Chapter 1: ’Curse of Velaris’
In a lavishly adorned chamber, a quartet of individuals sat in conversation while maids tended to their tea service.
"Lord Norman, your eldest daughter is the reason why no one is giving the hand of their son to your second daughter," the matchmaker delicately broached the subject after providing a thorough explanation of the situation.
"Why doesn't Lord Norman consider arranging for Miss Alora to reside elsewhere? In the countryside?" the matchmaker inquired, seeking a resolution to the issue.
In the Kingdom of Velaris, everyone knew about the high chancellor's eldest daughter, Alora Wilson. The moment she was born and opened her eyes to look, two people were burned into ashes because of her gaze. Since then she was labeled as the 'Curse of Velaris'.
The High Chancellor furrowed his brows together and looked at his wife. "Alora should not become the reason for doom to our other kids. Again, because of Alora, we cannot get a marriage proposal for Venus," Norman discussed with his wife, Rhea Wilson. He was tired of finding proposals for Venus since nobody seemed ready to take her as a daughter-in-law of their house.
Alora, who was standing outside the room, with her eyes covered with a white silk blindfold, heard the entire conversation between her parents. She accepted how her curse affected her younger sister's life.
"I want my Alora to get married too. Once she is married, I know Venus will also get a good household," Rhea stated optimistically. As a mother, she was concerned more for Alora than anyone.
"Lady Rhea, I understand your concern. However, there's no one born to marry Miss Alora. Unfortunately, she has to live an aloof life. Miss Venus is good at everything. She is a choice among noble gentlemen in the kingdom," the matchmaker explained the depth of the concern to them.
"Rhea, we kept Alora alive because of you. She should have been dead the day she was born," said Madam Aubrey in a displeased tone. She is Norman's mother and Alora's grandmother.
"Mother, I request you not to say this about my daughter," Rhea urged.
Madam Aubrey snickered. "You think it is easy for me to say such a big thing. What good has Alora brought to us? I told you Norman not to listen to your wife that day. Venus and Elliot's lives are affected because of Alora. If you two want happiness in this house, then send away that cursed child from here. I'm tired of seeing her face every day." Madam Aubrey didn't hesitate to talk bitterly about her eldest granddaughter.