The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 245: Want the freedom

Chapter 245: Want the freedom

Magnus stood atop a bustling wine shop alongside George, a haven frequented by vampires and thus, an ideal spot to evade the watchful eyes of Ivan Winfred.

This renowned establishment was a regular meeting ground for Magistrate Horace and Ivan, making it the perfect setting for their scheme. Unaware of Magnus’s appearance, Ivan would be none the wiser when Magnus, disguised as a mere server, would be the one to pour his wine that day.

"Your Highness, look there," George whispered urgently, gesturing towards a lone carriage making its way down the path to the wine shop. The fluttering flag bearing the kingdom’s crest atop the carriage confirmed their suspicions—it was indeed the magistrate’s carriage.

With no time to spare, Magnus and George slipped into their disguises as servers, a guise that would render them invisible to Ivan’s plain sight.

They moved swiftly, blending into the crowd of the wine shop, and ascended to the first floor to await their target.

Positioned near the counter, Magnus watched as Horace and Ivan entered. George swiftly passed him a tray adorned with two gleaming wine cups and a jar. With deliberate steps, Magnus ascended to the secluded upper room chosen by Horace and Ivan for their private discourse.

Upon reaching the door, Magnus rapped lightly and entered without waiting for an invitation. He presented the tray with a practiced bow, careful to maintain his facade of a servant. A single glance would be enough for Magnus to glean Ivan’s secrets.

He placed the first cup before Horace with a steady hand. Then, seizing an opportunity as Ivan’s attention wandered, Magnus ’accidentally’ tipped the wine onto Ivan’s attire, prompting a sharp reaction from him.

Ivan’s voice thundered in indignation, "Can’t you see where you’re going?" His glare bore into Magnus, who met his gaze briefly before murmuring apologies. As Ivan dabbed at his shirt with a napkin, Horace watched anxiously, worried that Magnus’s true identity might be compromised.

Seizing the napkin from Ivan’s grasp, Magnus insisted, "Allow me, Sir." He leaned in close under the pretense of cleaning the stain and whispered into Ivan’s ear, "Isn’t it curious that one must be poisoned to ensure their loyalty?"

Ivan froze, his eyes widening in shock as he processed Magnus’s words.

"Join me here tonight if you want the freedom," Magnus breathed out softly before swiftly exiting the room, leaving a stunned Ivan in his wake.

"Mr. Ivan, are you fine? I apologize on the servant’s behalf," Horace said, keeping his gaze low. However, Ivan didn’t seek heed to it. He was bothered by the fact that a random man came to him, telling him he wasn’t loyal to his master.

’How does he know that I want to be free?’ Ivan thought before taking his seat.

~~~~

"Your Highness, what happened? I thought you would take more time," George said, curious to know if Magnus found anything of importance.

"Turns out the organization already has a mole, George," Magnus said as he wore the overcoat. "Ivan’s allegiance to Zaiden is a facade. He has witnessed the murder of his family, and Zaiden’s poison runs through his veins. His desire for vengeance keeps him bound to Zaiden’s will," Magnus revealed, shedding light on Ivan’s true intentions.

"What? So, Ivan wants to kill Zaiden too. But I believe, Ivan did receive many chances to do that. Then, why he is unable to put an end to Zaiden?" George asked as they made their way out of the wine shop.

"We will find out tonight. I’ve asked Ivan to see me," Magnus stated. "I couldn’t see much of the memories because the encounter needed to be kept short," he added and entered the carriage with George before leaving for the resting house.

~~~~~

"Why must the meeting be today, Father?" Lillian’s voice carried a note of frustration as she addressed the King.

Queen Margaret responded with a firm tone, "How much longer would you have us wait, Lily? We’ve granted you years to find your own groom, yet you’ve offered nothing but excuses." The Queen’s words carried the growing impatience of all these years.

"What can I do, Mother? I found it difficult to trust. I end up using my ability on men," Lillian asserted.

"Then, don’t do this today," King Esmond suggested to her. "You can’t live like this forever. You need a companion for yourself, Lillian. It’s not good to distrust the people all the time," King Esmond imparted some words of wisdom to her.

"Lewis Blackwell is a nice man. Trust your father’s choice this time," Queen Margaret asserted in a humble tone.

Lillian hummed in understanding and asked them when she had to meet him.

Esmond glanced at the valet, who humbly replied, "Your Highness, Mr. Blackwell be here in an hour."

"Remember, Lily. You won’t see the results until you try it. Try to know Lewis first before making any random decision. We are your parents. We only want your happiness," Edmond elucidated to their daughter.

"Yes, Father," Lillian nodded her head in accepting her father’s counsel.

"Come, Lily. I will help you get ready today," Queen Margaret said and took her humble leave with Lillian. Entering the dressing chamber, Margaret showed the dress she had designed especially for today’s meeting for her.

"The dress is beautiful, Mother," Lillian acknowledged with sincerity. A thought crossed her mind, "Is Lewis younger than I am? It seems likely."

Margaret corrected her gently, "Lewis is of your age. He has served in the Northern Borders for many years and has only now chosen to return. His father approached your father with the proposal," she explained, revealing the origins of this arranged meeting.

"Oh, that’s strange. Why did he choose to live unmarried for so many years?" Lillian muttered.

"You should ask Lewis about it," Margaret opined and asked her to change into the gown. The servants helped her in wearing the outfit and later, she sat on the velvety cushioned chair. Margaret stepped up and brushed her daughter’s hair gently.

"Mother, I hope Lewis doesn’t possess the thoughts that I hate. I hope he finds me good," Lillian said.

"Oh, trust me, Dear. Lewis is different," Margaret said, stroking Lillian’s hair tenderly and affectionately.

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