Ch. 81..85: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 81-85

Chapter 81: A vision regarding Alora’s eyes

Alaric shockingly looked at his elder brother, Izaak, who told him how Magnus killed Eugene and his family last night.

"There must be a big reason. Magnus doesn’t do anything without any reason," Alaric stated.

"Alora is the reason," pronounced Lilith as she entered the common room. "Brother Magnus does everything for Alora. Eugene and his family were werewolves. There was no need to kill them just because Alora wanted to save her sister. Brothers, it is the time when we should throw away Alora from Brother Magnus’s life. We are pure-blooded vampires and the involvement of a human in our family was wrong from the beginning."

Lillian felt that their kingdom might get into chaos because of Alora. All these years everything around them was peaceful. But the sudden inclusion of Alora in Magnus’s life, had begun affecting their lives too.

"Lillian, don’t say that. Alora is a sweet lady. It is not her fault to have such eyes. Magnus found his happiness after so many years. We all know he never was interested in stepping foot here. At least, our brother is near us," Alaric said decisively.

"Brother Alaric, I don’t consider Alora a sweet lady. She is a manipulator," Lillian remarked. "Brother Izaak has lived with them. He must have noticed how Alora manipulates everyone," she affirmed, trying to know more about it.

"I would not name it manipulation, Lillian. Who could be more cunning than me? I went there to find out one thing that will make Alora out of Magnus’s life. However, I couldn’t find anything. Alora holds the power to burn all of us, yet she never uses it. She is indeed sweet and kind. That is what I’ve observed so far," Izaak asserted, giving a few statements which were totally against what Lillian had expected.

"Brother Izaak, that isn’t true. The way she talks is the manipulation art of hers," Lillian affirmed.

"Lillian, you don’t have to hate Alora because she is not of your choice. I know you wanted Scarlett to be the wife of Magnus," Izaak opined.

"Everyone thinks that, not only me," Lillian murmured.

"Wrong. Only you think that," Izaak proclaimed. "Let’s not argue over that. We need to find a way to appease the anger of the werewolves," he muttered.

"Pardon me for intruding in the conversation," said a servant with her head low. "Prince Magnus and Princess Alora have come to the court," she informed them.

All of the three left their respective seats at the same time and left for the court.

~~~~~

"Why did you involve the royal princes in the matter of your sister?" Queen Margaret questioned Alora in a furious tone. "Who asked you to order my sons around?" she inquired. Queen Margaret asked Magnus to remain quiet.

"Why doesn’t Her Majesty ask His Majesty why he made such a decree, which allowed Eugene to create a ruckus in my in-laws house past midnight?" Magnus didn’t listen to his mother and questioned his father.

"Alora, did you tell Eugene that you would use the power of your eyes to burn them?" King Esmond questioned.

"Yes, I did," Alora truthfully answered.

"Did you forget the promise you made to me before I allowed you to marry Magnus?" King Esmond asked and told his son to stay quiet.

"I apologize, Your Majesty. However, Eugene lied to my sister and my family about their true identities. No woman would like to share their husband with another woman. I only threatened Eugene, but I never intended to kill him," Alora stated.

The Werewolf’s Elder, Byron Thornburg, left his seat to speak up. "Your Majesty, this woman has been a threat to us from the moment she was born. I believe she should be imprisoned for what she did. Because of her, Prince Magnus took that step and killed an entire family of werewolves. To stop a battle between us, we need to get rid of Alora."

"Why don’t you shut your mouth, Byron?" Magnus spoke coldly.

Izaak and Alaric had entered the court along with their sister as they found out that the hearing had started.

"Eugene and his family lied to everyone that they were not the werewolves. Don’t even consider them of the pure-blood line of the werewolves. There is a difference between threatening and killing. Alora has always heard people blaming her, but she never tried to burn them. I bet if you were in her shoes, you would not have even hesitated to use such a power!" Magnus pronounced, defending Alora.

"Magnus, don’t cover the wrongdoings of—"

"Mother shall not speak because she is biased toward my wife. You all think Alora’s eyes are cursed when it is not true. Her eyes only burn those who have ill-feelings toward her," Magnus stated.

"What’s the proof to claim this?" Byron asked. "Your Majesty, Prince Magnus is manipulating the facts now. Princess Alora’s eyes are a bane to our existence," he proclaimed.

"I agree with Prince Magnus’s claims regarding Alora’s eyes. They can only harm those who harbor ill-feelings. I have a vision regarding Alora’s eyes. Her eyes are blue and as deep as an ocean. However, it isn’t the right time to look at them," Izaak stepped up this time to stand with Magnus’s claims.

"A vision? What was it?" King Esmond’s curiosity piqued.

"Apologies, Your Majesty. I cannot speak about the vision now. However, Alora’s eyes aren’t meant to burn everyone. What she did to Eugene was a mere threat," Izaak proclaimed. "I have been in the same residence as Magnus and Alora for weeks. Alora never once put down her blindfold to use her incredible power on anyone," he stated.

"Then, how will Prince Izaak justify the action of Prince Magnus?" Byron questioned. "Under no conditions, they should have died," he pronounced.

"Wrong, Byron. Eugene did offend me and Magnus. As we from the royalty he should not have. I was the one who witnessed last night’s scene. Indeed, the King gave out the order to Eugene to take Venus to his pack. However, Eugene disrespected Alora, who is a princess. Eugene said he would make sure that Princess Alora’s eyes would be taken out," Izaak explained the incidents, which triggered Magnus to take such an action.

"Eugene lied about being a human and he kept saying how he would harm my wife. I bet the King would have done the same if someone would speak about his Queen like this," Magnus pronounced, looking straight into his father’s eyes.

 

Chapter 82: Only Magnus stood by her

"Byron, As I said before, Eugene’s family would have been punished to death anyway because they hid from everyone they were werewolves. Even the werewolves acknowledge this fact," Magnus stated a fact, which was absolutely right according to the law.

Byron couldn’t refute the claim. "I understand, and I must admit that Eugene and his family were in the wrong," he conceded. "However, Prince Magnus should not have resorted to taking their lives," he muttered, expressing his disappointment.

King Esmond sighed and rubbed his fingers thoughtfully, contemplating a fair resolution. "Byron, I believe it’s best to bring this matter to a close. As the elder of the werewolves, you’ve acknowledged how Eugene and his family concealed their true identities and even falsified their status as humans to get Eugene wed to a human," he declared.

"Your Majesty, I understand your perspective. However, I firmly believe that if Princess Alora had not been involved in this, the situation would not have escalated," Byron stated. Despite this, he maintained his stance that Alora should face appropriate consequences for her involvement.

Izaak shot a pleading look at Magnus, silently urging him not to speak. However, Magnus again spoke.

"I will accept the punishment on her behalf," Magnus declared boldly, "if it can soothe Byron’s wrath. It was I who killed Eugene and his family. Alora had no part in it."

King Esmond shook his head. "Your share of punishment will be different from Alora’s. The moment Venus came here, Alora should not have stepped into her business. Because of that, our relationship with the werewolves did falter," he proclaimed.

This was precisely why Magnus and Izaak had urged Alora not to involve herself in Venus’s matters.

"Your Majesty, please reconsider punishing Alora," Magnus implored.

"I’ll accept the punishment," Alora declared, stunning Magnus with her unexpected decision.

"We will leave Velaris," Magnus intervened, "and will never return."

"Prince Magnus, don’t say that!" Queen Margaret objected to his decision. "You aren’t allowed to leave the capital," she stated.

"Why? My family doesn’t care for true justice. How is it Alora’s fault? Punish Venus for involving Alora in her matter. As a sister, Alora wished to protect Venus. I’ll not let the King punish my wife," Magnus said adamantly. He had yet to confront his father, who intentionally wanted all this to happen. However, he wanted Byron to leave first.

King Esmond glanced at Byron. "You should leave. The matter is already solved," he instructed.

Byron bowed and left the court while now, only the royal family was left behind.

"Father, there is no need to punish Alora. She only wanted to protect her younger sister. Please forgive her this time," Alaric humbly requested this time.

Margaret looked at the King and then at Magnus. She didn’t wish her son to leave again for years.

"Father, since only the family members are here, why don’t you tell me why Father gave out the order to Eugene?" Magnus queried. "I’m aware of my father’s thoughts. So, he should refrain from lying," Magnus confronted his father directly.

"Magnus, don’t speak like this with your father," Queen Margaret reprimanded him.

"Fine. I won’t if Father let Alora go without any punishment," Magnus stated.

King Esmond clenched his fists while keeping his eyes straight on Alora.

"Leave. If I find you involved in any matter the next time, I will give you a death sentence, Alora. You aren’t allowed to speak with either Izaak or Alaric or Lillian. You cannot meet your family either. Magnus cannot take you out and close markets for you. If I find any kind of disruptions, I won’t give a second thought in punishing you both!" King Esmond announced his decision.

"Izaak, return to the palace. You’re no longer to reside in their home," he added, cementing his decision.

Alora bowed her head, silently accepting the King’s decree. Her eyes glistened with tears, feeling as though her small glimmer of independence had been extinguished.

"Alora will not comply with those orders," Magnus declared firmly. "Why should she be condemned to such a life?" His brow furrowed in frustration and determination.

"Magnus, I told you to stay silent!" Margaret admonished her son, but he refused to heed her words.

"Why should I stay silent? I despise the laws you both have imposed. Have either of you bothered to try to understand me? Alora will do as she pleases and no one can stop her, not even the King."

Alora was taken aback by the realization that even in her darkest time, only Magnus stood by her, ready to fight for her. In a world trying to drag her down, Magnus was the one extending a hand to lift her up.

"Bring Norman in. Let’s hear what he has to say on this," King Esmond wasn’t ready to bend either. He thought Norman would not be needed, but it seemed Magnus would not stay quiet until Alora was pressed down.

Norman walked into the court and bowed to the King. Along with him was present Venus too.

"Greetings to Your Majesty," Norman bowed to the King and the Queen while Venus curtsied them.

"Norman, do you think Alora should remain in the open? Prince Magnus claims that she should freely do everything she desires. What does a father say on this? A father who took care of Alora since the time of her birth, despite her strange eyes," King Esmond demanded answers from Norman.

Alora hoped that her father would stand for her since was no longer a burden to him. She was even married now.

"Because of her, Venus is now a widow. I don’t think Alora, who is now a Princess, should be allowed to freely roam. The reason why I kept her inside the four walls was because she always used to bring trouble for me and my family! Your Majesty, she’s not born to have everything she desires. The cursed eyes of hers have always been a trouble for everyone and until she is alive, they will bring trouble," Norman proclaimed.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. Her father didn’t understand her even after she got married and tried being a good daughter.

Chapter 83: I refuse to wear the blindfold

King Esmond’s smile slightly as he listened to Norman’s response. He knew that Norman had never regarded Alora as a daughter, which explained his lack of support for her. To Norman, Alora had always been a burden.

With vampire speed, Magnus swiftly closed the distance between himself and Norman, gripping him tightly by the collar. "You are undeserving of a daughter like Alora. I should have ended you last night as well," Magnus growled through gritted teeth, his grip on Norman’s coat tightening.

"Prince Magnus, please release him," Alora pleaded softly.

Magnus shoved Norman away, causing him to tumble to the ground from the force of the vampiric strength exerted upon him. "Alora, he doesn’t deserve to live. He’s the one responsible for all your suffering," Magnus reminded her, his tone filled with conviction. Alora’s command was all it took for Magnus to subject Norman to the pain he had inflicted upon her.

"Venus, do you have the same thoughts as our Father?" Alora inquired, her voice tinged with uncertainty, seeking to ascertain if Venus had once again toyed with her emotions.

"Sister Alora should not have commanded Prince Magnus to kill Eugene," Venus said while helping Norman stand up.

Izaak chuckled bitterly at Venus’s response. Just as he had foreseen in his vision, Venus had betrayed Alora. It was the first time in his long existence as a vampire that Izaak felt genuine sympathy for someone. Alora was truly alone. Apart from Magnus, there seemed to be no one else who cared for her.

"Do you honestly believe I would ever ask Prince Magnus to do such a thing? He was trying to help you. He saved you from Eugene last night," Alora stated, her voice laced with disappointment. She now understood that Venus had never regarded her as an elder sister.

"Father instructed Prince Magnus not to interfere. Yet, it appears he was determined to eliminate Eugene because of you," Venus remarked coldly.

"Is it so wrong for Prince Magnus to defend me? My own family despises me. If there’s one person who loves me, you all are determined to paint him as guilty," Alora exclaimed, her voice cracking as she broke down. She reached for her blindfold, sending a wave of fear through everyone present in the court.

"Alora, do not remove the blindfold," King Esmond ordered firmly. When she persisted, two soldiers swiftly moved to restrain her on the King’s orders.

However, before the soldiers could reach her, they were forcefully repelled by an unseen energy emanating from Alora. The blindfold slipped from her hand, and as she opened her eyes, a brilliant blue shimmer enveloped them.

That scene was enough to bring shock to everyone’s face. How could Alora possess such a power?

"I have never used the power of my eyes on anyone, and I never will. But as for this blindfold, I refuse to wear it any longer. I expect all of you to lower your gaze in my presence," Alora declared boldly, then turned to face Venus.

Venus was visibly frightened and quickly lowered her eyes. "Sister Alora, you shouldn’t—"

"I am no longer your sister, nor do I belong to the Wilson Family," Alora interrupted, her voice resonating with her anguish. "Don’t ever come to me. As for the Mother, she is free to see me and I’ll also see my mother whenever I please," Alora stated.

"Are you trying to threaten us now?" King Esmond growled. He wanted to show his supreme authority and a human could not challenge him like this.

Alora turned to look at him. The moment she lifted her head to gaze at the King, he averted his gaze in fear. "I don’t dare to do that, Your Majesty. All I want is to live my life on my terms. I don’t wish to live the way the King wants me to," she stated.

"Fine. Live the way you want," King Esmond finally bent in front of her and left the court in hurry. Queen Margaret followed her husband. However, before leaving, she asked Izaak to take away his siblings from Alora’s sight.

Magnus approached Alora and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. She turned her head to look at him, seeking reassurance. "Did I handle it properly?" Alora inquired.

"You handled it excellently. I’m proud of you," Magnus replied, offering her a warm smile. His hand then moved to stroke her hair tenderly.

"I was foolish to ever believe my family would change," Alora murmured, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Alora, it’s a good decision that you decided to get rid of this blindfold," Izaak stated.

"I agree with Brother Izaak," Alaric took a step forward.

"I apologize for bringing chaos here. My intention was never that," Alora proclaimed.

"But you did manage to frighten us," Lillian added.

"Mr. Wilson should depart with his daughter. I wish them a good life, free from my involvement," Alora stated, turning to cast one last glance in their direction. Her statement was more like a taunt.

Shortly after, the soldiers escorted Norman and Venus out of the court.

"You should take Alora back," Izaak suggested.

"Alora, how did you manage to repel those soldiers when they attempted to restrain you?" Lillian inquired with curiosity. She was now more intrigued by Alora’s extraordinary abilities.

"I have no idea," Alora responded.

"I will depart with my wife now. Thank you, Brother Izaak and Alaric, for supporting Alora," Magnus stated as he took Alora’s hand. They left the court together, leaving the three siblings behind.

"Are our elder brothers not afraid of Alora? Even our father seemed concerned," Lillian murmured.

"As I mentioned, Alora isn’t someone who holds grudges. Did you not see how humiliated she felt? Even her own family blamed her despite her efforts to help them," Izaak asserted.

"So, Magnus was correct in his assessment that only Alora possesses such unique eyes. She will never misuse them, but their true purpose remains unknown to us," Alaric remarked.

’I am certain Father will do everything in his power to separate Alora from Magnus,’ Izaak thought to himself, resolving to discuss the matter further with Magnus later.

Chapter 84: Revenge on us

Alora ate the meals to her heart’s content while Magnus watched her. She suddenly seemed to be carefree. It appeared like she didn’t care about all this anymore. He lifted the glass and brought it close to his mouth to sip the blood.

"Shall we leave Velaris, Alora?" Magnus suddenly asked her.

She met his gaze and placed the fork on the plate. "Because of what happened today?"

"Yes. I want to keep you away from all this stress. The dream of yours where you wish to live a peaceful life where no one blames you for your eyes can be fulfilled if we leave Velaris," Magnus stated. Though Alora didn’t speak anything about this after returning from the palace, he knew she was hurt.

"Prince Magnus told me once to stop running away. Why should I change the places for my own happiness? I don’t wish to leave Velaris. Instead, I wish to give answers to everyone that I’m not cursed," Alora pronounced with determination in her eyes.

"Are you not angry at me for killing Eugene? I thought you would be raged," Magnus remarked.

"He deserved to die," Alora said. "And his family too." Taking the fork and the knife, she continued eating again. "I truly hoped that my father would stand for me. I should have listened to Brother Izaak and you," she murmured.

"Perhaps then you would not have decided to take the blindfold off," Magnus pronounced.

"Hmm. I wouldn’t have," Alora answered. She soon finished her meals and the servants cleaned the table.

"Brother Izaak saw a vision that I could see others with naked eyes. And Prince Magnus claimed that only if the person in front of me has not harbored any wrong feelings toward me," Alora said while expecting that they both might tell her if it was true.

"Izaak’s visions never go wrong. If he said that then, he must have seen something," Magnus stated, asking her to trust her eyes. He finished drinking the blood and glanced at the maidservant to take away the silver cup.

"Alora, do you want to go somewhere today?" Magnus thought taking her out would relieve her stress, but he didn’t know where he should take her.

"Where should we possibly go?" Alora muttered. "Ahh, can we go to the place where Dragon trees are present? I heard this place is kind of divine," she proclaimed, smiling brightly. Now, she wanted to take time for herself and explore those places, which she couldn’t because of the people.

"The Dragon trees are present in the village called Shadowbrook. The village is situated near the border of Velaris," Magnus told her. "Let’s spend some time together there," he added.

"A month at least?" Alora asked.

"That will be better," Magnus answered.

They both left the living room and headed to the living room. Fortunately, Tobias had not gone out, so Magnus asked him if he would prepare the carriage for them.

"May I know why, Your Highness?" Tobias humbly asked.

"We will go to Shadowbrook to spend some time there," Magnus stated. "Ask Selvina to pack Alora’s clothes and other essentials," he instructed.

"Tobias bowed and proceeded to make preparations for their journey.

"Alora, are you alright? I’m still worried about you," Magnus asked with concern.

"Yes, I am. I no longer feel the burden of needing to please anyone. My father never saw me as a good omen. Initially, he blamed me for not marrying. When I did, he blamed me for the troubles in his family, even though it wasn’t my fault. I trusted Venus, believing she was suffering in her marriage. It seems I was foolish to believe her," Alora declared solemnly.

Magnus tenderly placed his hand on the back of her head, pulling her close. "They will one day face the consequences of what they’ve done to you," he assured, resting his chin above her head.

"But I find solace in knowing that His Highness hasn’t abandoned me. He trusts me," Alora said, her eyes glistening once again with tears.

"I told you I would never leave you. You’ll find me always with you," Magnus stated.

~~~~~

Rhea’s anger erupted toward both her husband and second daughter. "Why do you blame Alora? She’s the one who saved Venus from Eugene!" she exclaimed.

"Being a divorcee was preferable to being a widow. But now, who will even consider marrying her? Everyone in the capital knows that Eugene is dead because Prince Magnus killed him, all because of Alora," Norman grumbled irritably as he took his seat.

"Furthermore, I couldn’t risk angering the King. His Majesty loathes Alora. He wanted her locked away in a dungeon," Norman pronounced, "since Prince Izaak was involved too."

"Venus, you should go to your room," Madam Aubrey opined.

"First, you must apologize to Alora. Didn’t you admit to feeling guilty for your actions toward her?" Rhea insisted, hoping to set things right.

"I believed she cared for me too, Mother. But Prince Magnus killed Eugene because of her, not because of my wishes. Moreover, Alora has severed ties with this family. She no longer sees me as her sister, and the same goes for my father," Venus disclosed.

"What are you saying?" Rhea exclaimed, refusing to accept the truth.

"Venus is telling the truth. Alora openly declared that she would no longer obey the rules and wear the blindfold. Not only that, she had the audacity to raise her voice at me. She even dared to threaten the King with her eyes," Norman muttered through gritted teeth.

Venus knitted her brows together wondering what kind of power Alora had that even the vampires couldn’t get hold of her. The moment they tried to grab her arms, they were thrown away with a majestic force.

"Mother, it’s because of you that Alora has turned against us today. She should have not lived such a long life. I’m certain she’ll seek revenge on us someday," Venus asserted, leaving her mother feeling despondent before walking away.

"She’s completely right. Rhea, if you ever go and see Alora, you won’t step foot in this house again," Norman declared firmly.

Chapter 85: You’ve changed, Izaak

"Why did you speak when I was ready to lock Alora?" Esmond questioned his eldest son.

Izaak apologized to his father, however, he gave his stance. "Father, I was against their relationship too. However, I have spent time around Alora and Magnus. She is a nice lady with a warm heart. She thinks of others first than herself. Father should not see her as a threat," he proclaimed.

"Izaak, you have been a smart child. I never had to scold you ever, but today you did disappoint me. Magnus is in Alora’s charm, which indeed comes from her eyes. However, you didn’t have to lie in the court to save them," Esmond stated as he lifted his head.

Izaak had his hands behind his back and he met his father’s gaze. "I never lied, Father. I did get a vision. Her eyes are beautiful and I didn’t perish," he asserted. He wasn’t a man who would lie to save someone.

"Do you truly believe Alora is incapable of change? Have you not witnessed the strength she possesses? I fear my sons have become blinded by a woman," Esmond lamented, his frustration evident in his tone.

"Father witnessed himself how despite the humiliation Alora received today, she didn’t use her eyes to burn us. You and I would not have been kind enough to the people if such an incident had occurred to us. Father shall forgive me if I crossed my line while speaking, but the truth is Alora will always protect us. She needs love and respect too," Izaak stated.

Esmond arched his left eyebrow at his son in amusement. "You’ve changed, Izaak. You never even stood for your late wives. When they did something wrong, you punished them on your own. However, for Alora, your views are different. I didn’t expect my heartless son to change like this," he remarked with a surprising gaze.

"I have never encountered a person as kind as Alora. That’s why I am here taking a stand for her. About my wives, they were betraying me and my royal family. I had to get rid of them before any harm could come to us," Izaak explained. He asked Esmond not to lose Magnus. "Father knows how stubborn Magnus is. He will never forgive us if we try to separate him from Alora. You should trust your youngest," he added.

Esmond frowned as he contemplated. "Do you wish to be around them for a long time or do you wish to return to the work fully?" he inquired.

"Magnus and I have to find the truth behind Alora’s eyes. We had a lead on this, but the divine’s figure existence is questionable," Izaak stated. Though he and Magnus decided not to speak about it with anyone, he believed that telling about all this to their father would help.

"A divine figure?" The King’s curiosity was piqued.

"Yes, the woman who bestowed such a blessing upon Alora while she was in Lady Rhea’s womb. Furthermore, Gloria informed us that Magnus had encountered Alora when she was young, although Magnus has no recollection of it. They share a connection, Father. I was skeptical until I witnessed, on numerous occasions, including today, just how much Alora means to Magnus," Izaak explained.

Esmond was surprised by all those revelations. He, too, witnessed to the extent Magnus could go for Alora. "I would like to see Magnus," Esmond stated.

Izaak smiled warmly and continued, "Magnus will likely refuse to see you, Father. He’s quite upset with you."

Esmond nodded thoughtfully, considering the suggestion. "Very well. I must go and speak with him," he declared.

"Thank you, Father, for hearing me out," Izaak expressed his gratitude sincerely.

Esmond rose from his plush seat and turned to his valet. "Prepare the carriage. I intend to visit Magnus," he commanded with authority.

Twenty minutes later, both King Esmond and Prince Izaak arrived at the residence. As the coachman opened the carriage door, their attention was drawn to a group of servants struggling to maneuver a large trunk down the stairs. However, upon noticing the King’s presence, they immediately halted their task and lowered their heads in deference.

"What’s going on?" King Esmond asked.

Tobias approached them and greeted the King warmly.

"Prince Magnus and Princess Alora are leaving for Shadowbrook to spend some time there. That’s why their useful items are being shifted to the carriage," Tobias replied.

Izaak wondered if it was because of what happened in the early morning.

Esmond stepped ahead before ascending the stairs to enter the residence. Izaak and Tobias walked after the King.

As they reached the living room, they spotted Magnus, talking with Griffin about a matter.

Magnus quickly left his seat while Griffin turned around and bowed.

"Why is Father here?" Magnus inquired upon greeting him. "Does he have more humiliating remarks for me?" he muttered under his breath.

"Let’s take a walk, Magnus," King Esmond suggested.

"I decline," Magnus responded bluntly.

"Don’t be obstinate," Izaak interjected.

"Why not? Father can say whatever he wishes, yet I am not permitted," Magnus chuckled bitterly.

"Come with me, Magnus," Esmond insisted, then turned to Tobias to inquire about the location of the garden. He went in that direction while Magnus remained rooted in his place.

"Go on, Magnus. You don’t need to be stubborn all the time," Izaak urged, swiftly appearing in front of him and gently nudging him forward.

Magnus sighed, rolling his eyes, and reluctantly followed King Esmond to the garden.

"What’s going on? Why did His Majesty come here so suddenly, Your Highness?" Griffin inquired with curiosity.

"Father wants to have a discussion with Magnus about this morning’s events," Izaak explained.

"Hmm, I just hope Prince Magnus can keep his temper in check. He didn’t seem to be in a good mood today," Griffin remarked, having only heard snippets of what occurred in court.

"Where is Alora?" Izaak glanced at Tobias for the answer.

"Princess Alora is resting. She was having a headache earlier, Your Highness," Tobias informed him.

Izaak was a bit worried for Alora. He felt she had the most stressful life.