Ch. 286..290: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 286-290

Chapter 286: Rest now, my love

Magnus carried Alora swiftly in his arms, his heart pounding with fear to see her in this condition. Her eyes, which had just moments ago shone with an unimaginable power, were now bleeding, and she had fallen unconscious.

Holding her tightly, he sprinted towards the waiting carriage. Izaak, Alaric, and Griffin followed closely, their faces etched with worry.

As they reached the carriage, Magnus climbed in, carefully cradling Alora in his lap. His hands trembled as he accepted the handkerchief Alaric handed him, gently wiping the blood from her eyes. The sight of her pale, lifeless face tore at his heart.

"Why did the blood come from her eyes?" Izaak asked with confusion.

"I don’t know," Magnus replied, his voice trembled. "But we need to get her to a physician immediately." He turned to his brothers with a desperate plea. "Tell the chauffeur to drive to the physician’s place, now."

Without hesitation, Izaak rushed out of the carriage to relay the urgent command to the chauffeur. Griffin stood nearby, his face pale with worry as he watched the scene unfold. He felt a deep concern not only for Alora’s well-being but also for Magnus, whose stoic demeanor was clearly cracking with each passing second.

He looked at Alora’s right hand, which had stopped bleeding. He tended it by wrapping the clean handkerchief, which he took out from the pocket of his overcoat.

The carriage jolted into motion, the horses spurred into a swift gallop. The journey to the physician’s place seemed to stretch endlessly, each second feeling like an eternity.

As the carriage sped through the foggy streets, Alaric leaned closer, trying to offer some comfort. Izaak and Griffin were present in the second carriage behind them.

"Why aren’t we at the physician’s place yet?" Magnus asked, his voice edged with annoyance and worry.

"The forest was far from the town, Magnus," Alaric replied calmly, trying to soothe his brother’s anxiety.

Finally, the carriage came to a halt. They were outside the grand mansion of the town’s esteemed physician. Alaric stepped out first, holding the door wide open for Magnus.

Magnus, holding Alora carefully, exited the carriage. Without wasting a moment, Magnus moved quickly towards the entrance, his heart pounding with each step.

Izaak and Griffin followed closely behind. Griffin rushed ahead to instruct a servant to call the physician outside. He stayed by the door while the others followed close behind.

A middle-aged man with sharp eyes appeared finally, accompanied by a servant. Recognizing the princes, he quickly bowed and then noticed the unconscious woman in Magnus’s arms.

"Please, this way," the physician said, leading them inside to a guest room.

Magnus gently laid Alora on the bed, his movements careful and precise. His eldest brother began explaining the situation to the physician, detailing the events that had led to Alora’s current condition.

"May I check Her Highness?" the physician asked humbly.

Magnus nodded, his voice tight with urgency. "Be quick."

The physician approached Alora. He had already instructed an attendant to bring the necessary medicines to dress the wound on Alora’s hand and address her other injuries.

He began by examining Alora’s eyes, noting the blood and her pallor. With practiced hands, he gently cleaned the blood from her eyes and applied a cooling salve to reduce any inflammation. "Her Highness has experienced significant strain I believe," he explained as he worked. "This has also caused severe physical reactions, including bleeding and unconsciousness."

Magnus watched intently, his anxiety growing. "Will she be alright?"

The physician glanced up, his expression reassuring. "With rest and proper care, the Princess should recover."

The physician finished dressing the wound on Alora’s hand, ensuring the cut was cleaned thoroughly before applying a healing salve. He then meticulously tied a bandage around it, making sure it was secure but not too tight. His movements were precise, reflecting his years of experience in tending to both ordinary and extraordinary ailments.

Once he was done, the physician stood and turned to Magnus. "She needs at least a day’s rest," he advised, his tone gentle yet firm.

"When will she wake up?" Magnus asked, his voice edged with a mix of hope and desperation.

"Any time. I can’t exactly tell when it will be, Your Highness," the physician replied, meeting Magnus’s intense gaze with a calm, reassuring demeanor.

"Hmm." Magnus’s response was brief, but the weight of his worry was palpable.

The physician had many questions swirling in his mind, eager to understand more about the incident that had taken such a toll on Alora. But sensing the urgency and the need for privacy, he decided to hold his inquiries for now.

"Prince Izaak will explain everything to you. Let us stay here until Alora wakes up," Magnus said, lifting his gaze from Alora to the physician.

"Of course! I would be happy to serve all of you," the physician replied with a courteous smile. "I will show the rooms to the others. Please follow me this way."

Izaak, Alaric, and Griffin followed the physician out of the room, leaving Magnus and Alora alone. Once the room emptied, Magnus quietly closed the door and quickly returned to Alora’s side. His gaze remained fixated on her pale face, his heart heavy with worry.

He gently brushed a few strands of hair away from her face, tucking them behind her ear.

"This was the last time I let you do this," Magnus said softly, his voice trembling with emotion. His eyes grew misty as he looked at her, the full impact of her condition weighing heavily on him. The sight of her so vulnerable, so affected by the magic she had wielded, filled him with sorrow.

"You’ve been so strong, Alora," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I can’t bear to see you like this again. I won’t let you face this alone anymore."

He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Rest now, my love. I’ll be here when you wake up," he promised, his eyes never leaving her face.

Chapter 287: This isn’t what I desired

Alora’s lips trembled, and her eyelids fluttered open. Magnus noticed these subtle movements instantly, his heart quickening with anticipation to look at Alora. He didn’t wait to call out her name. His hand reached out to cup her face, his thumb gently caressing her cheek.

"Magnus," she whispered.

"Yes, love. I’m here. Open your eyes," he urged softly, leaning in closer, his breath warm against her skin.

Slowly, Alora’s eyes opened, the brilliant blue of her gaze meeting his. She blinked, recalling how her vision had been blurred earlier in the forest. Now, everything was clear and sharp.

"Do your eyes hurt?" Magnus asked, concern etching his features.

"No," she replied, her voice stronger this time.

Magnus sighed in relief, the tension easing from his shoulders. He immediately turned to summon a servant, who appeared quickly at his call. "Fetch the physician at once," he instructed.

As the servant hurried off, Alora attempted to sit up.

"Stay in bed," Magnus said gently but firmly, pressing a hand to her shoulder. "You need to rest."

Alora didn’t dare to move after that, feeling the weight of his gaze on her. Their eyes remained locked, an unspoken connection flowing between them. She sensed that Magnus didn’t wish to look away from her, not even for a second. His intense stare conveyed both care and lingering worry towards her.

Suddenly, Alora’s gaze shifted, falling upon Magnus’s neck. Her eyes widened as she noticed a blood stain.

"It’s healed, and the dagger wasn’t poisonous. She lied," Magnus said, his voice was steady but it laced with underlying anger.

"Oh," Alora murmured.

"I trusted you," he continued, his tone now tinged with pain. "Look at your condition now. This isn’t what I desired," Magnus pronounced.

Before she could muster a response or explain herself, the door opened, and the physician entered the room. He was followed by Izaak, Alaric, and Griffin, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.

The physician quickly moved to Alora’s side, his practiced hands already at work, assessing her condition. Magnus stepped back slightly, allowing the physician space but not moving far from Alora’s side. Izaak, Alaric, and Griffin hovered nearby.

"Alora, your eyes were bleeding. They don’t hurt, right?" Alaric asked.

She shook her head. "They are fine."

"Your Highness seems well now," the Physician replied with a gentle smile. He rested Alora’s hand on the mattress and stood up. "There’s nothing to worry about," he stated.

"That’s a relief," Izaak remarked and placed his hand on Magnus’s shoulder.

"I will tell the maids to prepare dinner for everyone. The blood is arranged as well," the physician said. "Princess Alora, do you wish to eat something lighter? I’ll send it through a servant’s hands," he asked humbly.

Alora managed a small smile. "Nothing, thank you, Sir," she replied, appreciating his kindness but feeling too drained to eat anything now.

The physician returned her smile and gave a small bow before leaving the room to make the necessary arrangements.

"Alora, you had scared us," Alaric said, his voice filled with genuine concern as he came closer to the bed.

"I’m sorry. I have no idea why that happened," Alora replied. She then returned her gaze to Magnus, who was visibly fuming with anger. "If someone is more worried, then it’s Magnus. The Brothers should elucidate to his younger brother that I’m absolutely fine," she asserted, trying to lighten the mood.

"You aren’t," Magnus said tersely. He stood up abruptly and left the room in frustration.

"He is upset with me," Alora murmured, trying to rise from the bed, but Izaak gently stopped her with a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Stay in the bed, sister-in-law. He’s not upset with you, but with himself," Izaak pointed out, his voice calm and reassuring. "I’ll go after him. Alaric and Griffin will stay here with you," he added, giving her a comforting smile before disappearing from her sight to follow Magnus.

~~~~

Magnus stood in the isolated part of the mansion, his eyes scanning the surroundings as he tried to calm his turbulent thoughts. The night air was cool, and the distant sounds of the estate provided a faint, comforting environment.

Izaak soon spotted him, and recognizing the familiar tension in his brother’s stance, he quietly approached, stopping by his side.

"The Lunar God didn’t tell Alora that her eyes might bleed if she uses too much of her strength. Qasima was a dark witch; the power she held affected Alora internally," Magnus said.

Izaak nodded thoughtfully. "I agree with your words. However, you always said her eyes held a bigger purpose. Now, you act as if you aren’t happy with the fact that she could bring the most powerful beings to their knees," he observed, his tone gentle yet probing.

Magnus turned to face his elder brother, his eyes filled fear and frustration. "Because it left me anxious, Izaak. What if something worse had happened?" he asked, his voice betraying the depth of his worry.

Izaak placed a reassuring hand on Magnus’s shoulders. "She couldn’t have let you be harmed. You know this well. Why do you dwell on the worst possibilities?" he queried.

Magnus looked away, struggling with his feelings. "I can’t help it. Seeing her like that... it terrified me."

"She is fine, Magnus, and she is stronger than before. Can’t you see the accomplishment in Alora’s eyes?" Izaak pressed gently, hoping to ease his brother’s anxiety.

Magnus sighed, the tension slowly ebbing away as he absorbed Izaak’s words. He knew his brother was right, but the fear of happening anything to Alora was overwhelming. "I see it," he finally admitted, his voice softer. "But I can’t shake off the fear."

"You love her deeply, and that’s why you worry. But trust in her strength and her ability to protect herself and you," Izaak said, giving Magnus’s shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "We all believe in her, and so should you."

"Hmm."

"Let’s go back. Alora wants you to be by her side," Izaak asserted, pushing her forward. The two brothers then walked into the mansion.

Chapter 288: I failed as a brother

Alora quietly ate her dinner as Magnus spoon fed her. Once finished, Magnus used the napkin to wipe her lips. He then handed her a glass of water before calling a servant inside.

"Take these dishes away," Magnus said.

The servant acknowledged the command and collected the dishes on a tray. She bowed and left the room soon.

Magnus handed a pill to Alora, who took it with water. His eyes fell upon the bracelet of white stones on her left wrist and he got irked. If he could meet the Lunar God, he would fought with him for letting his beloved Alora fall in danger.

Magnus took the glass from her hand, setting it carefully on the table. He then held Alora’s arm with a gentle yet firm grip and brought her to the bed.

"Why don’t you remove this bracelet?" Magnus finally asked as Alora settled on the mattress.

"Huh? Why?" She confusedly peered at him.

"Because it’s of no use," Magnus replied in a hardened tone. "Raphael didn’t come to help you. He chose you for these eyes and then pushed you into danger while fleeing the scene," he remarked, his words were sharp and bitter.

"Magnus, that’s not right. How could you say something so bad about a God?" Alora lightly scolded him.

"Don’t take his side," Magnus told her.

"I thought you were proud of me. Now, look at you," Alora pouted, crossing her arms over her chest in a defensive gesture.

Magnus shook his head and stood up. He walked to the small balcony and rested his hands on the balustrade. The cool breeze blowing couldn’t calm his nerves.

"You should stay in bed," he said without turning around.

Before he could insist further, Alora hugged him from behind, her arms encircling his waist and her head resting on his firm back. "I want to stay by your side," she whispered, her voice soft and pleading.

Magnus looked down at her small hand, still covered in a bandage.

"When you save me, you find it okay. But when I do the same for you, why do you find it wrong?" Alora questioned.

"Because I can sustain injuries. After all, I’m an immortal," Magnus reasoned.

"But you are my husband. Any injury on you will affect me," Alora stated, her grip tightening around him, emphasizing the depth of her feelings. "And it’s not like I will get injured every other day. When you fight a big battle, it’s normal to get injuries," she added.

Magnus held her hand and freed them from his chest. He turned around and looked at her face. They continued to peer at each other before Magnus ducked his head and kissed her lips.

She brought her hands to his shoulders while his hands remained on her waist. They nibbled each other’s lips, pouring their feelings for each other.

Pulling away, their noses brushed against each others and their heavy breaths mingled too. "You always surprise me, Alora. From the moment, you’ve come into my life, you have always intrigued me. I love you. I can’t even tell how much," he stated.

"I know," Alora’s hands were now on his cold cheeks, "I love you too, Magnus." They hugged each other before Magnus carried her up in a bridal style and took her inside.

~~~~~

"I heard the princes are here," a voice rang out in the dormitory.

"Really? But why?" another voice responded with curiosity.

"Princess Alora is with them. There are hardly any details about the matter. However, I heard that Princess Alora got injured," the first voice proclaimed.

Elliot, who had just returned from a bath, overheard his seniors’ conversation and halted in his tracks. "Alora is injured," he murmured to himself, drawing the attention of the two seniors.

"Oh. Isn’t Her Highness your sister?" asked the first one, named Braxton.

"Yes. Alora is my sister. Is it true that she’s injured?" Elliot inquired, lowering the towel in his hand, his voice filled with concern.

"Yes, but we have no idea where they are," Cleve stated, shaking his head.

"But how did the seniors hear about this?" Elliot queried, his brow furrowing with worry.

"From the gatekeeper. I think in the town, the words have spread," Braxton stated.

Elliot went to the cupboard and quickly took out his shirt with puffy sleeves. Tucking it inside his trousers, he put on an overcoat above it.

"Don’t tell me you are going to see Princess Alora," Braxton stated.

"Yes, I am," Elliot replied.

"You are forgetting, Elliot, until we are trained fully, we can’t take a step out of this place," Cleve said firmly, rising to his feet with a solemn expression.

"Don’t forget you’re still a newbie. You may inadvertently harm your sister. She’s already injured, so you should let her rest tonight," Cleve advised with genuine concern.

Braxton placed a reassuring hand on Elliot’s shoulder and added, "Listen to us, Elliot. Let the night pass. Who knows, your sister might come to see you tomorrow morning. That would be better than risking punishment by breaking the rules," he suggested, his tone calm and soothing.

Elliot finally calmed down and agreed to his both seniors. He took off the overcoat and threw it over the chair before heading to bed.

"Well, we have heard that Princess Alora’s eyes are quite different. Does she really perish those who harm her?" Cleve curiously asked him.

"Yes, her eyes do burn the individual alive," Elliot admitted. "I’ve been bad to my sister. She was all alone, but I never cared to go near her to talk to her and share her worries," he muttered, lowering his head.

After becoming a vampire, Elliot’s senses had heightened and his emotions had jeopardised too. He regretted for not being able to become a good brother.

"Well, everyone knew her as the Curse of Velaris!" Cleve chuckled when Elliot glared at him. "My sincere apologies. I meant to say that it wasn’t your fault entirely," he asserted. "Anyone at your place would have reacted the same way," Cleve stated.

"I failed as a brother, Senior. That’s what I know," Elliot mumbled.

Chapter 289: No fondness for humans

Venus rapped lightly on the door before gently pushing it open, revealing Odin seated in a grand, high-backed chair, absorbed in deciphering a parchment. The room was bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, casting flickering shadows on the ancient tomes that lined the shelves.

As Odin lowered the parchment and glanced up, his piercing gaze met Venus standing timidly in the doorway. His expression softened slightly, though his demeanor remained stern.

"What do you want?" Odin asked with curiosity.

Venus took a tentative step into the room, closing the heavy oak door behind her with a soft click. She nervously clasped her hands together, her gaze shifting momentarily to the intricate patterns of the rug beneath her feet.

"Umm..." Venus began as she struggled to articulate her thoughts.

Realizing her hesitation, Odin’s stern facade softened just a fraction. "I can’t read minds," he reminded her.

Taking a deep breath, Venus gathered her resolve. "Tomorrow is my parents’ 30th anniversary," she finally blurted out, her words rushing forth in a nervous torrent. "I... I want to organize a small party for them."

Odin found it amusing. "Why are you even sharing it with me? And have you forgotten about the witch?" he asked, setting the parchment on the small table.

"I don’t think the witch should affect my parents’ anniversary," Venus stated.

"Why do you even want to organize a party, which can bring you and your parents into humiliation?" He arched his eyebrows. He reminded her once again how people might speak about Venus’s past actions. "Don’t you think it’s better to celebrate within your people?" he suggested.

Venus hummed and turned around to leave.

"I’m not done yet," Odin said.

"You’ve already said what you wanted to," Venus murmured quietly, her fingers lingering on the doorknob. She felt Odin’s hand gently grasp her wrist, holding her in place. Tilting her head slightly, she met his gaze with curiosity.

"Do you have a habit of hearing only half of what people say?" Odin questioned softly.

Venus sighed, sensing there was more he wanted to impart. "Go on," she prompted, giving him permission to continue.

"You should invite your sister for this anniversary," Odin suggested thoughtfully. "And perhaps it’s best to celebrate with your family rather than involving outsiders who may seek to ridicule you."

"They’ll never forget what I’ve done," Venus replied, her voice tinged with resignation. "Should I always hide from them?"

"No," Odin countered firmly. "Instead of hiding, you should learn to ignore them. Why subject yourself to unnecessary stress by listening to their negativity?"

Venus considered his words carefully, her brow furrowing in thought. She knew he spoke from experience and a desire to protect her. Deep down, she understood the wisdom in his advice, even if it wasn’t easy to follow.

"I understand," Venus said calmly, gently indicating for Odin to release her hand. He complied swiftly, withdrawing his grip from her wrist with a nod of acknowledgment.

"Odin, I have a question for you. Please answer truthfully," Venus stated.

"Hmm, go ahead," Odin granted her permission.

"Why haven’t you married yet?" Venus asked directly, her curiosity genuine. "You won’t stay here forever, I believe," she added softly, a hint of concern threading through her words.

Odin’s eyebrow arched slightly at the unexpected question. "Why? Do you want me to stay here forever?" he countered, his tone carrying a touch of amusement mixed with curiosity.

"Huh? No!" Venus responded quickly, realizing her wording might have been misconstrued. "Never mind. I’ll leave now," she said hurriedly, a slight flush coloring her cheeks as she turned to make her exit.

"I haven’t felt attraction toward anyone so far," Odin replied with a hint of melancholy, his gaze distant as he recalled memories long past. "The one I had feelings for passed away a long time ago."

Venus looked at him with sadness. "Oh. That’s heartbreaking to hear," she whispered sympathetically. "Was she human?" Venus asked softly, trying to understand more about Odin’s past.

"No. I have no fondness for humans," Odin replied bluntly, his voice tinged with a touch of disdain. "She was a vampire," he stated.

"Hmm. I understand," Venus murmured gently, sensing the solemnity of Odin’s revelation. "I’ll take my leave now," she affirmed softly, giving him a nod of respect before turning to leave.

"So, what plans do you have for your parents’ anniversary?" Odin inquired, his demeanor softening as he regarded Venus with genuine interest.

"I’ll call my sister myself. Can we go this evening to invite her?" Venus asked eagerly, her eyes hopeful as she looked to Odin for confirmation.

"Her Highness is currently not in the palace. I’ll let you know as soon as I receive word of her return," Odin replied calmly, his voice carrying a touch of reassurance amidst Venus’s anticipation.

Venus furrowed her brows, concern flickering across her features. "Where has she gone?" she pressed, her curiosity tinged with a hint of apprehension about her sister’s whereabouts.

Odin hesitated briefly, weighing his words. "She’s attending to some matters outside the palace," he explained carefully, choosing not to disclose more details for the moment.

Venus nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "What matters?"

"That’s none of your concern," Odin affirmed.

"Why do you always give me half information?" Venus’s tone betrayed a hint of irritation as she unfolded her arms, clearly unsettled by Odin’s vague responses. "Where did Alora and Prince Magnus go?" she pressed, her concern growing more evident with each passing moment.

"I’ve already mentioned they may return in the evening. I will inform Princess Alora about your plans for tomorrow," Odin replied calmly, his voice steady despite Venus’s frustration.

Venus narrowed her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "As Alora’s sister, I deserve to know where she is," she asserted firmly, her arms crossing over her chest once more in a gesture of defiance and concern.

"Qasima has summoned Princess Alora to see her," Odin finally revealed. "The evil witch has promised to cease her attacks on humans once she has seen Princess Alora," he added solemnly, knowing the news would weigh heavily on Venus.

"Will Alora be safe?" Venus asked.

"I think so. Her Highness possesses magical eyes, after all," Odin replied.

"Hmm." Venus had herself seen the power of those eyes, however, she was still anxious for Alora.

Chapter 290: Train you myself

Magnus placed a pouch full of gold coins in the hands of Phileas Olsen, the physician, who examined Alora last day and even let them stay in his mansion.

"Your Highness, you are making me feel low by doing this. I can’t accept this money," Phileas said in his humble tone.

"Why not? It’s a reward for you. Keep it," Magnus stated. He glanced at the old lady, who was Phileas’s wife. "Please ask you husband to take this small reward from me," he urged.

"Your Highness, I am paid for my work. And it was my privilege to be able to help. Please keep it with you. I cannot take it," Phileas said in his humble tone.

Magnus sighed and felt that the physician was too good for not taking such a reward from him. Even the old lady insisted on him not give them the reward for assisting them.

"A reward bestowed by royalty should not be refused," Izaak’s voice fell onto the old couple’s ears. They were quick to greet the eldest prince, who halted next to Magnus.

"Please take it," Izaak reiterated.

Phileas and his wife exchanged a glance with each other before he finally accepted the reward of the gold coins from Magnus. He thanked her for such a generous and huge amount, which he never even imagined to ever get.

"It’s for what you did for us," Magnus stated with a smile. "We will be leaving now. Thank you again," he expressed his gratitude.

Phileas and his wife smiled warmly as they accompanied Magnus and Izaak to their carriage, seeing them off with heartfelt farewells.

In the carriage, Alora looked excited because they were heading to the academy where her brother was kept. The radiant glow said it all how eager she was to find out how a vampire academy looked liked.

"Magnus, will there be only vampires?" Alora asked.

"Yes."

"Then, I’ll be the only human there. And I think I will be the first human to visit a vampire academy," she stated with a smile.

"Yes."

Magnus couldn’t help but admire the curious child in her. Whenever she would find something new, she would be excited like a kid.

"Magnus, I asked you this before too. But you gave me a vague response," her tone was a bit serious now. "What will happen when I becomes a vampire? Will you send me to the academy too?" Alora queried.

"You’re not turning into a vampire, darling," Magnus said gently. "At least, not yet."

"Why not?" Alora asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of disappointment.

"Because I don’t want it to happen yet," Magnus replied firmly.

Alora pouted, averting her gaze. She opened the window, letting the light raindrops hit her face before quickly shutting it. Magnus chuckled as she wiped the water away.

Before she could react, Magnus pulled her onto his lap, causing her to let out a small scream. With a gentle touch, he dabbed her face with a handkerchief.

"Alora," he said softly, "even if you do become a vampire someday, you won’t need to attend an academy. I’ll train you myself. But that’s a long way off. Do you understand?" He lowered his hand, searching her eyes for understanding.

"Hmm," Alora nodded, her expression remained thoughtful.

Alora noticed how his eyes lingered on her lips, prompting her to purse them together in response. Magnus’s smile deepened with a mix of amusement and desire.

Leaning in, he pressed a soft kiss to her chin, then began to trail gentle kisses along her jawline.

She let out low moans, tilting her head to give him more access to her neck. The sensation of his lips against her skin sent shivers down her spine. Alora squeezed her eyes shut, anticipation building as she waited for his lips to meet hers.

Moments later, her wish was granted. Magnus captured her lips in a tender kiss, nibbling them gently. He allowed them enough time to breathe between each kiss, keeping it chaste yet filled with unspoken passion.

Pulling away ever so slightly, Magnus grazed his thumb over her lips, his gaze filled with a mixture of admiration and desire. "They’re a real temptation," he whispered, his voice husky.

Alora tilted her head slightly, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "You can let me go then," she teased, meeting his gaze with a hint of mischief.

Suddenly, her expression softened as a thought crossed her mind. "Tomorrow is my parents’ wedding anniversary," she shared with him.

"We’ll be in Velaris by evening," Magnus began, his tone shifting to a more contemplative one. "We could join my parents’ anniversary celebration, if that’s something you’d be interested in," he suggested.

"It’ll be the first time I can be with them without restrictions," Alora continued, her voice carrying a touch of wistfulness. Memories of her isolated past resurfaced. "All those years, I was confined to my room, watching such celebrations happening in the garden silently from my room’s window," she confided.

"You don’t have to carry the weight of those sad days anymore," Magnus reassured her tenderly.

Alora nodded gratefully, her hands finding a comfortable hold around his neck as she leaned in closer. "Yes. What do you think would make a good gift for my parents?" she asked, her eyes seeking his opinion.

Magnus pondered for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly in thought. "I’m not entirely sure what one typically gives their parents on such a special occasion," he admitted honestly.

"Hmm... I’ll think of something special," Alora replied thoughtfully, her mind already forming ideas.

Curiosity piqued, she changed the subject. "When is your parents’ wedding anniversary? I’ve heard there’s a lavish celebration in the palace," she inquired, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Magnus’s expression softened with nostalgia. "It coincides with my birthday in the winter," he revealed, a hint of warmth in his voice.

Alora’s eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Really? That’s incredible," she exclaimed softly.

"Yes," Magnus confirmed with a nod, his tone tinged with fondness. "For many years, they didn’t celebrate it in the palace because I wasn’t there. But this year promises to be quite grand," he added with a smile, his gaze holding hers.

"I’m genuinely looking forward to that day," Alora said sincerely. "I’ll give a big birthday gift," she added while smiling brightly.