Ch. 226..230: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 226-230

Chapter 226: Marred with tragedy

Alora found herself lingering on the balcony of her room, cradling a mirror delicately in her hands. Her gaze was drawn to her own reflection, fixating particularly on her eyes. With a gentle touch, she traced the contours of her eyes, before letting her hands fall back into her lap.

Today was the day when her training was supposed to start, but the day was fraught with an array of tasks that demanded Magnus’s attention.

Understanding the weight of his responsibilities, Alora chose not to impose further, allowing him the space to attend to his duties first.

She recalled how Elliot attacked her once he turned into a new vampire. Her eyes didn’t work at that time. Putting the mirror aside on the swing, she looked at the sky, covered in the dark clouds. The atmosphere was cold because of the constant raining. And the downpour started again.

Amidst that, Alora thought, ’Stella, you left without answering many of my questions. The Lunar God hasn’t even come once to justify me the answers. What can you expect from a person with no knowledge of her own eyes? A strong witch is out on a hunt for me. I have no idea how I will protect everyone around me. At least, you should have guided me.’

Alora’s posture was one of defeat, her head bowed low as she absentmindedly twiddled her fingers. "I can’t impose my troubles on Magnus. His plate is already overflowing with responsibilities," she whispered to herself, gently swaying on the swing, her feet dangling above the ground.

Suddenly, a wave of determination washed over her. She halted the swing and rose to her feet. She resolved to visit the prison, seeking the assistance of Prince Izaak if necessary.

As she entered the room, she found Magnus, still lost in the realm of sleep, a testament to his exhaustion. Careful not to disturb his much-needed rest, she tiptoed out of the room, setting off to meet Prince Izaak.

Upon reaching the grand manor of Prince Izaak, she was met by the stern gaze of the guards. Recognizing her, they granted her entry without a word.

"Your Highness, may I assist you with something?" Zerah inquired, noticing Alora’s presence.

"I was hoping to have a word with His Highness, Prince Izaak," Alora responded.

"His Highness is currently in his bedchamber. I believe he may be resting," Zerah informed her.

"Oh." Alora contemplated retreating when Izaak’s voice echoed through the hallway.

"Have you come to admonish me?"

Caught off guard, Alora swiveled to face him, her eyes wide with surprise. "I beg your pardon?" she responded, her voice laced with confusion. Zerah quietly excused himself as Izaak gestured to him.

"I-I was hoping to visit the prison to see if there are any new vampires. Why would I reprimand Brother Izaak?" Alora’s brows knitted together in confusion.

Izaak pondered whether she was unaware of the earlier altercation between him and Magnus. "Why isn’t your beloved husband accompanying you to the prison?" he queried, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"Magnus is resting, Brother Izaak," Alora replied.

"You won’t typically find new vampires in the prison unless they’ve committed grave offenses. May I ask why you’re interested in seeing them?" Izaak questioned, his steps echoing as he moved closer to her.

"Umm... It’s to test my eyes," Alora responded, a hint of hesitation in her voice.

"Did something happen to your eyes?" Izaak asked, concern creeping into his tone.

"No, nothing of that sort. I’m curious to see if my eyes have the ability to influence a supernatural being," she truthfully said.

"Ability to influence? As in?" Izaak was now puzzled. He remembered Magnus told him that Alora could even control them if any of them went berserk, but she wasn’t trained enough for this. In short, she didn’t even know her eyes vast potential.

"I can’t risk taking you in front of the newly formed vampires. I have no idea what arrangements Magnus made for you. So, it’s better to go with him than me," Izaak advised her.

"I see," Alora lowered her eyes.

"What’s bothering you? The upcoming enemies on your way? Just burn them and live happily," Izaak opined with a nonchalant attitude.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Alora’s lips. "Is that something I can do?" she queried, her tone laced with a hint of hope.

"Absolutely. You possess the strength to do so," Izaak affirmed, his words instilling confidence in her.

Alora hummed and thanked him for sharing his wisdom.

"Brother Izaak, what’s going on between you and Melody?" Alora asked with a teasing smile.

"Nothing. You can go," Izaak said and turned his back at her.

"Eh?" Alora quickly moved to his front and stopped him in the midway. "Magnus mentioned that you had a vision of her. Why didn’t you inform me sooner? I wouldn’t have enlisted her services had I known," she declared, a playful sparkle in her eyes.

"Because you have a tendency to jump to conclusions swiftly. And why did you send Melody to me earlier under the pretense of delivering a handkerchief?" Izaak questioned, raising an eyebrow in intrigue.

"I distributed one each to Brother Alaric and Sister Lillian," she maintained.

"Don’t try to deceive me," Izaak retorted, flicking his fingers against her forehead.

"Ouch!" Alora winced, rubbing her forehead. "I assure you, I wasn’t deceiving you. In fact, I crafted four handkerchiefs," she countered. "It’s not commendable to treat a woman with such coldness. You should take a leaf out of your brother’s book. Magnus is the perfect example of how a man should treat his woman. You could certainly use some guidance in this area."

Izaak chuckled, leaning down to meet Alora’s gaze. "Dear sister-in-law, not everyone is fortunate enough to find love easily. My past is marred with tragedy. I’ve been responsible for the death of my four wives," he confessed.

Alora’s facial expressions changed to hear him. Izaak stood straight and walked past her.

"Brother Izaak, you were not responsible for that. You are a good soul," Alora said with a smile.

Chapter 227: On your reputation

Venus received a letter from Alora, explaining her inability to attend training due to the overwhelming amount of work Prince Magnus had been assigned since morning. She neatly folded the letter and tucked it away in a drawer.

Descending the stairs, she was surprised to find Odin comfortably seated in the living room, sipping on a beverage. "What brings you here!?" Venus demanded, her tone laced with irritation.

"Oh, you’re finally awake, lazy cat!" Odin retorted, setting down his cup. "I moved into this house this morning, following Prince Magnus’s orders," he clarified. "Your parents are out, so you’re stuck with me until evening," he added, a smirk playing on his lips.

"My lady, would you like me to serve lunch in your room?" the head maid inquired.

"I’ve suddenly lost my appetite, thanks to a certain individual," Venus responded, her annoyance palpable. She then turned on her heel, intending to retreat to her room.

"So, you plan to starve yourself until you fall ill," Odin remarked, "How much more pain do you wish to give to your family?" he asked.

The head maid was taken aback by the audacity of Odin’s conversation with Venus.

Venus swiveled around to face Odin, whose face was adorned with a taunting smirk.

"Miss Venus, Lady Serena has arrived to see you," a servant announced after rushing into the living room. Serena was a dear friend of Venus who had been away from the capital for several days. Venus’s face brightened at the news of Serena’s return, and she decided to welcome her friend personally.

"Odin, I kindly request you to retire to your room," Venus suggested, her tone laced with humility.

Odin hummed in acknowledgement and vacated the living room, not wanting to intrude on the private conversation between the two young women.

Venus, eager to greet her friend, quickly made her way outside and embraced Serena warmly. She welcomed her into the house and instructed the head maid to prepare tea and snacks for them.

"Please, make yourself comfortable, Serena," Venus invited with a warm smile.

Once the two ladies had settled comfortably on the plush sofa, Venus inquired, "I trust your aunt is doing well now?"

"Yes, indeed. The prayers were answered and she miraculously recovered," Serena responded, her gaze wandering around the room. "I don’t see Aunt Rhea," she observed.

"Mother and Father had to step out for some work," Venus explained.

"How have you been? I heard quite a bit of news upon my return. So, I thought it best to visit you. On another note, my marriage has been arranged with Ramon Everston," Serena shared, glancing at her attendant.

The moment Serena mentioned that name, Venus’s smile faded as swiftly as a sunset. The head maid, accompanied by a servant, entered the room, carrying a tray laden with tea and an assortment of snacks.

Serena, with a sense of pride and joy, extended an invitation card towards Venus - an invitation to her impending wedding.

The head maid, understanding the significance of the moment, gently handed the card to Venus. Despite the surprise, Venus managed to paint a smile on her face, a genuine reflection of her happiness for Serena.

"Serena, my heartfelt congratulations to you," Venus expressed, her eyes scanning the details on the card. She remembered the joy she felt when she first held her own wedding card. Her eyes momentarily lost in the past, before returning to meet Serena’s expectant gaze.

"Please, enjoy some tea," Venus suggested, signaling the maid to serve Serena.

"Thank you, Venus. You’re the first person outside my family to know about this. I want you to be there at my wedding," Serena confessed, her fingers curling around the saucer.

"Without a doubt, Serena, I will be there," Venus reassured her, her words echoing the promise of a cherished friendship.

As Venus sipped her tea, Serena broached the subject that had been swirling in the rumor mills. "I’ve heard some unsettling rumors about you, Venus. But they’re just baseless gossip, aren’t they?" Serena asked, setting her saucer down on the table.

Venus, however, surprised Serena with her candid confession. "No, Serena, they were not baseless. I did contemplate ending my own sister’s life," Venus admitted, her voice steady despite the gravity of her words. Serena’s eyes widened in shock, taken aback by Venus’s honesty. "I chose to marry Eugene, even though Alora had warned me against it. But I was blinded by my desperation to be wedded," Venus added, her voice tinged with regret.

Serena, trying to offer some solace, suggested, "You could have allowed Eugene to bring his mate. Now, you’re destined to live a widow’s life. At least, if Eugene was by your side, you would have found some happiness."

Venus shook her head, her eyes reflecting a deep-seated pain. "No woman wishes to share her husband with another. Eugene should have been honest with me from the start. But now, all of that is in the past. Eugene is no more," Venus stated, her eyes misting over with unshed tears.

"You are right, but..." Serena’s words trailed off. She couldn’t find a better explanation for Venus. "But it’s good that you are out of the prison. I heard that the vampires aren’t kind. I think because of Princess Alora you were given a second chance," Serena stated after a brief pause.

"Yes, Alora showed me forgiveness. I deeply regret my past deeds," Venus confessed, her voice filled with remorse.

Serena then asked, her eyes narrowing in curiosity, "Are you able to go outside? I assume not, considering the public’s potential reaction to your presence, correct?"

"Yes," Venus admitted. "You should eat the snacks, Serena," she suggested.

"Venus, then how will you attend my wedding?" Serena asked, her question hung between them, making Venus look at her in bewilderment.

"I’ll manage. I can ignore–" Venus began, but Serena cut her off.

"No, Venus. Ignoring won’t erase the blemishes on your reputation," Serena stated firmly. "Death seems to be the only escape from such stains. You shouldn’t have let yourself become so consumed by darkness that you lost sight of right and wrong," she admonished Venus.

Chapter 228: An uninvited guest

Venus was taken aback by Serena’s unexpected revelation. Her eyes danced with disbelief, and her hands quivered uncontrollably. In an unforeseen moment, the teacup slipped from her grasp, the scalding tea staining her dress. The sound of shattering porcelain echoed ominously throughout the room, sending a wave of anxiety among the onlookers.

"Venus, are you alright?" Serena’s voice was laced with worry as she hastily rose from her seat.

Venus, regaining her composure, stood up and reassured her, "I’m fine." However, the beads of perspiration on her forehead and the tremor in her hands betrayed her calm facade.

The maid, sensing the urgency, swiftly began to clear the broken shards of the cup, while the head maid gently admonished Venus to be more cautious.

Serena approached Venus, her steps soft and measured. She gently took Venus’s hands into her own, her touch as light as a feather. "Venus, my dear, please find your peace," she implored, her voice a soothing balm. "Everything is under control. I want nothing more than for you to be a part of my wedding. However, I ask that you remain inconspicuous among the guests. I wish to avoid any unnecessary gossip. You are my cherished friend, and your presence at my wedding would mean the world to me," she affirmed, her fingers tenderly stroking Venus’s hands.

Unbeknownst to them, the head maid had been observing the exchange. She had discerned Serena’s subtle attempts to cause emotional distress to Venus.

Venus, gathering her courage, managed to stutter out a response. "I-I will attend your wedding," she promised.

Serena informed Venus that she needed to depart, as there were numerous wedding arrangements awaiting her attention. Venus accompanied her to the carriage, offering a farewell wave as Serena was whisked away. Once Serena was out of sight, Venus retreated to the living room.

The Head Maid, her expression stern and disapproving, confronted Venus. "Miss Venus, are you certain that her visit was solely to extend an invitation? I regret to say this, but it seemed as though your friend was attempting to shatter your resolve," she remarked, her tone laced with concern.

Venus found herself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond to the Head Maid’s observations. She felt that the karma had returned to her because there was a time when she used to treat Alora in the same way. She remained silent, her thoughts heavy with regret and introspection.

Venus, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts, moved silently towards the staircase. Her footsteps echoed softly in the quiet room.

Odin emerged from the shadows, his words sharp as he taunted Venus. "You wield your words like a weapon when you’re with me, but in front of your friend, who belittled you, you chose silence," he mocked.

His gaze locked with hers, a challenge in his eyes. "I had a thirst for blood and was on my way to the kitchen when I paused to witness the exchange between two ’close friends’," he added, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Venus responded, her voice steady despite the hurt she was trying to hide. "At least she hasn’t forgotten me," she said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Aunt Julia, could you please send my lunch to my room? I’m feeling quite famished," she requested, before hastily retreating upstairs.

Odin watched her leave, a chuckle escaping his lips. He turned to the Head Maid, a smirk playing on his face. "Isn’t it interesting how she’s changed? I would have expected her to retaliate against Serena, either with a slap or a curse. That’s the Venus we know," he mused.

Venus heard Odin’s words, but she didn’t pause. She continued her ascent, her figure gradually fading from view as she reached the top of the stairs and disappeared from their sight.

Odin’s gaze lingered on the staircase and he found Venus had gone.

"Sir," the Head Maid began, her voice filled with a mix of concern and surprise, "Miss Venus is striving to distance herself from her past self. I must admit, I too am taken aback by her silence towards Miss Serena." With that, she excused herself, leaving Odin alone with his thoughts.

Odin fell into a contemplative silence, his mind racing with possibilities. "If Venus attends Serena’s wedding, she risks becoming the subject of ridicule," he murmured to himself. "She might be driven to take actions that she shouldn’t. I need to keep a close watch on her."

***

Upstairs in the room, Venus found herself surrendering to her silent sobs. The sting of Serena’s words, laced with mockery, was a harsh reminder of the friendship they once shared, now seemingly lost in the abyss of past mistakes.

Her gaze drifted towards the window, the glass pane a cold touch against her tear-streaked face. The realization dawned upon her that soon, the maid would arrive, bearing trays laden with meals, oblivious to the storm brewing within Venus.

The soft knock on the door was her cue. Venus hastily brushed away the remnants of her tears and pivoted just as the door creaked open. The maid, with her usual efficiency, arranged the table for Venus’s meal. Venus managed a weak smile of gratitude before the door closed, leaving her in solitude once more.

As she moved to occupy her chair, the door burst open with an unexpected force. Her eyes widened in surprise as they landed on the uninvited guest - Odin.

"I trust you won’t mind sharing a meal with me," Odin declared, his tone leaving no room for argument. Without waiting for an invitation, he strode in, taking the chair opposite her and gesturing for her to sit.

Venus, taken aback by his audacity, retorted, "What do you want, Odin? I’m not in the mood for your games. You have a knack for sapping my energy." Her words were a clear dismissal, her patience wearing thin.

"Tsk! Look at you. Again ready to bicker with me, but with Serena your lips completely tied," Odin snickered and picked up the fork. "Have a seat before the meals get cold," he added.

 

Chapter 229: Something more

"You can have this meal alone," Venus said. "And will you stop doing that?" she urged.

"Doing what?" Odin queried.

"Making me feel more pathetic," Venus replied.

The two stared at each other before she averted her gaze from him. Her arms crossed against her chest and she heard Odin, "Finish your meals." It was a voice of authority and demanded obedience. "If you don’t, Princess Alora will be reported about this."

Venus cast another glance at him before she gracefully pulled out a chair and seated herself. She commenced her meal in silence, not exchanging a single word with Odin.

Odin, on the other hand, was engrossed in observing her facial expressions, trying to decipher the thoughts swirling in her mind. He delicately dabbed a napkin across his lips when he heard Venus’s voice break the silence, "How long do you plan on staying in this house?"

"Until Prince Magnus issues a recall order," Odin responded, his voice steady.

Venus hummed in acknowledgment, understanding the situation. She then laid down her terms, "Live here as if you are a stranger. Don’t engage in conversation with me, for I will do the same." Her words were firm, making it clear that she expected him to disregard her existence in the house for the duration of his stay.

"That’s better for my stay," Odin said and left his seat. He pivoted on his heels and left the room. Venus looked toward the door, feeling more upset when the maid walked in and cleaned the entire table.

Venus went to the bed and sat on the mattress quietly. Ramon Everston could have been married to her, but her foolishness came her way. She was arrested on the charges of attempting and planning a murder. She had no will to attend Serena’s wedding after observing the way she made her feel low.

With a heavy sigh, Venus reclined on the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. She lay there, unblinking, as if the ceiling held the answers to all her problems.

~~~~~

Magnus fluttered his eyes open, the memory of Alora’s gentle fingers massaging his hair still fresh in his mind. He turned his head to look for her, but the bed was empty. The faint scent of her blood lingered in the air, a clear indication that Alora was somewhere in the living room.

Sliding off the bed, he made his way to the washroom first. Returning to the room, as he glanced out the window, he noticed the setting sun painting the sky with hues of orange and red. It was already evening, and he realized he had slept longer than usual. He couldn’t help but wonder what was in that oil and the massage technique that had such a sleep-inducing effect.

Stepping out of the bedchamber, he saw Alora being engrossed in reading a book alone. Selvina and Melody weren’t seen around. He stopped before her and she lifted her head.

"Magnus!" Alora rose to her feet. "Did you have a good rest?" she asked.

"Yes. I was in a dreamland," Magnus replied.

Alora chuckled to hear his response. "I’ll ask Selvina to ready a bath for you," she asserted and called Selvina inside.

"Join me," Magnus said.

Alora peered at him and hummed. If her presence could bring him more comfort, she would do that.

"Your Highness, I’m here," Selvina replied.

"Kindly arrange a bath for Prince Magnus," Alora directed, her words carrying an air of regal command. With a respectful bow, Selvina departed to fulfill the order.

In the quiet that followed, Magnus reached out, his hand finding Alora’s. Together, they settled into the plush comfort of the recliner. His head found a resting place on her shoulder. His fingers traced a gentle path over hers.

"What were you reading?" Magnus asked.

"Just a random storybook," Alora answered.

"Hmm." The two stayed like that for some time until Selvina returned, informing them the bath was ready. Magnus dismissed her and went to the bathhouse with Alora.

The aroma from the incense stick had spread in the entire bathhouse. The dim, flickering lights coming from the candles, creating their huge shadows.

The water, warm and inviting, welcomed them as they settled into its comforting embrace. Magnus, with a relaxed demeanor, extended his arms, allowing them to rest atop the wooden ledge that bordered the pool.

"I will help wash your hair," Alora offered when Magnus responded by distancing himself slightly, immersing himself fully in the water before resurfacing. He now positioned himself before her, droplets of water cascading from his hair, trailing down his face, and further down to his bare chest that was exposed to her gaze.

Magnus swept his hand through his hair, pushing the wet strands back. His gaze met Alora’s, not a blink disrupted the intensity of their locked eyes.

In a swift, almost instinctive move, Alora leaned in to plant a kiss on him. Her hands found their way to his shoulders, pressing gently against the firm skin. As she pulled back, she studied his face, a soft smile playing on her lips. Under the candlelights, the water droplets on his face shimmered like diamonds.

He parted his lips to kiss her, his hand gliding to the small of her back, pulling her closer. His lips pressed firmly against her delicate mouth, the intensity of his kiss conveying a mix of urgency and deep longing. The pressure of his mouth on hers was both demanding and passionate, leaving no room for resistance.

A soft cry escaped her mouth, not fully since his mouth still was on hers. His hands were ready to explore her body, bringing her to ecstasy with his touch.

He pulled his mouth away from hers at just the right moment, then immediately descended upon her neck. The sweet assault made Alora curl her toes in response, her nails digging into his chest and leaving scratch marks behind. The intensity of his actions sent shivers down her spine, each kiss eliciting a new wave of pleasure in her.

"Magnus, aren’t we here to bathe?" Alora managed to ask.

"No." His dark eyes met hers, the desire and possessiveness was clear in his eyes. "We are here for something more," he whispered, his eyes lingering on her curves, ready for his attention.

Chapter 230: Not giving Izaak a chance

Upon their return from the bathhouse, Alora tenderly attended to Magnus, gently drying his hair with a towel. Magnus was comfortably ensconced in a chair, positioned before the ornate dresser, his gaze unwaveringly locked onto Alora’s glowing visage.

Her hair, still damp from the bath, had soaked the fabric of her attire around her neck, creating a darker patch that contrasted with the rest of her clothing. A few stray droplets of water had escaped, tracing a shimmering path down her collarbone, catching the light and sparkling like tiny diamonds.

After she had finished, Alora turned to Magnus, her eyes questioning, "Should I comb your hair, or would you prefer to do it?"

Magnus, watching her neatly place the used towel in the laundry basket, responded with a gentle affirmation, "I’ll take care of it." He gestured towards the chair, indicating that he would be the one to dry her hair this time.

"Really?" Alora’s eyes widened in surprise, her gaze filled with bewilderment.

He simply nodded in response.

With a soft smile, she fetched another towel and handed it to him before gracefully settling herself on the chair.

Magnus, taking the towel from her, began to speak, his voice filled with admiration. "Your hair, it’s beautiful... so long and elegant. It suits you." He paused, his gaze softening as he added, "But then again, you are beautiful in every way." With these words, he tenderly began to move the towel over her hair, drying each strand with care. His actions were filled with a quiet reverence, showing the depth of his feelings for her.

"Tomorrow, I must depart for the South. You’ll have to manage here without me for a few days," Magnus informed her, his voice steady yet filled with a hint of regret.

"This early?" Alora’s reflection in the mirror met his gaze, her eyes wide with surprise.

"The sooner, the better," Magnus replied, his tone resolute.

"Alright. But promise me you’ll be careful. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way and don’t trust anyone blindly," Alora advised, her concern for him evident in her words.

"I’ll remember your advice," he assured her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I’m going to miss you," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "As for your training, I’ll ask Izaak to assist you. I’ve made all the necessary arrangements. Griffin will also be there, so you needn’t worry too much," he added, trying to reassure her.

"Hmm." Alora nodded, her determination to excel in her training shining brightly in her eyes. She was resolved to make the most of this opportunity and bring about a positive outcome.

~~~~~

As Melody was overseeing the dinner preparations for Alora in the royal kitchen, she crossed paths with Zerah. She offered him a polite greeting, her gaze briefly falling on the tray in front of her.

Zerah, his eyes meeting hers, voiced his concern, "Prince Izaak seems disturbed after his conversation with you. What could you have possibly discussed with him?"

Caught off guard by his question, Melody could only shake her head in denial. "I assure you, I said nothing out of the ordinary to the prince," she responded, her voice steady despite the surprise.

"Are you sure, Melody?" Zerah probed, his gaze intense as if attempting to peer into the depths of her soul.

Melody felt a lump forming in her throat as she remembered her conversation with Izaak. She had indeed told him that she feared she might die if she stayed around him. It was a statement made out of fear, and she regretted her candidness now.

Zerah’s voice broke through her thoughts, his tone laced with a hint of mockery, "I overheard from a servant that you expressed to Prince Izaak that his presence could be lethal to you. How peculiar of you!" His words hung in the air, a taunt aimed to unsettle her.

"His Highness saved you from that slave house and gave you such a shelter, which you couldn’t even get in the dreams. I regret not persuading Prince Izaak against bringing you here. His acts of kindness are few and far between," Zerah voiced his thoughts, shaking his head in disapproval before departing.

Melody was left alone, a wave of guilt washing over her. She regretted her harsh words to Izaak. She yearned to apologize, to make amends, but she questioned whether he would even tolerate her presence now.

"Perhaps it’s best to remain out of His Highness’s sight for a while," Melody whispered to herself.

With a tray in her hands, she made her way to the chamber, meticulously setting the dinner table for Alora.

"Your spirits seem low. Is everything alright?" Selvina asked, her voice laced with concern as she positioned the bowl of warm chicken soup at the center of the table.

"Everything’s perfect," Melody responded, her words contradicting the sadness in her eyes, which she tried to mask with a forced smile.

"Tomorrow is the royal wedding. I’m sure that will brighten your mood. It’s almost as if you fled from Prince Izaak’s manor with a purpose," Selvina mused, her eyes meeting Melody’s. She was bewildered with the way Selvina caught her inner turmoil.

"You’re only human. Your heart was racing and a single bead of sweat trickled down your temple when I posed a simple question. Whatever it is that’s bothering you, you should confide in me. I might be able to assist," Selvina suggested, her tone was gentle and sincere.

Melody, feeling a sense of trust towards Selvina, decided to voice her concerns.

"Umm... I’ve heard rumors that Prince Izaak had four wives and he’s responsible for their deaths. Is he really that heartless?" Melody asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Selvina paused, placing the water jar she was holding onto the table. "I’ve heard the same rumors. But Princess Alora always speaks highly of Prince Izaak. She insists that he’s a kind-hearted man who was unfortunately betrayed in love by his wives, not once but four times. She believes that’s why His Highness had to resort to such drastic measures," Selvina replied, her tone neutral.

Melody was filled with regret for not giving Izaak a chance to explain himself and misjudge him.