Ch. 236..240: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 236-240

Chapter 236: Marriage Bureau

Alora came to her chamber after feeling better. She could only stop one vampire, but it was one good achievement on the first day. Izaak told her she needed to learn to control everyone with a single glance, which would take time.

"Your Highness, what happened to your hand?" Selvina worriedly inquired as she finally finished the cleaning job in the entire chamber.

"It’s nothing, Selvina. Don’t fret," Alora said with a smile.

"How did the training go? Your Highness, did any vampire attack on you?" Selvina queried, her questions didn’t stop despite Alora’s assuring her that she was fine.

"It was a part of the training," Alora responded. "It should heal soon, or else, Magnus will be angry," she murmured.

"Would Her Highness like some fresh fruits?" Selvina offered, ever attentive to Alora’s needs.

"No, thank you, Selvina. I’m satiated. I didn’t even spend much time on the training ground. I was only able to exert control over one vampire out of ten. But, Selvina, I feel a sense of accomplishment because I now know I’m not ineffectual. These eyes that have been gifted to me serve a greater purpose," Alora declared, her smile radiating confidence and determination.

"Prince Magnus always said that to Her Highness. I am glad she is walking slowly toward her goal of finding the truth in her eyes," Selvina stated.

"Yes. Today I felt I was never a burden on anyone. It was a gift, which I could never understand, nor the people around me," Alora asserted, "but I give the credit to Prince Magnus for this. Only he believed that my eyes were not cursed, but magical." A smile carved on her lips as she felt delighted.

~~~~~

Melody expressed her gratitude to the intern in the royal infirmary after receiving the medicine for Alora’s open wound. However, the journey back to Princess Alora’s quarters presented a challenge.

It required her to pass through Izaak’s quarters. The events of the previous night had left her feeling uneasy, and she had no desire to encounter him again.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she approached his quarters. Melody inhaled deeply, mustering the courage to move forward swiftly, her gaze fixed on the ground. Suddenly, her head collided with something solid. She was quick to mumble an apology, lifting her gaze only to find herself face-to-face with Izaak.

"Forgive me, Your Highness," Melody stammered, her eyes fleetingly darting to his lips before she contemplated making a hasty retreat. She attempted to walk past him, her gaze still lowered, when Izaak halted her in her tracks.

Melody froze as she wondered what the prince might have to say to her.

"Do you despise me to such an extent that you don’t even wish to look at me?" Izaak inquired, his voice laced with a hint of vulnerability.

"Why would I harbor any resentment towards His Highness?" Melody responded, her brows furrowing in confusion at his abrupt question.

"I have a need to go outside. I want you to join me," Izaak stated.

Melody looked at him, her eyes reflecting a myriad of questions that his sudden request had sparked.

"Earlier, I had requested Alora to grant you permission to accompany me. So, meet me at the entrance," Izaak instructed before he disappeared from her sight.

With swift strides, Melody made her way to Alora, extending a hand that held the medicine for her wound.

"Ah, thank you," Alora’s lips curving into a warm smile. "Prince Izaak has requested your company. He has some significant matters to attend to outside," she relayed the message.

"Yes. I encountered Prince Izaak a while ago. I assure you, I’ll be back shortly," Melody responded, her voice steady. Selvina sensed an undercurrent of something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

"I trust that today will be the day you untangle the knots of misunderstanding," Alora offered her counsel, her voice filled with hope. Melody responded with a nod of acknowledgment before taking her leave.

"Your Highness, I can’t help but notice that Melody seems to be in a daze since yesterday. I also sense some tension between Prince Izaak and her. Please forgive me if I’m reading too much into this," Selvina voiced her observations, her hands skillfully peeling an apple and slicing it into thin wedges.

"Selvina, I trust you to keep this confidential," Alora began, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Prince Izaak harbors feelings for Melody. However, there are certain insecurities that are causing a rift between them," she confided.

"Ah, it’s starting to make sense now. Melody’s inquiry about Prince Izaak’s wives the other day, her fear... she must have heard about the prince’s past," Selvina mused, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I reassured her that Prince Izaak is a good man."

She pushed the plate towards Alora, gently urging her to eat.

"Selvina, you’ve done well," Alora praised, her smile warm and genuine. "Not a day goes by without you ensuring I have my share of fruits," she added appreciatively.

"Well, it’s my duty to cater to the princess’s needs," Selvina responded, her tone reflecting her dedication to her role.

"Selvina, have you given any thought to settling down? You can’t be in my service forever. Would you like me to arrange a meeting for you with a potential suitor?" Alora inquired, her tone laced with concern.

"I haven’t really considered it yet. But yes, I do harbor dreams of matrimony someday," Selvina responded, her smile gentle and hopeful.

"In that case, we should pay a visit to the marriage bureau in the capital. I remember Father mentioning it many times," Alora suggested, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"I believe the marriage bureau caters primarily to humans," Selvina pointed out, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Is that so? I’ll seek Griffin’s counsel on this matter later. He might have some insights," Alora decided.

"Okay. But I don’t plan to leave Her Highness’s side soon. I’m happy to serve her," Selvina said with a gentle smile.

 

Chapter 237: Return the kiss

Melody remained seated on the far end of the carriage, opposite Izaak. He studied her face for a moment before speaking, "You may fall out if the door opens accidentally."

Melody moved slightly away from the door while fidgeting with her fingers. She was supposed to say sorry to him, but words were not coming out of her mouth. Not only that she misjudged him on numerous occasions.

"Your Highness, where are we going?" Melody finally broke the ice, thinking the air might turn lighter between them.

"To punish the man who sold you to the slave house," Izaak answered.

Melody froze, her eyes wide and unblinking, words lodged in her throat.

"I admit I was impulsive last night. However, I harbor no regrets. My abrupt actions might have startled you," he confessed, "My form of apology will be to punish the man who had the audacity to sell you."

She was left dumbstruck, her mind racing to process his words. For a few seconds, she could only ponder on how to respond to his unexpected declaration.

"Way something," urged Izaak.

Melody raised her gaze to meet his. "Why me? Why would His Highness go to such lengths for someone like me?" she questioned.

"Because I am intrigued to see where my vision leads me," Izaak responded.

"Vision?" Melody’s mind raced back to Alora’s words. The eldest prince was said to possess the ability to see future events. "What did His Highness foresee?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Us." His response was succinct and unambiguous, stopping her from asking further questions. Her heartbeats suddenly shot high while her gaze glued to his.

"Does that mean His Highness wouldn’t have spared me a second glance if not for this vision?" Melody’s words held a hint of complaint. For a moment, she had believed that Izaak’s interest in her was personal, that he had approached her because he genuinely liked her. But that didn’t seem to be the case.

"Perhaps that’s true," Izaak conceded, not trying to coax her with any kind of explanation. He did approach her after he got that vision, but his interest in her grew even earlier - the day she came to thank him.

"Are you upset that I approached you after my vision?" He questioned directly. "I think I found you amusing the day you were waiting for me to express your gratitude. Out of so many women, only you came personally to thank me. Isn’t that a path carved by destiny?" Izaak queried.

"You came to me first. I don’t see lies in my visions. So, I decided to pursue it but it seems you are difficult to please," Izaak remarked. "Women are crazy to have just one kiss with me. But you gave me a cold shoulder after I kissed you. Why is that?" He raised an eyebrow, seeking an explanation from her.

Melody pressed her lips together, her fingers nervously intertwining.

"You can confess that you were shy," Izaak suggested.

Melody could feel a blush creeping up her cheeks. The atmosphere in the carriage was growing increasingly warm, and his presence only amplified the heat.

"I’ll grant you my forgiveness when you return what I’ve given you," Izaak declared.

"What must I return, Your Highness?" Melody was puzzled, she didn’t recall taking anything from him.

Izaak brought his index finger to his lips, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. "The kiss. I’ve given it to you, so you should return it when you’re ready. And in that moment, you’ll also receive my forgiveness," Izaak announced, a smirk playing on his lips.

Melody couldn’t believe the prince’s words. She promptly lowered her head while being shy.

~~~~~

"Mother, Father, there’s no need for concern. I assure you, I’m perfectly alright. The cold will pass soon. I’ve been consuming warm water and soup," Venus reassured them, "You shouldn’t delay your visit to Aunt Rhexia on my account."

Norman and Rhea exchanged a glance, contemplating once again their decision to stay behind.

"Odin is here with me. You have no reason to worry," Venus insisted, offering them a comforting smile. "Aunt Rhexia’s son is getting married tomorrow. If you both fail to attend, she might be disappointed," she reasoned.

The truth of her words was undeniable. Norman and Rhea couldn’t afford to miss the wedding. Odin had been dispatched to their home to ensure their safety, and he was confident that Venus would be secure in his care.

He cast a glance at Rhea, suggesting that they should proceed with their journey. She found herself unable to object. With Venus’s fever subsiding, Rhea’s worries were alleviated, save for a few lingering concerns.

"Mother, don’t be worried. Just go with Father. Aunt Rhexia had come to both Alora’s and my wedding. She will truly be upset if you don’t attend it," Venus tried convincing her mother.

Finally, Rhea agreed and told Venus not to go anywhere alone.

"I won’t," Venus said with a smile.

"We should get ready, Rhea. It’s almost the time," Norman said.

"Indeed, My Lord." With a respectful nod, Rhea departed her husband’s presence a comforting shadow at her side.

Left alone, Venus allowed a contented smile to grace her features as she reclined leisurely on the plush sofa, a picture of serene relaxation.

"Shouldn’t you be in the room?" Odin’s voice reached her ears.

She tilted her head to look at him with a glare.

"Let me sit peacefully here," Venus said.

"Griffin wants to see me. So, I’ll come home late," Odin told her.

"Huh? Call him home," Venus said.

"I can’t. He is far from this place. I only got a message," Odin stated.

She didn’t wish her parents to know that Odin wouldn’t be at home till dinnertime. Venus rose to her feet and told him, "Just be here for thirty minutes. After my parents leave, you can go."

Odin knitted his brows together to hear her. "Why should I listen to you? What are you cooking again?" He was skeptical of her intentions.

"Nothing. My parents have to attend my maternal aunt’s son’s wedding tomorrow. They won’t leave if they don’t find you here. So, just stay for thirty minutes. As soon as they leave, you can go," Venus requested.

"Alright. But give me something in return for helping you," Odin pointed.

"You have everything. What can I even give you?" Venus annoyingly asked.

"You need to serve me," Odin said with a grin and sat across from her. Venus clenched her fists but didn’t say anything. Her priority was to send her parents without any worry.

Chapter 238: Neglected in my own home

"Scarlet!" Alora’s voice echoed through the serene atmosphere, her hand raised in a friendly wave as she spotted Scarlet sitting solitarily in the pavilion.

Scarlet, upon hearing her name, rose from the weathered wooden bench. A smile slowly spread across her face, replacing the contemplative expression that had previously occupied it.

Alora, with her steps light and eager, closed the distance between them. Coming to a halt in front of Scarlet, she tilted her head slightly, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Why are you present in this pavilion?" Alora questioned. "I’ve been looking for you in your chamber," she asserted.

"I am sorry, Alora, for making you look for me like this. Have a seat," Scarlet offered and the two sit on the wooden bench.

"Do you miss your home?" Alora inquired.

"Not particularly. I was always ready for this," Scarlet replied, her voice steady yet distant. "However, it does feel somewhat odd being in a new environment all of a sudden," she confessed.

"So, what’s troubling you? I heard Prince Alaric had to depart abruptly last night due to some urgent matter," Alora mentioned, revealing her ignorance about the specifics of the situation.

Scarlet’s realization dawned upon her that Alora was oblivious to the reason behind Alaric’s abrupt departure on their wedding night.

"The reason is you, Alora," Scarlet revealed.

Alora’s eyes widened in surprise. "What? Me?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with confusion.

"Yes. Weren’t you aware?" Scarlet questioned, her eyebrows furrowing in concern.

Alora shook her head, her denial was firm. "No," she responded.

"Prince Alaric mentioned he had to find a formidable witch named Qasima who is apparently after you. His Highness was in such a rush that he couldn’t divulge any more details. It’s peculiar that on our wedding night, Prince Alaric chose to leave," Scarlet voiced out, her tone a mix of disappointment and simmering anger.

Alora’s heart sank at the revelation. "I was completely unaware of this, Scarlet. Had I known, I would have implored Prince Alaric to stay," she declared, guilt seeping into her voice.

"It appears as though Alora holds more sway over the princes than anyone else," Scarlet remarked, her voice laced with a hint of bitterness.

"No, that’s not the case. Please don’t misconstrue my words, Scarlet," Alora quickly countered while urging her.

"I’m not, Alora. Please forgive me," Scarlet responded, her voice now softening. "I’m just upset with Prince Alaric. He could have postponed his departure until morning. But he chose to leave immediately after our wedding. That’s what infuriates me. I’ve always felt neglected in my own home, and now I fear that even my husband will overlook me in the future," she confessed, her voice trembling with suppressed anger and frustration.

Alora held her hands and asked Scarlet not to think like that. "Prince Alaric is a gentleman. The witch he has gone to look for is not someone we can overlook, Scarlet. Thousands of years ago, Qasima created chaos in the kingdom. Somehow, she was sealed. However, she has awakened and is after me, eventually the royal family because the great grandmother was the one who sealed her with the help of a witch," she explained.

Scarlet was quite stunned with the revelation of the truth. A witch terror was lingering over the royal family. She felt she suddenly turned selfish even when Alaric told her the matter needed his attention.

"Alora, forgive me. I said some harsh words to you. It wasn’t my intention to hurt you," Scarlet said, lowering her gaze.

"Scarlet, I can understand you. Don’t fret. I didn’t take your words to my heart. Definitely, Prince Alaric should be with you last night. But I’m sure when he returns, you won’t feel lonely," Alora asserted with a gentle smile carving on her lips.

"Thank you, Alora. You truly are a kind soul," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. Without a moment’s hesitation, she leaned forward and embraced Alora in a warm, comforting hug.

Alora reciprocated the hug, caressing Scarlet’s back.

~~~~~

Venus sat quietly in her room, reading a book while sipping the warm tea. She looked out of the window and saw the sky had turned dark, engulfed with the clouds.

A knock on the door grabbed her attention and she turned her head to look.

"Miss Venus, the dinner is ready. Should I send it here or will you have the dinner in the dining room?" The head maid, Madam Collie, inquired politely.

"I will come downstairs," Venus stated. The head maid bowed and left. She closed the book and kept it on the small round table before getting up.

She drank the remaining tea, feeling much better than before. Taking down the kettle and the teacup on a tray, she entered the kitchen when a servant rushed to her. She was quick in taking the tray from Venus and apologized to her for not coming to the room to take them.

"It’s fine," Venus said and washed her hands.

Entering the dining room, she asked the head maid if Odin didn’t return.

"Not yet, Miss Venus. I just hope he returns soon. What if any unknown person comes here?" Madam Collie asked with a fearful tone. "Forgive me, Miss. I didn’t wish to scare you. Please, have your supper," she opined.

Venus hummed and she began eating. Thankfully, her dinner went well. Since Venus had slept a lot since the morning, she was unable to sleep again. She asked Madam Collie, she would stroll in the garden for some time.

"Miss Venus, just stay inside the house. Roaming outside isn’t a good idea," Madam Collie suggested.

Venus hummed as she felt she shouldn’t give headache to more people because of her. She decided to sit in the living room when a servant came running inside.

"My lady!" He exclaimed in fear as if he had seen a ghost.

"Hello, Venus!" A masculine voice landed in her ears as she focused her attention on the man before her. "It’s been a long time since I saw you last night," he proclaimed.

Chapter 239: Hot headed attitude

Venus was taken aback at the sight of Eugene’s cousin, Solomon, a figure from her past who had only graced their presence once before, to extend his congratulations on their nuptials.

Madam Collie, being the elder in the house, stepped forward and said in a firm tone, "Sir, this is not the appropriate time to visit the lady of the Wilson Family. I must ask you to leave and return in the morning."

Solomon, however, was not easily deterred. "I’ve traveled all the way from another town," he protested, taking a slow step towards Venus. "Can’t Venus inform the old lady that as her brother-in-law, I am entitled to spend the night here? My cousin’s home is no longer an option for me."

But Venus stood her ground and she decided to speak this time. "Hold your steps, Brother Solomon. Uncle Patrick will arrange for your stay at the rest house in the capital. You need not concern yourself with the expenses for tonight," she declared, effectively denying him shelter.

"And remember, Mr. Solomon, I am no longer bound to you by any familial ties. Don’t forget who stands before you," Venus declared, her voice laced with a chilling undertone of threat.

Solomon retorted, "It seems my dear cousin was never in your good graces."

Venus shot back, her gaze piercing into his. "Was there ever a reason to hold your deceased cousin in high regard? I suggest you depart without causing a commotion. I’ve been on edge lately, and it would be unwise to provoke me further," she warned.

As a final note, she added, "Uncle Patrick need not trouble himself with escorting you to the rest house. You’re quite capable of finding your way, aren’t you? After all, you are a werewolf," she particularly emphasized the last word.

Solomon chuckled and leaned close to her ear. "You have not changed at all. Still the same woman with hot headed attitude. Eugene was a fool to let you go. I, on the other hand, respect you. Since there’s no relationship exist between us, so there won’t be any problem to start a new one. See you tomorrow, Venus."

Her eyes met with hers. Before she could speak further, he left.

Madam Collie was quick to come by Venus’s side and asked her if she was alright. "Was he really your brother-in-law? Why did he come here?" She asked.

Venus turned to the head maid and continued, "He may want to ask about Eugene and his family. Don’t fret. Everything is fine."

Madam Collie decided to talk about it with Odin once he would return. "Come, Miss Venus, I’ll take you to your bedroom," she opined and the two went upstairs.

~~~~~

Melody’s eyes grew wide as the landlord, battered and bruised, collapsed to his knees, begging for Prince Izaak’s mercy. Despite enduring the lash of the flogger over a hundred times, his ordeal appeared far from over.

"You assumed that my disregard for human governance would allow your vile deeds to go unchecked. Regrettably, I am not one to offer forgiveness," Izaak declared, his voice cold as he idly traced the circumference of a ring on his opposite hand.

"Zerah, tell Magistrate Hartley that he needs to hang this person to death," Izaak commanded.

The landlord cries intensified, he asked Melody to forgive him. He would clear all her debts and would never trouble anyone. He promised all such things. However, Izaak didn’t let Melody speak on this matter. Zerah dragged away the landlord with the help of the guardians.

"He was too noisy," Izaak said and turned his attention to Melody. He was unable to read her eyes because they held a strange expression.

"Did you not like it?" Izaak asked.

"It is admirable how His Highness punished the man, who used to sell women of the houses, who were unable to pay their debts. However, there are hundreds of them present in the kingdom," Melody stated and lowered her eyes. "Forgive me if I spoke more than I should," she asserted.

"You spoke nothing wrong. I never even looked into such matters," Izaak affirmed. "But I’ll see what I can do. This trafficking I’ll stop if it didn’t happen in so many years," he assured her.

"That will be wonderful," Melody said with a smile. "Thank you, Your Highness, for punishing this landlord. He put absurdly high interest rates not only on my family debts, but others too," she asserted.

"Hmm. We should make our way back to the palace; nightfall approaches," Izaak suggested, and together they departed.

As they journeyed back, the day’s exertions took their toll on Melody, and she succumbed to slumber. Her head swayed perilously close to the carriage window, threatening to collide with each jolt of the ride.

Observing this, Izaak moved to sit beside her, and with a tender gesture, he guided her head to rest upon his shoulder, offering her a safe place as she slept.

Melody drew nearer, a wave of solace and unexpected warmth enveloping her as she closed the distance between them.

He shifted his gaze towards her, his fingers gently sweeping away the errant strands of her hair. His eyes momentarily paused on her lips before he reluctantly shifted his gaze away.

A smile carved on his lips. Alora’s advise truly worked. He only needed to be patient with this human. Melody’s confusion stemmed not from disdain but from unfamiliarity. Izaak understood now that it was through his deeds he must demonstrate to Melody the gentleman he truly was.

Late at night, they arrived in the palace. As the carriage halted, Melody jolted in her sleep and she opened her eyes immediately. Sensing her head was on Izaak’s shoulder, she promptly lifted it.

"You were asleep, so I thought to give a support to your head," Izaak proclaimed.

"Thank you," Melody replied.

The coachman opened the door and Izaak stepped out first. He turned to check on Melody, who stepped on the footplate only to be stumbled. Izaak was swift in his action to held her by her waist, her face hovering right above his.

"Be careful," Izaak whispered and made her land on the floor. "You should retire to bed. Good night," he stated and walked in the other direction from her.

Melody watched him leave and smiled.

Chapter 240: Consider yourself lucky

Odin entered the house around midnight and headed to his room when he found Venus in the living room, strolling around.

"Why aren’t you asleep?" Odin queried with a frown. He slowly came to a halt, waiting for her to answer.

Venus turned her head to glance at him. "I was unable to sleep because I rested the entire day," she replied.

"It’s going to strike midnight soon," said Odin. "Go to your room," he suggested. When Venus didn’t stand up, he wondered what could be bothering her. ’Why does it even matter to me?’ he thought, ready to leave for his room.

"Eugene’s cousin came earlier," Venus informed him.

Odin’s gaze sharpened with intrigue. "His cousin? What for?" he pressed.

Venus fiddled with her fingers, a nervous habit. "Solomon wanted to see me and said he needed to talk. But I refused; I’ve cut ties with that part of my life," she declared firmly.

"I should go to bed. Good night," Venus said and turned on her heels when she felt Odin’s hand on her shoulder, making her stop. She pivoted to look at him. His pale skin looked yellow under the dim light of the candles.

"Don’t tell me Solomon was interested in you," Odin said.

"It seems he was. His words sounded like that. But I’m not interested in him at all," Venus promptly said. Her responses came so fast, which showed that she needed Odin’s help to get rid of Solomon.

In short, she was sick of such men.

"Hmm. Will he come tomorrow?" Odin queried.

"Yes," Venus replied, "in the morning probably."

"Great! I’ll deal with him," Odin assured her. Without a second thought, he extended his cool hand towards her, gently placing the back of his fingers upon her forehead.

Venus looked at him quizzically. "What are you doing?"

"I’m checking for a fever. Princess Alora must be informed of your well-being," Odin explained, locking eyes with her, noticing a soft intensity in her gaze.

With a mischievous flick of his fingers against her forehead, Venus let out a sharp yelp. "Are you out of your mind? That hurt!" she exclaimed, rubbing the sore spot as she took a step back from him.

Odin chuckled lightly as he strode past her, but his amusement was short-lived. Venus swiftly retaliated with a hit to his back and dashed towards the staircase.

He clenched his jaw, turning to watch her flee. "Consider yourself lucky I’m not in the mood for retribution," he called out after her, his voice booming in anger.

Venus didn’t bother with a response; her focus was on escape. She hurried until she was safely in her room, pushing the door closed behind her. With a quick turn of the lock, she collapsed onto her bed, seeking solace in solitude.

~~~~

"Izaak!" The surprise was evident in his voice as he encountered his father, King Esmond, in the drawing chamber at such a late hour.

"I have been awaiting your arrival," King Esmond declared with a firm tone, his eyes briefly flicking to Zerah. With a subtle nod from the King, Zerah understood the unspoken command and promptly exited the chamber.

Taking a seat before his father, Izaak remarked, "I would have thought Father to be in deep slumber at this hour."

"If you hadn’t gone out with a human," Esmond replied. "I want no explanation. Send the human away before I’ve to punish her," he commanded.

"Father, she is in Alora’s service," Izaak said.

"I know. But who brought her to the palace? Have you lost your mind, Izaak? You were not supposed to act in such a naive way. I understand Magnus, but I never expected this from you," King Esmond affirmed, his tone showing how upset he was.

"Father, I have been betrayed four times. I-I tried to fall in love and I even did that. However, they all became more selfish. Why should I get into the throne when Father was still alive? Melody isn’t like that. She has simple thoughts with no greed. She may be a human, but at least, she is unlike the women I’ve been with," Izaak opened his heart to his father.

"You didn’t have to kill them, Izaak. A wife usually expects this from her husband. None of them were wrong when they demanded you to think about the throne," Esmond reprimanded him.

"Father, aren’t we supposed to live as a family? Their selfishness had no limits. Had even one of them loved me, I would not have been so nonchalant about my duties as the eldest prince. I cannot marry with the woman Father deems to choose this time for me," Izaak announced his undeterred decision.

"You can’t marry a poor human. I won’t allow it. Have some dignity, Izaak," Esmond sternly said.

"Dignity? I lost it a long time ago. Father knew I wasn’t ready for another marriage after my third failed marriage. Yet, for his sake, for Mother’s sake, I got married for the fourth time with none other than Councillor’s daughter. What she did do in the end? Jasmine was pregnant and she aborted the child without my knowledge," Izaak recounted, the pain of his past surfacing unbidden.

He had never confided such torment to his father, but at this moment, the weight of his could no longer be borne in silence.

"Melody is poor, but not by her heart or thoughts. I saw her in my vision. Let me feel love this time in my way despite if it’s a human. I beg you, Father," Izaak requested him.

"Why did you never tell me what Jasmine did?" Esmond questioned.

"Because I felt her parents shouldn’t be punished for what Jasmine did with me. I knew Father would give them a death sentence," Izaak replied.

"Fine. I would like to see your happiness then," Esmond proclaimed and rose to his feet.

Izaak was shocked to hear his father’s words. He thought Esmond would oppose it till the end, but he agreed so easily.

"Go to sleep and don’t roam outside till late at night," King Esmond affirmed and he left the chamber.