Ch. 21..25: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 21-25

Chapter 21: The Velaris Palace

"Magnus!" King Esmond was shocked to see his third son in the palace. "What are you doing here?" he asked with a bewildered gaze.

"Your Majesty, I've shifted permanently to the capital. From now onward, I'll live in Velaris," Magnus answered.

"Is Prince Magnus alright?" Queen Margaret asked as she entered the seating area. She stopped after standing in front of Magnus and placed her hands over his arms. "I'm glad you finally returned to Velaris." Her smile widened as she was overjoyed to find that Magnus would now live in the palace.

Esmond asked his queen to sit beside him and even asked Magnus to take the seat. After they both were seated, Magnus continued.

"I have found a bride for myself," Magnus suddenly announced to them.

"Prince Magnus is full of surprises today," Esmond stated. "Who is this woman, who won your heart?" He was curious to know.

"Alora Wilson," Magnus pronounced.

The colors from the King's and Queen's faces faded away. "Isn't Alora the woman, who always wears the blindfold because of her cursed eyes? Correct me, if I'm wrong," King Esmond stated.

"Absolutely. I'm talking about the woman on whose father's request you sent a message for me in Elmswood not to trouble the humans," Magnus responded with a taunting tone.

"You cannot marry Alora," Margaret promptly opposed her son's decision.

"I never asked for your opinions," Magnus clarified to her. "Tomorrow Alora and I will marry. So, the palace's every corner be decorated well," he pronounced. "I can look into her eyes, so Alora's eyes are definitely not cursed for me," he explained to them.

"How did you even find out about Alora? Also, out of so many women among the vampires, you found a human who's not normal," Margaret complained. She was angry at his son for choosing such a woman to be his wife.

Magnus brushed his finger on his temple before lowering his hand down. "I shall take some rest. I'll see you tomorrow in my marriage," he pronounced and stood up.

"Magnus, how about you reconsider your decision?" Esmond asked his son.

"I don't wish to. When I say I'll marry Alora tomorrow, then I will," Magnus affirmed.

"No one can look into Alora's eyes. Then, how could you do that?" Margaret was slightly puzzled. She wondered if it was an indication of something bad that could happen to them.

"Fate," Magnus answered and he bowed to them. "Mother hasn't aged much in all these years," he muttered and walked away.

Margaret asked him to stop and rethink his decision, but he didn't pay any heed to her and left their sights soon.

"Your Majesty, converse with Magnus. He cannot bring Alora to the palace as his wife," Margaret requested her husband.

"You know that Magnus will not listen to me or any of us. It's strange that he could look into Norman's daughter's eyes," Esmond muttered, wondering how was that possible

"Then, we should let a human become his wife!?" Margaret inquired.

"Do you think our decision even matters to Magnus? Also, let him get married. At least, he finally is ready to have a woman," Esmond pronounced. He called in for the Chamberlain and asked him to bring Norman to the palace as he wanted to converse with him.

"I want the queen to make the rest of the arrangements," Esmond pronounced.

"I will ask the servants to decorate the palace then along with the other arrangements," Margaret said half-heartedly. She was aware of Magnus's attitude. If he wanted something, he would get it by either hook or crook.

~~~~~

Magnus settled on the recliner as he finally got to rest. He was thirsty and it quenched as soon as Tobias handed him the glass filled with the blood. Magnus drank it, but he no longer would enjoy the taste. Alora's blood had a different taste.

Tobias took the glass from him and placed it over the tray that the maidservant had taken away.

"When I asked the Prince if he liked Miss Alora, he refused me," Tobias said.

"I thought you would lecture me unnecessarily," Magnus replied.

"I wonder how Miss Alora will stay among the vampires all the time," Tobias remarked. "Here, she has to wear the blindfold," he added.

"Not around me," Magnus answered.

"Are you marrying a human?" A feminine voice echoed in the chamber, who was none other than Magnus's sister, Lillian, his younger sister asked him as she sat in front of her brother.

"Will you let me rest?" Magnus asked and waved his hand at her, signaling her to leave.

"Can I see your bride? Where does she live?" Lillian was curious to know.

"Sure. If you wish to die at this age, then go and see her," Magnus replied with amusement.

"What?" Lillian frowned to hear him. "Brother, do you have to say this to me after such a long time?" she complained. Though, a few days ago Magnus had been to the palace, but it was for work and then he left.

"Your Highness, the woman Prince Magnus will marry has special eyes. I am sure you've also heard about Miss Alora Wilson," Tobias explained to Princess Lillian.

"Are you serious, Brother? How could you decide to marry Alora? Have you not heard about her eyes?" Lillian was confused thinking what Magnus wanted.

"Strangely, Prince Magnus can peer into Miss Alora's eyes. He is attracted to Miss Alora, that's why he decided to marry her and it will happen tomorrow," Tobias explained to Lillian.

"And what about Scarlett?" Lillian asked Magnus.

"Who?" Magnus didn't recall any such woman.

"The woman who loves you," Lillian replied. "She is in the High Council and decided not to marry anyone except you, Brother," she asserted.

Magnus chuckled. "I'm already taken, Lily. Tell your dear friend Scarlett to not eye me anymore. Alora has reserved me for her," he pronounced with a smile.

Lillian was astonished to hear such words from her brother's mouth. He appeared to be head over heels for Alora. But, why?

Chapter 22: The answer to my eyes

"Now, you shall leave, Lillian," Magnus stated. He wished to take a rest for some time.

However, Lillian refused to leave as she wanted to know what was in her brother's heart. "Brother, but she's a human and will die after a while. You should marry a vampire instead," she opined.

"Tobias, send Lillian out. I may lose my temper if she stays here for another minute," Magnus instructed. He stood up and thought to go to his bedroom.

"Then, can I go and see your bride?" Lillian asked. "Since she wears the blindfold, then I am sure I'll be safe," she stated.

"Lily, meet her tomorrow. Don't disturb any of us," Magnus stated.

Lillian stomped her heel on the floor and then, without saying anything, she left Magnus's side.

"Your Highness shall talk sweetly with his sister," Tobias said. "Princess Lillian was so eager to see Miss Alora. Once your elder brothers find out, they will also show interest in meeting Miss Alora today," he added.

"Lillian will bully my Alora. Do you think I'm not aware of her nature? And unlike me, Alora will forgive Lillian and let Lillian trouble her. I cannot tolerate that. About my brothers, I don't think they would be interested in seeing my woman," Magnus said and turned to go to his bedchamber. Last night, he didn't take a good rest and now he wanted a quick nap to feel rejuvenated.

As Magnus entered the bedchamber, he found it hadn't changed much. Everything was placed at the places, where he kept them earlier. He then headed to the bed and lay on it. As he closed his eyes, he fell into a deep slumber.

On the other side, Lillian decided to go and meet Alora. She knew Magnus would never punish her since she was the youngest among the four. She got into the carriage and the chauffeur drove it out of the palace.

---

Norman bowed to King Esmond and Queen Margaret before taking his seat.

"Prince Magnus told us that he wished to marry your daughter, Alora Wilson. What's going on? How did Alora meet the prince?" Esmond inquired.

"Your Majesty, I sent my daughter to Elmswood to spend a few days in the old residence. However, on her way, the caravan got attacked and Prince Magnus was the one, who rescued my daughter," Norman briefed the King. He now feared that they might refuse the marriage. But to his surprise, they didn't.

"Does Alora have to wear the blindfold all the time?" Margaret asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Since Prince Magnus said he liked my daughter and wished to marry her, I couldn't refuse it," Norman asserted.

Margaret glanced at Esmond, pondering they should have pressed on Magnus to not marry Alora.

"Alora has always been careful with the blindfold, Your Majesty. She hardly removes it and because she grew up with it, she is kind of used to it," Norman opined. From his side, Norman wanted to assure the royalty that Alora wasn't a threat at all. He was scared of Magnus more than anyone.

"Alright. Prince Magnus and Alora will live in separate residence within the palace," Esmond stated, looking at his wife. Going against Magnus's wish meant losing their son forever. However, he decided to find out why his son could look at Alora without being affected.

~~~~

Venus threw the flower pot angrily on the floor and screamed. She was never being insulted by anyone. But Magnus made her feel worthless and even humiliated her.

Madam Aubrey asked her granddaughter to calm down.

"How? Did Grandma not see how the Prince made me get on my knees? My marriage was supposed to happen, but what did my sister do? Alora destroyed my day and came here, Grandma," Venus blurted out and furiously settled on the chaise.

"Will you lower your voice?" Madam Aubrey scolded Venus. "Alora is here only for a day and then, she will leave our lives forever," she proclaimed.

Venus took deep breaths and clenched her fists tightly. "Why didn't the werewolf attack her? She has always been a burden to all of us," Venus proclaimed.

Alora, who was present outside her sister's room ended up hearing all those things.

'Why does she hate me?' Alora thought and pulled her hand back. She didn't wish to go into her sister's room anymore since Venus would definitely feel agitated to see her. As she turned around, Rhea held her arm.

"What are you doing here? I told you to stay in the room," Rhea said and took Alora back to her room.

"Here, I cooked your favorite rice pudding for you," Rhea said as she took a spoonful of it from the silver bowl.

Alora enjoyed it thoroughly and finished it soon. Rhea placed the bowl on the tray and then held Alora's hands in hers.

"Prince Magnus seems to be in love with you. I knew my daughter would get a man who'll cherish her more than anything," Rhea said, her eyes brimming with tears.

"His Highness didn't let me feel bad about my eyes at all. Prince Magnus asked me to enjoy my life as much as I can. Despite being a vampire, he was gentle toward me, Mother. I hope I become a good wife to him," Alora stated. But she didn't know what it meant to be a wife.

"I know you'll be a good wife to Prince Magnus," Rhea said and embraced her. She couldn't explain the feeling when she saw the vibrant smile on Alora's face.

Alora hugged her back and immersed herself in that moment. She was upset because of what Venus said to her, but she let it go. Alora wasn't the type of person who would think wrong about anyone. Venus's hatred for her was understandable to her. She decided not to share it with her mother and Magnus since they definitely would scold Venus.

"Mother, I think Prince Magnus is the answer to my eyes. I'm glad I found His Highness," she pronounced with a smile.

"Pardon me for intruding in," a servant suddenly came to the room and interrupted the mother-daughter. "Princess Lillian is outside. She wants to see Miss Alora," she informed them.

Chapter 23: Attracted to your blood

"What?" Rhea exclaimed in astonishment. She told Alora to stay in the room as she would go out to welcome the princess.

Upon reaching outside, Rhea found the princess was already in the living room, seated elegantly on the center of the sofa. Rhea bowed to her, greeting her with due respect.

"I suppose you are Alora's mother," Lillian deduced.

"Yes, I am, Your Highness," Rhea replied.

"Bring Alora here. I am here to see how a human is able to win the heart of my most ruthless and not so caring brother," Lillian remarked.

Before Rhea could ask a servant to bring Alora, she came on her own. Lillian was amused to see Alora and the blindfold in her eyes. Alora greeted the princess and then, her mother her seat on the sofa. Rhea sat beside her daughter, thinking what Lillian had to say.

Lillian could sense that Alora was a beauty and it made her a bit jealous. She used to think no one was more beautiful than her. "I am the youngest among my siblings. Did my brother tell you about me?" she queried.

"I am afraid, Your Highness, but Prince Magnus never did," Alora replied.

Her voice was no lesser than a trained musician. It was melodious and sweet.

"I am Lillian Lukeson. Since you'll be my sister-in-law, I'm curious about your eyes. Can you really burn anyone?" Lillian asked with a smirk. She had a few people in her eyes, whom she didn't like. She wanted them to be dead. And Alora's eyes were kind of a play for her.

Rhea talked on her daughter's behalf this time. "She can do that. That's why the blindfold is there." Her voice was heavy and filled with regret.

"Alora, why don't you show me the power of your cursed eyes?" Lillian asked with a grin.

Alora curled her fingers as she didn't anticipate this. She recalled how Magnus too initially wanted to play with her eyes with someone's life. But then, they both were brother and sister, sharing the same traits. The only difference between these two incidents was that Magnus didn't believe her eyes could burn anyone.

Lillian noticed Alora's nervousness. "Don't be scared. I only joked with you," she replied with a smile.

Rhea furrowed her brows together in worry but remained quiet since she couldn't even say anything to the princess.

"So, what magic did you do Alora on my brother?" Lillian changed her question.

"Ahh, I–" Alora felt stuck and she paused.

"Alora's eyes attracted Prince Magnus," Venus's voice reverberated in the living room as she finally entered it. Lillian glanced in her direction and arched her eyebrows in amusement.

"Greetings to Princess Lillian. I'm Venus, the younger sister of Alora," she introduced herself with curtsy and took a seat beside Alora. She held her hand and then gazed at Lillian. "Prince Magnus found my sister's eyes to be special," she added.

Alora remained quiet as she now began feeling uncomfortable. First, this touch of Venus wasn't friendly at all. After what Alora heard, she was confirmed that Venus did not like her at all and right now, she had something in her mind.

"I couldn't come empty hand. So, here's something from me," Lillian stated and signaled the attendant. She stepped up with a box in her hand and opened it.

"This necklace is one in the Kingdom. I give it to my soon-to-be-in-sister-in-law," Lillian said. "Make sure to look at it when you're alone," she added.

Rhea looked at Lillian, and then at the attendant. She rose to her feet and thanked the princess for her gift.

"Alora, did my brother drink blood from you?" Lillian suddenly asked her, causing Rhea and Venus to gaze at Alora. "I am sure he would have been attracted to your blood more than your eyes. Tell me. Did Brother Magnus drink from you? If yes, then you are a kind of–" She couldn't finish off her words as Tobias entered and interjected at the right time.

He announced about the wedding gifts that were sent by the Queen. "Prince Magnus has sent a wedding dress as well," he pronounced and gazed at Lillian. He bowed to her and asked Lilian to return to the palace.

"Prince Magnus has been looking for his sister," Tobias asserted in his humble tone.

"I take my leave then," Lillian said and left for the palace.

Alora took a breath of relief and focused her attention on Tobias.

Chapter 24: Live as a human

"I told you not to go to Wilson's house, yet you had the audacity to go against my command, Dear Sister," Magnus glared into his sister's eyes.

"I gifted her my favorite necklace, Brother. Before the marriage, it's necessary to gift such valuable things," Lillian asserted. She wanted to escape from Magnus's scolding.

"Drop this innocent face of yours, Lillian. I know what was in your mind and what you did there," Magnus reprimanded her in a stern tone.

"This is wrong, Brother. I'm your sister. How could you scold me just because I wanted to know about Alora?" Lillian complained.

"Because you were there to make her feel low. Alora is a kind woman. She forgives everyone, but I'm the opposite of her. Don't cause her trouble after she becomes my wife. I won't hesitate to put you into a long sleep of some good years," Magnus warned her.

Lillian gulped and pursed her lips together. "Brother, you have turned strange. You want me to put me to sleep just because of a human," she muttered and twitched her lips.

"That face won't make me show sympathy on you, Lily. Alora is someone from whom you have to keep your eyes away," Magnus stated.

"I understand," Lillian responded.

"You better be," Magnus said and lifted from the chair. He left her chamber while Lillian stomped her feet on the floor.

"Why does Brother care for Alora so much? Will he turn her into a vampire?" Lillian muttered and shook her head. "Then, Alora will become much more powerful." The mere thought of this worried Lillian.

~~~~~

Alora gently ran her hand over the wedding dress. The white gown featured a flowing curve at the bottom crafted from lace, with an A-line neckline adorned with both lace and real pearls.

She gazed at the necklace set that the Queen had sent for her to wear during the wedding. It was not even her dream to ever get married. But it would finally come true tomorrow. A smile graced her lips and her heart fluttered with a strange yet beautiful feeling.

"I wonder what His Highness is doing at this hour," Alora murmured, her curiosity piqued.

She heard the sound of the wind flowing through the window and turned around to check.

"Your Highness!?" Alora exclaimed in shock. "Why did you come through the window? And why are you here at this hour? We were not supposed to see each other. His Highness should leave."

Magnus gently hushed her with a touch to her lips. "If you stay silent, no one will know," he assured. Her lush eyelashes brushed against her skin as she averted her gaze, eliciting a smile from Magnus. Removing his finger, he lowered his hand and inquired, "Lillian didn't upset you, did she?"

Alora promptly responded, "Uh, no," meeting his gaze once more.

"She did. I can see the lies you are already telling me," Magnus stated. His tone intimidated her and she gulped, thinking if he would punish her.

"Princess Lillian was only curious about my eyes," Alora replied.

"What about your sister? Did she hurt you?" Magnus asked.

Alora couldn't give a prompt response as she recalled Venus's words once more.

"I can punish her for you. Just say it. You know I've stopped myself because you hold some deep emotions toward your evil sister," Magnus remarked; his tone laced with a tinge of mockery.

"Your Highness, we should not have ill feelings for anyone, especially toward our family members. Venus has been affected by me for a long time, so I understand why she is rude to me," Alora stated.

"I salute this woman before me for being the idol of dumbness," Magnus remarked.

Alora furrowed her brows together as she was hurt by his comment. "His Highness should leave. I have to go to bed." She walked past him when Magnus drew her back by holding her hand. Her heartbeat instantly raised and she could hear its flutters.

"What is His Highness doing?" She was flustered by Magnus's sudden pull.

"Alora, you should not get angry with me. I have come to see you here and you decided to sleep," Magnus complained as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

"I'm not angry," Alora replied, "Your Highness."

"Did you tell your family I drank from you?" Magnus suddenly asked him.

"No. Why would I?" Alora immediately responded.

"If Tobias hadn't arrived on time, would you've lied then?" Magnus queried. "Also, Lillian is kind of clever. You should not fall into her trap once you enter the palace. And I can read minds. So, lying from me won't help you either," he affirmed.

Alora was shocked to learn that Magnus could read minds. She promptly turned to him and asked him why he didn't tell about this before.

"About what?" Magnus arched his eyebrow.

"About reading minds," Alora replied.

"Perhaps I didn't find the need," Magnus answered.

Alora knitted her brows together, pondering whether Magnus would have heard her entire thoughts. "Is this how His Highness found out how Cecilia planned to send me away?" she queried.

"No. Tobias told me," Magnus replied.

"Oh."

"I cannot wait to see you tomorrow in the wedding dress," Magnus shifted the topic of their conversation. "I know you'll look beautiful," he added.

Alora nodded her head. "I hope everything goes well tomorrow," she said.

"As long as you are with me, everything will go well," Magnus assured her.

"Your Highness, I have a question," Alora said.

"Hmm, ask?" Magnus queried.

"I'm a human while His Highness is an immortal vampire. I'll have a limited life," she asserted. "Will he turn me into a vampire after some time?" she asked with an inquisitive gaze.

"You told me you did not wish to have a long life," Magnus stated. "You will live as a human for a long time. Don't worry," he proclaimed and placed his hand above her head.

"I know what's your next question, but you should not say it out. Let's enjoy our present," Magnus opined as he kept patting her head.

 

Chapter 25: The Wedding

Alora put on the white blindfold over her eyes after beholding herself in the mirror for a while. The wedding dress hugged her curves flawlessly, leaving her pleasantly surprised by Prince Magnus's attention to her figure. Holding the wedding bouquet in her hand she waited for her mother to come in.

As Rhea entered with two attendants, they delicately placed a veil over her head.

Rhea couldn't help but admire her daughter for some time and hugged her. "You will enter a new phase of your life, soon, dear," she said. Her eyes were watery. Alora was never away from her eyes. However, she would no longer be around her.

"Mother, don't cry." Alora sensed her mother had turned emotional. "I'm not even leaving for a far place," she said, her hands patting Rhea's back gently.

"I always waited for this day," Rhea said, her voice appearing a bit heavy. She pulled away and kissed Alora's forehead. "The carriage is waiting outside. Let's go," she said and helped Alora go out.

Both Venus and Elliot looked at their elder sister. Elliot stepped up and helped his sister enter the royal carriage. She thanked her brother, who said nothing and closed the door.

They went ahead in the other carriages, which drove ahead of the one in which Alora was present. She was nervous and worried. All she wanted was for everything to go smoothly.

As the carriage slowed down, Alora realized she was in the palace. Shortly, the carriage came to a complete halt. Tobias was already present at the facade of the palace to welcome Alora and her family.

"Greetings, Miss Alora," Tobias greeted her after she stepped out of the carriage as Elliot helped her. She greeted him back with a smile on her lips.

Norman came to the front and bowed to Tobias, who instructed them they should follow his lead. Norman and Rhea helped their daughter in walking while Madam Aubrey, Venus, and Elliot were a meter behind them.

"Sister always said that no one would marry our elder sister," Elliot whispered to Venus.

"Not me but everyone. Now, we shall remain quiet," Venus suggested to him later.

Upon arriving outside the magnificent wedding hall, the ushers guided Madam Aubrey, Rhea, Venus, and Elliot to an exclusive seating area below the aisle. Their designated seats were positioned prominently at the front, just behind the reserved seats for the royal family.

Giving the formal bow to the King, and Queen, they settled in their seats, directing their gazes at the aisle.

Alora had held her father's arm tightly, nervousness increased with each passing moment. Even on the wedding day, she could not see what the wedding hall looked like; how the guests looked like, and most importantly, how Prince Magnus looked like.

With slow strides, Alora finally reached the front of the aisle, where Magnus patiently waited for her. He walked up to them and exchanged a bow with Norman.

Norman provided his daughter's hand to Magnus. He firmly held it and drew Alora close. Aiding her in walking, Magnus brought her to the altar.

"The blindfold wasn't needed," Magnus said.

"It wasn't possible for me to walk without the blindfold," Alora whispered. She lowered her head and fiddled with her thumbs, which were tightly pressed against the bouquet.

Magnus moved her veil up, creating confusion among everyone present in the wedding hall. Alora felt his hands on the back of her head and he loosened the blindfold from her eyes. The moment it came off of her eyes, their eyes met while the people, mostly vampires, were terrified.

Magnus smiled at her. "Beautiful," was all he could say before removing the veil from her face. Alora's grip on the bouquet tightened more to hear him. A tint of red formed on her cheeks and she lowered her eyes.

They took the wedding vows, understanding the meanings.

"Does Prince Magnus Lukeson, the son of His Majesty King Esmond Lukeson, take Miss Alora Wilson, the daughter of Norman Wilson, as his wife?"

"Yes, I do," Magnus accepted with a smile gracing his lips.

"Does Miss Alora Wilson, the daughter of Norman Wilson, take Prince Magnus Lukeson, the son of His Majesty King Esmond Lukeson, as her husband?"

"Yes, I do," Alora replied promptly and peered into Magnus's eyes.

As soon as the priest announced them as husband and wife, the entire wedding hall was filled with the sounds of applause for them. Rhea was extremely delighted to see her daughter finally married to the man, who would never let her get harmed.

"Your wish has come true. Alora is now married," Norman told Rhea with a smile on his lips.

"Yes, my lord," Rhea said.

On the altar, Magnus drew Alora close to him and removed her veil by keeping it over her head. He cupped Alora's face and leaned down to kiss her. She tightly shut her eyes in apprehension, which made Magnus smile. He planted a kiss on her cheek and stood straight.

Alora opened her eyes to gaze at him. "Sadly, you need to put the blindfold again," he informed her and donned it over her eyes.