“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.
“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.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.