The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 403: Izaak’s Past 3

Chapter 403: Izaak’s Past 3

"You got married?" Magnus arched his brows, a mix of surprise and curiosity playing on his face as he met Izaak for the first time in six months since returning to Velaris.

Izaak’s expression turned into an annoying one. "Are you here to rub salt on my wounds? Why didn’t you attend my wedding?"

Magnus crossed his legs as he rested casually on the chair. "I wasn’t in the kingdom, remember? You could’ve waited for your youngest brother to return. But no, you rushed into marriage. Why so soon?" He shook his head, his annoyance barely concealed. "You, of all people, are notoriously hard to please."

Izaak chuckled, a grin spreading across his face. "That’s more like you, Magnus. Me? My heart has always been quick to fall for a woman. Arabella was the one. She went out of her way to win my heart." His grin widened mischievously as he added, "And then, we spent a night together. I felt I should marry her because I don’t sleep with a woman for fun."

Magnus frowned, his gaze hardening. "Don’t tell me that’s the only reason you married her."

Izaak’s smile faltered, his brow furrowing as he met Magnus’s eyes. "What do you mean by that?"

Magnus leaned forward, his tone more serious now. "I mean, tell me what love really is to you, Izaak."

Izaak scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Don’t ask me about something you don’t even understand yourself, Magnus. I’m your older brother. I have more experience in matters of the heart than you do."

Magnus’ eyes narrowed, unimpressed with his brother’s response. "Experience or not, Izaak, rushing into marriage isn’t always a sign of wisdom. And marrying someone because of one night? That doesn’t sound like love to me."

Izaak’s frown deepened, his confidence slightly shaken by Magnus’s words. "You think I don’t know my own heart? I’ve been through this enough times to recognize when it’s real."

Magnus, though still unconvinced, softened his tone. "I just hope it’s not something you’ll regret. It’s my time to return to Elmswood." He rose to his feet when Arabella suddenly entered the room.

"Your Highness, I heard Prince Magnus is here, so I’ve come to give him my greetings," Arabella said, her voice soft but confident as her eyes met Magnus’s sharp gaze.

"Greetings to you, Sister-in-law," Magnus replied, his tone formal. "I am Magnus Lukeson." He bowed slightly in respect, maintaining a composed expression as he straightened up. Arabella returned the gesture with equal humility, her lips curling into a polite smile.

Izaak rose from his seat and moved to stand beside her, a subtle but protective gesture. As Magnus met Arabella’s gaze, he involuntarily read her mind—something he wasn’t expecting to know.

"I’ve heard from Brother Izaak how you went to great lengths to win his heart," Magnus said, his words measured, but with an underlying hint of curiosity.

Arabella smiled gracefully and tilted her head slightly toward Izaak, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Indeed, I had no other way to make Prince Izaak notice me," she replied softly, her tone carrying a touch of playful sincerity. "Sometimes, persistence is the only path."

Magnus observed her carefully, his instincts sensing there was more beneath the surface of her words. Still, he offered a small nod. "I can see that your efforts were not in vain," he remarked, his eyes flicking between the two of them. "You’ve certainly captured his attention."

Izaak sensed something off in Magnus’s behavior and narrowed his eyes. "Aren’t you getting late?" he asked, trying to break the tension.

Magnus nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I am. Will you see me out?"

"Of course," Izaak replied, casting a brief glance at Arabella. "Wait for me here."

"See you soon, Sister-in-law," Magnus said, offering Arabella a gentle bow before turning to leave.

Arabella watched them depart, her calm demeanor wavering slightly as she turned to her personal attendant. "Why didn’t you inform me about Prince Magnus’s arrival?" she asked, a hint of frustration in her voice.

The attendant bowed her head in apology. "Your Highness, no one knew he would come. His visit was unexpected."

Arabella’s expression faltered, and she bit her lip nervously. "I’ve heard rumors... that Prince Magnus can read minds. Is it true?"

The attendant hesitated before answering, her voice low. "Yes, Your Highness. It’s said that he has such an ability."

Arabella’s heart raced as her mind spiraled. ’I hope he didn’t read mine,’ she thought, panic gnawing at her. ’But Izaak loves me. He will always believe me... Why did I even come here? It’s as if I’m throwing an axe at my own feet.’

As they approached the carriage, Magnus halted and turned to face Izaak with a serious expression. "I hope you stop fooling yourself," he began, his voice steady but with an underlying weight. "You really need to understand what love is. And your wife, Arabella—she has some hidden motives as well."

Izaak’s brow furrowed deeply, confusion and a hint of irritation crossing his face. "What do you mean by that?" he demanded.

Magnus didn’t hesitate. "I can read minds, Brother. Arabella wants you to take over the throne."

"That’s absurd!" Izaak retorted, his voice rising defensively. "She’s not that kind of woman. Arabella is free of greed and—"

Magnus cut him off sharply. "Great! Don’t listen to me, then." His tone was biting, eyes narrowing as he read Izaak’s disbelief. "I’ve told you what I know, and I won’t force you to believe it. But don’t say I didn’t warn you."

Izaak opened his mouth to respond, but no words came. The idea that Arabella, the woman he had fallen for so deeply, could harbor such ambitions felt impossible. But Magnus’s words planted a seed of doubt that would be hard to ignore.

As the coachman closed the carriage door, Magnus leaned out of the window, his expression stern yet almost sympathetic toward his elder brother.

"Izaak, I never misread minds," Magnus spoke firmly, his words deliberate. "You should start paying attention, find out what Arabella is truly up to. And another thing—you told me earlier that you never had a vision about her. Are you absolutely sure she’s your destined mate?"

"I am," Izaak replied immediately, his voice steady, though doubt flickered in his mind. He wanted—needed—to believe in his love for Arabella more than anything else. He pushed aside the nagging uncertainty, unwilling to let Magnus’s words shake him further. "Go safely," he added, trying to close the conversation.

Magnus nodded but held Izaak’s gaze for a moment longer, as if silently urging him to reconsider. Then, with a final look, the carriage rolled forward, leaving Izaak standing alone, grappling with the unsettling thoughts in his mind.

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