Ch. 96..100: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 96-100

Chapter 96: A sincere apology

Alora was seated on the swing, looking at the twinkling stars in the sky. The cool night breeze blew past her face, cascading the tiny strands of her hair along with it.

The conversation with Stella made her realize that if she got such eyes, she also got a caring husband and companion because of them. She had now two big brothers and friends: Izaak and Alaric. While in Selvina she found a sister.

"I want to see what my mother looks like," Alora murmured. "I wonder how she is living these days. They all must be blaming her again." She had the desire to bring her mother out of that house, but it wasn’t possible.

"What have you been thinking?" Magnus’s voice fell into her ears as he entered the balcony with a candle stand in his hand. Placing it on the table before the swing, he arched his eyebrow at Alora.

"My mother isn’t treated well by them. I wondered if I could bring her with me later. It’s just a thought," Alora stated, realizing what she suggested wasn’t a good idea.

"Your mother has to fight her own battle," Magnus replied. "Bringing her to the residence later will not be the best solution," he added. "Moreover, a married woman will never leave her home. You know this well."

Alora hummed as she lowered her eyes for a brief moment. "I know. Is there any way they start respecting her? Mother did a lot for me. I feel as a daughter, I should at least make her life better," she stated.

"It’s impossible to set the mindset Norman and others carry," Magnus stated.

"Grandma tried to kill my mother. I wonder why she made such an attempt that time," Alora suddenly recalled what Stella had told her, making her feel upset. "It was my grandmother, who filled filth in everyone’s mind in my house. They all became what they are today because of my grandmother," she asserted.

Magnus didn’t tell her how he removed Norman from the position of the High Chancellor. "Nothing will happen to your mother," Magnus assured her. He decided he needed to send someone to the capital to know about Rhea’s state.

"But your father isn’t less either. He never respected your mother, or else, Madam Aubrey would not have dared to play with everyone’s mind in that house," Magnus asserted.

Alora agreed with him. "I think we should return to the capital after a week," she pronounced. Leaving the swing, she walked to him and held his hands. "I’ve lived enough life in fear and judgements, Magnus. I will enter the council with you. I will give justice to my mother too and make them apologize to my mother first. I have a lot of things to work on. What do you say?" she questioned, waiting for his opinion.

"One week is too early. I wish to spend more time with you in Shadowbrook. We didn’t even go out. Tomorrow is a festival, which vampires celebrate. I’ll take you out. A lot of places you and I need to go to," Magnus expressed his wishes.

Alora smiled to hear his wishlist. "Then, we will stay one more week here or does His Highness want to stay here for a month?" she respected her husband’s decision and whatever he wanted, she would accept that.

"Two weeks seem good to me," Magnus replied.

"Confirmed?" Alora asked him again.

"Yes," Magnus answered.

"Okay." She turned around to carry the candle stand when he caught her wrist, pulling her back to him. His arm securely wrapped around her waist and her breath hitched, "Magnus," she faintly whispered his name.

Magnus leaned in, planting gentle kisses along her neck, eliciting giggles from Alora as she playfully protested. Eventually, she turned to him, arms encircling his neck, and expressed her love with eyes sparkling with an indescribable joy.

"I love you, Magnus," she said tenderly, the depth of her feelings evident in her gaze. She gently brushed her lips against his, pouring her feelings into the kiss. As Magnus responded, gently nibbling her lips, their connection deepened, expressing the intensity of their emotions without sharing the words.

They gravitated toward the balcony door, his hand tenderly supporting her neck, her hair delicately caught in his grasp. A gasp escaped her lips as she pressed against the wall beside the door, her hands instinctively finding his nape, drawing him nearer.

Magnus left her lips, trailing kisses down her jawline to the exposed expanse of her neck. With skillful fingers, he untangled the knots of her corset, the touch of his lips sending shivers down her spine.

Alora’s voice gently beckoned his name, her breath catching in a low cry as Magnus nipped her tender spot. With ease, he lifted her into his arms, her legs securely wrapped around his waist as he carried her into the room.

~~~~

Norman handed the scroll to Rhea, and said, "You should read it." He sat on the chair while rubbing his fingers on his forehead. She was quick to open it and read the message on it.

"Norman, I hope you’ll love this surprise.

Magnus."

Rhea looked at her husband as she lowered her hands. "What shall we do? Alora and Prince Magnus aren’t in the capital," she stated. "Involving the King may anger Prince Magnus."

"Did Alora tell you where she has left for?" Norman asked.

"No," Rhea refused.

"Now, tell me a reason why should I even love Alora. Who does this to her father?" Norman questioned Rhea.

"My Lord, Alora would never act in such a heartless manner," Rhea asserted, standing resolutely in support of her friend.

"But this has happened because of her. How will we survive now?" Norman’s frustration simmered. He was unable to vent his anger on his wife for fear of exacerbating the situation.

Contemplating her next move, Rhea considered seeking out Tobias at the residence, hoping he might share Alora and Magnus’s whereabouts.

They heard a knock on the door. Rhea went to open it and saw Venus was present there. "Leave. Your father isn’t feeling well," Rhea said.

Venus ignored her mother’s words and pushed her aside. "Father, we should seek the help of the King. This is unfair. Prince Magnus cannot remove you from the position of High Chancellor," she pronounced with an agitated tone.

"Venus, I can’t go to the King and make the situation worse," Norman stated.

"Then, are we going to starve and be taunted by the people?" Venus was turning mad. She didn’t wish to lower her standard of living.

"Venus, you should not trouble your father," Rhea said this time and asked her to leave.

"Mother, please! I’m not troubling Father in any way," Venus said.

"Had you not gone to Alora, we would not have seen this day," Norman finally said. He glanced at his daughter and continued, "You couldn’t handle your marriage well. You were supposed to come to me when all that happened. Alora talked about Eugene’s identity, yet you decided to stay quiet on that."

Venus’s eyes turned watery. "Father, I couldn’t break off my marriage that day. I told Alora, unlike her, I would not get to marry any of the two princes. She still didn’t help me. I thought going to Alora would truly help me, but she, instead, asked Prince Magnus to kill Eugene. I don’t understand why Father and Mother blame me. I am the victim here!" She whined in frustration.

"You’re not the victim here, Venus. Don’t try to deceive me," Norman retorted sharply. "Just go to your room. I’m already stressed enough with the fact that no one wants to marry you, and now my position is being threatened," he pronounced.

Venus walked away in anger. Rhea couldn’t believe that her husband scolded Venus for the first time. She praised her husband for being unbiased for the first time.

"Alora never raised her voice at me. Now, I lost my position, I feel all my hard work vanished in a single blow. When Alora was born I got promoted to the rank of the High Chancellor. I forgot a lot of things on my way as Alora’s eyes started scaring me," he stated.

"Then what do you wish to do now, Dear?" Rhea asked as she sat in front of him. "I don’t understand why you didn’t stand up for Alora that day. She is a lovely child," she asserted.

"I told you even the King wanted to get rid of Alora," Norman affirmed.

"But you are Alora’s Father. Alora counted on your support. She even left the capital before her marriage, following your and Mother’s orders. Norman, you owe Alora a sincere apology. She’s inherently good, you know our daughter well," Rhea asserted.

"I’ll wait for Alora to return," Norman replied, taking a deep breath. "As for Venus, we need to find a solution. She can’t remain unmarried forever," he murmured, sinking back into his chair, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on him.

Chapter 97: Meant to be my bride

Izaak released the woman he had been feeding from and motioned for her to depart with Louis. Magnus shot him a glare filled with a fiery intensity.

"I’m not interested in a lecture," Izaak retorted. "This isn’t our residence, so I have every right to bring humans here," he declared firmly.

Magnus sensed a disturbance in Izaak’s demeanor, noting his apparent irritation. "I assume it’s the anniversary of your first wife’s passing, isn’t it? Is that why you’re acting out of character today?" he remarked, cautioning Izaak against such behavior, especially in Alora’s presence.

"Alora won’t ask me not to drink blood. She knows we need fresh blood out of humans," Izaak asserted and stood up. Wiping the traces of blood from his lips, he casually inquired, "How does Alora’s blood taste? Care to share your experience about it, Little Brother?"

Magnus frowned at the question. "Why do you want to know?" he asked with a dubious tone.

"Tobias told me you were drinking from her one day. You were unable to stop," Izaak said with a smirk. "I imagine it must be sweet like honey," he mused, licking his lips suggestively.

Magnus’s warning was stern this time. "Don’t even entertain the thought of laying a hand on Alora. She’s my wife," he emphasized firmly.

Acknowledging Magnus’s stance, Izaak relented, murmuring, "I understand. I was merely curious." Shifting the focus, he asked, "So, what’s on your mind?"

"I will join the Vampire Council," Magnus disclosed, "along with Alora," expressing her desire to collaborate with him in their endeavors.

Izaak, as the regulator of the Vampire Council, asserted his authority. "It’s not feasible. Alora must be turned into a Vampire before she can join the council," he declared, setting a prerequisite for her participation.

"She will not turn into a vampire," Magnus said. "We have decided to start the work after two weeks. She is quite stressed after what happened in these past few days," he asserted.

Izaak would always get defeated in front of the demands of his brother. "If you take Alora to the Vampire Council, she may have to wear the blindfold again. Moreover, she may get hurt by the remarks of the vampires at her. Let her not enter the council."

Magnus shook his head to hear his brother. "Who will try to go against me? I don’t care about the nobility. You said you would help me," he reminded Izaak.

"I cannot make an exception for Alora, Magnus. You know this well. She isn’t well perceived by the vampires, so it’s better to keep her out of that place. Also, Scarlet is in the council too. She may create trouble for Alora and then, tensions may arise. I don’t want chaos," Izaak counted him as the reason why Alora should not become a part of the Vampire Council.

Magnus didn’t say anything to his brother and walked away.

"Did he get angry with me?" Izaak murmured.

As Magnus came out of the cottage, he saw Alora watering the flowers in the garden. He approached her and asked her if she was done.

"One more flower bed left," Alora said. She began walking toward it while Magnus followed her silently. "The fragrance of the flowers is enchanting," she remarked, smiling.

"Is it?" Magnus responded.

"Yes, can’t you smell it?" Alora’s eyes sparkled as she looked at him.

Magnus confessed, "Your blood scent overpowers all the other pleasant fragrances."

Alora looked at him with a bewildered gaze. "Is it irresistible?" she asked while watering the flowers.

Magnus simply hummed in response.

Alora couldn’t help but ponder how challenging it must be for Magnus to maintain his composure in her presence.

"Where’s Brother Izaak? Is he not joining us for the festival today? And I can’t see Griffin anywhere either," Alora inquired.

"Mm, Brother Izaak is in his room, and Griffin has disappeared somewhere, I’m not sure where," Magnus responded as he took the watering can from her. "The gardeners will handle it," he added, placing it on the ground.

"Oh, who’s that woman walking behind Louis? Why is she holding her neck?" Alora’s gaze fell upon the same woman whom Izaak had fed from earlier.

"Izaak drank the blood from her. She is a blood slave," Magnus replied.

"A blood slave?" Alora felt weird to learn that. "She looks weak. Why does Brother Izaak have to drink the blood from..." Her words trailed off as she was suddenly upset. Was Stella talking about this unbalance?

"You don’t need to feel low. I told Izaak not to do this ever. It’s his first wife’s death anniversary that’s why he is acting a little strange today," Magnus explained to her.

Alora was surprised to learn that. She thought Izaak didn’t develop any hard feelings toward any of his three or four wives. She even forgot how many wives Izaak had.

"Why did Brother Izaak kill his wives?" Alora asked curiously.

"I’ve never inquired, nor have I sought to find out," Magnus replied honestly.

"I would like to see Brother Izaak," Alora stated.

"He’s not feeling well. It’s best not to approach him," Magnus instructed her.

"He needs us," Alora insisted. "Leaving your brother alone during such a significant event isn’t right," she asserted.

"Alora, he might raise his voice at you. You know what could happen then," Magnus cautioned, highlighting the potential consequences of her involvement.

"You both might end up in a confrontation," Alora replied.

Magnus gently took her hand and pulled her closer. "Let Brother Izaak be alone for now. You can visit him later in the evening," he suggested to Alora.

As they reached the river deck, Alora’s excitement peaked. "Are we going to ride a boat?" she exclaimed, letting go of Magnus’s hand and stepping into the boat. However, her excitement quickly turned to panic as she stumbled, causing the boat to overturn.

Before Magnus could react, Alora fell into the river. "Alora!" Magnus immediately leaped into the water without hesitation, swiftly bringing her back to the surface. Gasping for air, Alora struggled to catch her breath.

Alora clung to Magnus tightly, her fear momentarily overwhelming her as she grappled with the depth of the water.

"Relax, you’re safe," Magnus reassured her, maintaining his firm grip around her waist, offering her support.

"We should get out soon. It’s cold here," Alora whispered, shivering as she glanced around.

Magnus guided her to the riverbank, helping her climb onto the ground first. Once he emerged from the water, he gently patted Alora’s back as she coughed.

"I thought we might drown," Alora admitted, wiping her face with her hand, still shaken from the experience.

"We are fine. The current wasn’t too strong," Magnus reassured her. He then took off his waistcoat and draped it around Alora’s shoulders before carrying her up in his arms.

Leading Alora to the room, Magnus settled her close to the fireplace for warmth. "I’ll change first," she said, excusing herself to the dressing room.

Magnus, too, decided to change and after a while, he entered the room. Alora was seated in front of the fireplace. He sat next to her and asked, "I destroyed the fun by falling into the water."

She rubbed her hands together after taking the heat from the fireplace and placed her hands on Magnus’s hands to warm them. "I was scared for a moment," she mumbled.

Magnus held her hands as he saw them trembling. "Do you have a fear of water?" he asked, peering into her eyes.

"Yes. Once I went out with my mother to her maternal home. A large pond was present at that place. I was standing by its side when someone pushed me into the pond. Since then, I slightly fear the water. I didn’t anticipate of falling in the river," Alora shared a memory from her childhood with him.

Magnus finally recalled when he saw Alora in her childhood. She cried for help and because he was passing by the same region, he ended up hearing her voice.

"Alora, you were 12 or 13 at that time, weren’t you?" Magnus asked her.

"Yes, I was," Alora replied. "Why do you ask?" she queried.

"I recalled where we both met for the first time. I heard a girl shouting for help. I happened to pass by that route. I heard your voice and I asked the chauffeur to stop the carriage. I followed your voice and pulled you out of the water. You did look at me, but you fainted the next moment," Magnus briefed her about the vivid memory, which suddenly appeared in his mind.

Alora knitted her brows together and recalled how she saw a man, but it was blurred. "So, you saved my life twice," Alora said with a smile.

"Yes," Magnus nodded, reflecting on the events. "As I think about it now, it does seem like destiny. Your voice reached me that day. You were always meant to be my bride," he expressed, feeling a sense of joy.

"I’m suddenly feeling nostalgic, Magnus. I’m grateful I found you that night too," Alora asserted.

"Me too," Magnus affirmed as he side-hugged her.

Chapter 98: A place for vampires only

"Brother Izaak, will you come with us to the market?" Alora asked, keeping her gaze low. "Magnus told me that you were upset and I shouldn’t disturb you. However, I don’t want you to remain confined in the room. You should enjoy outside," she asserted.

"Why is Magnus taking you out? Only vampires are there. You may get uncomfortable," Izaak stated in a cold tone. He lowered the wine glass and told Alora to stay in the cottage.

She pouted, her lips forming a delicate frown. "I’m married to a vampire. Why can’t they just accept it?" she muttered before turning to leave.

"Magnus always prioritizes Alora, yet he doesn’t hesitate to take her to such events," remarked Izaak, downing the last of his wine and placing the glass on the table. With that, he strode out of the room towards the drawing room.

"Are you planning to join us?" Magnus inquired of Izaak.

"Hmm. You two are naive; you might stumble into danger. I need to come along to watch over both of you," replied Izaak with a hint of sarcasm.

Rolling his eyes, Magnus requested his brother to refrain from mocking him, at the very least.

"I’m not naive either," Alora said.

"Really?" The two brothers pronounced at the same time.

Magnus held her hand and walked out with her, followed by Izaak. While the former two sat in one carriage, the latter took a separate carriage.

"Magnus, you were right. Prince Izaak didn’t look in a good state. I didn’t pry in his personal life thinking he may get angry," Alora said.

"That’s better," Magnus said.

"Your Highness, what does this festival hold? What kind of celebration this usually is?" Alora’s curious gaze locked with his.

"A folklore event and an act will be there. Vampires will celebrate drinking blood. You may be thinking why I am willing to take you to such a festival. I want my wife to be recognized even in the vampire society. I want them to see you as respect and acknowledge that a human can be a part of us," he proclaimed.

Alora smiled to hear his thoughts. "How should I thank you, Magnus?" she asked.

"Why do you want to thank me? Aren’t we supposed to support each other this way?" Magnus remarked. "All you need to do is voice your opinions. I love the fierce side of Alora. You don’t need to fear anyone, especially when you have such powerful eyes," he again reminded her.

"Hmm. I will do my best to become a better version of myself," Alora pronounced, smiling at him.

As the carriage sped up, their journey came to an end soon. Alora stepped out of the carriage, holding Magnus’s hand. Her eyes looked at the bustling street ahead and a smile carved on her lips.

"Alora should wear the blindfold. What if she looks at anyone here and..." Izaak’s words trailed off as Magnus glared at him. "I know she has chosen not to wear it again, but tonight she has to," he advised, showing the blindfold to Alora.

Alora took it from him and said, "I may not be able to see my surroundings then, Brother Izaak. Then, how will I enjoy it? I swear I won’t look at anyone."

Izaak took the blindfold from her and walked ahead of them. Magnus and Alora exchanged glances with each other before walking behind him.

"Alora, shall we check your eyes?" Magnus randomly asked her a query.

"Huh? How?" Alora inquired.

"None knows who you are. Why don’t you make eye contact with anyone?" Magnus whispered close to her ear. "The person thinks wrong about you only when he knows your identity," he added.

"And what if I end up hurting the person?" Alora questioned him.

"You won’t, as per Stella," Magnus replied.

"I’m not sure of trying anything now." Alora showed her hesitation.

"Alright." Magnus didn’t force her.

"Once I’m prepared, I’ll inform His Highness," Alora responded calmly.

As a few people began to recognise them, Izaak slowed his pace, now walking beside Alora. She glanced at him but remained silent.

Magnus suddenly came to a stop, causing Alora to halt as well. "What’s wrong?" she inquired. Izaak looked at Magnus.

"Did Shadowbrook start having new vampires as well?" Magnus inquired.

"I’ve no idea about it," Izaak replied. "Can you sense newly formed vampires?" he questioned, wandering his eyes around.

"What’s the problem in that?" Alora queried.

"They might attack you," Magnus replied gravely. "You’re the only human out in the open here," he added, his concern was evident in his voice. "I believe it’s best if we return to the cottage."

"You’re correct. We wouldn’t want to incite chaos here," Izaak concurred with his brother’s judgment.

As they turned on their heels to head back to the carriage, Alora lifted her foot onto the foot plate, only for it to shake as if someone had landed on its top.

Alora glanced up as Magnus’s hand pulled her back, his protective instinct kicking in. Before she could grasp the situation, Magnus enveloped her in his embrace, shielding her face against his chest, his hand gently cradling the back of her head.

Meanwhile, Izaak swiftly seized the throat of the new vampire, locking eyes with him. As their gazes met, the newfound hunger for blood within the vampire dissipated, subdued by Izaak’s authoritative presence.

The other vampires, particularly the nobles who had just arrived in their carriages, gathered around, sensing the tension in the air.

"Who permitted newly turned vampires to be in Shadowbrook?" Magnus’s voice rumbled with authority, sending a chill through those present.

"The law changed two months ago, Prince Magnus," said Darcy, who was one such noble vampire, who had come to the market.

"Brother, you and Alora should depart. I’ll handle things here," Izaak suggested quietly, the two brothers exchanging meaningful glances as they communicated without words.

"Kill him, Brother Izaak. I don’t wish him to live," Magnus said, glancing at the newbie vampire.

Alora pulled her head away from his chest. "That’s not needed. I’m safe," she stated.

Magnus ignored her and took her to the carriage. The nobles were quite mesmerized to see Alora. The coachman closed the door and drove the carriage back to the cottage.

"Please forgive me," the newbie said as he got on his knees.

"Leave," Izaak commanded her. He then gazed at Darcy and asked, "Who changed the law?"

"It was a Senior Member of the Council," Darcy answered. "Prince Magnus should not have brought Princess Alora here. It is a place for vampires only," he added.

"My dear brother isn’t ready to understand that. He wants his wife to be a part of the vampire society," Izaak murmured in a faint voice.

Chapter 99: I never miss them

"I wasn’t careful today. I forgot to ask if newly turned vampires are around," Magnus said as he handed a glass of water to Alora. She took slow sips of the water. "I wonder if Izaak would even punish him or let him go," he muttered, running his fingers through the locks of his hair.

"Magnus, he didn’t harm me. So, there’s no need to punish that vampire. You are overreacting," Alora said as she placed the glass on the table.

Louis glanced at Magnus and apologized to him for not informing him about this change beforehand. "It almost skipped my mind, Your Highness. Forgive me," he apologized.

Magnus would have burst out in anger any time, but in front of Alora, he remained quiet. Griffin entered the living room with a paper envelope in his hand with a smile on his face.

"Why did Prince Magnus and Princess Alora return so early?" asked Griffin. The smile on his lips slowly faded as he sensed the tension in the atmosphere.

"We should go to bed," Alora left her seat and grasped Magnus’s hand to take him upstairs. Once they left, Griffin asked Louis if everything was fine.

Louis shook his head in denial. "Princess Alora was attacked by a newly turned vampire," he informed Griffin, "fortunately, nothing happened since Prince Magnus was quick to respond to the situation along with Prince Izaak."

"Oh, that’s what infuriated Prince Magnus," Griffin remarked. "Prince Izaak isn’t around," he then asked.

"The Elder Prince hasn’t returned yet," Louis replied.

"Alright. I shall go to my room." Griffin left the living room while Louis also left the living room.

~~~~

Alora couldn’t fall asleep as she was troubled by a thought. How would she bring the balance when her name was enough to make most of the people hate her? How would she make people trust that she wasn’t cursed? She turned to look at Magnus, who was in a deep sleep. She didn’t wish to disturb his sleep since he was exhausted.

Quietly, Alora made her way out of the bed. Wearing a robe, she went out of the room. The entire cottage was engulfed in the darkness. She decided to walk a little before returning to her room.

Alora exited the cottage and saw the moon illuminating in the sky. It wasn’t in its full shape. The twinkling stars in the sky fluttered her heart along with the cold, gentle night breeze. She closed her eyes, inhaling the fresh air when she felt someone’s presence.

"Trouble sleeping?" Magnus asked her.

"I didn’t wish His Highness sleep to break," Alora replied, feeling upset that because of her he woke up too.

"My body woke me up when it didn’t find you around," Magnus replied. He saw she was still confused, so he elucidated further, "The fragrance of your blood is enough to tell me if you are near me or far from me."

"Even in the sleep?" Alora’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes. So, what’s bothering my Alora?" Magnus placed his hand above her head affectionately. He didn’t wish to read her mind, instead, he wanted her to open up with him.

"Umm... People hate me because of the eyes I have. It is not easy to make everyone believe that I’m not harmful. I’ve many doubts, Magnus," Alora confided in him.

"Do you think of any way the people will start believing that you are normal?" Magnus lowered his hand from her head.

"I need to first check my eyes on someone. However, no one will volunteer to look into my eyes," Alora said.

"Your mother will," Magnus responded.

"No. What if–" Alora ceased the question in her mouth. She wasn’t confident of her ability nor she trusted Stella’s words. She sighed and quickly sat down on the step. "If anything goes wrong, I’ll end up taking the life of my mother."

Magnus recalled the vision that Izaak had shared with him.

"I cannot live a life keeping my gaze down and head low. I wish to live normally, but for that, I need to end my fear. I’ve no idea how to do it," Alora stated.

"With this attitude, you won’t be able to end the fear." Magnus lowered himself to his knees before settling beside her. She put her head on his shoulder while she tenderly held his arm.

"It’s normal to have fear. I understand that it’s traumatic for you since you’ve seen people perishing with your eyes. Don’t feel burdened. When you feel right, you can test your eyes," Magnus asserted.

"Hmm."

"We aren’t supposed to tell the purpose of your eyes to anyone. It will bring danger to you. So, keep it a secret from the others. Only Brother Izaak and Griffin know about it since they will help us," Magnus explained to her.

"I won’t. Vampires won’t like to see humans and werewolves as equal to them. Even His Highness doesn’t like the werewolves," Alora remarked as she tilted her head to look at him.

As Alora and Magnus were engrossed in the conversation, they didn’t realize a pair of deadly eyes were watching them, standing far from them.

"Magnus, let’s walk over there and then we will go to bed," Alora pointed to her left side.

He nodded at her and the two stood up. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, they walked hand-in-hand in the direction that Alora asked him.

"Alora, I’ve decided that we both will live in the palace once we return to Velaris," Magnus informed her.

"My entry will be restricted by the King himself," Alora muttered. "Does His Highness miss living with his family?" she queried.

"No. I never miss them. When I used to, they were not present around me," Magnus said.

"What do you mean?" Alora curiously enquired. She realized that she wasn’t aware of Magnus’s past or his life. "Why doesn’t His Highness tell me why he is so distant from his family?" This question she desired to ask him for a long time, but she couldn’t find the right chance.

"Do you want to know? What if you get bored?" Magnus chuckled.

"Why would I be bored? We are supposed to share all these things with each other," Alora said. Alora insisted on him to tell her about his past.

Magnus hummed and decided to tell that part of his life, which was unknown to everyone.

 

Chapter 100: Not wrong to be weak

"A war?" Alora was stunned to learn that at the time when Magnus was four years old, the entire kingdom was in chaos.

"Yes. The war went on for five years and it took three more years to bring stability and peace in the Kingdom. I hardly saw my father and mother as I started growing up. In the initial years, the vampires grow faster than the humans. A four-year-old would look like a ten-year-old," Magnus explained to her.

"What about the Queen? Was she in the war too?" Alora asked.

"No, she was with Lillian. I was under the care of my aunt, who is no more. Alaric is three years older than me while Izaak is five years older than me. When I was in a growing stage, I always waited for my father and mother to see me. They never did," he said as he recalled the time of his childhood.

Alora sensed his sadness while he shared brief information about his childhood with her. "Were you not in the palace? Were you at your aunt’s house?" she queried.

"Yes. I lived in her house till I turned 12. I never liked my family, who neglected me, especially my father, who thought I’d grow up by myself. I know a kingdom needs its King in the time of war, but a child also needs his father. And I needed my father even if it was for a day. I learned through my cousin that my father had visited Elmswood. Yet, he didn’t get time to meet me," Magnus said with a chuckle.

"Perhaps, your father was busy with vampires," Alora murmured.

"I thought the same. Father should have called me to see him at least," Magnus said in a complaining tone.

Alora understood that as a child, Magnus wanted much-needed attention from his father and mother. His childhood was the same as hers. The difference was her mother would always be there. However, for Magnus, his both parents were absent from his childhood days.

"You know why I started liking you the moment you opened your mouth. I always wanted a person to talk to me. Random things. I wanted someone to give me attention to without any motives," Magnus asserted, suddenly smiling at his words.

Alora glanced at him and he also tilted his head. "I also had no one to speak with me. I liked Prince Magnus the moment I found out I could only speak my heart out with him," she said with a smile.

"Then why did you not propose to me first?" Magnus questioned her.

Alora stuttered at his question. "Where are we? I think we have come far from the cottage," she said while turning around.

"Do you wish to go back? Are you sleepy now?" Magnus asked.

"No. Magnus, when is your birthday? Last time I asked you, but you didn’t tell me," Alora complained.

"It falls in the winter season," Magnus replied.

"That’s too late," Alora said. "Ahhh." A low scream escaped her mouth as Magnus suddenly carried her in his arms.

"It’s time to return," he said and began walking toward the cottage.

"But I’m not sleepy yet," Alora stubbornly said.

"You are. I don’t want you to cry tomorrow seeing the dark circles under your eyes," Magnus proclaimed as he began walking fast.

Alora moved her face close to his neck and closed her eyes. She didn’t know when the sleep engulfed her eyes in his arms.

Magnus noticed that she was asleep now, so he carefully brought her back to the cottage. Without disturbing Alora’s sleep, he lay her on the mattress. Brushing away the hair strands from her cheeks, he tucked her inside the duvet after removing her sandals.

"Alora, I will make sure things run smoothly for you. I will convince the vampires to not fear you," Magnus said in a low voice as he stroked her hair tenderly. He, too, got inside the duvet and lay beside her. Snuggling close to Alora, he drifted off to sleep.

~~~~

In the morning, Izaak while drinking the blood from the glass asked Louis why he couldn’t spot Magnus and Alora.

"They have not woken up yet, Your Highness," Louis answered.

"They haven’t woken up yet, Your Highness," Louis responded.

"It’s already eight in the morning," Izaak remarked, handing the empty glass to a servant.

"Maybe they’re just tired," Griffin chimed in. "After all, they’re newlyweds. Who knows if they stayed up late last night," he added, a smirk playing on his lips.

"We were outside. Will you shut the doors of your imagination?" Magnus hit at Griffin’s back, making him jolt forward.

"You two went out last night!" Izaak mused.

"Alora was unable to fall asleep. So, we went for a walk within this estate," Magnus clarified to him. He asked Louis to set the breakfast for Alora and he himself sat on the couch, facing Izaak.

"Did you kill that newbie?" Magnus inquired him.

"No. It wasn’t right to kill him when Alora was safe," Izaak replied. "Also, you need to understand that Alora cannot be a part of the vampire society. Not every vampire has a control over their thrust for the blood," he advised.

Griffin agreed with Izaak, but he remained silent.

"Brother Izaak, does that mean that you won’t let her enter the Vampire Council?" Magnus asked.

"Yes," Izaak replied. "Turn her into a vampire and I’ll let her enter the council," he suggested.

Magnus rubbed the skin above his right eyebrow. "I will be with Alora all the time. Nothing will happen," he assured Izaak.

"Then, prove to me that her eyes are harmless. Remember you are given the same task from the father. If you fail, then I am afraid I cannot help you," Izaak straightforwardly clarified to him.

"You call yourself a big brother, but you refuse to help me," Magnus remarked.

"Don’t emotionally blackmail me," Izaak stated. "You never even considered me your well-wisher," he muttered.

"That’s not true. I allowed you to accompany us here because I have finally started trusting you, Brother," Magnus stated in a humble tone.

"I cannot anger the vampires by including Sister-in-law in the council. Either turn her into a vampire or show me that her eyes are harmless," Izaak again put forward the condition.

"Fine. Look into her eyes then," Magnus challenged him.

"I won’t. What if I perish?" Izaak declined to do so.

"See! You don’t trust me and Alora," Magnus said with a frown appearing on his forehead.

Alora, listening to the conversation from upstairs, stood near a pillar, feeling disheartened.

’Magnus will never turn me into a vampire, and people will still doubt me even if I tell them I’m harmless.’

Lost in her thoughts, she took a step back and hid behind the pillar. After a moment, she decided to retreat to the dining room adjacent to the bedroom.

She quietly sat on the chair with her hands clasped together. Louis greeted her morning, but she didn’t hear him. The servants served her breakfast and they left.

"How should I prove myself to Prince Izaak?" Alora murmured. She was desperate to find a way that could make her take a first step. She didn’t wish Magnus to fight all the time with everyone. "It seems I need to go with Magnus’s suggestion. I will start with an animal perhaps," she decided.

However, the next moment, Alora’s inner voice told her that Izaak would ask her to look into a person’s eyes. And if she failed, Izaak would never let her enter the vampire council. Along with that, she would be hated again.

Just then, the door swung open, and Magnus entered. "Why haven’t you started? The food will turn cold," he said, taking a seat beside her. He offered her a plate of egg toast and poured a glass of juice, showing his care and concern.

Alora picked up the knife and fork. She began eating slowly and Magnus felt something was off with her.

"What happened?" Magnus leaned back on the chair.

"Nothing," Alora answered as she shook her head in denial.

"Why didn’t you come downstairs?" Magnus asked.

"I was hungry, so I thought to have my breakfast first," Alora said and chewed her food slowly. Magnus noticed her facial expressions, which told him the entire story.

As she rested the fork and knife on the plate, Alora spoke, "I feel I need to wear the blindfold again to make others comfortable around me."

"Why? Do you wish to return to the phase where all you see is darkness even when you aren’t blind?" Magnus questioned her. "Let others be uncomfortable. You won’t wear the blindfold," he said sternly.

Alora turned silent as tears emerged in her eyes. "I think I have to live with that only," she whispered. "I think I dreamt too big."

"So?" Magnus questioned her. "What if you dream big? Is it a crime to dream?"

Alora shook her head.

"Don’t fear anything. Trust yourself," he affirmed.

"I think I’m weak." Alora finally gazed at him.

"It’s not wrong to be weak. You are learning daily to be strong. Don’t give up this early. Finish the juice. I will take you somewhere today," Magnus said with a gentle smile.