Ch. 301..305: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 301-305

Chapter 301: Leave the house

King Esmond patted his sons’ back while smiling heartily. His gaze then shifted to Alora, who stood beside Queen Margaret with a gentle smile on her lips.

"Alora has proved herself once again to be a blessing for all of us. Ask anything of me, Alora, and I’ll grant your request," King Esmond declared, his voice filled with pride and happiness.

Everyone in the room turned to look at Alora with anticipation. Some of them already had an inkling of what her response might be, given her selfless nature.

"I have everything I need, Your Majesty. I have nothing more to ask," Alora answered with sincerity.

Queen Margaret placed a hand lovingly on Alora’s head, her eyes filled with affection and gratitude. "You have eased all our worries. Think hard, dear. Perhaps, you’ll find something that you need," she encouraged gently.

"Royal Mother, I need not to think. You all have accepted me into this family. That’s all I ever wanted," Alora pronounced, her voice filled with genuine contentment and gratitude.

King Esmond’s eyes softened as he regarded Alora. "Your heart is truly pure, Alora. Your humility and grace are a gift to this family," he stated.

"Father, I want something on Alora’s behalf," Magnus said, bringing everyone’s eyes on him. Alora confusedly looked at him, wondering what he would possibly ask.

"What is it, Magnus?" King Esmond inquired, his lips still carrying a smile.

"No one will ever ask Alora to do such a risky job again," Magnus stated firmly, his voice brooking no argument.

Izaak and Alaric exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring each other’s concern. This was what they had expected already.

"What do you mean, Magnus?" King Esmond demanded, his eyes narrowing as he sought further explanation.

"Alora’s eyes started bleeding. Her vision got blurry, and she fainted after facing Qasima. I don’t wish to see her getting injured again. That’s my request to you, Father, as both your son and a subject to the King," Magnus stated in a humble tone.

King Esmond and Queen Margaret’s faces paled with worry as they absorbed this revelation. Alora’s eyes had bled? This wasn’t supposed to happen. They had believed her eyes were her greatest shield, her most formidable weapon.

"I thought Alora’s eyes were her shield. Why did her eyes bleed?" King Esmond demanded, his voice tight with concern. "I need a satisfactory response."

Magnus shook his head, frustration etched on his features. "I have no idea, Father. It worries me the most. What I think is that Alora can bear the force to some extent, but this encounter pushed her beyond her limits. This was the last time she helped in such a task. I can’t bear to see her getting hurt," he expressed, his voice getting heavy with worry.

Queen Margaret moved closer to Alora, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Can you see well now?" she questioned.

"Yes, Royal Mother. It happened only for a few seconds, I think, before I got fainted," she asserted. Alora walked to Magnus and held his hand. "Don’t worry. It won’t happen again. Not all the time I have to encounter the witch," she assured him.

Before Magnus could speak, Alora suggested they all should have the breakfast. Queen Margaret immediately agreed for it and told everyone to head to the dining room.

~~~~~

Venus angrily pushed open the door to Odin’s room, clutching the invitation cards she had sent with a servant’s hands to a few family friends for her parents’ anniversary. She burst out at once, her voice sharp filled with frustration. "Why did you ask the servant not to send out these invitations?"

Venus stumbled to a halt, her eyes widening as she saw Odin emerging from the bathroom. He was in a thin robe, his front body naked, his damp hair falling casually over his forehead as he sat on a recliner, exuding an air of nonchalance. Tilting his head, Odin looked at her with mild amusement.

"Do you like to walk into anyone’s room without knocking?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.

Venus lowered her eyes and gulped hard, suddenly aware of her intrusion. "I-I didn’t know you wake up so late," she murmured, her earlier bravado faltering. She took a deep breath and steadied herself. "I will leave after you tell me why you did this," she demanded, her voice regaining some of its firmness.

Odin’s expression remained calm and unbothered. "I felt it would not be right to call them. We should celebrate within the family," he stated simply, his tone devoid of any defensiveness.

Venus gazed at him, her mind racing to find a counterargument. But his reply was too straightforward, too logical, leaving her momentarily speechless. She couldn’t find the words to argue further.

"You should have discussed it with me first," she finally managed, her voice softer now, tinged with a hint of resignation.

"Then, later, if you were to be humiliated by any chance, you would have shed thick tears," Odin answered sharply. He swiftly crossed the room, causing Venus to startle. Snatching the cards from her hands, he bore his gaze into hers with an intensity that made her shiver. A droplet of water, hanging from a few strands of his damp hair, fell onto Venus’s cheek, and she blinked in surprise.

"Learn to celebrate within the circle of the few people who don’t affect your mental health. Do you get it?" Odin questioned in a firm tone.

Venus reluctantly nodded, still feeling low about the situation. The disappointment was clear in her eyes, but she couldn’t deny the logic in his words. She knew that he was trying to protect her, but it didn’t make it any easier to accept.

Odin’s expression softened slightly as he observed her disheartened demeanor. "I will leave the house soon. You don’t have to feel bothered because of me anymore," he explained, his voice losing some of its earlier edge.

Venus’s eyes widened in shock, her previous irritation melting away. "Huh? Why?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly as if she didn’t want him to go.

"Because my duty is over," Odin stated, "and now, if you please go out and let me change, then I’ll appreciate that. I don’t want you to keep looking at my naked body."

Venus promptly turned around and rushed out of the room, causing a chuckle to escape Odin’s mouth.

Chapter 302: Lewis’s Return

"Alora, where are you going?" Lillian asked, her eyes briefly leaving the mirror as she adjusted her gown. Alora was dressed elegantly, clearly preparing for an event.

"Sister Lillian, it’s my parents’ wedding anniversary today. So, I’m going home to celebrate with them," Alora replied with a bright smile.

"I see. Enjoy the event, and please give my warm wishes to your parents," Lillian said, her tone warm yet slightly distracted. She walked past Alora, her thoughts seemingly elsewhere. Alora tilted her head, observing Lillian with concern. Over the past few days, Lillian had seemed distant and lost in some thoughts.

"Your Highness, we should make haste. Prince Magnus is awaiting you," Selvina reminded Alora, her tone gentle yet insistent.

"Hmm." Alora nodded, her smile fading slightly as she turned and walked ahead with Selvina.

Meanwhile, Lillian made her way to her private chambers and settled quietly by the large window. She sat on the plush recliner, her arms folded atop its back and her head resting on them. It had been over a week since she had last seen Lewis, and the lack of news since then weighed heavily on her heart.

"He promised such big things that day. Now, he has disappeared. Father refuses to tell anything," Lillian murmured, feeling restless. Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt as a servant walked in.

"Princess Lillian, I’ve received a message from the Blackwell Family servant," an attendant announced, breaking the silence. Lillian quickly straightened up, her heart racing as she took the letter from the attendant.

Lillian eagerly broke the seal and unfolded the letter, her eyes scanning the elegant script. As she read, a smile slowly formed on her lips, the tension in her shoulders easing.

"Do I look good?" she asked, looking up from the letter to gaze at the attendant with a hopeful expression. "Or do you think I should wear another gown?"

The attendant, a young woman with a keen eye for fashion, assessed Lillian’s appearance with a practiced glance. The princess was wearing a flowing gown of deep blue velvet that highlighted her graceful figure and complemented her fair complexion.

"Your Highness looks absolutely stunning in this outfit," the attendant replied with a warm smile. "The color suits you perfectly, and the design is both elegant and regal."

Lillian’s smile widened, and she gave a small nod of satisfaction. "Thank you. I just want everything to be perfect today." She folded the letter carefully and placed it on the small table beside the recliner.

Lillian approached her dressing table, scrutinizing her reflection with a critical eye. Her hair was meticulously styled, cascading in soft waves down her back. The dress fit her like a glove, the deep blue velvet accentuating her figure and enhancing her fair complexion. Her light makeup was flawlessly applied, but she felt a touch of boldness was needed. She carefully applied a rich red lip color, making her lips appear fuller and adding a touch of drama to her look.

Just as she was finishing, a servant burst into the room, breathless with urgency. "Your Highness, Sir Lewis is visiting the King. He is heading here now."

Lillian’s heart skipped a beat at the unexpected news. She quickly composed herself and hurried out of her chambers. As she reached the living room, her steps faltered. There, seating on the couch in the center of the room, was Lewis, looking as composed and dignified as ever.

Lewis noticed her immediately and rose from his seat, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness," he greeted.

Lillian curtsied in return, her eyes never leaving his. "Lewis," she said softly.

The servants, sensing the need for privacy, discreetly exited the chamber and closed the large doors behind them, leaving Lillian and Lewis alone.

"It seems the princess was only waiting for me," Lewis remarked with a smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Lillian’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "No. Why would I do that?" she retorted, trying to sound indifferent. She gestured for him to sit. "Please, have a seat."

Lewis’s smirk widened, his gaze never leaving hers. "That lip color suits you, Lily. It feels like you deliberately put it on again just to make sure I would see you," he said in his deep, smooth voice.

Lillian froze for a moment, her heart pounding. How did he notice? She pursed her lips, trying to regain her composure before meeting his gaze again. "You can’t call me Lily. We aren’t close yet," she said, her tone firm but her eyes betraying a flicker of uncertainty.

"Really?" Lewis chuckled, a rich sound that made his already charismatic presence even more compelling. He looked at her with an intensity that made Lillian’s pulse quicken.

Before she could react, Lewis moved with vampiric speed, appearing right in front of her. Lillian gasped, her breath catching as he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. "How about now? Aren’t we close yet?" he murmured, his voice low and intimate.

Lillian’s mind raced. The proximity of Lewis, his sudden boldness, and the unmistakable warmth of his embrace left her flustered. She had always known him to be composed and respectful, and this sudden display of affection and confidence was both thrilling and bewildering.

"Lewis," she breathed, trying to steady herself. "This is... unexpected."

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Sometimes, Lily, the unexpected is exactly what we need." His words sent a shiver down her spine.

Lillian found herself leaning into his embrace, her initial resistance melting away. She looked up into his eyes, finding a depth of emotion there that mirrored her own.

She pressed her hands on his chest and pushed him away gently. "Stop flattering me. You didn’t tell me once that you would leave urgently for somewhere. First, you have to make up for that. And don’t call me Lily. It’s on order," she pronounced, showing her authority as the only Princess.

Lewis smiled to hear her. "Alright, Your Highness. I will keep calling you Lily," he said with a challenging tone.

Chapter 303: To take a break

Lillian twitched her lips and settled onto the plush sofa, gesturing for Lewis to sit as well. "So, where have you been?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her gaze following him as he took a seat across from her.

"The King entrusted me with an important task," Lewis replied, his tone measured and revealing little about the nature of his sudden departure.

"I want the reason," Lillian insisted to know the truth.

"Ask your father," Lewis said, moving to sit beside her. "The matter is supposed to be confidential. No one should know about it unless the King decides otherwise," he asserted, his eyes meeting hers with a steady resolve.

Lillian hummed thoughtfully, turning her gaze forward. "Will you disappear like this again?" she questioned, her voice softer now, laced with concern.

"No. However, the future is uncertain," Lewis answered. "I heard the Princess missed me a lot. She even got angry at her father, who sent me away for some important work. I didn’t know our one meeting would leave such an impact on the Princess," Lewis stated. He turned his head, smiling amusingly at her.

"That’s not true. I don’t like to be ghosted," Lillian replied. "And now only two weeks remained for the month to be over, I believe you won’t win over me," she affirmed.

Lewis chuckled at her statement. "I never lose, Princess," he said with a confident tone.

Lillian gazed at him finally. "Don’t be too delusion. It’s not your battlefield," she pronounced.

"It is. Winning over your heart is a battle, tougher than fighting an enemy," Lewis stated.

His response stirred Lillian’s insides. He was the first man who was quite flattery with his words. She kept herself composed, not wanting to show her vulnerability on her face.

"I was wondering if the princess talks like this with everyone or such a tone is specially used with me?" His eyebrows arched as he anticipated for her response.

"I talk like this. If you have a problem, then you can leave," Lillian stated and looked away.

"I like it. Casual and blunt," Lewis said with an appreciative tone. His eyes roamed down to her dress, taking in the elegant lines and intricate details he hadn’t noticed before.

A smile graced his lips as he admired her silently, his eyes returning to her face, which still bore the sullen look of someone who hadn’t yet forgiven him.

"Shall we go out today?" Lewis asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

Lillian tilted her head, her eyes widening in surprise. "Aren’t you tired? When did you return?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Last night," Lewis replied, a hint of fatigue in his eyes that did nothing to diminish his eagerness.

"Oh. Where will you take me?" she asked further, a trace of skepticism present in her voice.

"Somewhere nobody can disturb us," he promptly replied, his tone carrying a promise of an adventure.

"Even here, nobody is present except for us two," she remarked, raising an eyebrow.

"But there’s a difference between staying in a known place and exploring an unknown one. I’m sure the Princess has not gone out much because of her regal status. And I promised her I would take her out," Lewis asserted, his tone humble but resolute.

Lillian hesitated for a moment, weighing his words. "Fine. But take permission from my father first," she finally said, standing up from her seat and glancing at him.

"I already did," Lewis revealed with a confident smile, rising to his feet. "Please follow me," he humbly requested and the two left the chamber.

~~~~~~

While Alora busied herself talking to her parents, Magnus found himself distracted, his attention drifting away from the conversation. Instead, he focused on reading Odin’s thoughts. Sensing the urgency, he excused himself, casting a meaningful glance at Odin, who understood immediately and followed him.

They walked briskly through the palace corridors and out into the garden, heading toward a secluded area where they could speak privately. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sounds of the bustling palace faded into the background. Once they were sure they were alone, they stopped.

"Who was it?" Magnus asked, his voice low and commanding.

"Eugene’s cousin, Solomon, Your Highness," Odin replied, his tone respectful but tinged with concern.

Magnus’s brow furrowed in frustration. "Is he dead?" he asked, his voice hardening.

"Sadly, no," Odin answered, shaking his head. "The matter has been escalated to the Council. Elder William and the other werewolf elders will be handling it."

"There’s no need to follow anyone’s order in such a matter. Solomon will have to die," Magnus replied, his voice cold and decisive.

Odin wasn’t surprised to hear the prince’s response. "Will His Highness head to the Council?" he asked, his tone cautious.

"I’ll give the order myself," Magnus stated firmly, leaving no room for debate.

"I understand, Your Highness," Odin replied, bowing his head in acknowledgment. For a brief moment, silence hung between them, heavy with the weight of their conversation.

Odin broke the ice soon, his voice tinged with concern. "What happened to Princess Alora’s hand? I heard from Griffin that Her Highness’ eyes bled while taking down Qasima," he said.

Magnus’s expression softened, a mix of anguish and sadness clouding his features. "To save me, she cut her hand," he said quietly. "I don’t know yet why Alora’s eyes bled."

Odin frowned, his concern deepening. "Has she seen the physician?" he asked.

"Yes, but the physician couldn’t explain it either. Perhaps she couldn’t handle the intensity of dark power Qasima held that’s why it happened," Magnus replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "It’s unlike anything we’ve encountered before."

Odin nodded thoughtfully. "Princess Alora is fine. That’s all matters," he stated.

"Hmm."

"I have decided to take a break for a few days, Your Highness," Odin informed him.

"Sure," Magnus stated.

"Will the prince not question me why I’m suddenly going to a break?" Odin asked. He was quite surprised seeing the trust Magnus had on him.

"You work tirelessly. And I also know the reason why you joined me. You wanted to keep yourself distracted from your own past. I don’t pry into anyone’s private life unless it is necessary," Magnus explained.

"Thank you for understanding me, Your Highness. I will return soon," Odin assured him.

"Take your time, Odin," Magnus said with a tiny smile on his lips.

Chapter 304: When the right time comes

Rhea headed to the kitchen while Venus followed her, instructing Alora to stay behind with their father. Alora watched them go, then turned her attention to her father, Norman. She couldn’t help but notice the lines of worry etched into his face, his usual composed demeanor noticeably strained.

"Father, you look worried. Is everything okay?" Alora inquired in a gentle voice.

Norman forced a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. "Yes, everything is fine," he replied, the lie evident in the unconvincing tone of his voice.

Alora frowned, not willing to accept his dismissal. "Please, Father. Don’t hide your troubles from me," she urged, her concern deepening. "Are you worried for Venus? Are you worried that she would always live her life as a widow? Or is it something else?"

"I wonder what will happen to Venus after us. She made a lot of mistakes, but such a life she never deserved," Norman confided, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I hear her weeping late at night. Alora, my biggest worry now is my second daughter."

Alora felt a pang of empathy for her sister. "I can take Venus to the palace with me," she offered with a determined gaze.

Norman looked at her, his eyes filled with doubt and concern. "Will that bring an end to her misery?" he asked, his voice breaking slightly. He still couldn’t bring himself to reveal the full extent of Venus’s suffering to Alora. The memories of Solomon’s vile actions against Venus haunted him, and since yesterday, his worries had only increased.

"I agree, Father. But we can’t even force her for a marriage. You know this well. She somehow suffered with Eugene and she doesn’t trust men anymore," Alora stated.

"No one will either marry her. Your sister had committed so many wrong things that everyone in Velaris now is aware of that. As her father, I’m worried how Venus will live all by herself. Elliot family will also get married after some time; you are also married and may have kids soon. Venus’s life has stagnated. She can’t move ahead and all she could watch everyone grow old beside her," Norman affirmed. He kept his gaze toward the kitchen route, making sure Venus would not hear him.

Alora lowered her eyes as she related to that situation. She was at that spot once because of the blindfold she always donned on her eyes.

"Father, I assure you I’ll find a solution to this," Alora stated firmly, her eyes determined. "Now, I feel it all happened because I chose to punish. Had I controlled my anger, it would not have happened."

"That’s not true, Alora," Norman interjected, his voice filled with conviction. "We have always blamed you for our wrongdoings. Perhaps it was necessary to open our eyes," he opined, his gaze softening as he looked at his daughter.

"But, Father..." Alora began, her voice tinged with guilt.

"Alora, don’t blame yourself," Norman said with a gentle smile. "We are responsible for our actions, not you."

Alora took a deep breath, trying to absorb his words. "Father, I feel when the right time comes, Venus will find the right person too. You always thought no one would marry me. Even I thought the same. My eyes were like a curse for me. However, they were a blessing in disguise. We never imagined a royal vampire prince would marry me out of so many men. I’m sure someone will be there for Venus too," Alora said enthusiastically, her bright smile lighting up her face.

Norman found comfort in her words, his heart swelling with pride. "Alora, you are right. You’ve grown a lot. I’m so proud of you," he said, tears welling up in his eyes as he became emotional.

Magnus and Odin entered the living room just as Norman quickly composed himself, wiping the tears from the edges of his eyes. Seeing them, Alora stood up. "I’ll be back soon," she said, rushing to the kitchen where her sister and mother were.

Magnus observed Norman with a curious expression. "Norman turning emotional while talking to his daughter is a new sight for me," he remarked, his voice carrying a note of gentle teasing.

Norman smiled lightly, though the emotion still lingered in his eyes. "Your Highness, thank you for taking care of Alora so well. She has become so confident and strong," he asserted, his gratitude evident.

Magnus inclined his head, acknowledging Norman’s words. "Well, that’s how you take care of your wife," he replied warmly.

Odin, who had taken a seat across from them on a plush sofa chair, picked up a delicately crafted wine cup and took a measured sip, his eyes subtly narrowing as he observed the interaction in silence.

Magnus’s expression turned serious as he shifted the conversation to a more pressing matter. "About Venus’s situation," he began, his voice carrying a stern resolve. "Solomon will be punished to death. I’ll make sure it happens."

Norman’s eyes widened slightly at Magnus’s proclamation, clearly taken aback by the decisiveness of the statement. "Your Highness, I appreciate that," he responded, his voice tinged with a mix of respect and relief. "I’ve not told Alora about this yet. Venus thinks she may get too tense," he added, concern evident in his tone.

Magnus nodded thoughtfully. "I will tell Alora about it myself. Don’t worry," he assured. "However, what you need to do is portray yourself as a good father. Don’t treat her badly," Magnus stated firmly, his gaze fixed on Norman.

Norman met his gaze steadily. "I never do that, Your Highness," he replied with sincerity.

"Forgive us for being so late. We have brought the snacks," Rhea’s voice rang out, cutting through the room’s tense atmosphere. She entered with her two daughters in tow, followed by a line of servants, each balancing trays brimming with an assortment of delicacies.

Rhea’s gaze flitted between Magnus and Odin as she continued, "We made sure to prepare dishes to suit your tastes."

Magnus, his stern demeanor momentarily softened by the arrival of the refreshments, offered a warm smile. "Thank you, Mother-in-law," he said, his tone genuine in its appreciation for the thoughtful hospitality. He then turned to Alora, his expression brightening. "Alora, come here. Sit beside me," he invited, patting the seat next to him.

Alora, her face reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude, moved to sit beside Magnus. With a nod of approval, Magnus addressed the others. "You all should take your seats too," he asserted. His gaze returned to Alora, a soft smile lingering on his lips.

Chapter 305: Kindness and love

Melody carefully dusted Izaak’s desk, ensuring every corner was spotless. When she reached the last drawer, she hesitated, then opened it cautiously. Inside were old letters, yellowed with age, from a time before she was even born. Dust covered them, and she wondered why Izaak had kept them all these years.

"These must be His Highness’ private, important letters to someone," Melody whispered, her curiosity piqued.

"They’re from his late wives," Zerah said, his voice breaking the silence in the study. He had been quietly observing her. "Don’t open that drawer ever again. It’s meant to stay closed," he asserted firmly.

"Oh. I’m sorry," Melody said quickly, closing the drawer and standing up, the duster clutched in her hand.

"You shouldn’t be cleaning anymore. You’re no longer a servant," Zerah reminded her as he methodically stacked documents on the desk.

"I understand," Melody replied, a hint of sadness in her voice. After a moment of hesitation, she continued, "I never asked His Highness properly about his late wives. Did they all betray him?"

Zerah paused, lifting his head from the ledger he was examining. He looked at her with a mix of sorrow and seriousness. "Yes, all four of them betrayed Prince Izaak. Each in their own way, they broke his trust and heart," he said gravely. "He has chosen to marry a human this time, a being he once despised. I hope he finds happiness with you, Melody. He deserves it, after everything His Highness has been through."

"Do people usually get greedy after some time?" Melody asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Prince Izaak is next in line to the throne. Anyone around him is bound to become greedy," Zerah replied, his tone somber. "However, his first three wives were not supposed to act like that. The fourth one did the worst to Prince Izaak," he added, his eyes clouding with memories of the past.

"What did they all do and what did the fourth one did?" Melody asked softly, sensing the depth of pain in Zerah’s words.

Zerah sighed, setting the ledger aside as he leaned back in his chair. "The first three wives each had their own faults. They became enamored with power and wealth, manipulating court politics for their own gain. Each of them plotted to overthrow the King with the help of powerful vampires of the time. What Prince Izaak refused them, they did the opposite, believing they would never be caught."

Melody felt a chill run down her spine, troubled by Zerah’s words. "But wouldn’t the throne eventually belong to Prince Izaak anyway? Why did they have to plot something so evil against the King?" she asked, puzzled.

"Not everyone has patience," Zerah replied. "They wanted immediate power and control. One of them even tried to poison Prince Magnus."

"What? Why?" Melody’s eyes widened in shock.

"Because Prince Magnus can read minds," Zerah explained. "He didn’t usually stay at the palace, preferring to live in seclusion. However, during one of his visits, he encountered the second wife of Prince Izaak. He read her thoughts and discovered her treacherous plans. He warned Prince Izaak to beware of her."

Melody was horrified to learn that. "That very night Prince Magnus was poisoned. It created quite a stir in the palace," Zerah said, his voice tinged with the memory of the chaos.

"Oh. Prince Izaak has suffered a lot," Melody stated, her voice filled with sympathy.

"Indeed," Zerah replied gravely.

"Then, what about the fourth wife?" Melody asked, her curiosity piqued. "You said she did the worst to Prince Izaak."

Zerah’s expression darkened further. "The fourth wife was unlike the others. She didn’t seek just power or wealth for herself, but for her long-time lover," he affirmed.

"What?" Melody’s eyes widened in shock.

At that moment, Izaak walked in. "Melody, why are you here? Didn’t I tell you not to do such chores?" he questioned, holding a parchment in his hand as he approached the table.

Zerah stood up and bowed to the Prince. He was about to speak, but Melody quickly interjected.

"Your Highness, I was the one who asked Brother Zerah to let me do it," Melody stated.

Izaak arched an eyebrow. "When did Zerah become your brother?"

"He is older than me, so I thought to address him as Brother," Melody replied with a small smile.

Izaak hummed thoughtfully and then handed the parchment to Zerah. "Keep this inside the cupboard. I’ll see you later," he instructed. He then took Melody’s hand and led her out of the study.

As they walked, Izaak glanced at her, curiosity evident in his eyes. "What were you two talking about? I heard Zerah mentioning something..."

He paused and stopped walking. Turning to face her, he continued, "You can ask me about all such things. There is no need to ask someone else."

"Yes, I understand," Melody replied. "I ended up checking the last drawer of Your Highness’s desk and saw some old letters. From Brother Zerah, I found out that those were from your late wives. So, I became curious and ended up asking more," she explained.

Izaak’s expression softened slightly. "Ah, I was supposed to burn them. Seems like I forgot to do that," he asserted and resumed walking.

"Burn them?" Melody murmured, struggling to comprehend.

"Yes. I decided to do it a few months ago, but later, I forgot about it," Izaak stated casually.

"Your fourth wife had a lover," Melody began hesitantly. "Did she cheat on His Highness?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Izaak stopped again and turned to face her, his eyes darkening with old pain. "Yes, she did. She deceived me in the worst possible way. While pretending to be a loving wife, she used to go to her lover when I wasn’t around," he proclaimed and the two stepped into his chamber.

Leaving her hand, Izaak turned to face Melody. "She became the reason my heart no longer felt anything for a long time. I detached myself from everything and indulged in activities that destroyed me as a man," he stated, his voice heavy with old wounds.

"Why did she do it? How could she do it? I’m sure His Highness must have loved her a lot," Melody said with a hurt tone. She lowered her eyes and gently took Izaak’s hands in hers. Caressing them softly, she continued, "One thing deserves appreciation amidst all the terrible things that happened to Prince Izaak."

She met his gaze and gave him a warm smile.

"And what is that?" Izaak asked, his curiosity piqued.

"His Highness never let the light of kindness and love extinguish in his heart," Melody answered.

Izaak’s eyes softened at her words. "Despite everything, you still see that in me?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise and gratitude.

Melody nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. You could have let bitterness and hatred consume you, but you didn’t. You chose to believe in love again, to open your heart to me, despite the pain you’ve endured for so many years."

Izaak’s expression grew thoughtful as he absorbed her words. Placing his hand on her cheek, he said, "It’s not easy to move past such betrayals. You bring light into my life that I thought I had lost forever. Your simplicity attracted me to you because I was tired seeing the selfishness in people."

He continued to stare into her eyes for a few seconds, the intensity of his gaze sending shivers down her spine.

Slowly, he leaned down to kiss her, his lips brushing softly against hers at first, testing the waters. His hand moved to her back, drawing her closer, while his other hand angled her neck, giving him better access to her perfect, plump lips.

The kiss deepened, becoming more passionate as he poured all his feelings into it. His lips moved with a fervent urgency, but he tenderly nibbled them. Melody responded in kind, her hands slipping around his neck, pulling him closer still.

Izaak’s hand gently traced the curve of her back, sending electric tingles through her body. He could feel the rapid beat of her heart against his chest, mirroring his own.

His fingers tangled in her hair as he tilted her head further, deepening the kiss even more. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in that intimate moment.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. Izaak’s eyes searched hers, filled with a pleasant hope.

"Melody," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion, "you make me believe in love again. I love you."

He pressed tender kisses along her cheek, tracing a path to her jawline, and then to the delicate curve of her exposed neck. He inhaled her sweet, comforting scent, allowing it to envelop him. "Melody, I can’t wait to make you mine," he said softly, his breath warm and intimate against her skin.

With a gentle, yet passionate gesture, Izaak cupped her tiny, adorable face between his palms. His thumbs caressed her cheeks as he nuzzled his nose against hers, their foreheads almost touching.

Melody giggled, a sound that was both light and full of joy.

"Keep smiling like that," Izaak said, his voice filled with warmth and admiration. "I feel so good when you smile."