Ch. 201..205: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 201-205

Chapter 201: Rain lilies

As the meal commenced, Izaak watched Melody leave after cleaning the table and taking the dishes away. After having a conversation with Melody, he realized that as the royals they couldn’t do much for the humans upliftment. He decided to talk to his father later about it and work toward it.

As he headed to bed to rest for some time, slumber eluded him as his thoughts were consumed by Melody. Her words, her expressions, her presence - everything about her intrigued him. He yearned to know her better, to know more about her. After a moment of contemplation, an idea sparked in his mind.

"Zerah!" Izaak summoned his personal attendant. The dutiful servant promptly entered the room, bowing respectfully to his prince, prepared to carry out his command.

"I want the flowers to be replaced in the vase," Izaak stated.

"Begging your pardon, Your Highness," Zerah responded, his tone laced with humility, "but the flowers were already replaced this morning." His words were a gentle reminder of the meticulous care taken to maintain the royal quarters.

"I want rain lilies," Izaak stated. "Ask Melody to bring them," he added.

Zerah couldn’t ignore the prince commanded and requested the prince to wait for some time.

Izaak harbored a desire to foster a close relationship with Melody, but he wished for it to develop naturally and over time. His interest lay not just in her exterior but in truly understanding her, in knowing her essence.

However, Izaak also kept in mind that Melody didn’t trust men much when it was about developing relationships. He resolved to make sincere efforts, to show her that some men, indeed, were as precious and rare as gems.

He once again thought about the vision he had. Though, sometimes Izaak would ponder if it was true. He wasn’t ready for another heartbreak. The fear of another heartbreak loomed over him like a dark shadow. He knew that if it happened again, it would shatter him, driving him to the brink of insanity. He might even lose his essence, transforming into a person unrecognizable to his own self.

His train of thought was interrupted by a familiar scent that wafted through the air. It was Melody’s scent, a fragrance as unique as her. His eyes instinctively lifted, searching for the source.

"Your Highness, I brought your favorite rain lilies," Melody announced, presenting him with a bouquet of the beautiful flowers. She then moved towards the table where a vase awaited, ready to house the fresh blooms.

The sight of the rain lilies, coupled with Melody’s presence, brought a momentary respite to his troubled mind.

"These flowers hold a special place in my heart as well, Your Highness," Melody confessed, her hands delicately arranging the rain lilies in the vase. "They symbolize renewal and have a knack for bringing joy when least expected. I wonder, did Your Highness already know of this?" She paused, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she answered her own question, "What a foolish question I’ve asked. Of course, His Highness would be aware of it."

As she turned slightly, she was taken aback to find Izaak standing right next to her.

"No, I wasn’t aware of it," Izaak confessed, his towering stature casting a gentle shadow over Melody. As she lifted her gaze to meet his, she found herself reflected in his deep red eyes, causing her to swallow nervously.

"Oh." Melody’s gaze returned to the flowers, her hands instinctively retracting from their delicate petals.

"You say they bring joy unexpectedly," Izaak echoed her words, his voice soft yet filled with curiosity.

"Yes, they do," Melody affirmed, her face lighting up with a warm smile. At her words, Izaak felt an unfamiliar sensation in his chest, as if his heart had momentarily forgotten its rhythm. The simple joy reflected in her smile had managed to touch his heart in an unexpected way, much like the rain lilies she spoke of.

"I yearn to experience that joy," declared Izaak.

Melody turned her gaze towards him, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Is there a matter that disturbs His Highness?" she inquired gently.

Izaak met her gaze, a whirlpool of thoughts swirling in his mind. Should he confide in her? But that would seem like he was pleading for sympathy.

He had always maintained a wall of silence around his romantic affairs. It was only a few days ago that he had broken this self-imposed rule and opened up to his brothers about it.

"I am a good secret keeper," Melody stated. "If there’s anything that’s weighing on the prince, he can trust me with it," she proposed, placing her hand over her heart in a gesture of sincerity.

Izaak responded with a noncommittal hum, his fingers deftly plucking a pink rain lily from the nearby vase. He reached out, tucking the delicate bloom into Melody’s hair, pushing it gently to one side.

She looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise, trying to decipher the meaning behind his action. She knew that in some traditions, a man placing a flower in a woman’s hair signified romantic interest.

’Could he possibly...?’ The thought fluttered in her mind before she quickly dismissed it. ’No, that’s absurd,’ she chided herself, pushing away the unbidden thought. After all, he was a prince, and she, a mere servant. It was foolish to entertain such fantasies.

Izaak’s gaze lingered on her, noticing the subtle blush that had colored her cheeks. He found himself wondering if the room was too warm.

"His Highness should rest," Melody suggested, her voice soft yet firm.

But as she turned to leave, Izaak’s words halted her in her tracks. "Stay here," he requested. His next words were spoken with a sincerity that was hard to ignore. "I find solace in our conversations. Your company brings me joy," he confessed.

"Huh?" Melody didn’t expect to hear such a statement from him.

"I’m quite old, Melody. I never found someone as deep thinker as you," Izaak clarified. "If you aren’t tired, you can stay here and talk more with me," he affirmed.

Chapter 202: A Tender Kiss

Overwhelmed by a wave of despair, Alora allowed herself to sink into the comforting embrace of the bathtub in the evening. The echo of William’s harsh words reverberated in her mind, painting a picture of disdain that he seemed to harbor towards her. It was as if he jinxed her. Why, she wondered, did some people choose to spread negativity rather than kindness?

Cupping her hands, she scooped up the hot water, letting it cascade onto her face in a refreshing splash. The droplets trickled down her cheeks. "I remained silent when William spoke. How I wish I had responded," Alora confessed in a voice barely above a whisper. As if trying to hide from her own regret, she allowed herself to sink deeper into the embracing warmth of the water.

Finally, after having a good hot water bath, she emerged from the bathtub and wore the robe quickly. Tying its knot on her belly, she dried her hair using the towel before heading to the other room, where she asked Selvina to stay.

With nimble fingers, Selvina swiftly assisted Alora in her dressing. Her gaze, sharp and observant, caught the troubled furrow of the princess’s brow. Concern lacing her voice, she inquired, "Is something troubling you, Your Highness?"

"No," came Alora’s curt reply, her voice a soft murmur. She chose to keep her worries to herself, not wanting to burden Selvina. The process of dressing up took an hour, a time filled with silent contemplation.

Finally ready, Alora turned to face her reflection in the mirror. A gasp escaped her lips as she took in her new appearance. Selvina had outdone herself, giving Alora a fresh hairstyle.

Her hair was left loose, flowing like a dark river down her back. Adding a touch of elegance, two thin braids were woven neatly along her temples, their ends merging with the loose tresses.

"I look different," Alora said with a smile, appreciating Selvina’s effort. The attendant, touched by the princess’s acknowledgment, expressed her gratitude. With a gentle, encouraging tone, she urged the princess to cheer up.

With a radiant smile gracing her face, Alora stepped out, making her way towards the grand chamber where Magnus was eagerly anticipating her arrival.

Magnus, already adorned in his regal attire, was engrossed in a deep conversation with Griffin. However, the moment his gaze fell upon Alora, his heart began to pound fiercely within his chest.

Her ethereal beauty today was inexplicable.

Catching sight of the prince’s reaction, Griffin couldn’t help but notice that Magnus was completely enthralled by Alora’s enchanting allure.

Alora, acknowledging their presence, greeted them warmly. She waved at Griffin, who reciprocated with a courteous nod. Sensing the unspoken bond between Alora and Magnus, Griffin tactfully excused himself, "I believe I should take my leave," he said, before quietly exiting the chamber.

"Oh, he’s gone," Alora noted, her gaze shifting slightly as she turned to the side. As she refocused her attention forward, she found herself face-to-face with Magnus. His eyes held an unfamiliar longing that caused her to instinctively purse her lips.

"Why must you dress like this?" Magnus questioned, his voice carrying a hint of frustration.

"Is it not appealing? Do I appear unattractive?" Alora asked softly, her eyes dropping to examine her gown.

"Nonsense! You look absolutely heavenly," Magnus quickly reassured her. His voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt about his sincere admiration.

A smile graced Alora’s face as she felt the cool touch of his hand against her cheek. She lifted her eyes, meeting his intense gaze, and in the blink of an eye, she found herself drawn into his warm embrace.

Their lips met in a tender kiss, her hands instinctively moving to rest on his back, lingering there for a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity. The world around them faded into insignificance, leaving just the two of them, lost in their shared moment of affection.

"Magnus, listen–" Izaak’s voice echoed through the chamber, abruptly halting as he caught sight of the intimate scene. Swiftly, he spun around, shielding his eyes, "I apologize!" He stammered out an apology as Alora and Magnus hastily separated.

A wave of annoyance washed over Magnus as he shot a glare at Izaak. His brother had unwittingly intruded on his precious moment with Alora.

"My eyes," Izaak muttered under his breath, still reeling from the unexpected sight.

Caught in an awkward predicament, Alora felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. Swiftly, she sought refuge in the nearby bedchamber, hoping to escape the escalating tension.

Izaak, aware of Alora’s hasty retreat, pivoted to confront his brother. His words, laced with a mix of exasperation and amusement, filled the room. "Must you two always choose such public spaces for your disagreements? My God, Magnus! You’ve become so..." His playful chiding was abruptly cut short as Magnus interjected.

Magnus, his patience evidently worn thin, snapped back, "Enough with the theatrics, Izaak! State your purpose here!" His voice echoed in the room, a clear indication of his irritation. He slumped into the sofa, pressing his fingers on his temple.

With a casual air and a hint of pride in his voice, Izaak revealed, "I thought you should know, that Melody and I have grown quite close." He wore a satisfied smile as he settled down next to Magnus.

Magnus, taken aback by the sudden revelation, responded, "Already?" He was well aware of his brother’s reputation as a heartbreaker after he fell victim to love four times.

It was possible that Izaak had employed his usual charm and tactics. However, a part of Magnus wondered if he might be misjudging the situation. Could it be that his brother was genuinely falling for Melody?

Izaak, with a smile playing on his lips, posed an unexpected question. "Did you know the symbolism behind rain lilies?" His eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Magnus, taken aback, looked at his brother with a puzzled expression. "I don’t. And since when did you develop such a keen interest in flowers? As far as I remember, you never had a fondness for them," he responded, his tone laced with confusion.

"I always liked flowers, especially rain lilies," Izaak said while smiling brightly. "I’m sure now Melody is one for me."

Chapter 203: Affection I showered upon them

"Your enthusiasm is overwhelming, yet again. What if history repeats itself and you face betrayal? Would you resort to ending her life?" Magnus inquired, his tone casual and indifferent.

"She’s a woman of humility, a survivor who’s weathered life’s storms. How can I make you understand, Magnus?" Izaak responded, his voice barely above a whisper. He reclined against the plush back of the sofa, a serene smile playing on his lips.

"I comprehend. Alora has also navigated through a sea of adversities in her life, so I can understand," Magnus acknowledged.

"My previous four wives always harbored evil desires that threatened to unleash chaos within our family. Their insatiable greed overshadowed the love and affection I showered upon them," Izaak reflected, his demeanor shifting to a more solemn tone.

"Let bygones be the bygones. Sometimes pain is the only path to happiness," Magnus stated.

"Since when did you become so philosophical?" Izaak queried with a chuckle.

"Those are Alora’s words, not mine," Magnus clarified.

"Indeed. Are you prepared for the grand dinner banquet with the Leninnster family?" Izaak probed.

"I am, but I have work to finish before that. Would you care to join me?" Magnus proposed.

"Certainly. Where is it that we need to go? It’s already past the hour of five," Izaak responded, his eyebrows furrowing in curiosity.

"To Rubin’s house. Remember the trap we have set for him," Magnus stated.

"Oh. Did he get caught?" Izaak queried.

"Not as of yet, but he’s laid a trap for me in return. He’s quite the cunning one, Brother Izaak," Magnus declared, a hint of annoyance seeping into his tone. He then narrated to his brother how Rubin came in the morning and talked about Dylan.

"Rubin surely knows how to get on our nerves, doesn’t he? What do you plan to do then? We can’t possibly fall into his trap," Izaak asserted, waiting for Magnus to unveil his plan.

"Taking his life is the final recourse that appears viable to me. I have no desire to indulge such a man, a man born of a lineage of witches," Magnus declared with a firmness in his voice. "After Father disclosed this to me, I sought out Gloria. She has pledged her assistance."

Izaak, his curiosity piqued, asked, "So, is Gloria going to join us on this quest?"

Magnus nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed. Venturing into Rubin’s abode without her would be an act of foolish mistake," he stated.

"Then, let’s go. We need to return before dinnertime," Izaak said and rose to his feet.

"Wait here. I’ll inform Alora about my departure, and then we will leave." With these words, he strode away, leaving Izaak in the drawing room.

~~~~~

Magnus and Izaak stepped out of the carriage, reaching their destination. As expected Gloria had already arrived, standing with her two assistants. They exchanged greetings before coming to work.

It was then that Gloria spoke, her voice carrying a note of reproach. "Prince Magnus should have sought my counsel the very day he discovered Rubin’s true lineage. Rubin is indeed a scion of the witch family. Even from this distance, I could sense the energy radiating from him," she declared.

"That explains why I was unable to penetrate his thoughts," Magnus mused, his gaze shifting towards Gloria. "I recall asking the Witch Queen once if there was a way to manipulate my ability, but she denied any such possibility."

Gloria nodded, her expression solemn. "That’s because it’s not meant for us to wield. It draws upon a stream of dark energy, and I didn’t see the necessity to inform His Highness about it. It wasn’t until Dolores employed it that I realized the witches are still actively using it," she elucidated, her words shedding light on the mysterious workings of their world.

"Gloria, why do you think a witch’s son betraying the vampires? Rubin has told only lies till now. Do you think he’s just a normal man with not-so-powerful magic?" Izaak posed a question.

Gloria, with a thoughtful gaze, responded, "The aura I perceive from him isn’t overwhelmingly powerful. Yet, it’s undeniable that Rubin committed an act of betrayal against the princes during his time in Shadowbrook. It’s plausible that he has acquired knowledge of sorcery as well. If Dylan is indeed held captive by him, it’s imperative for the princes to ensure Dylan’s safe return."

"What about your magic? Can’t you use it to stop Rubin?" Magnus queried.

"I can get control over his mind since the witches are interlinked," Gloria opined.

"Then, you need to do that. You have the vision to see far distances. Brother Izaak will stay here with you while I go to see Rubin," Magnus asserted. "If anything wrong happens, I’ll signal you," he proclaimed.

"What will that signal be? Also, is it wise for you to go in his house alone?" Izaak queried.

Gloria reassured them, "I am capable of defending myself, Your Highness. It would be wise for Prince Magnus to have his elder brother at his side. If the situation deteriorates, I’ll intervene from here."

The brothers exchanged a nod of understanding and set off toward Rubin’s residence. A ten-minute descent down the hill brought them to their destination. Magnus, taking a deep breath, raised his hand and rapped on the door.

After a brief pause, the door creaked open from the inside. Rubin, with a welcoming smile, greeted the two of them. "I appreciate your presence here," he expressed, his voice filled with gratitude.

Magnus was the first to enter, but as Izaak attempted to follow, the door abruptly slammed shut. An unseen, potent force repelled him, sending him sprawling back onto the porch. It was unmistakably the work of magic.

Gloria, sensing the disturbance, immediately sprang into action, her two aides accompanying her.

"Magnus!" Izaak’s shout echoed through the air as he lunged towards the door. However, an invisible barrier halted his progress at the steps. The magic Rubin had wielded was so powerful that Izaak had never experienced it before.

Chapter 204: No stroke of luck to save you

Magnus kept his gaze fixated on Rubin, who used the magic to shut the door and even barred Izaak’s entry into the house. Unlike many, who would get hyper in such a situation, Magnus looked calm and composed.

"Why isn’t Prince Magnus scared?" Rubin questioned, his eyes reflected the golden brown hue for a moment. "You thought you could bring me down. But I’m not that easy to defeat, Magnus," his tone changed and so were his expressions. He sounded as if Rubin had an old enmity with Magnus.

"Why should I tremble before a mere sorcerer?" Magnus retorted, striding past Rubin and venturing deeper into the house. He couldn’t sense Dylan’s aura within the confines of the dwelling. Pausing near the sofa, he leaned slightly, his gaze intense.

"So, what is the truth?" Magnus probed, his voice echoing in the silence. "Are you planning to vanquish me without even revealing the truth I’ve been relentlessly seeking?" he challenged, his tone laced with defiance.

"The truth, Magnus, is that your life hinges on Alora. If you wish to survive, she must be mine," Rubin declared, his words hanging heavy in the air. His statement was as chilling as it was clear, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Rubin’s demand was simple yet profound, a trade of life for love.

Magnus clenched his fists and the muscle in his jaw twitched. "You have overstepped your boundaries. And Alora is not a property, whom you can claim," he affirmed.

Rubin chuckled, his eyes briefly dropping before meeting Magnus’s gaze again. "Well, she will become my possession once you’re out of the picture," he declared, his eyes gleaming menacingly.

In the blink of an eye, Magnus lunged at Rubin, his hand closing around Rubin’s throat, ready to end him then and there. His eyes blazed a fiery red, his anger pulsating through his veins like a wild inferno.

However, Rubin effortlessly extricated himself from Magnus’s grip, repelling Magnus with a swift surge of magic. The furniture pushed away as Magnus got hit against it.

Rubin then said, "You can even die for Alora. That was why it was the perfect chance to target you. Her blood is special. I even gave you the pill to weaken your core that night so that I could easily kill you, but you turned out to be fine. Why? Because you drank from Alora."

Before Magnus could ask him the reason why he wanted Alora, he already mentioned it.

The sound of Izaak’s shouts from outside punctuated Rubin’s chuckle. "Izaak was quite astute when I was captured. You shouldn’t have released me. I’m certain it was Alora who persuaded you to free me. She is your weakness, Magnus. The barrier I’ve erected will prevent you from leaving this house. If you value your life, command your brother to bring Alora here," he declared, his words echoing ominously in the room.

Magnus, undeterred by Rubin’s threats, posed his question, "What is it that you seek to achieve with Alora’s blood?" His voice was steady, his gaze unwavering, as he sought to unravel the mystery behind Rubin’s obsession with Alora.

"You still have the audacity to question me. We already have enough conversation, Magnus," Rubin said, his eyes forced the prince to kneel. But he couldn’t succeed in that since Magnus had already broken the eye contact.

"Why not engage in a straightforward conversation with me? Only those who fear the truth resort to concealment," Magnus retorted, challenging Rubin’s integrity.

Magnus wanted time for Gloria to arrive. He didn’t feel well for some reason. It felt to him that the entire house had something, which constantly extracted his energy. Even his head would get dizzy at the moment, but he tried to stay on his ground.

"At the very least, reveal your true self. You’re not the Rubin you’ve claimed to be. Dylan, how did you manage to twist his thoughts? And that night, who were those vampires?" Magnus demanded. The truth about that night was crucial to him. Those vampires were far from ordinary, unlike those from Velaris.

"You want to know a lot without giving me anything. Bring Alora here and I’ll answer your questions before putting you to a long sleep," Rubin affirmed with a smirk. "And don’t try to be smart in this house. I’ll feed you the same poison soon, so you’ll die without even seeing Alora for the last time. What about that?" His face twisted into a malevolent grin.

"Then, what do you fear? Give me the poison. I’m sure you won’t get your hands on Alora even after that," Magnus retorted with unwavering confidence.

He detected an unusual scent permeating the house. He suspected it was from an incense, laced with a poison derived from Ashwood. He needed to locate its source, but his body was failing him. His senses, too, were dulled and unreliable.

Rubin closed the distance between them and made Magnus look at him. "You think your dear innocent wife won’t ask me to let you see for the last time? Why do you think she started living like a normal human? All her life, she was only crushed by the others. The confidence she possesses today is because you are alive. Once you are gone, she will also cease to exist."

Magnus yearned to end Rubin’s life, but he was so weakened that he couldn’t even lift his hand. His vision began to blur, and maintaining an upright stance was becoming increasingly challenging.

"Since you’re so eager to meet your end, let’s conclude your existence here. Don’t harbor any regrets for what I’ll do to Alora," Rubin declared, pulling out a small flask from his pocket. He uncorked it and brought it to Magnus’s lips.

With a swift motion, Rubin thrust the drink into his hands, compelling him to consume it. The moment the liquid passed his lips, Magnus collapsed onto the cold, hard floor, convulsing in a fit of violent coughs.

"At the masquerade ball, it was I who orchestrated your fate, ensuring that the cursed drink found its way to you. Yet, fortune favored you once again," Rubin declared, his voice echoing ominously in the silence. "But today, Magnus Lukeson, there will be no intervention, no stroke of luck to save you," he added.

Chapter 205: Bring Alora here

Gloria arrived with her aides outside the house and found Izaak trying to get inside the barrier. "Prince Izaak, this barrier is impervious to your efforts. I implore you to desist," she entreated, causing him to cease his attempts.

His countenance etched with frustration, Izaak turned to her. "What delayed you?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency. "Dismantle this barrier. I must gain entry to rescue Magnus. Rubin is no ordinary man..."

"Indeed, Your Highness, I am well aware," Gloria acknowledged, her voice steady. "Rubin is a sorcerer, better than many witches in using spells and magic, including the dark ones." With a determined stride, she advanced towards the barrier. As her hand made contact with the shimmering wall, it dissipated, succumbing to the superior force of her energy. Rubin’s magic was formidable, but Gloria’s power was a force to be reckoned with.

Inside the house, Rubin felt a sudden shift in the magical energies. The protective barrier he had erected was no more. A sense of unease washed over him as he pondered who could possess such power to dismantle his magic. In a desperate move, he decided to use Magnus as a hostage to save his own life.

The sound of the door being thrust open echoed through the room. Before he could react, an unseen force propelled him against the wall. The impact was so severe that it drew blood from his head.

Izaak’s gaze fell upon his younger brother, Magnus, sprawled on the floor in a pitiful state. His heart clenched at the sight.

"Magnus!" he cried out, his voice echoing in the room. But there was no response from the unconscious figure on the floor.

His eyes flared with anger as he turned to Rubin. "What poison did you give to him?" Izaak demanded, his fingers tightening around Rubin’s throat, threatening to cut off his air supply.

Meanwhile, Gloria came to Magnus’s side to examine him.

Despite the firm grip on his throat, Rubin managed to choke out a few words. "Only I... can save him. If-if you k-kill me, he... he will be dead... Too." His voice was barely a whisper, strained and raspy from the lack of air.

The moment the words left Rubin’s lips, Izaak released his hold. His eyes, however, remained locked onto Rubin, a silent threat in their depths.

Rubin, now free from the prince’s grip, gasped for air, his hand instinctively moving to soothe his bruised neck.

"Save my brother, or face the consequences..."

"Summon Alora," commanded Rubin, his voice echoing ominously in the room. "There exists no elixir on this earth which is enough to cure your brother. Your only option is to get the cure from me." His tone, once calm, now held an intimidating threat.

Gloria rose to his feet and told Rubin not to create a conflict with the vampires. "Who was your mother? And how did you get into the sorcery?" she queried.

"You need not concern yourself with my past, Elder. Heed my command. Bring Alora here," Rubin retorted, his demand echoing through the room.

"Alora cannot be brought here," Izaak interjected, his voice steady. "And your time has come to an end," he declared. Before Rubin could react, Izaak struck him in the neck, causing him to collapse into unconsciousness.

"Prince Izaak, he knew the cure," said Gloria.

"I’m aware. Immortal Vampires aren’t extinguished so effortlessly. Magnus may be in a weakened state, but he’s far from the clutches of death," Izaak responded with a determined gaze.

He moved towards his brother, his boots echoing ominously in the quiet room. Kneeling beside Magnus, he checked his pulse, a rhythm so faint it was barely discernible.

Just then, Odin arrived, whom Alora had sent since she was a bit worried. His eyes widened in shock as Odin took in the sight before him - Magnus, pale and barely breathing.

"Take Rubin to the dungeon," Izaak commanded, his voice ringing with authority. Without wasting another moment, he scooped Magnus into his back and swiftly exited the room. Gloria, too, followed the prince because what Rubin did would bring chaos among the vampires and the witches.

~~~~

At the grand entrance of the palace, the guards were taken aback to see Magnus, limp and lifeless, draped over Izaak’s sturdy shoulders. Two of them, rushed forward to assist Izaak, swiftly and carefully supporting Magnus by holding his arms and hurrying him towards the healing chambers.

Alora, who had been anxiously awaiting her husband’s return, was taken aback to see the unconscious form of Magnus being rushed in by two palace guardians, with Izaak trailing behind them.

"Magnus! What on earth happened to him?" Alora exclaimed, her voice filled with shock and concern.

"Rubin... He’s responsible. But fear not... Magnus will recover," Izaak assured, his gaze shifting to Selvina. At his glance, she understood, retreating swiftly and dashing out of the chamber to summon the royal physician.

Without wasting a moment, Alora and Izaak hastened to the bedchamber. One of the guards had already removed Magnus’s boots, preparing him for the physician’s examination.

Alora was swift to take her place beside Magnus. She clasped his hand firmly, her touch a silent promise of her presence. "Magnus," she whispered, his name a soft plea in the quiet room.

"Wasn’t Brother Izaak supposed to protect him? Wh-why is he in this state? Magnus isn’t even speaking to me," Alora murmured, her eyes brimming with tears.

Izaak didn’t dare to utter about Magnus being poisoned. He stood in silence, his gaze fixed on his brother’s pallid face, waiting for the royal physician’s arrival.

As soon as the physician entered, Alora rushed towards him, her voice filled with desperation. "Please, you must save Magnus," she pleaded. Her eyes, wide with fear, darted back to Magnus. "Look at him, he’s not even responding. This... this has never happened before," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I’ll do my best, Your Highness. Please stay calm," the Royal Physician assured her.

"Alora, stay calm. Magnus will wake up soon," Izaak said, placing his hand on her shoulder to gently pat it.