← The Vampire Prince’s Blindfolded Bride

Ch. 261..265: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 261-265

Chapter 261: Not allowed to work

Melody’s eyes snapped open, and she found herself lying on Izaak’s bed. The events of the previous night rushed back to her, prompting her to sit up quickly, only to be met with a sharp pain in her right hand. She scanned the room, but there was no sign of Izaak.

Determined to leave, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, wincing as she realized her foot was injured too. Moving with difficulty, she managed to stand up.

"Where do you think you’re going?" Izaak’s voice resonated in her ear, making her freeze in place. Her left hand instinctively tightened its grip on her sandal.

Izaak walked over to her, his presence commanding and calm. He gently took the sandal from her hand and placed it on the floor. Melody looked up at him, taking in his tall, imposing figure, and gulped nervously.

"Your Highness, forgive me for sleeping so late," she apologized, her voice trembling slightly.

"A servant will help you," Izaak replied, his tone firm yet gentle. He called for Zerah, who promptly entered the room.

Before Melody could protest, Izaak continued, "Arrange for a female servant to assist Melody. Also, move her to the nearest room from my manor."

"Nearest room," Melody mumbled to herself, her mind racing. She looked up at Izaak, her eyes wide with apprehension. "Your Highness, I’m perfectly fine," she insisted, trying to hide her discomfort. "There’s no need for such special treatment."

She couldn’t help but feel out of place receiving such privileges. After all, she was just another servant, unaccustomed to such attention and care.

Izaak gently took her right hand, causing Melody to wince in pain. "Is this what you call ’perfectly fine’?" he chuckled, while Zerah shook his head disapprovingly.

"Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’ll arrange for a female servant to assist Melody until she recovers," Zerah reassured him before leaving the room.

Once they were alone, Izaak knelt down in front of her, his intense gaze locking onto hers. Melody felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her. She touched her face with her left hand, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Is there something on my face, Your Highness?" she inquired, trying to maintain her composure.

Izaak shook his head slowly. "No, I was just reading your expression. I wish to understand why you are so hesitant to accept the care and comfort I provide," he affirmed, his voice soft but insistent.

Melody turned silent, lowering her head. She couldn’t find the words to explain her reluctance.

"You aren’t allowed to work until you recover," Izaak declared firmly. His eyes drifted to a few stray strands of her hair, and with a gentle motion, he brushed them away from her face. His touch was both tender and authoritative.

As he stood up and turned to leave, Melody found her voice. "Thank you for last night. I’ve never had such a peaceful sleep before."

Izaak paused and tilted his head to look at her once more. "You are welcome here anytime," he affirmed. "I have some important matters to attend to. I’ll see you later, Melody. Don’t move too much. If I find out you have, I might have to tie you to this bed," he warned, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

With that, he left the room, leaving Melody with a restless heart.

~~~~~

Alora was feeling joyous after a conversation with the Lunar God. She enjoyed her breakfast before deciding to see Melody. "Is she in the servants’ quarters, Selvina?" Alora asked from her.

"No, Your Highness. I heard Prince Izaak has shifted her to the room which is nearest to his chamber," Selvina replied with a tiny smile.

"That’s wonderful. It seems Prince Izaak is making attempts to win Melody’s heart," Alora asserted with a knowing smile. "However, I wonder how Melody got injured. You mentioned there was oil on the floor?" she asked, her gaze turning skeptical.

"Yes, Your Highness," Selvina confirmed. "It was revealed that a lantern fell during the night because of the wind, and the oil from it spread across the floor. Since Melody was the only person walking through the corridor at that hour, she slipped and injured herself."

"Hmm. Let’s go to her," Alora said, finishing her water before heading out with Selvina.

Upon entering the room where Melody was resting, the attending servant bowed to them. Melody, seeing Alora, tried to get down from the bed, but Alora quickly intervened.

"Don’t do that. Your foot is injured," Alora said with concern, gently pressing Melody back onto the bed. "Have you had your breakfast?"

"Not yet, Your Highness," Melody replied. "Freya helped me with a bath first. I thought I’d eat later."

Alora glanced at Freya and inquired, "Has Melody been prescribed any medicine?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Freya responded. "I was instructed to give Melody a pill after her meals. I believe if you encourage her to eat, she may comply."

"You should eat if you want to get better," Alora stated, her tone both kind and firm.

"I didn’t have an appetite," Melody admitted. "Last night, I ate a lot, Your Highness. That’s why I thought I could wait to eat later."

Alora sighed softly and sat beside her on the bed. "It’s important to eat regularly, especially when you’re healing. Even if you don’t feel hungry, try to have a little something."

Melody nodded reluctantly. "I understand, Your Highness. I’ll try to eat something soon."

Alora smiled warmly. "Good. We all want to see you back on you healthy as soon as possible. Now, let’s have Freya bring you something light to eat."

Freya nodded and left the room to fetch some food, while Alora stayed with Melody, offering her company and support.

~~~~~

Alaric stamped the bottom of an official document with a thud, the sound echoing slightly in the room. Jasper, his trusted aide, swiftly took the document, placing it carefully inside an envelope. As he did so, Alaric’s voice broke the silence.

"The robe I gave you last time," Alaric began, his tone firm, "I want you to stop wearing it. And I also want you to return it to me."

Jasper furrowed his brows in confusion and took a step back. "Which robe, Your Highness?"

"The one Scarlet gifted me," Alaric clarified, his gaze unwavering.

Jasper’s eyes widened slightly as he recalled the garment. "That one? But, Your Highness, you told me I could keep it. Why are you suddenly asking me not to wear it? I’ve worn it several times already."

Alaric’s expression remained calm. "I made a mistake, Jasper," Alaric admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "Scarlet was upset with me the day I returned because she saw the robe with you. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the significance it held for her. Now I realize it was more than just a gift. I know it’s not fair to ask for it back, but she’s my wife now, and I need to respect her feelings."

Jasper let out a faint laugh, trying to ease the tension. "I understand, Your Highness. I’ll return it to you tomorrow. I’m glad to see that Prince Alaric considers his wife’s feelings so deeply. And I apologize for not being more mindful of this situation."

"Thank you, Jasper," Alaric said, relief evident in his voice. "Please, allow me to compensate you for this. You can buy a new robe of your choosing, and I will cover the cost."

"No, it’s fine, Your Highness," Jasper declined with a respectful bow. "His Highness has provided me a lot in all these years. I don’t need anything else."

With a final bow, Jasper turned and left the room, leaving Alaric alone there. He leaned back on the chair to rest for a brief moment when he felt Scarlet’s presence around.

Scarlet stood gracefully before him, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Prince Alaric, I’ve come to offer my assistance with your duties starting today," she declared, executing a small, respectful bow.

"I gladly accept your help," Alaric replied warmly, rising from his chair. As he approached her, he noticed a delicate aroma lingering in the air. "What perfume are you wearing?" he inquired with genuine curiosity, stepping closer.

"Just my usual one. Why do you ask, Your Highness? Is it not to your liking?" Scarlet quipped, her eyes glinting mischievously.

Alaric halted in front of her, shaking his head slightly. "No, not at all. It simply blends with your own natural scent," he remarked, his tone gentle yet sincere.

"What?" Scarlet couldn’t help but laugh softly, suspecting him of teasing.

Alaric smiled, his gaze tender as he assured her he was serious.

Alaric’s movement was deliberate yet tender, leaning in to press his lips softly against Scarlet’s, a move that took her pleasantly by surprise.

The smile on her lips broadened in response, her heart quickening with the unexpected thrill of his touch. Swiftly, she wrapped her arms around him, drawing him closer as she melted into the kiss, her whole being enveloped in the warmth of his embrace.

Their kiss deepened naturally, fueled by unspoken emotions of their hearts.

Chapter 262: Close in my arms

Lillian carefully set down the parchment, her heart sinking as she absorbed the news. Lewis had left Velaris for some urgent business, dashing her hopes of seeing him today. She had been looking forward to their meeting, anticipating the warmth of his company amidst the turmoil that surrounded them after Qasima’s return.

Determined not to dwell on her disappointment, Lillian decided to seek out her father, King Esmond. However, her father was engrossed in an important meeting with the elders, representatives from both the vampire and werewolf factions.

A valet, standing at attention by the chamber doors, stepped forward. "I’ll send a servant to inform the princess once the King is free," he said in a humble tone.

Lillian nodded in acknowledgment and continued down the corridor. As she walked, her eyes fell upon Alora, who appeared unusually cheerful. A pang of irritation surged through her. "Why is she happy? Does she not realize the current situation going around? Because of her, everyone is in deep worry," Lillian murmured under her breath.

Gathering her resolve, Lillian approached Alora, intercepting her in the middle of the hallway. "Sister Lillian?" Alora exclaimed, surprise flickering across her face. She quickly composed herself and greeted her warmly.

"Can we talk, Alora?" Lillian asked.

"Yes, of course. Shall we go to my chamber?" she suggested, her tone light and inviting.

"No," Lillian replied, her voice carrying a subtle edge. "It’s fine here. I suppose it is also fine for you," she pronounced.

"Alora, you shouldn’t be wandering around the palace so cheerfully," Lillian snapped, her voice brimming with anger. "I thought you were practicing how to control the newbie vampires with your eyes. It seems like you aren’t even interested in it," she added, her tone sounded sharp and accusatory.

Alora was taken aback by Lillian’s outburst. She couldn’t understand why Lillian assumed she was happy. Today, Izaak was not in the palace, and he had instructed her not to practice in his absence.

"You don’t deserve to be between us. Because of you, everyone in this family suffers. So, instead of having fun, be serious in life. Don’t roam like a woman with no sense and brain," Lillian stated.

"Lillian!" Alaric’s voice reverberated through the corridor. "How are you talking to Alora?" He scolded her as he approached them within a second.

"Brother Alaric shouldn’t intervene. I’m offering Alora a perspective none of the brothers have," Lillian retorted, her gaze was sharp as she directed it towards Alora.

"You’re out of line. Who gave you the right to speak to Alora like that? Show some respect; she’s your elder brother’s wife," Alaric reprimanded sternly, struggling with his sister’s defiance. "Apologize to Alora," he insisted.

"I won’t," Lillian declared defiantly, vanishing from their sight in a blink.

Alaric sighed, turning to Alora with a regretful expression. "She can be childish at times. Please don’t take her words to heart," he requested. "I apologize to you," he added.

"Please don’t do that, Brother Alaric. I think Princess Lillian is going through some stress. Sometimes, we fail to understand it. I don’t mind her words," Alora stated, telling Alaric that she didn’t take Lillian’s words to heart.

Alaric had no idea if she was talking the truth or not.

"Brother Alaric, this morning I had an encounter," Alora shared with a soft smile, her eyes reflecting a hint of excitement.

Alaric observed her with mild amusement, noting how despite Lillian’s confrontations, Alora seemed unaffected and even joyful. "Who was it?" he asked, genuinely curious about the person who had sparked such a reaction in her.

Izaak, just returning from outside and unaware of the earlier tension between Lillian and Alora, joined them on their path, his interest piqued by their conversation. "Who did you meet in the early morning?" he inquired too.

Alora and Alaric turned to gaze at Izaak, greeting him with respect.

"Zerah, could you please inform Melody of my return?" Izaak directed, his voice commanding yet composed, leaving only the three of them in the palace corridor.

"Tell us everything quickly," Izaak pressed, his curiosity evident in his tone.

Alora took a breath before she revealed, "It was the Lunar God."

"What?" Both princes exclaimed in disbelief.

"Are you absolutely certain?" Izaak questioned, his brow furrowing as he considered someone had fooled.

"Yes, I am. The Lunar God appeared so divine, as if from another realm," Alora asserted, raising her wrist to display a delicate white stone bracelet. "He left this for me and even answered my questions," she continued, a gentle smile gracing her lips before lowering her hand.

Izaak and Alaric exchanged glances, silently processing Alora’s words.

"And what did he say?" Izaak arched his eyebrow.

"And what did he say?" Izaak raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

"Not to fear Qasima. To trust in myself and fulfill my chosen path," Alora replied calmly. "Brother Alaric, I questioned the Lunar God about the old man myself. Qasima intended to sow fear in our hearts by using magic to manipulate an old man’s mind, making him a tool of her schemes. But now, she dare not come near me, for she will face her own demise," she explained confidently to both of them.

Izaak and Alaric exchanged stunned looks, struggling to comprehend Alora’s revelations.

"What does she mean? Who is this old man you encountered?" Izaak asked, turning to Alaric for answers.

The Second Prince hesitated briefly when Izaak questioned why he had kept the information to himself and only shared it with Alora.

"I-I..." Alaric struggled to find the right words to explain himself.

"Brothers, from what I’ve gathered, I am capable of confronting Qasima. Let us await Magnus’s return, and then together, we will put an end to her," Alora affirmed confidently.

"We must inform Father about this. We have already made extensive preparations to combat Qasima. I will speak with him," Izaak declared with resolution.

He too felt a sense of relief knowing that Qasima may not be as formidable as they had feared, especially in the presence of Alora, unless she devised another wicked scheme.

~~~~

"Why does Prince Magnus appear so unrested today?" Ralph inquired, noticing the fatigue etched on Magnus’s face as they convened.

Magnus lifted his head wearily. "Are all the preparations in order for tonight?" he asked.

"Yes, everything is ready," Ralph assured him before leaning in, his expression serious. "However, I’ve heard a disturbing rumor," he continued, taking a seat across from Magnus. "They say a crazy witch decimated an entire human village for a sacrificial ritual. Do you believe there could be any truth to such a tale?"

Magnus lifted the wine cup to his lips and took a sip. Setting it down, he looked at Ralph and asked casually, "Are you afraid?"

"Isn’t Prince Magnus afraid?" Ralph countered. "Witches wield far more power than we do, especially in matters of magic. If they decide to perform any rituals to control us, we wouldn’t stand a chance."

Magnus chuckled softly and waved him off. His mood had been soured since the previous night, and he had no desire to dwell on fears about witches or anything else that might dampen his spirits further.

"Prince Magnus, why are you dismissing me instead of addressing my concerns?" Ralph pressed, his tone tinged with frustration.

"Don’t test my patience. You have no idea what I’m capable of when provoked," Magnus retorted sharply, his gaze piercing into Ralph’s eyes with intensity.

Ralph, visibly displeased, stood up abruptly and stomped his foot on the floor in defiance before storming out of the room.

Magnus leaned back on the chair and closed his eyes. He wanted to be with Alora. Only she could make her feel better.

"Alora, what are you up to?" Magnus attempted to establish a mind link with her.

To his surprise, Alora responded promptly, which was unusual compared to their previous communications via mind link.

"I’m out on the balcony. Why do you sound so low? You seem like you haven’t slept all night," Alora responded with genuine concern, her brow furrowing as she studied Magnus’s demeanor even he wasn’t present before her.

Magnus was surprised by Alora’s keen perception, realizing she had picked up on his exhaustion solely from the tone of his voice.

"I missed you, that’s why I sound like this. Do you understand now how much you mean to me?" Magnus admitted, his voice softening with sincerity.

Alora paused for a moment, then gently suggested, "Even when you’re away, I manage to sleep well. Why don’t you take an hour to rest? Just imagine I’m beside you."

"But I enjoy having you close in my arms when I sleep," Magnus confessed earnestly.

"Then imagine that too. I believe you can," Alora encouraged him in a soothing tone.

"Alright, I’ll give it a try," Magnus agreed. As he opened his eyes, the mind link naturally dissolved. He promptly moved to his bed, intending to follow Alora’s suggestion and envision her presence as he settled down for some much-needed rest.

Chapter 263: This is an injustice!

On the much-anticipated night of the full moon, Magnus prepared himself to venture into the eerie, moonlit woods, as Alpha Claude had directed. The forest seemed alive with shadows, and the air seemed to be steady tonight.

Alpha Claude and Ralph, along with the pack wolves, had taken up defensive positions in the north, their senses heightened and ready to jump into action at the first sign of trouble, if occurred.

Magnus had donned a special ring given to him by Gloria. This ring had the unique ability to cloak his vampire scent, making him undetectable until he chose otherwise. He had provided the same ring to George, who was right behind him.

Magnus looked up at the sky, watching as the full moon climbed higher, its silvery glow casting an ethereal light over the landscape. The moon’s ascent seemed to imbue them with greater strength, especially the werewolves.

Magnus and George moved silently ahead before coming to a halt as they could see a light glowing a few distance away from them. Using their vampiric speed, they both approached the site only to see Zaiden, who had his back toward them.

They both hid behind a tree, watching Zaiden keenly. To their surprise, he wasn’t alone, but a witch was present with him, who was performing some ritual under the glowing moonlight.

"Over there, I can see a woman," George whispered urgently into Magnus’s ear. Magnus shifted his gaze to the left and saw a woman dressed in simple white clothes approaching Zaiden.

"A human," Magnus noted quietly.

"Perhaps they are performing a sacrificial ritual," George muttered, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Magnus’s mind raced with questions. What could Zaiden possibly gain from such a ritual? Control over the minds of the local people? And what surprised him more how Zaiden found out a witch to do this ritual?

"We should stop them," George said as he waited for Magnus’s instructions.

"I’ll take down the witch," Magnus said decisively. To him, Zaiden wasn’t the real threat, but the witch was.

In the blink of an eye, Magnus vanished from George’s side, reappearing right behind the witch, who was seated on the ground, deeply engrossed in her ritual.

Before Zaiden and the witch could react, Magnus seized the witch, yanking her to her feet and pressing a dagger to her neck from behind.

"She will die if you make a move," Magnus warned coldly. His eyes narrowed as he read Zaiden’s mind. "Oh, she’s your mother. Interesting!" He smirked, pressing the dagger closer to her neck. The sharp edge bit into her skin, and a thin trickle of blood began to flow.

"Don’t try to do anything, Zaiden. This isn’t an ordinary dagger. It is already infused with a more powerful witch’s magic. Your mother will die right away," Magnus affirmed.

"Then you should kill her," Zaiden said defiantly, trying to make a break for it. However, George quickly intercepted him, delivering a powerful blow to his face that sent him crashing to the ground in a nanosecond.

The human woman, terrified, ran to hide behind a nearby tree.

"Close your eyes, lady!" Magnus called out before swiftly striking the witch’s neck with the side of his hand. She immediately fainted and crumpled to the ground. Magnus then turned his attention to Zaiden, who lay on the ground, writhing in pain. Grabbing Zaiden by the collar of his long robe, Magnus pulled him up.

"You should not have fooled the king of this land," he declared before shoving Zaiden away. "Tie him up, George. We need to take them away for investigation," Magnus ordered, glancing at the unconscious witch.

George moved to secure Zaiden, while Magnus pulled to the witch using her arm. He then addressed the human woman, who was still cowering behind the tree.

"Follow us," he instructed firmly. With their captives in tow, Magnus and George left the site, ready to uncover the truth from them.

~~~~

Magnus sat on a chair, his posture relaxed with one leg crossed over the other. George stood by his right side, while Ivan, Ralph, and Claude were positioned on the opposite side. They were inside a dimly lit dungeon, the oppressive darkness broken only by the flickering light of fire torches mounted on the stone walls.

"Wake them up," Magnus ordered the guard. The guard promptly splashed water on the faces of both the witch and Zaiden, rousing them from their unconscious states with a start. They both blinked and coughed, struggling to regain their senses.

Zaiden’s eyes fell upon Ivan unable to understand why he was there. Did he betray him?

"Yes, he did betray you, Zaiden," Magnus responded after reading his thoughts. "I don’t have much time with me. So, just tell me the entire truth quickly. Let me remind you– nothing is hidden from me," he stated, "because I’m Magnus Lukeson."

Zaiden instantly recognized and so did his mother.

"I am Irelyn. Please don’t punish my son, Your Highness," the witch finally told her name while pleading with him.

"Irelyn, you two aren’t going to live," Magnus clarified to them. "And I’m not here to grant forgiveness to you both. What were you exactly performing on the full moon night?" he questioned. "You two made quite a good influence here, formed a group of vampire hunters," he stated with a skeptical gaze.

"I wasn’t accepted in the vampire society, so I decided to form my own empire with the help of my mother," Zaiden spoke up finally as he began revealing the truth. "Mother used to help me in keeping everyone in my control by performing a ritual on the full moon night," he stated.

"And such rituals are banned in the kingdom. How could you even think of taking over this region? You not only killed vampires, but kept werewolves under your toes," Alpha Claude growled as he stepped up.

"Did you kill the vampires because you were not given entry in our kind? Who turned you into a Vampire?" Magnus questioned him.

"Yes, that’s the main reason to kill them slowly from this region. They should know that even a vampire like me can create a fear in them, which I did," Zaiden stated with a smirk. "A woman transformed me into a vampire. She was my lover. But the vampires killed her just because she attacked a few humans for the blood. I wanted to take revenge from all of them," he finally revealed much bigger truth for his hatred toward the vampires.

Magnus understood what happened with Zaiden was totally wrong, but what he later with innocent humans was the worst. He glanced at the witch and said, "Irelyn, I don’t intervene when it comes to the punishment of the witches. So, you’ll be punished according to the rules set by the witches, by the Head Witch herself. As for your son, he has to die."

"Why should I die? This is an injustice!" Zaiden shouted, struggling to free himself from the thick shackles that bound him. His voice was a mix of desperation and fury as he thrashed against his restraints. Magnus approached him with an air of cold authority, grabbing Zaiden’s neck and forcing him to face the truth.

"Because you asked your mother to perform the banned rituals to keep everyone in control," Magnus snarled. "You took innocent lives, especially those of human girls. Your lover continued to kill despite being warned thrice. Do you understand now why you must die?"

Zaiden’s eyes widened in horror, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. The weight of his crimes settled heavily on him, but the mention of Rubin seemed to hit him the hardest.

"Before you meet your end," Magnus continued, his grip tightening, "I would like to know how you knew Rubin."

"Rubin!" Zaiden’s eyes dilated with fear and recognition as he heard the name, memories flooding back with an intensity that left him reeling.

"Ahh, so you were the vampire who met Rubin in Velaris," Magnus remarked, his voice dripping with revelation as he delved into Zaiden’s thoughts. Zaiden, realizing the futility of resisting, tried desperately to silence his mind, but it was too late. The damage was done.

Magnus released his grip on Zaiden’s neck and turned his piercing gaze toward Irelyn. "So, he taught you to perform such a sacrificial ritual to maintain control over everyone here," Magnus chuckled darkly, taking a step back. Rubin had orchestrated this entire scheme to fulfill his own nefarious plans. He had manipulated an agitated vampire, drawing Zaiden into his web of deceit and using him to form the hunter organization that would serve as his camouflage. Never before had Magnus encountered such a cunning and calculated adversary.

"Rubin is dead, and you two shall meet the same end," Magnus declared, his tone cold and final. He turned on his heel and strode out of the dungeon, his command for their execution echoing in the dank, stone dungeon.

Zaiden’s scream reverberated through the air, a desperate plea for mercy. "Don’t do this! You don’t understand!" he shouted, his voice cracking with fear. But Magnus decision was final. He paid no heed to his cries. Without a backward glance, he continued his march away, leaving Zaiden and Irelyn to their grim fate.

George and the other three followed Magnus right away while Magistrate Horace ordered for the executions of both Zaiden and Irelyn.

Chapter 264: Want to sleep with you

"Are you involved with a commoner?" Queen Margaret questioned her son, summoning him for a discussion in the presence of King Esmond. "You’ve chosen a woman from the streets to be your future wife without even once consulting me," she remarked, her tone laced with anger and disappointment.

"Mother, please do not refer to Melody in such disparaging terms. She deserves respect," Izaak retorted firmly.

"She was once sold in a slave market. Zerah informed me of everything, yet your father saw fit not to inform me of such a significant decision," Margaret continued, her gaze now fixed on King Esmond.

Meanwhile, Izaak shot a sharp glance at Zerah, a feeling of betrayal coursing through him.

"Zerah, go out," Izaak demanded privacy with his parents. He immediately complied with the order and left the chamber.

"Izaak thinks Melody isn’t like his former four wives from whom he only got betrayal. Moreover, Melody is a woman with limited desires, her chief one is the desire to have a house and a family," Esmond stated, telling his wife to let Izaak what he wanted to do.

"Your Majesty, I know such women. We are the royal family. How am I supposed to let a begger enter this palace and not just a servant, but Izaak’s wife?!!!" Margaret shrieked as chills ran down her spine.

"Mother, why do you have to such harsh words for Melody? I love her and I intend to marry her. I am in a position to marry the woman of my choice. Please be respectful to my choice," Izaak stated. He did not want to lose his temper on his mother.

"I won’t permit you to marry her. You’re simply infatuated with her, nothing more," Margaret declared firmly.

Esmond glanced at Izaak, silently urging him to speak up for himself.

"I saw her in my vision, Mother," Izaak responded calmly. "And there are nobles who are more dishonorable than commoners like Melody. My fourth wife was an example of that. At least, Melody desires only a life of happiness. Mother, I don’t feel the need to justify why I want to marry her. If you cannot respect my choice, then please refrain from commenting," he requested assertively, unafraid of the Queen’s disapproval.

Esmond realized Izaak was reluctant to disclose the details of his past wife’s actions, prompting him to take it upon himself to elaborate. "His fourth wife was pregnant, but she aborted the child before anyone was aware. Izaak confided in me about it one day," he explained somberly, addressing Queen Margaret.

Margaret’s eyes widened in disbelief as she turned her gaze towards Izaak. "Why did you withhold this from me?" she inquired sharply, struggling to comprehend why Izaak had kept such a significant truth concealed from them for so long.

"I saw no necessity in discussing it. I resolved the matter definitively, rendering any further discussion irrelevant," Izaak responded firmly, his tone reflecting his anger.

"Can Mother not accept the fault in me? I’ve come to appreciate humans more than vampires. Alora began to change my perspective, and meeting Melody has completely altered it. I used to disdain humans, yet they possess a warmth that resonates with me. My own kind failed to understand me, particularly those four," Izaak muttered. His frustration evident in his words though he restrained himself from cursing since he was mindful of his position.

Esmond and Margaret exchanged glances with each other. "That’s why I also didn’t say anything to Izaak. Let him do what he wants. He is already so old. It’s better to find a human than no one. At least, he is willing to give himself one more chance," Esmond stated with a smile.

"Forgive me, son. You should have discussed this with me earlier," Margaret pleaded softly, her expression reflecting guilt for inadvertently reopening Izaak’s old wounds. She rose gracefully from her seat and approached him, her footsteps deliberate yet filled with concern. With tenderness, she reached out and gently caressed his head, her touch a silent reassurance of her maternal love and regret.

"I am just conscious of what people would say. You are no ordinary man; you are the first prince and the future King of this kingdom," Margaret explained, her voice tinged with both apprehension and maternal protectiveness as she articulated her reservations about his relationship with Melody.

"People will always talk, Mother. You don’t need to pay heed to them," Izaak replied calmly, lifting his head to meet her gaze.

"Melody may come from a humble background, but our meeting was fated. I never imagined I would encounter a woman who would become my future wife. And this was the first time I got a vision regarding a woman who I started loving," he confessed sincerely, his words carrying both conviction and vulnerability.

"Indeed, it was fate, else you would not have received such a vision. You should go and have your dinner. And forgive me for using those words," Margaret opined gently, withdrawing her hand from Izaak’s as he nodded in understanding. Standing gracefully, he bid them goodnight with a courteous nod, his departure from the chamber marked by an air of solemnity.

"The twisted fates of our children have affected them for a long time. But they are finding happiness now," Esmond remarked softly, his voice carrying a mix of relief and sadness as he approached his queen. Placing a warm hand on her shoulder, he offered her comfort through his touch, a silent acknowledgment of the burdens they both bore.

Meanwhile, as Izaak stepped outside, Zerah approached him with an apology tinged with regret. "I couldn’t refuse to answer the Queen’s questions," he explained earnestly, his demeanor remained respectful and apologetic.

"You called Melody a street woman," Izaak stated firmly, his voice betraying a hint of disappointment and reproach.

"I never used those words, Your Highness. Please trust me," Zerah responded, his gaze fixed on the ground as a sign of deference and sincerity.

Izaak paused for a moment, contemplating Zerah’s words, his expression unreadable as he processed the information. Without uttering another word, he turned and walked towards his chamber.

~~~~

Melody was taken aback by the sheer amount of food spread across the table. She knew that vampires typically adhered to a restricted diet, so the lavish feast laid out before her was both surprising and perplexing.

Her eyes roamed over the numerous dishes, trying to make sense of why such an extravagant meal had been prepared. As she mentally tallied the plates, the sound of Freya greeting the prince pulled her attention away.

Melody quickly stood up from her seat, her gaze shifting to Izaak. The prince’s expression was troubled, his brow furrowed as if he had just finished a heated argument.

"Everyone, leave!" Izaak commanded sharply. His voice echoed through the chamber, and within moments, the room was empty.

"Can you use your right hand?" Izaak asked as he closed the gap between them. He held her wrist tenderly. "The swelling has gone. I think it’s healing faster," he whispered.

"Yes. The royal physician checked my hand this evening and said I can use it for small chores now," Melody replied, meeting his eyes. She noticed his gaze had softened, a rare gentleness replacing his usual stern demeanor. "Is everything fine, Your Highness?" she asked hesitantly.

"Why? Do I look unwell to you?" Izaak responded, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity.

"Hmm. Your face suggests you had an argument with someone," Melody observed, her voice soft yet perceptive.

Izaak smiled, a faint chuckle escaping his lips as he nodded. "Just a small one. Let’s have dinner first. You need to keep your diet in check. You eat too little, which is why you’re so thin and weak."

Melody was taken aback, realizing the large feast was prepared for her. Izaak gently guided her to a chair and took a seat across from her. The array of dishes before her seemed overwhelming.

"How can I possibly eat all this? I have a small stomach," Melody murmured, picking up a spoon to taste the meat soup first. The rich, savory flavor surprised her, and she took another sip.

Izaak began eating as well, and the two shared a surprisingly pleasant meal. Despite her efforts, many dishes remained untouched for her. Melody, feeling full and unable to eat another bite, politely refused more food.

Izaak called in the servants, who swiftly and efficiently cleared the table, removing the leftover dishes before cleaning the table.

Once again, they were left alone. Melody turned to Izaak, hesitating before asking, "Don’t you wish to go to your chamber, Your Highness?"

"You never asked me why I killed my wives," Izaak said suddenly, his voice carrying an unexpected weight.

"His Highness did tell me the reasons," Melody replied carefully. "Moreover, I didn’t intend to cause you pain by bringing up such a sensitive topic," she added gently.

"I want to make you my wife. I will do it soon," Izaak pronounced with a firm, unwavering gaze.

Melody was startled by his sudden confession. Her eyes widened, and she felt her heart race as she tried to process his words. Her gaze remained fixated on him, her fingers curling nervously in her lap. A hue of red spread across her cheeks, betraying her surprise and confusion.

Before she could respond, Izaak stood up and crossed the distance between them in an instant. He leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a swift, unexpected kiss. Melody’s eyes widened even more, and she pulled away, looking at him in astonishment.

"I want to sleep with you tonight. I’ll wait for you in my chamber. Come soon. Don’t make me wait," he said, his voice low and commanding. With a blink of an eye, he disappeared from her sight, leaving her alone with her racing thoughts and pounding heart.