The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 203: Affection I showered upon them

Chapter 203: Affection I showered upon them

"Your enthusiasm is overwhelming, yet again. What if history repeats itself and you face betrayal? Would you resort to ending her life?" Magnus inquired, his tone casual and indifferent.

"She’s a woman of humility, a survivor who’s weathered life’s storms. How can I make you understand, Magnus?" Izaak responded, his voice barely above a whisper. He reclined against the plush back of the sofa, a serene smile playing on his lips.

"I comprehend. Alora has also navigated through a sea of adversities in her life, so I can understand," Magnus acknowledged.

"My previous four wives always harbored evil desires that threatened to unleash chaos within our family. Their insatiable greed overshadowed the love and affection I showered upon them," Izaak reflected, his demeanor shifting to a more solemn tone.

"Let bygones be the bygones. Sometimes pain is the only path to happiness," Magnus stated.

"Since when did you become so philosophical?" Izaak queried with a chuckle.

"Those are Alora’s words, not mine," Magnus clarified.

"Indeed. Are you prepared for the grand dinner banquet with the Leninnster family?" Izaak probed.

"I am, but I have work to finish before that. Would you care to join me?" Magnus proposed.

"Certainly. Where is it that we need to go? It’s already past the hour of five," Izaak responded, his eyebrows furrowing in curiosity.

"To Rubin’s house. Remember the trap we have set for him," Magnus stated.

"Oh. Did he get caught?" Izaak queried.

"Not as of yet, but he’s laid a trap for me in return. He’s quite the cunning one, Brother Izaak," Magnus declared, a hint of annoyance seeping into his tone. He then narrated to his brother how Rubin came in the morning and talked about Dylan.

"Rubin surely knows how to get on our nerves, doesn’t he? What do you plan to do then? We can’t possibly fall into his trap," Izaak asserted, waiting for Magnus to unveil his plan.

"Taking his life is the final recourse that appears viable to me. I have no desire to indulge such a man, a man born of a lineage of witches," Magnus declared with a firmness in his voice. "After Father disclosed this to me, I sought out Gloria. She has pledged her assistance."

Izaak, his curiosity piqued, asked, "So, is Gloria going to join us on this quest?"

Magnus nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed. Venturing into Rubin’s abode without her would be an act of foolish mistake," he stated.

"Then, let’s go. We need to return before dinnertime," Izaak said and rose to his feet.

"Wait here. I’ll inform Alora about my departure, and then we will leave." With these words, he strode away, leaving Izaak in the drawing room.

~~~~~

Magnus and Izaak stepped out of the carriage, reaching their destination. As expected Gloria had already arrived, standing with her two assistants. They exchanged greetings before coming to work.

It was then that Gloria spoke, her voice carrying a note of reproach. "Prince Magnus should have sought my counsel the very day he discovered Rubin’s true lineage. Rubin is indeed a scion of the witch family. Even from this distance, I could sense the energy radiating from him," she declared.

"That explains why I was unable to penetrate his thoughts," Magnus mused, his gaze shifting towards Gloria. "I recall asking the Witch Queen once if there was a way to manipulate my ability, but she denied any such possibility."

Gloria nodded, her expression solemn. "That’s because it’s not meant for us to wield. It draws upon a stream of dark energy, and I didn’t see the necessity to inform His Highness about it. It wasn’t until Dolores employed it that I realized the witches are still actively using it," she elucidated, her words shedding light on the mysterious workings of their world.

"Gloria, why do you think a witch’s son betraying the vampires? Rubin has told only lies till now. Do you think he’s just a normal man with not-so-powerful magic?" Izaak posed a question.

Gloria, with a thoughtful gaze, responded, "The aura I perceive from him isn’t overwhelmingly powerful. Yet, it’s undeniable that Rubin committed an act of betrayal against the princes during his time in Shadowbrook. It’s plausible that he has acquired knowledge of sorcery as well. If Dylan is indeed held captive by him, it’s imperative for the princes to ensure Dylan’s safe return."

"What about your magic? Can’t you use it to stop Rubin?" Magnus queried.

"I can get control over his mind since the witches are interlinked," Gloria opined.

"Then, you need to do that. You have the vision to see far distances. Brother Izaak will stay here with you while I go to see Rubin," Magnus asserted. "If anything wrong happens, I’ll signal you," he proclaimed.

"What will that signal be? Also, is it wise for you to go in his house alone?" Izaak queried.

Gloria reassured them, "I am capable of defending myself, Your Highness. It would be wise for Prince Magnus to have his elder brother at his side. If the situation deteriorates, I’ll intervene from here."

The brothers exchanged a nod of understanding and set off toward Rubin’s residence. A ten-minute descent down the hill brought them to their destination. Magnus, taking a deep breath, raised his hand and rapped on the door.

After a brief pause, the door creaked open from the inside. Rubin, with a welcoming smile, greeted the two of them. "I appreciate your presence here," he expressed, his voice filled with gratitude.

Magnus was the first to enter, but as Izaak attempted to follow, the door abruptly slammed shut. An unseen, potent force repelled him, sending him sprawling back onto the porch. It was unmistakably the work of magic.

Gloria, sensing the disturbance, immediately sprang into action, her two aides accompanying her.

"Magnus!" Izaak’s shout echoed through the air as he lunged towards the door. However, an invisible barrier halted his progress at the steps. The magic Rubin had wielded was so powerful that Izaak had never experienced it before.