Ch. 341..345: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 341-345
Chapter 341: Habit of judging
Alora attended the mourning ceremony of her grandmother. Her family was astonished to see her awake because, until early that morning, they had received news that Alora would wake up after a year.
Magnus took it upon himself to explain Alora’s quick transformation to her bewildered relatives.
Norman approached them, an expression of deep regret etched on his face. "I owe both of you an apology," he began, his voice filled with remorse. "My one wrong decision of not letting my mother get punished earlier led to a series of unfortunate incidents."
"It’s alright, Norman," Magnus said, his tone measured. "I was in so much rage that I ripped your mother’s heart out. Because of the old woman, Alora is no longer human," he stated, glancing at his wife, who stood a little distance away with her mother and sister.
Norman’s shoulders slumped as he sighed. "Yes, she couldn’t live much of her life as a human. I was the one who caused so many troubles for Alora from her childhood. I wish I could provide her the happiness that every child deserves," he admitted, his voice heavy with regret.
Magnus’s expression softened slightly. "There’s no use in remorse anymore," he said. "I’ll make sure to fill her each day with joy," he added, determination clear in his voice.
"I completely trust Your Highness," Norman replied. "But what surprises me is how Alora has such good control over her thirst for blood. In the case of Elliot, he almost went berserk," he remarked, astonished.
Magnus nodded thoughtfully. "Norman, your daughter has always been a blessing in disguise for you. You refused to see her worth for a long time—almost twenty-four years. Alora is different from any normal human around her. Her kindness and good heart are her strengths. She’s magical; that’s why she’s unique in everything," he elaborated.
Norman nodded, noticing the pride that radiated from Magnus whenever he spoke of Alora. His gaze always held an unexplainable depth of affection for her, a testament to the love he felt for his wife.
"Your Highness, I have understood how blessed I am to have Alora as my eldest child. She is truly special. Despite what my mother and I did to her, she is here to give her last tribute to her grandmother," Norman stated, wiping the tears from the edges of his eyes.
Magnus smiled, recognizing the sincerity in Norman’s words. It was clear that he had changed, finally understanding the value of his daughter. Magnus turned his gaze to Alora, who was in tears. She wasn’t mourning her grandmother’s death at his hands, but rather, she was sorrowful for her mother, who could have perished if Magnus hadn’t intervened timely.
"We should go to them," Magnus told Norman, moving ahead. He stopped beside Alora and gently placed his large hand on her head.
"Don’t cry anymore," he said softly, his voice a soothing balm to her sorrow.
Alora looked up, her blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Magnus stood before her, his thumbs gently wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"Everything is fine now," Magnus reassured her, his voice filled with tenderness.
Alora managed a small, shaky smile, finding comfort in his presence.
~~~~~
"What excuse do you wish to give me today?" Lillian asked, gazing sternly at Lewis. She noticed his hands were locked behind his back, as if he was hiding something from her.
"Last night, why didn’t you tell me that Damien is out there? I would have come to help! Do you also consider me weak like my brothers do? That’s why they keep me away from all these matters," she demanded, her voice filled with frustration.
"Princess Lillian, there was no time to involve any of the royal ladies from the palace. Also, your brothers don’t wish their little sister to get injured in any way," Lewis stated, stopping just a few steps from her. He slowly brought his hands forward and presented her favorite white roses. "For you," he whispered.
Lillian’s mood instantly changed at the sight of the flowers. "H-how did you find out that I like these?" she asked, her voice softening along with her gaze.
Lewis smiled gently, pleased by her reaction. "I pay attention to the details, Lily."
"Don’t play with words with me. Who told you that I like white roses? Was it Brother Izaak or Brother Alaric?" she questioned, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Prince Magnus," Lewis replied.
Lillian was surprised. Out of the three brothers, she hadn’t anticipated Magnus would even know about this.
"It seems you aren’t close to Prince Magnus," Lewis stated.
"No, I am not. He is not good to me," Lillian truthfully told him whatever she felt regarding her third brother.
Lillian blushed slightly, taking the bouquet from him. "Thank you for these flowers, Lewis. They’re beautiful," she murmured, inhaling the delicate fragrance of the flowers.
As she began setting them in a vase, she heard Lewis speak again. "Prince Magnus loves you the most. He knows a lot about you. I think the differences lie because you become blunt with him."
Lillian turned around, gazing at him with confusion. "Brother Magnus reads minds. He doesn’t care for anyone else around him, except for his dear wife, Alora," she remarked with a taunt. "He even threatened to put me to a long sleep when I said something," she muttered in annoyance.
"Lily, if someone says bad about my wife, then I’ll definitely react the same was as Prince Magnus reacted with you," Lewis stated and closed the distance between them. He pressed his finger on her lips before she could speak.
"Lily, try to change yourself. You need not to find faults in everything. Try to look at a brighter aspect. Do you understand?" Lewis asked her.
Lillian lowered his finger from her mouth. "You think I’ve this fault of judging people!?"
"No. It’s not a fault. However, you’ve built a habit of judging everyone wrongly," Lewis said. "I don’t find problem with it, but others may not understand you. After all, you won’t show them your real self," he asserted.
Chapter 342: Don’t stop me
"I never judge anyone," Lillian stated, her voice trembling with suppressed rage. She felt blindsided by Lewis’s harsh remark, something she never expected from him.
"You do," Lewis retorted calmly. His fingers gently grabbed a few of her hair strands resting on her cheek and tucked them behind her ear. Lillian immediately yanked his hand away, turning her back on him as she moved to the vase filled with roses. With shaking hands, she began to take the flowers out, trying to distract herself from the rising storm of emotions.
Before she could react, Lewis stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her into a firm embrace. His breath was warm against her ear as he spoke. "It hurts to hear the truth, doesn’t it?"
"Get away! Don’t ever meet me again," Lillian snapped, her voice laced with anger. She tried to free herself from his grip, but he held her tightly.
"I’m not getting away," Lewis said, his tone steady. "Why can’t you listen to your own voice? I merely told you the truth about your personality. You’ve built many insecurities over the years, Lily."
The moment he said those words, Lillian stopped resisting his embrace. Her eyes blinked rapidly as the truth of his statement sank in. She had indeed built up a lot of insecurities over the years, projecting them onto the people around her and judging them based on those fears.
Lewis kept his chin on her shoulder, his cheek brushing against hers. "I’m not going to leave you, ever. Keep that in mind," he pronounced softly.
They remained that way for a while, enveloped in a heavy silence. Lillian felt a mixture of emotions: anger, sadness, and a reluctant acknowledgment of the truth in Lewis’s words. She hated how easily he saw through her, yet she couldn’t deny the comfort of his presence.
After a few moments, Lewis gently pulled away and turned her around to face him. His expression was serious, yet filled with concern and determination.
"One thing I’ve learned over the years is that one should have the ability to hear the truth. If you can do that, you can conquer a lot of things pretty easily," Lewis asserted.
Lillian lowered her eyes, not wanting to speak further. Her emotions were a turbulent mix, and she couldn’t find the words to express them.
Lewis didn’t wait to coax her with words; instead, he leaned in and kissed her. The suddenness of the kiss made her eyes fly open in surprise before she shut them tightly.
Her body remained frozen for a moment, overwhelmed by the unexpected intimacy, but then she wrapped her arms around his neck, surrendering to the flood of emotions coursing through her.
She kissed him back with equal fervor, pouring all her confusion, anger, and longing into the kiss.
Lewis held her firmly in place, his hands pressing against her lower back. His kiss was intense and demanding, and he nibbled on her lips, tasting her, savoring the moment.
Every so often, he would open his eyes to study her expression, ensuring that she was with him, before closing them again to lose himself in the passion of the moment.
With their vampiric speed, they moved to the bed, landing with a thud. Lewis’s body pressed against hers, the weight and warmth of him grounding her amidst the storm of emotions.
His hands roamed to her waist, holding her securely, his lips never leaving hers. The kiss deepened, becoming more urgent and consuming, as if they were trying to communicate all the words they couldn’t say with their mouths.
They finally slowed down, their fervent kisses gradually becoming gentle pecks before they withdrew completely. Both of them gasped for air, their breaths mingling in the intimate space between them.
Lewis smiled, his eyes softening as he leaned in to kiss Lillian’s chin. Her eyes fluttered open, and she pressed her hands against his chest.
"Don’t stop me," he whispered against her lips, his voice husky with need. His fingers deftly found the edges of her gown’s sleeves, slowly lowering them from her shoulders. The fabric slipped down, revealing the smooth, porcelain skin beneath.
Ducking his head, Lewis planted a trail of kisses along her slender neck, each one sending shivers down Lillian’s spine.
His lips were warm and soft, leaving a tingling sensation in their wake. She closed her eyes, tilting her head slightly to give him better access, her resistance melting away with each touch.
Lewis’s eyes searched Lillian’s with an intensity that matched the gravity of his question. "Can I mark you?" he asked, his voice low and laden with meaning.
Lillian met his gaze steadily, her own eyes reflecting both resolve and vulnerability. "Do it," she permitted, her voice a whisper yet filled with conviction.
Lewis’s expression turned serious as he continued, "Once done, you will not be able to back off. You are aware of this, right?"
Lillian nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Yes, I am aware," she affirmed. She then added with a hint of determination, "I will mark you too."
A flicker of surprise crossed Lewis’s face, quickly replaced by a thoughtful smile. The notion of them marking each other was more than just a physical act; it symbolized a profound bond and a commitment that went beyond mere affection.
"I never thought you’d be the one to make such a decision," Lewis mused, his tone softening. He reached out, gently cupping her face with his hands. The seriousness in his eyes was matched by the warmth in his touch. "But I’m glad you did. It means more than you know."
Lillian’s heart raced at his words. She knew the weight of what they were about to do—it would bind them together in a way that was both intimate and irrevocable. But she felt ready, her emotions aligned with the depth of her commitment to him.
Lewis’s fingers brushed her hair back, his touch tender despite the gravity of the moment. "Are you sure you’re ready?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes searched hers, looking for any sign of hesitation.
"Yes," Lillian replied firmly, her voice steady. "I’ve never been more sure of anything."
A smile of genuine affection and admiration crossed Lewis’s face. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he murmured, "Then let’s make this real. Together."
He guided her to a more comfortable position, ensuring she was at ease as he prepared to mark her. As Lewis leaned in, his lips brushed against her skin, and he began the ritual of marking her. His sharp fangs grew large, his hand caressing her arm.
He already decided the spot on her neck, where he would mark her. His eyes turned red, his vampiric instincts taking over before he inserted her fangs in her smooth, soft skin.
Her hands clutched his shoulders, a smile forming on her lips. She felt tingles in her entire body, but it was not painful. She found him sucking her blood and she couldn’t resist herself either in this.
Lillian also marked him on his neck as she was sure of the fact that Lewis would become her other-half.
Chapter 343: Fulfills Wishes
King Esmond returned from a long, arduous meeting with Rienna Blanie, the newly appointed head of the witches, and sank heavily onto the broad chaise in their chamber. Margaret, his wife, immediately noticed the deep frowns etched on his forehead, understanding that something was seriously amiss.
"Didn’t it go well, dear?" Margaret inquired, her voice laced with concern as she approached him.
Esmond sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Rienna is practically reveling in her newfound power. She claimed that the vampires have always been oppressive toward the witches. I fear we’re on the brink of another war between us and the witches. Such a conflict would destabilize the kingdom and lead to countless deaths," he confided.
Margaret’s eyes widened with worry. "Damien brought so much destruction with him. We almost lost our son because of it. Did you remind Rienna of this?" she asked in a trembling voice.
"I did," Esmond replied, his voice heavy with frustration. "But the witches are adamant. They’re not backing down."
"Talk to our sons," Margaret suggested gently. "They will definitely find a way to resolve this."
Esmond sighed, nodding. "I will do that. If the witches start turning against us, it will be a constant battle of wins and losses. Humans will be sacrificed, and chaos may ensue."
Margaret moved closer, caressing her husband’s arm reassuringly. "You’re already worrying about the future," she said softly. "For so many years, we have lived in peace and harmony. This will continue in our kingdom. You need to rest for a while before you meet with our sons."
Esmond looked into her eyes, seeing the calm strength that had always been his anchor. He took a deep breath and allowed himself to relax slightly. "You’re right. I’ll rest for a bit and then speak with them."
Margaret quickly agreed, gently removing the cloak from Esmond’s shoulders. She called for a servant, who appeared promptly. "Please take this cloak away," she instructed.
As the servant departed, Esmond turned to Margaret, a hint of concern still in his eyes. "Is Alora in control?" he asked, his voice betraying his worry.
"Yes, she is," Margaret reassured him with a confident nod. "Alora has everything under control."
Esmond sighed in relief. "That’s a relief," he said, his shoulders relaxing slightly. He then headed toward the bedchamber, his steps heavy with exhaustion.
Margaret wondered if the Kingdom would again go through the turmoil like years ago. "Perhaps, I can see Rienna once," she mumbled to herself.
~~~~~
"You are fast," Magnus said, his voice tinged with admiration and a hint of breathlessness. He had just managed to catch up to Alora, who had been running so swiftly that even for him, it was a challenge to keep pace.
Alora stopped abruptly, her hair swirling around her as she turned to face him. Her cheeks were flushed with exertion, but her eyes sparkled with a playful glint. "I didn’t think you’d catch me," she said, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.
Magnus grinned, leaning forward slightly as he caught his breath. "You underestimate me," he replied, his tone light but laced with genuine appreciation for her speed. "But I have to admit, you defeated me. Your vampiric abilities are sharp."
Alora laughed, the sound bright and infectious. "Maybe next time I’ll let you win," she teased, taking a step closer to him.
She then brought her fingers to her fangs, touching them tentatively. "How do I look? Do I look pretty as a vampire?" Alora questioned, lowering her hands and looking at Magnus with curiosity.
Magnus shook his head slightly, a soft smile playing on his lips. "You’re asking the wrong question," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "You’ve become even more enchanting after turning into a vampire."
Alora’s face lit up with a radiant smile. She opened her arms wide and began to twirl on her feet, her dress swirling around her like a cloud. Lifting her head, she gazed up at the tall trees that surrounded them, their leaves whispering softly in the breeze. "It feels so good," she said, her voice filled with wonder and delight.
Magnus watched her with a tender expression, his heart swelling with affection. He stepped forward and wrapped his hand around her lower back, steadying her as she came to a stop. Alora lowered her arms and gazed into his eyes, the moment filled with a quiet intimacy.
"We need to return to the palace, Alora," Magnus said, his tone turning serious. "Also, you haven’t taken the blood today."
Alora’s expression shifted, a hint of concern shadowing her features. "I almost forgot," she admitted, her voice softening. "I got so caught up in the moment."
Magnus nodded, his hand gently pressing against her back. "I understand," he said.
"You can let me go," Alora stated softly, though there was a playful note in her voice.
"I think I don’t want to," Magnus replied, his grip on her lower back gentle yet firm.
"Why?" Alora asked, searching his eyes for the answer, her curiosity piqued.
Magnus looked at her, his eyes warm and filled with a mix of affection and mystery. "I have something to show you. Since we’re already in the forest, I want to share with you a place of incredible beauty, hidden within the heart of these woods," he asserted, his voice filled with a quiet excitement.
Intrigued, Alora nodded, allowing him to take her hand. "Lead the way," she said, a smile playing on her lips.
They began walking side by side, their footsteps light on the forest floor. The canopy above filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
The air was filled with the rich scent of earth and the distant songs of birds, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
As they moved deeper into the forest, Alora couldn’t help but marvel at their surroundings. Tall trees, delicate ferns and wildflowers carpeted the forest floor, adding splashes of color to the green land. Every so often, a squirrel would dart across their path or a deer would glance at them before disappearing into the underbrush.
Magnus held her hand firmly but gently, guiding her along a path that seemed known only to him. "We’re almost there," he said, glancing back at her with a reassuring smile.
After a short while, they emerged into a small clearing. In the center stood a tranquil pond, its surface smooth and reflective like a mirror. Surrounding the pond were clusters of vibrant flowers, their petals shimmering in the sunlight. The scene was breathtaking, a hidden gem within the forest’s heart.
"There’s an old legend regarding this pond," Magnus said.
"What it is?" Alora queried.
"It fulfills wishes," Magnus replied.
Chapter 344: Their heartfelt wishes
"Really?"
"Hmm. But only if your wish is greed-free," Magnus replied.
"Isn’t that strange? No wish can be greed-free," Alora responded, her brow furrowing.
"I only heard it from my father and my brothers. I don’t know whether it’s true or not," Magnus stated, "but this place is calmer than the others. Here, no power works. That’s the only strange thing I’ve discovered."
"So, you can’t read my thoughts!" Alora exclaimed.
"Yes, I cannot," Magnus confirmed.
"That’s interesting! Now, you should guess what I’m thinking," Alora teased, wrapping her arms around him and drawing him close. "Let’s see how much you love me," she added with a playful smile.
They both peered into each other’s eyes, the air thick with anticipation. Alora’s eyes sparkled with mischief and affection as she waited for Magnus to respond.
"That’s difficult," Magnus admitted, his voice softening. "But you must be thinking you’re lucky to have me," he remarked with a chuckle. "I don’t know, Alora. That’s very tough. But that doesn’t mean my love is any less for you."
As he spoke, he noticed her eyes sparkling again, just like yesterday, and his heart fluttered in his chest. The way she looked at him always had a magical effect on him, making him feel both vulnerable and invincible at the same time.
"But I think your magic works," Magnus said suddenly, his tone thoughtful.
"Huh? My magic?" Alora queried with intrigue, her brows knitting together in curiosity.
"Yes," Magnus replied, his gaze steady.
"I don’t have any magic, except for a burning gaze," Alora said, lowering her eyes shyly, the corners of her mouth curling into a faint smile.
Magnus gently lifted her chin, his eyes meeting hers. "Only I can see that magic," he answered softly, his voice filled with warmth.
"Tell me what you can see that others can’t?" Alora asked, her puzzlement evident but tinged with a hint of excitement.
Magnus paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I can see your eyes sparkling from this distance," Magnus said softly. "That’s the magic you hold, even here. No one can see that unless they come this close to you."
Alora was stunned, her breath catching in her throat. "That’s..."
"Beautiful, no?" Magnus interrupted, a smile spreading across his lips. He leaned in and kissed her soft cheek, his lips lingering for a moment. Then, he fixated his gaze on hers, the world around them fading away as they lost themselves in each other’s eyes.
For a long while, they remained like that, basking in the silent connection they shared. The air was thick with unspoken words and mutual admiration, a perfect harmony of souls.
’I pray that Magnus always smiles like this,’ Alora thought, her heart swelling with affection and hope.
At the same moment, Magnus was lost in his own silent prayer, ’You are the reason I believe even in the impossible. I pray my Alora gets everything she ever desires.’
Suddenly, a faint glow spread across the lake, catching their attention. They turned to witness the sight, the water shimmering with an ethereal light. It was as if the lake itself was responding to their heartfelt wishes, casting a magical glow that illuminated the entire area.
"That’s so beautiful," Alora murmured, smiling brightly.
"Indeed. I never witnessed this before," he pronounced.
~~~~
Venus stood precariously on the chair, one hand gripping the curtain while the other tried to maneuver the rod into place. She stretched up on her toes, her fingers straining to reach the bracket.
"Is anyone outside?" she called out, hoping for assistance but receiving no immediate reply. Her voice carried a hint of frustration mixed with determination.
Unbeknownst to Venus, one of the chair’s legs was wobbling slightly, teetering on the edge of instability. As she shifted her weight to secure the rod, the chair gave way.
With a sudden, heart-stopping lurch, she lost her balance and fell to the floor with a loud thud. Pain shot through her body, and she cried out involuntarily, the sound echoing through the room.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she bit her lip, determined not to let them fall. Slowly, she tried to push herself up, her body trembling from the shock and pain.
The curtain lay crumpled beside her, the rod rolling away with a metallic clatter. Gritting her teeth, Venus placed her hands on the floor, attempting to rise despite the sharp ache in her limbs.
And then someone lifted her in strong, reassuring arms. Venus blinked through the haze of pain and surprise, raising her head to see who had come to her rescue. It was Odin.
"You?" Venus gasped, her eyes wide with shock.
"Yes, me," Odin replied with a hint of amusement in his voice. He carried her to the bed, gently settling her on the mattress. "You didn’t anticipate my ghost, did you? Too bad! Vampires don’t have ghosts," he remarked with a teasing smile.
Before she could respond, Odin turned away and swiftly approached the chair. He climbed onto it with ease and secured the curtain rod in the bracket. His movements were quick and efficient, and within moments, he had the curtain perfectly in place. Jumping down from the chair, he met Venus’s gaze, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of concern and playfulness.
"Why are you here? Weren’t you on a tour?" Venus asked, her fingers nervously fiddling with the edge of the blanket.
Odin walked back to her, pulling a chair close to the bed and sitting down. "I was, but I cut it short," he explained, his tone turning serious. "I heard about the troubles Prince Magnus and Princess Alora had to undergo. Griffin has returned too," he asserted.
"Oh. Yes, a lot of things happened. My grandmother almost going to end everything. We were saved somehow. But Alora turned into a vampire," Venus stated.
"I know."
Venus gazed at him momentarily before lowering her eyes. "You should be in the palace, not here," she affirmed.
"Did you miss me?" Odin inquired.
"What? No! Why would I miss you?" She got flustered with his sudden question and a slight shade of red appeared on her cheeks.
Chapter 345: To appease the witches
"Why did your mother tell me then how you kept cursing me for leaving without any words to you?" Odin asked her, his voice edged with hurt and confusion.
Venus gazed at him and gulped hard. Why did her mother have to say all this to him? She averted her gaze from his piercing eyes, not understanding what she could possibly say now as she struggled to find the right words.
"I’m here, not there," Odin remarked, his tone a mixture of frustration and longing.
Venus took a deep breath and steeled herself. "I didn’t miss you. Why would I even miss a person who considers me his enemy?" she retorted, looking straight into his eyes, trying to mask the turmoil within her.
Odin didn’t say anything and turned to walk away.
"Eh? Where are you heading to?" Venus asked, now standing on her knees, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and defiance.
"To my home," Odin replied, turning slightly to glance at her. "I was here with Griffin to understand the situation. You won’t see me again. And by the way, don’t speak ill of me behind my back. I don’t mind if you say the same words to my face," he affirmed, his tone carrying an edge that felt like a warning.
"Really? Then, can I say that you are a jerk?" Venus shot back, her eyes blazing with challenge.
Odin’s lips twitched slightly, almost as if he were amused. As he decided to leave, something seemed to strike him. In a flash, he was in front of Venus, his hand wrapping around her throat. "Then I should show you what a vampire jerk like me can do?" he taunted, leaning in close and baring his fangs menacingly.
Venus’s eyes widened in fear, but she quickly gathered her composure. "No way! You can’t suck my blood. I’ll complain to Prince Magnus," she asserted, her voice steady despite the situation. She pressed her hands firmly against his chest, trying to push him away, her heart pounding in her chest in fear.
Odin’s grip tightened momentarily before he released her with a look of disdain. "You think Prince Magnus will save you?" he sneered. "You’re more naive than I thought." With one last menacing glance, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Venus to catch her breath and process what had just happened.
Venus didn’t feel this scared even around Eugene. Odin was truly a dangerous man from whom she needed to stay away. But why a part of her heart feeling very different toward him.
~~~~
In the grand hall of the palace, as the evening shadows lengthened, King Esmond called his three sons to an urgent meeting. They hurried to his side as soon as they received his summon.
King Esmond didn’t waste time with pleasantries. "I will come straight to the point," he began, his voice steady but burdened with concern. "The newly appointed Head Witch, Rienna, has made a bold demand. She wants me to abolish the old rules that limit the witches’ powers—rules that were put in place to keep a balance with the vampires."
His sons exchanged uneasy glances, knowing the delicate balance their father spoke of.
"The witches no longer want their powers to be restrained simply because the vampires desire it," Esmond continued. "Rienna has refused any kind of negotiations as well. She is adamant and uncompromising."
The king paused, looking each of his sons in the eye. "It’s not that I’m afraid of her," he clarified, his voice firm. "But I don’t want the peace of this kingdom to be shattered. Once the conflict starts, it will spread like wildfire, consuming everything in its path."
Izaak, the eldest prince, spoke up, his tone measured and thoughtful. "What Damien did is the root of their rage. They can’t openly refuse the King’s order because that would be a direct challenge to the throne. I believe more witches should be consulted this time," Izaak suggested, offering a potential solution.
"That means we need to seek out those who can stand against Rienna and prevent her from consolidating too much power," Magnus, the second eldest, added, his voice reflecting the weight of their predicament. "I can’t deny that what happened with Gloria was unforgivable, but telling them to stay under control will only fuel their anger toward us. Most importantly, witches are known for their unity, unlike us," he continued, his expression grim.
Alaric, the youngest, spoke up, breaking the tense silence. "There is one way to tackle this issue," he said, drawing the attention of his brothers and father.
The three of them gazed at the Second Prince, who began, "I believe that if Rienna is given power equivalent to the elders, the situation can be controlled," he opined.
Izaak frowned, his concern evident. "There’s a risk in that, Alaric. Who knows if Rienna might want more power than that? We need harmony among everyone—be it human, werewolf, witch, or vampire. Moreover, witches can use magic to hide their true intentions from Magnus’s reach," he added, his voice carrying a note of caution.
King Esmond listened to his sons’ deliberations, weighing their words carefully. "Alaric, your suggestion has merit, but Izaak’s concerns are valid. We cannot afford to empower Rienna without ensuring that it won’t lead to further demands. We must find a balance—a way to appease the witches without compromising our authority or the kingdom’s stability."
Magnus nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps we can propose a new council where representatives from all factions, including the witches, have a voice. This might diffuse some of the tension and make them feel heard without giving too much power to any one individual."
The king’s eyes brightened at the idea. "A council could work. It would show our willingness to cooperate and share power, which might placate Rienna and the witches. But we must proceed with caution and ensure that the new council members are chosen wisely to maintain the balance."
The princes nodded in agreement, recognizing the delicate path they needed to negotiate.
"However, I would like to meet Rienna once. Can I do that, Father?" Magnus asked after a moment of silence.
"She’s refused any kind of communication," Esmond answered.
"I’ll send her a message. Perhaps, she will agree, Father," Magnus stated, giving him a reassurance glance that the Kingdom wouldn’t fall toward instability.