Ch. 311..315: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 311-315

Chapter 311: An outing

"At least he could have sent a goodbye before leaving," Venus murmured, disheartened, upon hearing from her mother that Odin had left early in the morning when she was soundly sleeping. He left not a single message for her.

"He always saw you as an enemy, not a friend. That’s why it happened," her inner voice whispered cynically.

Venus wondered why she even cared. She knew Odin’s true nature well enough. He never believed in welcoming or bidding farewell to those he didn’t consider close.

"Venus, why are you plucking weeds?" Rhea’s voice interrupted her thoughts. Venus lifted her head, squinting against the bright sun. Her hat had slipped down to her nape, revealing her disheveled hair.

Rhea hurried over and helped her to her feet, her expression bewildered. "Look at your arms and face! You’ve gotten dirt all over yourself," she exclaimed with concern.

Venus brushed off her clothes and smiled faintly. "I’ll bathe soon. I was bored in the house, so I thought I’d do some gardening. Now that the rainy season is over, the weather is so pleasant," she explained.

"It is. But you aren’t supposed to do such chores," Rhea proclaimed, her tone firm yet gentle. "Let’s go inside. I have a plan for us," she added, offering a reassuring smile.

"Where are we going?" Venus asked eagerly as they began walking toward the house.

"Outside for a tea session," Rhea asserted confidently.

Venus hesitated, glancing at her mother with uncertainty. "Are you sure you want to take me outside with you?" she inquired.

"Yes," Rhea replied without hesitation. "I am not afraid of anyone. You are my daughter, and no one can change that fact," she said with a warm smile, squeezing Venus’s hand reassuringly.

"Mother, but, I don’t want anyone to–"

"No one will," Rhea pronounced with a confident tone as she slowly came to a halt. "Venus, you did nothing wrong, except for a few things for which you were already punished. Alora chose to forgive you, to give you a second chance and you’ve changed. I’ve seen myself. As your mother, I don’t want my daughter to stay in the house all the time. So, go and get ready," she encouraged Venus.

She hugged her mother tightly and shut her eyes. "Mother, forgive me for always giving you pain. I never understood your words before. I’m so grateful to have you," Venus said, the edges of her eyes turned wet.

Rhea caressed Venus’s back gently. After a moment, Venus pulled away and said, "I’ll come to the living room after getting ready." She walked inside, leaving Rhea to head to her bedroom to retrieve her pouch bag.

Norman was seated in a chair, engrossed in reading a parchment. "Where are you going, dear?" he asked, lowering the parchment to gaze at his wife.

"Outside for a gathering with my friends. Everyone will bring their daughters, so I’ve decided to take Venus with me," Rhea replied with a determined smile.

A crease appeared on Norman’s forehead at the mention of Venus attending the gathering. "Do you think it’s wise to take her out with you?" he questioned, his voice tinged with concern.

"My Lord, I understand what worries you," Rhea began, her voice steady and resolute. "But we can’t let Venus stay in the house all the time. She needs to come out of her past to grow into her future. I don’t care anymore what others say behind our backs. All I want is what’s best for our daughter."

Norman hummed in agreement, though his brow remained furrowed. "Even I have to go outside for some work," he said after a moment.

"What is it? Is everything okay?" Rhea asked, concern creeping into her voice.

"Yes, everything is fine. I need to meet some farmers. They’ve suffered because of the torrential rain this time, and they need assistance. I’ll be back by evening," Norman explained.

"Alright. Then I shall send you off first. Venus and I will go later," Rhea opined, her mind already planning the logistics.

Norman shook his head. "No, I will leave an hour later. Don’t delay your tea session because of me," he insisted.

Rhea nodded at her husband and took her leave. She waited patiently in the living room for Venus, her mind racing with thoughts about the upcoming outing. Finally, her wait ended as Venus appeared, adorned in a simple gown, her hair neatly brushed and her face glowing with a touch of anticipation.

"You look lovely, my dear," Rhea said warmly, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Are you ready to go?"

Venus smiled shyly. "Yes, Mother. I’m ready."

"Good. Let’s have a wonderful time together," Rhea said, linking her arm with her daughter as they headed out the door, ready to face the world together.

Reaching the grand mansion of her friend, who was none other than the wife of the current High Chancellor, Rhea and Venus alighted from the carriage. The guard led them through the ornate entrance and down a beautifully manicured path to the garden, where the necessary arrangements had been made for the gathering.

"Lady Rhea! I thought you might not be coming since you were running late. I’m so happy to see you," said the lady of the house, Lorraine Whitney. They embraced warmly before Lorraine glanced at Venus.

"You look beautiful, dear," Lorraine complimented Venus, who responded with a graceful curtsy.

"Thank you, Mrs. Whitney," Venus replied, offering a small, polite smile.

Lorraine ushered them to their seats and assured them that the pleasantries would be served shortly. "I’ll attend to the other guests," she said with a smile before walking away to greet others.

Venus felt a wave of relief wash over her; she hadn’t noticed any odd or judgmental stares directed her way. It was a small but significant comfort.

"Venus, stay here. Mrs. Lawrence is calling me. I’ll be back soon," Rhea said, squeezing her daughter’s hand before leaving her seat to speak with another guest.

Venus looked around, taking in the elegant surroundings, when a plate of cupcakes was set before her on the table. She picked one up, admiring the delicate frosting, and took a small bite. Just as she savored the sweet taste, she sensed someone standing in front of her. She lifted her gaze and found Lorraine’s daughter standing there.

Chapter 312: Throwing Melody out

Alora stood quietly at the doorway, observing Melody who was deeply engrossed in her writing practice. She admired Melody’s dedication, having seen her wake up early each morning to study and strive to learn quickly. The conversation they had over breakfast still lingered in Alora’s mind.

"Melody," Alora called softly. Melody looked up immediately, meeting Alora’s gaze.

"Your Highness!" Melody exclaimed, rising from her seat while still clutching the quill pen. She watched as Alora approached her.

"I see you are studying hard, Melody," Alora remarked with a smile.

"Yes, Your Highness. I feel it is essential to gain basic literacy skills as soon as possible. It’s quite challenging to memorize everything," Melody admitted. "I thought you would be attending the Council from today onwards," she added.

"Prince Magnus refused to take me. He and Brother Izaak have some matters to attend to outside the palace, and Magnus didn’t want to send me alone," Alora explained. She pulled out a chair and gestured for Melody to sit down as she took a seat herself. "You are getting married to Brother Izaak next week. Are you excited or nervous?" she asked.

"I would say both," Melody responded, setting the quill pen on the table. "Becoming the wife of the eldest prince comes with many responsibilities. I’ve heard so from the servants. I feel inadequate, Your Highness. Sometimes, I think I don’t deserve all this," she confessed, her worries evident.

"Please, call me Alora," she requested.

"How can I address you by your name?" Melody hesitated.

"Why not? There’s no need to be formal with me, at least," Alora insisted gently. "Melody, it was all destined. I know the place you come from, where dreams like this seem impossible. Honestly, I never dreamt of such things either. Trust in the love Brother Izaak has for you and have faith in yourself," Alora said softly, holding Melody’s hand.

Melody’s eyes filled with doubt as she replied, "I am just a common woman. I heard from a servant what happened at the breakfast table this morning. Why would anyone want a woman like me to be the wife of Prince Izaak?"

Alora sighed inwardly, knowing that palace gossip spread quickly and couldn’t be contained. "Melody, I think you are smarter than you realize," she stated firmly.

The statement startled Melody, and she looked at Alora with wide eyes, seeking an explanation.

"Why do you say that, Your Highness?" Melody asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and confusion.

"Remember how you were sold to the slave market. You ran away from the clutches of your captors and met Prince Izaak that night. What if you had given up that night? In such situations, usually, people are unable to think," Alora explained.

"Ahh, that," Melody signed and recalled the night. "I don’t know what strength came inside me that night," she murmured.

"That’s your strength, Melody. Acting swiftly in the times of distress," Alora affirmed while smiling brightly at her. "I’m sure there must be a lot of other instances too where you surpassed the expectations. Oh, you used to live alone, which isn’t easy, especially when the debt collectors used to come to you. You survived all by yourself after your parents passed away, worked hard to pay off the debts, which I don’t think is easy for any person. So, you do have special abilities as the Queen," she said while giving Melody some encouragement.

"I-I never thought that way," Melody murmured.

"Then, you should," Alora said as she squeezed her hand warmly.

~~~~

"Lillian, why are you here at this hour?" Scarlet asked, stepping into her room after returning from the Queen’s chamber. She was surprised to see Lillian waiting for her.

Lillian stood up from the sofa, holding a stern gaze. "Because I want you to consider throwing Melody out," she said bluntly.

Scarlet’s eyes widened in bewilderment. "Huh? Why would you say that?" she asked and sounded almost incredulous.

Lillian crossed her arms with an unwavering gaze. "Melody doesn’t belong here. She’s a commoner, and her presence will only affect the future of this kingdom. Not to mention, even the vampire class is upset with Brother Izaak. Because he chose a human, not even a noble as his wife. They question why someone of her status is being treated like a noble."

Scarlet frowned, her mind racing. "But Prince Izaak loves her. She’s kind and diligent. She’s learning quickly and adapting to palace life."

Lillian scoffed. "Love? Do you think love is enough to secure a place in this court? There are rules, traditions. Allowing someone like Melody to stay threatens the stability of our ranks, your rank. What do you think humans can do to us? Prince Izaak becomes fool in love," she snickered and told Scarlet to convince Alaric to oppose this decision.

Scarlet shook her head, trying to make sense of Lillian’s harsh stance. "Lillian, she isn’t that kind of woman. If she had even an ounce of greed, Prince Magnus would have found out by now. And Melody is trying her best to fit in."

"Trying isn’t enough, Scarlet," Lillian said sharply. "And Brother Magnus... he became a fool once. Don’t forget how Rubin deceived him. What if Melody is that kind of person too?" Her gaze filled with skepticism now.

Scarlet sighed, feeling the weight of Lillian’s words. "I can’t help you, Lillian. Prince Alaric will scold me if I even dare to say such a thing. Besides, Melody has no ill intentions in her heart. You need not think so much," Scarlet advised gently.

Lillian’s frustration boiled over. "Really, Scarlet? I can’t understand any of you! I wish I could use my power on humans too. I would force Melody to reveal the truth! Then, everyone would see what kind of woman she is. Behind that quiet demeanor is hidden an evil person. I bet this," Lillian pronounced, furrowing her brows together.

Scarlet shook her head, trying to calm Lillian. "You’re letting your fear cloud your judgment. Melody isn’t Rubin. She’s different. She’s shown nothing but honesty and a willingness to learn and adapt."

Lillian’s eyes flashed with anger. "How can you be so sure? People like Rubin can hide their true nature for a long time. What if Melody is just biding her time, waiting for the right moment to betray us?"

~~~~

I hope you all enjoyed this mini mass release. The next mass release will come soon😊. Thank you for everyone’s support so far who are reading my story. Thank you "Riemc" for supporting me not only through unlocks but also gifts. All of your support means a lot to me.

Chapter 313: Curse and Blessing

Magnus gazed at the man’s lifeless body, noting the gruesome details: the face severed beyond recognition, fingers brutally cut off, and a mysterious circle etched into his chest.

"What do you think, Magnus?" Izaak inquired, his voice tinged with concern.

"Except for the witches, I don’t suspect anyone else," Magnus answered in a resolute tone.The attendant in the mortuary carefully draped the body with a white fabric, concealing the horrific scene. The two princes exited the dimly lit room, stepping into the open courtyard where the morning sun cast long shadows on the cobblestones.

"According to the chief surgeon, the body hasn’t been identified. It seems whoever did this targets those who are alone or perhaps street beggars with no one to miss them," Magnus told his brother, his brow furrowed in thought.

"I think you’re right. Who could be this fearless to start performing such atrocities on humans? I thought the witches would stay in control, but it seems like they’re no longer interested in keeping the peace," Izaak muttered, a hint of frustration in his voice.

"For power, anyone can become hungry. It’s not new, Brother," Magnus remarked. "Don’t you think such activities started only recently?"

"Because a lot is happening to create instability, that’s why such people are finding the chance to create troubles," Izaak asserted, his hands locked behind his back, a posture that betrayed his unease.

"Hmm. We will get more intel on this soon," Magnus opined, his mind already working on possible leads. The two began to walk, their boots echoing in the quiet courtyard, and soon found the surgeons awaiting them, their faces etched with worry.

"We have seen the body. You can send it away for the last rites if no one comes to claim it by evening," Izaak instructed them firmly. The surgeons exchanged uneasy glances, their fear palpable. Magnus could see the anxiety in their eyes, a reflection of the growing tension among the kingdom’s subjects. Humans were the easiest targets in these turbulent times.

"We will soon solve this problem," Magnus assured them, his voice steady and confident, hoping to instill some semblance of calm.

"We believe in the Princes," the three surgeons said in unison, their voices a blend of hope and desperation. They bowed deeply to Izaak and Magnus, who acknowledged their respect with a nod before heading towards the waiting carriage.

As they climbed into the carriage, Izaak suddenly froze, his eyes glazing over as a vision took hold. Magnus, already halfway inside, turned back with a perplexed glance, his concern evident.

The vision was brief but intense, and Izaak quickly regained his consciousness, blinking rapidly before looking at Magnus, who stood by the carriage door, worry etched on his face.

"What happened?" Magnus asked, stepping closer to his brother.

Izaak merely shook his head before stepping inside the carriage. He sat on the right end, furrowing his brows together. The vision had left him shaken. Why did he see such a thing? He had thought the future had changed for Alora’s mother, but it seemed it hadn’t.

The carriage started moving, the rhythmic clatter of wheels against cobblestones providing a steady backdrop to Izaak’s turbulent thoughts. This time, he saw Alora mourning her mother’s death, her grief so profound that she even attempted to take her own life. The image lingered in his mind, and it troubled him to the core.

Magnus, engrossed in reading a parchment, was suddenly interrupted by Izaak’s voice.

"Hmm?" Magnus lifted his head, meeting his brother’s troubled gaze.

"I had a vision earlier," Izaak said, his voice heavy with concern.

"What is it this time?" Magnus inquired, his eyes narrowing with worry.

"Alora’s mother will die," Izaak replied in a deliberately slow voice. "She will perish because of Alora’s eyes," he asserted.

"What? That can’t be true," Magnus said, frowning deeply. "We took every precaution to protect her."

"I saw it clearly," Izaak insisted, his eyes reflecting the vision he had. "Alora’s grief was overwhelming. She even tried to end her own life."

Magnus leaned back, his mind racing. "We need to find a way to prevent this. There has to be something we can do."

"I thought we had changed her fate," Izaak muttered, more to himself than to Magnus. "But it seems destiny is relentless."

"Alora’s mother can’t die. She loves her the most in this world. I’ve seen it myself," Magnus asserted, trying to grasp what could go so terribly wrong for such a dire future to unfold. His mind raced, attempting to piece together the events that could lead to such a tragic outcome.

Izaak suddenly recalled their mother’s prophetic words, a chilling reminder of the potential inevitability of fate. The memory sent a shiver down his spine, intensifying his fear that her predictions would come true. If that happened, Magnus and Alora would both undoubtedly suffer immensely.

"I won’t let it happen," Magnus declared, his voice resolute and filled with determination.

Izaak’s expression remained somber. "You can’t do anything. My visions have never been wrong. What has to happen will happen," he pronounced.

Magnus’s face grew troubled, his worry palpable. "If that happens, Alora will hate her eyes. She will blame them for her mother’s death and it will destroy her."

"Yes," Izaak confirmed, his voice carrying the gravity of his vision. "I saw it clearly—she tried to kill herself. She cut her wrist, severing a nerve."

Magnus clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening with the force of his grip. The thought of Alora in such despair was unbearable. "We have to do everything in our power to prevent this. Even if the visions seem unchangeable, there must be some way to alter the outcome."

"There’s no way! So far, whatever has happened hasn’t changed," Izaak said, his frustration evident as he knitted his brows together. "Alora’s eyes are both a curse and a blessing for her. She has to live with this fact."

Magnus looked at his brother, struggling to reconcile the grim reality with his own determination. "I understand that her eyes have brought both pain and power. I can’t just accept this future without a fight."

Chapter 314: The role of your wife

"Your Highness, a letter has arrived for you," Tobias announced in a steady voice as he stood at the entrance of the music room. Alora, who had been delicately plucking the strings of her harp, paused and looked up with curiosity.

"A letter for me?" she inquired, setting the instrument aside with care. "Who is it from?"

Tobias stepped forward, holding out the sealed envelope with a respectful bow. "It’s from your grandmother in Elmswood, Your Highness."

"What?" Alora drew her brows close as she hadn’t expected a letter from her grandmother. Tobias stayed in the room since he was curious to know what could be in the letter.

Alora opened the envelope and carefully unfolded the piece of paper within. Her eyes scanned the handwritten words, her expression shifting from curiosity to concern as she read aloud:

"Dear Alora,

I hope you are doing well. You must be wondering why I write to you. The reason is I want to apologize. Living alone in this place terrifies me. I miss everyone from our family deeply. I wish for death to claim me, to free me from this punishment. This old woman no longer wants to live. Soon, you will hear news of my demise. Forgive me for everything.

Your grandmother,

Aubrey Wilson."

Alora’s hands trembled as she clutched the letter, a cold fear gripping her heart. She wasn’t worried that her grandmother might take her own life; rather, she was deeply troubled by why she chose to write to her before taking such a step.

Tobias, standing by her side, could see the distress in her eyes. "Your Highness, you should inform Prince Magnus about this as soon as he returns," he advised gently.

Even he was at a loss to understand what the elderly woman was thinking, but he knew that the prince would want to be aware of such a grave matter.

"I think she wants to return," Alora murmured, furrowing her brows in thought. "What kind of game is my grandmother playing?" The notion that her grandmother, a woman known for her steadfast pride and unwavering resolve, could feel genuine remorse seemed inconceivable to her.

Tobias, sensing the complexity of Alora’s emotions, chose to remain silent. It was not his place to comment on matters concerning her family, especially when they involved such delicate issues.

Alora carefully placed the letter back into the envelope, her mind racing with questions. She turned to Tobias and said, "Could you discreetly find out if anyone else in the household has received a letter from Aubrey? I need to know if this is an isolated incident or part of a larger scheme."

"Of course, Your Highness," Tobias replied with a respectful bow. "I will make the inquiries and inform you as soon as I have any information."

With that, Tobias left the room, leaving Alora to ponder the troubling contents of her grandmother’s letter.

~~~~~

Izaak drank deeply from the cup, the blood quenching his thirst after his journey outside. Zerah, ever attentive, handed his royal overcoat to a maidservant and gestured for her to leave.

"Your Highness looks troubled. Is everything fine?" Zerah asked in a humble tone, his eyes searching Izaak’s face for any sign of distress.

Izaak lowered the cup and settled into the plush comfort of the recliner, letting out a weary sigh. "Yes, everything is fine," he replied, though his tone lacked conviction. He quickly shifted the topic. "What about Melody? Where is she?"

Zerah then responded promptly. "She was with Princess Alora earlier, Your Highness. I’ll inform her of your return immediately."

With a bow, Zerah exited the room, leaving Izaak to his thoughts.

Izaak swirled the remaining liquid in the cup, the dark red blood catching the light as he contemplated the troubling vision that had unsettled him. "How will Magnus stop this?" he murmured, his voice tinged with frustration. "The inevitable is going to happen."

He took a final, deliberate sip, savoring the rich, metallic taste as he finished the contents of the cup. With a slight shudder of satisfaction, he placed the empty cup on the table beside him. He licked his lips, relishing the lingering taste, before sinking back into the soft embrace of the recliner.

As he rested his head, his thoughts were troubled. "Mother saw Magnus being left alone. Will Alora really die?" he muttered, his words filled with anxiety.

"Your Highness, you asked for me," Melody’s voice cut through the quiet, and Izaak looked up as she entered the room. She glided in with a graceful poise, her sweet smile provided him with warmth as she approached and paused before him.

"Did you have your lunch?" Izaak asked, his tone carrying a hint of concern.

"Yes," Melody replied with a gentle nod. "I had lunch earlier with Princess Alora. I had planned to wait for you, but as the lunch hour was nearing its end, Princess Alora insisted we should eat."

"You did well to accommodate her," Izaak said, his gaze softening as he considered her response. "Though, truth be told, I would have abstained from meals today regardless." He reached out, his hand closing gently around her wrist. With a tender but firm pull, he guided Melody down to sit beside him on the recliner.

As she settled into the plush seat next to him, Izaak’s eyes lingered on her.

"Your Highness," Melody began, "do you see me as princess material?"

Izaak’s gaze softened with a hint of amusement. "What do you mean by that?" he asked, genuinely intrigued by her question.

"I mean," Melody elaborated, her voice steady despite her evident nervousness, "do you believe I possess the qualities needed to fulfill the role of your wife, given the magnitude of such a position?"

A flash of understanding crossed Izaak’s face. He realized that Melody must have overheard their earlier discussion at the breakfast table.

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he replied with a reassuring tone, "I see you as a potential bride, Melody. The role of a princess—or any significant position—comes with its challenges and responsibilities, but I believe that with time and the right guidance, you’ll grow into the role and learn everything required."

"I will do my best," Melody said with a promising gaze. She made up her mind not to let Izaak’s expectations down.

Chapter 315: Between her and Damien

"Lewis, you should have at least told me about the sighting of the unknown vampires in the capital," Magnus said, a note of disappointment clear in his voice as he fixed his gaze on Lewis.

"Forgive me, Your Highness," Lewis replied, bowing slightly. "I couldn’t find the right moment to discuss it with you. I had to leave promptly for Shadowvale. Quentin had already informed the King about the presence of the vampires who attacked you and the others a few months back."

Magnus’ expression shifted to one of curiosity and concern. "Then, what did you find out?"

"I have caught a witness," Lewis said, his tone more confident now. "His Majesty personally interrogated him."

Magnus frowned to learn that. "Hmm. Father didn’t share it with any of us. It seems like he wants to handle this matter in secret."

"But nothing is hidden from Prince Magnus’s eyes," Lewis said, his voice filled with admiration. "You eventually find out about everything."

Magnus shook his head and leaned back in his chair. He picked up his wine glass and swirled it thoughtfully between his fingers. "I decided to meet you because I have some intel to share. Damien Von Grimm is alive," he said.

"What?" Lewis furrowed his brows together, shock evident on his face. "I heard that a few months back, Princess Alora perished him."

"She did, but it could have been a shapeshifter working for Damien. Have you forgotten the havoc Damien created a long time ago? He isn’t foolish, as far as I know that man. The witness you found, I’ll see him to ensure he wasn’t fooled at any point. In the meantime, you need to go to Elmswood," Magnus instructed, giving Lewis a task he knew he would readily accept.

"When do I have to go?" Lewis inquired.

"As soon as possible," Magnus answered.

"Then I’ll leave in the evening, Your Highness. But what am I to do there? Was Damien seen in Elmswood?" Lewis asked.

Magnus leaned forward after taking a sip of his wine. "No. My grandmother-in-law lives there," he pronounced. As he set the wine cup on the table, it clinked softly.

Lewis looked at him, confusion evident on his face. What did Alora’s grandmother have to do with the current incident?

"You have no idea how evil her grandmother is! You must have heard about the time when Alora was born. Two women, the midwife and the attendant, perished right away during her birth. Alora’s grandmother wanted to kill Alora’s mother, so it happened. For a long time, she suppressed Alora, forcing her to wear a blindfold. Because all this was revealed a few months back, she was sent away to Elmswood to live out the rest of her life," Magnus explained, shedding light on Madam Aubrey’s sinister relationship with Alora.

"Is she a kind of threat to Princess Alora now?" asked Lewis.

"She is! I do feel she’s scheming something," Magnus said, taking out a sketch of Madam Aubrey along with a paper detailing the address for Wilson Residence in Elmswood. "I need you to find out what she’s planning and if there’s any connection between her and Damien."

"Your Highness, you think Damien might have contacted the old lady?" Lewis exclaimed, his eyes widening with surprise.

"Yes, because Damien wants to get his hands on Alora. He will do anything to create havoc in our lives. And the old woman isn’t trustworthy. If it were up to me, I would not have spared her the day her true nature was revealed. I don’t believe in forgiveness for such evil people," Magnus stated, his gaze stern and unwavering.

Lewis hummed thoughtfully, absorbing the Prince’s words. "One thing you need to keep in mind is not to draw the attention of anyone from the residence. If you find anything suspicious, send a messenger to me immediately," Magnus affirmed.

"Will His Highness come there then?" Lewis questioned.

"Yes, to kill the old woman. She has been getting on my nerves for a long time. I would have gone there myself, but my presence is necessary here," Magnus explained. He had many responsibilities to attend to, including preparations for Izaak’s upcoming marriage and addressing the trouble caused by werewolf packs that had recently started targeting vampires.

"I understand, Your Highness. I will handle this task," Lewis assured him, folding the sketch and tucking the tiny note inside it. He placed it securely in his pocket and finished his wine. "I take my leave. I need to inform Princess Lillian; otherwise, she may get upset," he added.

Magnus nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Go ahead, Lewis. And be careful. I am counting on you."

Lewis bowed respectfully and turned to leave. As he exited the room, his mind was already focused on the mission ahead. He made his way through the palace corridors, his thoughts turning to Princess Lillian. He would have to explain his sudden departure delicately to avoid causing her worry.

"Is Princess Lillian inside?" Lewis asked the servant at the door.

"Yes."

Lewis stepped inside and he ended up hearing Lillian’s conversation with her personal attendant.

"No one is ready to listen to me. Everyone thinks a human by Brother Izaak side is a good choice. Brother Magnus never let my views be delivered well and in the end, I am seen as the villain," said Lillian in frustration.

The attendant spotted Lewis and lowered her eyes, whispering in a voice only audible to the princess. "Your fiancé is here," she informed.

Lillian promptly turned around and stood up from the recliner. She gestured to the attendant to leave while glancing at Lewis in a shocking gaze.

"Did y-you here everything?" Lillian questioned. "I didn’t anticipate you be here at this hour," she asserted.

"Umm... I thought to inform you before leaving for a certain work. I’ll be back in a day... Probably by tomorrow evening," Lewis said.

"Oh! Where are you going?" Lillian was curious to know.

"It’s a work. I can’t tell you about this," Lewis said.

"Are you going to keep everything from me after we get married too?" Lillian arched her eyebrows, a hint of disappointment was evident in her tone.