The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 308: Marry out of love

"I’m not in the mood to talk," Alaric replied in a low voice, his eyes shadowed with fatigue. He barely lifted his head to acknowledge Magnus’s presence. "And why are you even awake at this hour? Shouldn’t you be with Alora?" His gaze finally met Magnus’s, a hint of irritation flickering in his eyes.

"I was looking into something," Magnus responded as his curiosity piqued. He crossed the room and settled into the armchair opposite Alaric, the leather creaking under his weight.

"But what about you, Brother Alaric? You never stay up late. What’s keeping you from your rest?" His had a genuine interest to know, his eyes searching Alaric’s for answers.

"Scarlet and I had an argument," Alaric confessed, his voice laden with frustration and hurt. "She thinks I’m not as good as the others and that I don’t give her enough time. She accused me of neglecting her, saying that while our brothers hardly lift a finger, I’m always buried in work and never spare a moment for her. Her words cut deep, so I left the chamber. I needed space to clear my head," he admitted with a distant gaze.

Magnus leaned back in his chair, a sympathetic smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "That’s the typical Scarlet I know. She craves attention all the time," he said with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

"Her family wasn’t kind to her because her vampire abilities are weaker compared to others. That’s why she acts this way, always seeking validation. But, Brother Alaric, you do bury yourself in work. Now that you’re married, you need to balance your duties and your marriage. Remember, you didn’t marry out of love, which means you have to give time to nurture a connection with her," he advised his elder brother.

Alaric remembered Scarlet telling him how she needed love. He realized he shouldn’t have showed his anger on her. This wasn’t him who would get furious like this.

"In love, you do experience a range of unexpected emotions. There’s nothing wrong with getting angry; in fact, I believe such fights can strengthen the bond between a couple," Magnus asserted, offering a reassuring smile.

"Thank you, Magnus, for listening to me. Your advice was truly an eye-opener," Alaric proclaimed, his thoughts finally coalescing into clarity.

"Anytime, Brother," Magnus responded warmly. "But why are you looking into Damien?" he questioned.

"I decided to share your burden. I know you’ve been tirelessly trying to track him down," Alaric affirmed. "There have been reports of shapeshifting incidents, so I thought they might be connected to Damien."

"Damien sent a shapeshifter that night to test the extent of Alora’s abilities," Magnus explained, his expression growing serious. "He’s not like our other enemies; he’s always strategic and careful. He wanted to see how far Alora’s eyes could reach. This means we need to be even more vigilant."

"I don’t think he will dare to come close to Alora," Alaric said.

"But he will try to harm her in other ways. Perhaps using her family," Magnus said while frowning.

"But her family won’t betray Alora anymore, will they?" Alaric waited for his response.

"The old woman in Elmswood can. Though I wanted to punish her to death, but I couldn’t do it since she’s my in-law. She’s cunning and I know she won’t hesitate to harm Alora," Magnus affirmed with a skeptical gaze.

"Then, you need to make sure Alora’s grandmother won’t see her. Also, she’s banned from entering Elmswood. So, don’t worry over this," Alaric soothed his agitated nerves.

"I hope so," Magnus said. They soon retire to their respective chambers, bidding a goodnight.

~~~~~

As Magnus slid into the duvet, the slight movement disturbed Alora’s sleep. She stirred, turning around to wrap her arm around him, her warmth and the softness of her touch a comforting presence in the dim light.

"Where have you been?" she asked in a low, sleepy voice, her breath warm against his neck as she snuggled closer.

"Nowhere important," Magnus replied softly, his voice a soothing murmur. He gently caressed her face, feeling the smoothness of her skin beneath his fingertips, then ran his hand through her hair, his touch was both tender and warm.

Alora kissed his lips lightly and smiled, her eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and affection. She placed a series of playful kisses on his lips, each one accompanied by soft giggles that made Magnus smile.

"What’s gotten into you?" Magnus chuckled, his eyes locking onto hers with a blend of amusement and curiosity.

"I don’t know. Perhaps a spirit of love," Alora remarked, her grin widening as she teased him.

Magnus felt a surge of affection and desire. He brought his hand to the nape of her neck, pulling her closer as he kissed her fervently. Since she was already awake, he saw no reason to hold back. His other hand slid from her waist to her hip, drawing her even nearer.

She moaned softly against his mouth, her body responding to his touch. The friction of their clothed bodies heightened the intensity of the moment, each kiss deepening their connection.

Magnus’s hand lingered on her hip, his fingers pressing gently but possessively as he continued to kiss her passionately. Alora’s hands roamed over his back, her touch electrifying, and she pressed herself against him, her breathing growing heavier with each passing second.

When Magnus finally pulled his lips away from hers, Alora inhaled deeply, her lungs filling with the cool air as she exhaled slowly, trying to steady her racing heartbeat.

The warmth of his mouth continued to travel down her neck, each kiss a tender, lingering touch that sent shivers through her body. His hands were already in the process of undressing her, moving with a mix of eagerness and reverence.

As Alora’s fingers gently threaded through his hair, her touch soft and caressing, Magnus paused. He met her gaze once more, his eyes filled with a deep, intense affection. The brief respite between their kisses allowed them to fully absorb the connection they shared.

"I’m sleepy again," she murmured. Alora sighed contentedly, her worries easing as she nestled into him, the familiar rhythm of his heartbeat lulling her back towards sleep.