Ch. 51..55: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 51-55

Chapter 51: Be selfish, not selfless

When Magnus mentioned how Alora should not take his mother’s advice for leaving his life, she left astonished and the same time, scared.

"I cannot even get angry at you. You don’t know how terrible my anger is. I guess, it is your charm that doesn’t give me any right to even scold you for thinking about disappearing from my life," Magnus stated, staring deep into her eyes as if he would bore holes into her soul.

Alora’s lips quivered as she was unable to find the right words to explain to him. She curled her fingers in fear, thinking Queen Margaret would begin to hate her. She failed in the Queen’s eyes.

"What is love for you, Alora?" Magnus asked. His facial expressions were unreadable because they appeared neutral. "This time I’m serious. Is it about pleasing those who will never love you or pleasing the person who cares for you?"

"It is about making the person happy who cares for you," Alora replied in a low voice.

"Then, why?" Magnus felt betrayed. His eyes depicted how hurt he was.

"To keep you happy for a long time," Alora said and bit her bottom lip, her eyes brimmed with tears.

"By leaving my side," Magnus chuckled at her response. "Do you think my feelings are a joke to you?" His voice laced with anger this time, but still, he kept his tone in control.

"Never, Your Highness," Alora promptly answered.

"Then, why did you not answer my mother when she asked you to stay away from me, not think about having a life with me? Why did you stay quiet? Why can’t you think about yourself rather than the others, who don’t even matter in your life?" Magnus rained questions at her.

Tears rolled down Alora’s eyes and she lowered her head. "I don’t know," she said and sniffled. "What I know is that I love you so much that I cannot see you getting hurt because of my eyes in the future," she asserted.

"I’ll kill every such person who will force you to leave my life," Magnus pronounced, "I don’t care if those people will be my parents or my siblings. They have lived enough of their lives and it is the time, you should live a life. Be selfish, not selfless."

Alora gazed at him as she stopped blinking. She was out of words seeing Magnus’s love for her. It was her low confidence, her low self-esteem, which could never be built. All her life, she heard from the people around her not to live and stay alone, closed inside a room. No one ever tried to give her much-needed company.

Suddenly Magnus appeared in front of her. He was on his knees and he held her hands. "Alora, I know it is hard for you to think about yourself. You are insecure because of your eyes. People always made you feel low. I have never seen a person like you and that’s why I like you and want to do everything for you," he said. His voice was softened as he peered into her eyes.

His thumb traced her cheeks and he wiped those tears. "It is okay to choose your happiness over the others. This time I forgive you, but next time, it won’t happen. Do you understand?" Magnus asked, his hands cupped her face.

Alora nodded at him. "I understand. I will learn to speak up for myself. Forgive me. I was wrong," she asserted.

Magnus smiled and sat beside her. "I told you not to underestimate the powers of your eyes. They are special and you are chosen to carry them for a reason," he affirmed.

Alora believed what he said. She scolded herself internally for thinking of leaving Magnus. "How did His Highness read my thoughts? I didn’t think–"

"I never told about my special power to my parents or siblings. Nothing is hidden from me," Magnus replied and turned his head to look at her, "nothing."

Alora gulped to learn that. "Isn’t that a headache to hear everyone’s thoughts?" she asked.

"It’s fun to know the people’s fears and secrets," Magnus stated.

"What fears and secrets did His Highness learn from reading my mind? Was it fun?" She queried.

"All you’ve have are fears and painful experiences. I never saw a single memory of your life, where you were happy for yourself. All I saw was the yearning to be loved," Magnus truthfully told her and tilted his head to look at her. "There were no secrets."

"Hmm. I do have fears," Alora admitted.

"You are Magnus’s wife. You should not have fears when you’ve me. I make people fear. You also fear people but you don’t carry that fear in your voice, your attitude. We are a match made in heaven," he pronounced.

Alora smiled to hear that. "Now, I understand why even Prince Izaak, who is the eldest vampire prince, agrees to you instantly," she murmured.

"I pierced dagger in his cold heart once," Magnus revealed.

"What?" Alora’s smile disappeared. She didn’t know Magnus was serious about that.

"Yes. He tried to set me up with someone," Magnus said.

"That’s–" Alora’s eyes fluttered and she couldn’t find the right word to describe it.

"Cruel," Magnus completed the sentence for her. "I have certain boundaries and I don’t want anyone to cross them. You are the exception," he proclaimed and smiled at her.

Alora’s stomach growled and she quickly brought her hands to her belly.

"We should return," Magnus said.

"But I want to be here with you for a while," Alora promptly interceded.

"I cannot let your stomach growl in hunger. Moreover, we have two more places to visit today," he stated and went back to his place as he grabbed the oars.

"What are those places?" Alora asked.

"You’ll find soon," Magnus said.

As the boat moved in the water once again, Alora set her eyes on the water.

’I wonder when will I find the secret behind her eyes,’ Magnus thought.

Chapter 52: If you break a promise

Alora enjoyed her whole day with Magnus and before night, she arrived at their residence. He helped her get down the horse and took her inside. "You must be tired from today’s outing," Magnus said.

"Yes, I am. I think I’ll feel better after a hot water bath," Alora said.

They both stopped at the chamber, where Alora thanked him for taking her out, spending time with him, and giving her surprises.

"Anything else?" Magnus asked.

"Uh... No," Alora replied. "Then, I’ll see His Highness later," she asserted and walked away. Magnus remained there for a few seconds before heading to the dressing room. Tobias was already present there to assist him.

"Your Highness, the day of Blood Moon is near," Tobias suddenly reminded him.

"Hmm."

"Princess Alora needs to stay in the chamber that day. Both vampires and werewolves will be active that night," Tobias affirmed. "And even His Highness’s blood thirst will increase," he added.

Magnus drew his eyebrows close because he had no idea how he would control himself that night. "I think I should send her to her parental home that day. At least, she will be safe there," he murmured and put on the robes to head to the bathhouse.

"But His Highness has tasted Princess Alora’s blood. I know the Prince has been resisting her blood for a long time," Tobias said.

"You know a lot, Tobias," Magnus remarked. He had not shared about it with anyone.

"I’m observant, Your Highness. I have been in your service for over a century. You’ve drunk from humans, but you were able to put control on yourself. However, that day, Princess Alora could have died if you’ve sucked more of her blood," Tobias explained.

"You are right. Now, keep it to yourself," Magnus stated. "She is my destined bride, that’s why even her blood is special for me. I’ve been cautious after that day," he affirmed.

"I understand, Your Highness," Tobias said. "I’ll check the preparation of dinner for Princess Alora." He bowed and left his sight.

Magnus after having a relaxing bath, changed into another attire and went to the dining hall, where he saw Alora in the blindfold. Izaak was already present there, conversing with Alora.

"Oh, Magnus! You arrived finally. Lillian has a lot of complaints from you," Izaak said and glanced at Alora. "How will Sister-in-law eat with her blindfold on? Will my sweet brother help her?" He asked and gazed at Magnus.

"You have to leave the dining hall, Brother Izaak so that my wife can peacefully eat and converse with me," Magnus pronounced. "About Lillian, you can pamper our little sister as much as you want, still she will have complaints."

"What are you looking at? Serve the food to my princess," Magnus ordered the servants.

Izaak picked up the glass filled with blood and told Magnus he would see them later.

"Did he trouble you?" Magnus approached Alora as he stood behind her.

"No. Brother Izaak asked me what I explored today," she replied with a tiny smile on her lips.

Magnus gestured to the servants to leave and now they both were alone. He pulled down her blindfold and told her to eat comfortably. Pulling out the chair, he sat on it.

"When will His Highness drink blood? I heard from Brother Izaak that you’ve stopped drinking directly from a human after you married me," Alora said as she grabbed the spoon.

"Because I have thought to change my way of drinking. I don’t wish to scare you," Magnus replied. "You should start eating," he proclaimed.

Alora began eating her meals and she thoroughly enjoyed it. She drank water after finishing her meals and put down the glass. "My stomach is full," she smiled.

"Brother Izaak said he wanted to talk about something. Shall we go to the living room?" Alora excitedly asked.

"Aren’t you tired, Wife?" Magnus asked, arching a brow at her.

"Oh, I am. But I promised Brother Izaak that I would come after dinner to the living room with you," Alora informed him.

He had no intention of taking Alora to the living room since he knew what Izaak had to say. "It’s not an important matter. So, we shall go to our bedroom," he stated and left his seat.

Alora, too, left the chair and grabbed his arm. "But I cannot break my promise," she said.

"Why? Will the sky fall if you break a promise?" Magnus chuckled and lifted her in his arms, thus startling her.

"A promise is a promise, Your Highness. You get a bad curse if you break it," Alora said.

Magnus laughed at her. "And what that bad curse will be?"

"It can be anything. You will get sick or you will fall or you will break your arm," she answered.

Magnus never trusted in such things, but hearing his wife he somehow believed them. He put her down and stroked her hair. "Alright. Then, we shall go to the living room," he stated.

Alora quickly donned her eyes with the blindfold and held his hand gently. Shortly, they reached the living room, where Izaak was present.

"Speak about the matter quickly. We both are tired and need to go to bed early," Magnus said as he sat on the couch with Alora.

"Blood Moon day is near," Izaak said.

"Oh. I have heard about it. The moon looks red and it is a beautiful celestial event." Alora’s lips widened with a smile.

"Seems like you have not told Alora about it yet," Izaak stated.

"Is there something more to know?" Alora asked curiously.

"Vampires and werewolves go crazy that night. Humans are asked to stay inside their houses," Magnus answered her.

Alora recalled how her mother would tell her not to go out alone that night, and she had always followed it. But she didn’t know the two powerful supernatural beings were affected by this event.

"Since Sister-in-law is the only human in the palace, she will be in danger," Izaak stated.

"Don’t scare her," Magnus interceded. "It is not a serious matter. But I will send you to your parents home that night. We need to be cautious," he told Alora.

"I understand," she murmured and wondered if there was something more hidden behind it, which Magnus might not want to share with her.

Chapter 53: Stay away from Scarlett

"What do you want, Scarlett?" Izaak asked as he turned around to look at her. "You called me at this hour," he said.

Scarlett bowed to him. "I apologize to His Highness for calling him at such an hour," she humbly said and then lifted her head.

"So, what is it that you want to talk about?" Izaak queried.

"Can His Highness make me meet Prince Magnus?" Scarlett requested him. "I tried to make an appointment to see him, but it seems he doesn’t even remember me," she added.

"Shouldn’t you ask the King or the Queen then? They are the easiest way, who can make you see my brother," Izaak replied.

"I don’t wish to do that, Your Highness. Prince Magnus may not like it," Scarlett opined.

"And you think he will like it when I say to him that Lady Scarlett wishes to see him," Izaak remarked with an arched eyebrow.

"No, I mean..." Scarlett left puzzled, thinking how she should tell him how important it was for her to see Magnus.

"Magnus loves Alora. He will be infuriated to see you if I take you to his residence," Izaak clarified to her.

"But isn’t she a human?" Scarlett asked him. "And her eyes aren’t good for our existence," she asserted.

"Alora is a princess now. And, you have to be respectful toward her, Scarlett," Izaak reminded her. "About Magnus, he cannot be yours. He has his destined and chosen bride already with him. I hope you move on from him as well," he advised her.

"But Prince Izaak told me once that he did see me with Prince Magnus in his vision," Scarlett affirmed.

"That was to keep your heart. You have been young those days and I lied. I thought perhaps you would be able to win his heart. However, you failed in that," Izaak stated.

Scarlett was stunned to learn the truth. "How could His Highness lie to me?" she questioned him.

"Why couldn’t I? You never made an effort to get close to my brother when I gave you the hope too," Izaak stated with a chuckle.

Scarlett felt betrayed and angry. The color of her eyes changed, but she could not take out her anger at the royal prince.

"You have lost Magnus, Lady Scarlett. He is no longer yours. So, you should not make any attempts to even see him," Izaak sternly told her. "It’s late at night. I’ll ask the chauffeur to send you home," he opined.

"That’s not needed, Your Highness. I can go by myself. Thank you for your time," Scarlett refused his offer and walked away with strong strides.

"Did she just show me her attitude?" Izaak snickered. "Whatever! I must not lose my temper," he murmured, though he felt like killing Scarlett.

Getting into the carriage, he drove back to the residence. The lights were off in the living room and he soon reached his chamber. As he took off his boots, he felt Magnus’s presence.

"You didn’t sleep, Magnus," Izaak turned around to face him.

"Because you scared my wife," Magnus said and took a seat on the recliner. "Where have you gone, Brother?" He squinted his eyes.

"Outside, to see a woman, who is head over heels for you," Izaak stated.

"What?" Magnus was puzzled by his statement.

"Scarlett wanted to see me," Izaak replied as he comfortably sat on the bed, leaning his head on the headboard. "I know you have forgotten about her. But she is someone who used to work along with you in the council," he made Magnus recall.

"And you went to see Scarlett at such an hour?" Magnus doubted if something was cooking in his elder brother’s head.

"Well, she did a favor on me a very long time ago. That’s why I went to see her," Izaak said.

"A favor on you," Magnus chuckled to hear him. "What kind of favor did she do on a prince?" he queried. "I read. I didn’t know Brother Izaak knew how to repay someone’s kindness," he taunted him.

"Magnus, you don’t have to tease me. Tell me why are you here?" Izaak asked.

"You gave a good answer to Scarlett on my behalf," Magnus stated. "I don’t understand such women," he muttered.

"You only understand Alora," Izaak said. "Are you here to ask me how to prevent Alora from you? You must have tasted her blood. Correct me, if I’m wrong," he pronounced.

"No. I am here for another matter," Magnus stated.

"What is it?" Izaak queried.

"I will go away for a few days after the Blood Moon gets over," Magnus said. "I need to find the person, who gave Alora such eyes," he informed him.

"So, you want me to keep a check on Alora. Well, I might up drink from her. You know me well," Izaak said with a smirk.

"I am serious, Brother Izaak," Magnus said. "Alora follows a certain routine, and I want you to give her company. You say you can do anything for this family, then you need to make sure my wife stays safe," Magnus asserted.

"Sure. But I want something in return," Izaak opined.

"I have nothing to give you sadly. Since Brother Izaak will not do this without being selfish, I’ll ask Brother Alaric to come here. He is much better than you," Magnus stated and stood up from the recliner.

"Fine. I’ll do it," Izaak immediately said.

"Thank you. Keep in mind not to let Alora go out of this boundary of the residence," Magnus told him. "I take my leave. Goodnight, Brother. And stay away from Scarlett. She is cunning," he stated and walked away.

Izaak frowned to hear Magnus’s words. "Why did he call Scarlett cunning? I thought she was a sweet woman," he mumbled.

Chapter 54: The real me

Alora braided her hair from the side and tucked it with the hairpin. She hummed a song as she somehow felt quite refreshed and happy. Keeping the rest of her hair open, she stood up and looked at herself once more in the mirror.

She touched her lips and applied a red lip color on them. "Does it look too attention-grabbing?" Alora mumbled and thought to wipe it off. However, the color wasn’t removed.

"How long will you take to get ready, Dear?" Magnus’s voice echoed in the room as he stopped at the door.

"I am done," Alora said. "Forgive me for making His Highness wait." She pivoted on her heels and looked at him.

"Your lips," Magnus amusedly smiled and noticed how she brought her fingers to cover them.

"Ahh, I didn’t wish to put this color. I think I have to wash it off," Alora stated and asked him to wait for a minute. She quickly walked up to him and was ready to step out of the door when Magnus stopped her by grasping her hand.

"It looks good on you," Magnus murmured, his voice barely audible as he pressed her against the wall. She met his gaze, feeling a shiver run down her spine when his cold hand traced the curve of her neck.

Her eyelids fluttered at his touch, her breath catching in her throat as he leaned in to kiss her gently.

"You look stunning with this lip color," Magnus whispered against her lips before trailing kisses along her neck, eliciting a soft gasp from Alora.

Her heartbeat quickened as a rush of warmth spread through her body, contrasting with the coolness of his lips on her skin. "The spot from where I drank from you is healed," he said and again brought his face close to hers.

Alora raised her hand to his mouth and brushed her thumbs on his lips. She didn’t wish anyone to notice that they kissed. He caught her hand and placed it on his cheek. With the advent of the Blood Moon, Magnus’s desires had heightened too, not for blood, but for her body.

"I’ll ruin you if I don’t stop here," Magnus said as he pulled himself away from her. Although it was difficult for him, but he had to do it for her.

"What will ruin me, Magnus?" she managed to ask.

"You called my name," he said with an astonished gaze. "Let’s go to the dining hall. You should have your breakfast and then, I’ll teach you how to form words. Before that, I’ll check if you remember the alphabet I taught you," he explained to her.

Alora nodded at him and followed him to the dining hall. After having her breakfast, she went to the study room with Magnus, where she first wrote the alphabets on paper and showed him.

"You remembered them all correctly," Magnus smiled as he looked at the paper. "Your writing will take time to improve though," he said.

"I’ll practice more," Alora stated, showing her conviction.

"You can do them later, but before that, I’ll teach you some words." Magnus paused as he went through the bookshelves and stopped his hand at a thin book. He gave it to her and continued, "I asked Tobias to arrange this word book for you. Once you start learning words, you need to practice with it."

Alora hummed and sat on the chair. Magnus taught her some most usable words of their daily lives and asked her to write them in the notebook he had provided to her.

After studying for more than an hour, Magnus gave her a break. He filled a glass with water for her and heard her say.

"Thank you for making me learn all this. I was never blind, but the people around me made me feel that. Not every husband does this for his wife," Alora asserted. She had the knowledge of how women were treated in their households by their husbands.

"I am one in millions," Magnus stated.

"Yes."

Suddenly, they heard a knock on the door. "Prince Magnus, the Queen wants to see you in the palace urgently," Tobias informed from outside.

"Did something happen there? Or is it about me?" Alora murmured.

"I will return soon. You can resume writing after some rest," Magnus suggested to her. He left his chair and patted her head before exiting the study room.

"Why did Mother call me suddenly?" asked Magnus from Tobias.

"I’ve no idea, Your Highness," he stated.

"Alright. Stay here. Alora is inside studying for some time," Magnus instructed him and went ahead. Taking the carriage, he arrived at the palace and went straight to his mother’s manor.

As he entered the living room, he found Scarlett present there with his mother. He had anticipated this last night because Scarlett was desperate to see him. However, he didn’t know she would come to the Queen this early to see him.

"Magnus, my son!" Queen Margaret said with a smile and asked him to take a seat.

Scarlett left her seat to see him and curtsied to him. But Magnus ignored her presence and didn’t budge from his place.

"Mother, is this the urgent matter for which you called me here?" he asked, fuming in anger.

"Of course. The Council Head’s daughter is here to see you and I couldn’t ignore her request. Have a seat," she stated while gesturing to him.

"I don’t like such ways to approach me," Magnus said as he shifted his gaze at Scarlett. "This is the first and the last time I’m letting you go. If you want to live a few more days, then stay away from me. Do you understand, Lady Scarlett?" His tone intimidated her and she promptly apologized for making him feel uncomfortable.

"I was here to ask Prince Magnus to join the council and–" she couldn’t complete her sentence as Magnus quieted her down.

"Now, will you tell me what I should do and I shouldn’t?" He arched his brow in anger.

Scarlett lowered her eyes and humbly apologized to him.

"I’m saying this the last time, Mother. If you try to play any trick with me, I won’t step back from showing you the real me," Magnus warned the Queen directly. "I know how you made my wife feel low. I haven’t forgotten it yet and I will never." He pivoted on his boots and walked away.

Chapter 55: Let their love flourish

Alaric exited the carriage and walked into the residence, where Magnus was living with Alora. Tobias welcomed him to the residence and led his way to the living room.

"Prince Magnus isn’t in the residence yet," Tobias informed Alaric.

"I have not come here to see him. Instead, I want to see my sister-in-law, Princess Alora," said Alaric in his calm and humble tone. He took the seat on the couch with one leg over the other after placing a basket he brought with him on the table.

"I will bring Her Highness here," Tobias said and left to bring Alora.

Ten minutes later, Alora was in the living room with her eyes covered. She curtsied to Alaric before her personal attendant helped her sit. "I’m Alaric Lukeson, the second prince. I apologize for not visiting my sister-in-law earlier," he said.

"Thank you for visiting me, Brother Alaric. I heard about you from Prince Magnus. He said you aren’t like the vampires," Alora stated with a smile, "I mean you are kinder and calmer than they are."

"So, what does Princess Alora do in her free time? It must be boring for her to spend the day all by herself when Magnus isn’t around," Alaric inquired curiously.

"Usually, I spend time in the garden. But lately, I’ve been learning to read and write. It’s challenging, but also quite enjoyable," Alora responded promptly.

"That’s wonderful to hear," Alaric remarked. "I’ve brought a small gift for my sister-in-law. I’ve heard that humans enjoy pies and cookies. I hope she likes them."

Alora’s face lit up with delight at the mention of a gift from Alaric. "I love pies and cookies. Thank you so much," she expressed her gratitude warmly.

She found out that Alaric was warm unlike Izaak, who scared the hell out of her.

"Alaric, you here?" Izaak just arrived from outside and was surprised to see his second brother in the residence.

Both Alora and Alaric left their seats when Izaak them to sit.

"I thought to see Alora. That’s why I’m here," Alaric replied.

"It’s rare to see you outside your chamber. Don’t tell me it was Mag– Ah," Izaak let out a low scream when Alaric hit him with his elbow.

"What happened? Why did Brother Izaak scream?" Alora queried.

"Nothing. Do you have any friends, Alora?" Alaric suddenly questioned her.

"I have none. Who will want to be a friend of mine? Except for my husband," she answered while sighing.

"I’ll be your friend," Alaric offered her a hand of friendship. "What does Princess Alora think?" he arched his eyebrows in amusement.

Izaak realized what was going on. Magnus must have asked Alaric to befriend Alora.

’Strange! He didn’t ask me to be Alora’s friend,’ Izaak thought in his mind.

"I’ll be happy if Brother Alaric becomes my friend." She readily accepted his offer to be his friend.

"And what about me, Alora? Don’t you consider me a friend? I’m also a well-wisher of yours," Izaak pronounced, thinking if Alora would refuse.

"If Brother Izaak is okay being me as his friend, then I’ve no problem," Alora stated. "I’ll have two friends then," she affirmed while smiling brightly.

"Well, Alora, then I must tell you one thing: friends have no secrets between them. So, you should always stay transparent with me," Izaak opined, causing her smile to vanish slowly.

"And what secrets does Brother Izaak want to hear from Alora?" Magnus’s voice reverberated in their ears. He had returned from the palace in a terrible mood.

"You don’t understand anything about friendship," Izaak said and found a frown on his face. "What happened? You look troubled," he muttered.

"Did Mother say something to you?" Alaric questioned.

"Because of my dear Brother Izaak, Scarlett approached our mother to see me. You said last night I would not be going to see Scarlett’s face," Magnus taunted as he sat next to Alora.

"That’s not my fault, Magnus. I asked her to stay away from you since you are married now," Izaak stated.

"Wait! What’s going on? Isn’t Scarlett the one, who was desperate to marry Magnus?" Alaric intervened.

"What?" Alora exclaimed in shock.

The three of the princes glanced in her direction and she pursed her lips tightly.

"Don’t be surprised, Alora. Magnus has admirers. One, because he is good-looking. Second, because he is cold. And women like such men," Izaak said with a smile.

"What are you even telling her?" Magnus’s jaw tightened.

"I was making my little friend aware of your popularity. I’ve the list of your admirers with me," Izaak affirmed with a smirk.

"But Magnus chose Alora and that’s what matters," Alaric pointed with a smile.

"For how long will Alora stay alive? Unless she turns into a vampire and lives a long life with him, women like Scarlett keep trying on," Izaak proclaimed.

"Izaak, do you know why I hate you? This is the reason," Magnus said and took Alora away with him.

Both Tobias and Alaric glared at Izaak. "What? I said the truth. She is a human, who may die anytime," Izaak defended his justification.

"Brother should not have to be harsh about it. They both are still very new in the marriage. Let them have fun. Magnus can make the decision of whether to turn Alora into a vampire later or not," Alaric opined.

"The second prince is absolutely right," Tobias stated.

"Whatever!"

"Magnus is deeply in love with Alora. Let their love flourish," Alaric remarked.

"I don’t want Magnus to get hurt later. Unlike us, he is weak in showing his pain," Izaak asserted. He was sure that Alora would somehow leave Magnus after her mother died by her own eyes. He trusted his visions more than anything and he wanted Magnus to be ready for it. In his eyes, loving a human had never brought anything good.

"I think I should take my leave," Alaric said. "Tobias, please give this gift basket to Alora," he requested him and left for the palace.