head. "It feels like I’m being defeated against the enemies, not one but many," he added with a serious tone. He never once faced something like this.

Alora felt such incidents started occurring after more people started knowing about her, especially after she went to Shadowbrook. Though she wasn’t vocal about this for many days, the thought kept lingering in her head.

Her silence made Magnus read her thoughts. "Isn’t it good that more people are interested in you? Once a neglected woman has now become popular," he commented. He didn’t wish her to feel low and that’s why used such a statement to lift her spirits.

"But I do think it’s not all about your eyes only. Damien’s words I remember. He wants to rule the kingdom. I am constantly troubled with the thought of how Damien accepted such an easy defeat," he said, drawing his brows nearer in confusion. "We need to fight a lot of evil beings in the future, Alora. Are you ready for that?" he asked.

Alora was a bit surprised. He thought Magnus would ask her to keep herself hidden. Instead, he wished her to fight along with him.

"I am," she readily answered.

"I may want you to use your eyes, Alora, when the time comes. You should train your eyes. Even I don’t know how you’ll do it. Some answers are to be found by ourselves. Stella left us with no clues, except for bringing all the three beings at an equal level," he proclaimed.

Alora hummed, recalling her only conversation with Stella.

"What will you do about the Hunters organization? Should you not take it down or do you wish to keep it running?" Alora wanted to know his opinions.

"I have to close it down. Hunters can be a threat to the vampire. I have decided to meet its leader the next week. So, you may not see me here for a few days," Magnus stated.

"What? Can’t I accompany you to the South?" Alora queried.

"You should stay here," Magnus stressed upon his words. She didn’t protest and agreed to his decision. She felt she might be a burden for him on the journey.

"You may get exhausted in such a long journey. Most importantly, the terrain in the South is rough. In the rainy season, the travel becomes dangerous," Magnus cleared her why he decided not to take her with him to the South.

"Oh. Will you go after Brother Alaric’s wedding?" she inquired softly.

"Yes, that’s the plan. Before then, it was simply not feasible. Plus, Alaric would be furious if I missed his wedding," Magnus explained, his tone firm yet understanding.

"Yes, you’re right," she agreed, her eyes locking onto his with an intense gaze.

"Why that look, my love?" Magnus asked, moving his hand to the small of her back and drawing her closer. "Last night was stressful for both of us," he added gently.

"Seeing Elliot in that state, I understood why you want me to live as a human for as long as possible," Alora stated. "So much about me will change. You might not like the vampire side of me, and I might resent the constant battle against my thirst for blood. I could end up feeling like a different person," she added thoughtfully.

"My love for you will never change, even if you decide to turn after a while. But what I fear is how you’ll see yourself then. I don’t want you to end up hating yourself," Magnus replied earnestly, "which you may do. I may be wrong about it though," he remarked.

"Hmm. I get it. You cherish me so much, Magnus. I feel happy. My every day feels happier than yesterday. You changed my life," Alora stated, her eyes turning watery as she turned emotional.

Magnus leaned in, kissing her lips softly before gently biting her lower lip. Alora gasped in pain as a small cut formed, but the sting quickly soothed as he traced his tongue over the wound. They embraced each other tightly, their kiss deepening into a passionate exchange of their love.

Chapter 193: Isn’t Melody a nice name?

"Only vampires work here. Why am I even appointed by His Highness in his service?" Melody murmured as she quietly sat to have her lunch meals. And the strange part was that none questioned her presence in the palace.

Melody was quick to finish her lunch meals and went to see Izaak. She asked Zerah if she could see Izaak urgently.

"Why? Did something happen?" Zerah asked.

"Sir, I would like to know why I am appointed here. I got to find out earlier that only lower-category vampires, who don’t have much ability, are the servants here. While I am a human and I fear if it’s right for me to work here," Melody expressed her worries without hiding her true feelings.

"I decided to appoint you for some of my works. Your work has nothing to do with the other servants. Indeed others are vampires, but I decided to make a change this time," Izaak’s voice reached her ears, making her face him promptly.

She was quick in giving a formal bow to him. "I understand, Your Highness. However, those vampires may feel hungry around me," she opined.

"Well, there are categories in the Vampire ranks. The lowest level is the same as humans, they have less blood thirst compared to us. They are as normal as humans, but neer blood sometimes." He humbly elaborated to her. Sensing the discomfort easing on her face, he spoke further, "If you don’t wish to work here, I’ll send you back."

Zerah gazed at Izaak, finding he was too gentle with Melody. Usually, he wasn’t.

"I get it, Your Highness. Thank you for clearing my doubts. I will work here," Melody stated, keeping her gaze low.

"Alright." Izaak looked at Zerah and asked him if he prepared the carriage.

"Yes, I did," Zerah promptly responded.

Izaak hummed and walked out of the chamber, followed by Zerah.

Melody found the drawing room wasn’t tidy, so she cleaned it again, not wanting to give any chance to Izaak for any kind of complaint.

~~~~~

Magnus caressed Alora’s cheek from the back of his palm as he watched her asleep. After constantly staring at her for more than fifteen minutes, he got down from the bed and left the bedchamber.

"Selvina, if the Princess wakes up later, tell her I’ve gone outside for some work," Magnus instructed her before walking away. He came to the foray of the palace, where a carriage awaited him. Entering it, he greeted Izaak and at the same time, he thanked his elder brother for accompanying him.

"It was important. I am so eager to set this trap for Rubin," Izaak said, smirking at him.

The carriage began moving and they were soon out of the palace’s gigantic gates.

"If Father finds out you have brought a human here, which he will soon, then what you’ll do?" Magnus asked an unexpected question from him.

"I will tell him the truth," Izaak declared. "With Alaric’s wedding set for the beginning of next week, I have a feeling my turn could come at any moment," he continued with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

"I doubt our parents will pressure you into anything," Magnus remarked thoughtfully.

"Well, they might," Izaak replied with a chuckle. "They want all of us settled. Lillian might get married before me, but I’m not sure about that either. Father has been secretive lately," he added, feeling that their father was more smart than they gave him credit for.

"It’s surprising how Father brought a solution to the problem and even made Alaric agree to a marriage. It was killing two birds with one stone," Izaak remarked, a faint smile spread across his lips.

"Don’t forget when Father was in his youth, he had incredible strength and abilities. As he turned older, those abilities diminished with time," Magnus opined.

Izaak couldn’t agree less to it.

"What makes me wonder why Father chose Scarlet out of all the women? As far as I know, she isn’t a strong vampire despite coming from a family of pure-blooded vampires," Izaak stated and furrowed his brows together.

"Andrew is Father’s old friend. Perhaps, that’s the reason," Magnus stated. "I do want Brother Alaric to move on now."

"I wish the same for him. Ember affects him too much," Izaak mumbled. He leaned back in his seat. "Father may get angry at me for thinking of marrying a human in the future. Out of us three, he will never expect it from me."

"Brother Izaak got melted in just a single vision," Magnus stated. "You began the venture to know her and I’m sure you won’t wait to turn her. You yourself set higher expectations in our parents’ eyes." His words were somewhat true. Izaak always did things for his family’s betterment.

"I think Father won’t mind. You set the first example of marrying a human in the family of royals," Izaak said while being positive.

"I hope so. But Father is good at giving surprises to us," Magnus reminded him and looked out of the window.

"I needed to tell you something," Izaak brought his attention to him.

"Hmm?"

"I no longer saw the vision where Alora’s mother perished. You both changed the future," Izaak replied with a warm smile.

"Did Brother Izaak see something else?" Magnus was curious to know.

"Yes," Izaak smiled.

"What it is?"

"I shouldn’t tell and you won’t read my thoughts," Izaak suggested. He quickly changed his thoughts to Melody, so that Magnus couldn’t find what vision he saw.

"Tsk~" Magnus slumped back on his seat, feeling betrayed that Izaak didn’t wish to tell him about that vision.

"Isn’t Melody a nice name? When I first hear the name, I feel like music is being played in my ears," Izaak shared the feelings he felt hearing that name.

"You already fell in love, Brother!?" Magnus arched his eyebrows in amusement. "I thought you were not ready to fall into this for a while," he added.

"I can’t help it around the woman, who would be my wife in the future," Izaak replied with a smile.

Author wants to say something:

{Related to the future}

Izaak:My wife looks beautiful.

Magnus: No, My wife beats everyone in the beauty.

Alaric:For every man, his wife is beautiful, Brothers... Even my wife looks beautiful today.

Chapter 194: For me, Love has a broader meaning

Scarlet looked at herself in the mirror after getting dressed up. When she received an unexpected message from Alaric in the afternoon, she was unable to believe it for some time. Alaric wished to see her in the famous coffee house in the capital.

"Miss, the royal carriage has arrived. Prince Alaric himself has graciously come to escort you," the female servant informed her with a sense of urgency, their demeanor betraying the significance of the moment.

"Prince Alaric is here!" Scarlet exclaimed in disbelief, hastily adorning herself with a delicate gold chain adorned with a flower pendant. With care, she descended the stairs, finding her mother waiting downstairs.

"You look lovely, dear. Let’s go, I’ll accompany you outside," Mrs. Leninnster said warmly, placing a comforting hand on her daughter’s back as they made their way out of the house together.

Alaric stood by the carriage, already awaiting their arrival. With a courteous nod, he greeted Scarlet’s mother, assuring her of Scarlet’s safe return home before dinner.

"I trust His Highness," Mrs. Leninnster affirmed with a smile, her gaze shifting to Scarlet, who stepped forward and soon got inside the coach.

Alaric, too, entered and the coachman locked the door from the outside.

"I would have come to the coffee shop. His Highness should not have taken the trouble to fetch me," Scarlet said.

"I didn’t get any trouble, Miss Scarlet," Alaric replied with a smile. "Are you happy with this union?" he suddenly asked her.

"Yes. It is my fortune that I am selected as the bride of Prince Alaric," Scarlet answered calmly.

He noticed how she fidgeted with her fingers while replying to him. He sensed even Scarlet was forced to marry him.

"Does Miss Scarlet still have Magnus in her heart?" Alaric decided to be straightforward. She met his gaze with a bewildered look. "If you are uncomfortable, then you may refuse to answer."

"I don’t possess feelings for Prince Magnus anymore. I have been judged wrongly, Your Highness," Scarlet clarified to him.

"My apologies then," Alaric was quick to apologize. An eerie silence covered the entire coach and they waited to reach the coffee shop. Half an hour later, they were at their destination. Alaric exited first and helped Scarlet get down from the carriage in that heavy gown.

He could feel how uncomfortable it was for her to even walk in that gown. They went in straight to the private room, following Jasper, who had arranged it on the prince’s instructions earlier.

Scarlet gracefully took her seat, while Alaric courteously pulled out her chair, ensuring it was positioned just right at the elegant round table.

As the server deftly presented their coffee, Alaric settled into his own chair, the ambiance of the cafe enveloping them in a cozy intimacy. With a nod of gratitude, the server departed, leaving Scarlet and Alaric to enjoy their moment together.

Alaric sipped the coffee and recalled he visited this place ten years ago. The taste of the coffee was still the same with the same fragrance.

"Your Highness, Princess Lillian told me that you agreed to marry me because you wanted to save the life of your lover’s husband. Is it true?" Scarlet asked, causing Alaric’s forehead to crease.

Lillian, as usual, again spoke something which she should not have.

"That’s true," Alaric couldn’t lie to her.

"His Highness is honest at least," Scarlet said, smiling. She raised the cup and took a coffee sip. "That woman must be lucky to have Prince Alaric as her admirer," she asserted.

Alaric for some reason found the comment to be harsh.

"I think, I have to yearn to be loved in this marriage," Scarlet stated, directly gazing into his eyes.

"Miss Scarlet can refuse to marry me if she’s not happy. It’s better for her not to be forced to live with me as my wife," Alaric clarified to her.

Scarlet shook her head. "We are engaged," she looked at the ring on her fourth finger, "already."

"Shall I talk to my father then? I don’t want Miss Scarlet to marry me if she finds this is forced," Alaric opined.

"No. I accepted this to be my fate," Scarlet asserted. "If His Highness got upset with my words, then I apologize. I merely wished to know if Mrs. Langford still is in his heart." She lowered her eyes, looking at the cookies placed on the platter. She picked one and moved it to her mouth. She took a bite of it and heard Alaric speak

"I think it’s time for me to move on."

Their eyes locked and she stopped blinking for a moment.

"For me, love has a broader meaning. It doesn’t involve only possessiveness or fulfilling desires. Ember and I spent a huge time together. I pictured myself with her, but not every love story has a happy ending. She fell for someone else while kept seeing me as her friend. A woman is always judged for her character. Perhaps, she came to me as a friend. Ember was aware if she asked for help on the day her husband was cursed, she would be called names. That’s why in the most vulnerable moments, Ember decided to come to me. Indeed, from my side, those feelings suddenly awakened but at the same time, I wanted to do it as a friend to her."

Alaric didn’t get the chance to explain this to anyone around him. Because now he would be married to Scarlet soon, he thought to be open with her, so that she would not misjudge him.

Scarlet was quite impressed to hear Alaric’s words. She was aware that Alaric was a man with few words and possessed a compassionate heart.

But she would witness it like this, she never thought. Even if in this marriage, they would take time to come close to each other, in Scarlet’s eyes, his respect grew more. She felt Alaric was a man who would never hurt her even if he would not love her.

Chapter 195: Awakened my beast

"I truly enjoyed the coffee with Prince Alaric," Scarlet said, attempting to rise from the chair. He extended his hand to her, aiding her in standing up.

"Thank you," Scarlet held Alaric’s gloved hand and smiled at him.

"Why have you worn such a tight gown despite how uncomfortable it is?" Alaric finally questioned, feeling a bit upset for Scarlet. He didn’t realize when his tone toward her turned informal.

"Mother said it will look good on me. And..." Scarlet took a brief pause, "... I wanted to look presentable."

"I see. But don’t wear such dresses when you can even break your bones in them. I can feel how tight the corset be," Alaric remarked, giving her a smile.

"I will keep in mind, Your Highness," Scarlet said. The two exited the room and came to the first floor. As they stepped out, Alaric had a chance encounter with Ember and her husband, Caden.

They both greeted Alaric when Caden expressed his gratitude to him for saving his life. "Ember told me that His Highness talked with His Majesty to remove the curse from me. I’m so grateful. I’ll always be..." he stated with genuineness.

Alaric stole a glance at Ember, noting her carefree demeanor and radiant appearance, a stark contrast to before. The glow on her face had returned, bringing him a sense of contentment.

"I’m glad I could help a friend," he remarked, with a soft smile.

Caden, his gaze filled with affection, hummed in agreement as he looked at Ember.

Meanwhile, Ember’s gaze shifted to Scarlet, pondering silently if she was accompanying Alaric.

"We are getting married next week," Scarlet pronounced. Alaric looked at her, not understanding why she suddenly brought that.

"Really? I congratulate Prince Alaric and Miss..."

"Scarlet," Alaric hold her name to Caden. "We need to leave since it’s already late. Take care of yourself," he stated and walked ahead.

"I’ll send a special invitation to Mr. and Mrs. Langford." With that, she followed Alaric, her steps filled with anticipation as she happily settled into the carriage, taking her seat.

Alaric’s inquiry lingered as the door closed, his curiosity prompting him to question Scarlet’s sudden announcement out there. "Why did you feel the need to reveal it so abruptly? It seemed rather out of place. Were you perhaps feeling envious of Ember?" he ventured.

Scarlet’s response was swift and decisive. "Envious? Not at all!" she denied vehemently. "I simply wanted to ensure that Mrs. Langford knew His Highness is moving forward," she asserted.

Alaric contemplated her words for a moment before replying, "Ember desires the same for me, you know."

"That’s great then," Scarlet said and looked out of the window. Alaric smiled a little because he noticed how his betrothed was already acting like a wife.

~~~~~

Magnus loosened the buttons of his overcoat, a subtle sign of his inner turmoil, while Tobias stood nearby, poised to assist.

"Your Highness seems troubled. Is everything alright?" Tobias inquired, his tone laced with genuine concern.

"Yes, everything is fine. Do I really look troubled?" Magnus asked as he handed him the overcoat. Sitting on the stool, he let the servant remove his boots and glanced at Tobias for an answer.

"Indeed, there’s a troubling expression lies on His Highness’ face," Tobias asserted.

"I think you are reading something wrong. I am perfectly fine." He rose to his feet and put on the slippers, ready to head to the washroom. "Inform Alora that I’ll see her shortly," Magnus then walked away.

On the other side, Alora stood on the balcony of the grand chamber, her skin kissed by the gentle caress of raindrops.

Beside her, Selvina voiced her concern, "Perhaps it’s time for Her Highness to retreat indoors. Prince Magnus wouldn’t be pleased if Princess Alora were to fall ill from prolonged exposure to the rain and cold."

"Alright, I’ll head inside," Alora conceded, stepping into the bedchamber as soon as a maidservant relayed Magnus’s return. Swiftly, she dabbed her face with a towel, ensuring her arms were dry as well.

"Why doesn’t Her Highness change?" Selvina mused, then offered to fetch a neat dress for her.

After Selvina left, Alora stood in front of the mirror, deftly untying the knots on her back to free her gown from the corset when she heard a thud.

Turning, she found Magnus before her and she dropped her hands to her side.

"Why is your dress drenched?" Magnus inquired and observed that the balcony’s door was open. "Did you play in the rain?"

"A little," Alora replied with a smile.

Magnus chuckled to see her childish side. She walked to him and said, "I will be back after changing my dress." As she walked past him, she found herself being pulled back.

Her back pressed against Magnus’s chest as his hands encircled her waist. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet, intoxicating fragrance. "Now, you’re trapped here," he whispered, nipping her earlobe and drawing a soft cry from her lips.

The already loosened knots of her dress gave way further, causing the fabric to slip down her shoulders, revealing her curves still modestly covered by a thin layer of clothing. She tilted her head more, giving him better access, her eyes closed, and she already surrendered herself under his mercy.

The next second, she found herself on the mattress and her eyes opened.

Before Alora could speak, Magnus captured her mouth, kissing her fervently. His hand slipped under the thin chemise, keeping her firmly in her place.

"What’s gotten into Prince Magnus?" Alora gasped for air as he finally pulled away.

"I don’t know. You’ve awakened my beast," Magnus whispered, trailing open-mouthed kisses down her neck, eliciting moans from her lips.

"B-but I-I didn’t do anything," Alora stammered, her body trembling with pleasure.

"That’s your allure. You have no idea how you mesmerize me, how you draw me in," Magnus replied. His touch sent waves of pleasure through her, her pupils dilating with desire.