The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 213: Have you no shame, Odin?

Chapter 213: Have you no shame, Odin?

"Perhaps I should pay a visit to Alora at the palace. She must be fraught with worry after the events of last night," Venus suggested to her parents, her voice laced with concern.

Norman, however, had a different perspective. "I believe we should maintain a certain decorum now that she’s married. Frequent visits to the palace might not be appropriate. Instead, let’s pen a letter to Alora, inquiring about Prince Magnus’s well-being," he proposed, his tone reflecting his belief in the importance of respecting boundaries after marriage.

"But Father, they would welcome our concern, not resent it," Venus countered, her eyes seeking support from her mother.

"Perhaps it would be best to send Venus to the palace, my Lord. Prince Magnus has grown accustomed to our visits," Rhea suggested, her voice gentle yet persuasive. Norman, after a moment of contemplation, gave his assent, but not without a word of caution for Venus to return before dusk.

"Rest assured, Father, I will be back before the evening falls," Venus assured him, then turned to her mother, "Mother, is there anything you wish for me to take to Alora?"

"Yes, indeed. My Lord, would you accompany our daughter to the carriage? I shall fetch some items from the kitchen for Alora," Rhea instructed, before excusing herself from the room.

Norman and Venus stepped outside, where he gave the coachman explicit instructions to ensure a safe journey to the palace. He also assigned two soldiers to accompany his daughter, a precautionary measure that underscored his protective nature.

However, their preparations were interrupted by the sudden appearance of Odin.

Norman greeted him promptly, a warm smile gracing his features. Venus, however, wore a frown at the sight of Odin, her expression a stark contrast to her father’s.

"Where might Miss Venus be off to?" Odin asked, his gaze shifting between Norman and Venus.

"She’s on her way to the palace, to visit her sister," Norman responded.

"I’ll accompany her," Odin declared, to which Norman readily agreed. By this time, Rhea had emerged from the house, accompanied by the maids. She greeted Odin warmly and instructed the maids to place the baskets inside the carriage. Turning to Odin, she asked, "What brings Mr. Odin here so unexpectedly?"

Odin was taken aback, realizing that Venus hadn’t informed them of his new assignment - to keep a watchful eye on their family, especially on Venus.

"I believe it would be prudent to depart before Princess Alora becomes engrossed in her council duties. After all, she is a member of the Vampire Council," Odin deflected Lady Rhea’s question, subtly changing the subject. "The presence of soldiers won’t be necessary, Norman," he added.

"Very well. Venus, please board the carriage," Norman instructed. Venus, however, hesitated at the threshold of the carriage.

The prospect of sharing the confined space with Odin was far from appealing. She found Griffin’s company more pleasant, even in casual conversation.

Odin, on the other hand, had a knack for being blunt to the point of rudeness. Yet, she had no choice but to comply with her father’s directive. She settled inside the carriage on one of the sides.

"Odin, your assistance is appreciated," Norman expressed, his eyes following Odin as he stepped into the ornate carriage.

The coachman secured the door from the outside, a firm click echoing in the silence, before guiding the horses towards the grandeur of the palace.

Inside the confines of the carriage, Venus found solace in the passing scenery outside the window, her gaze steadfastly avoiding Odin’s imposing figure. She remained silent, her attention seemingly captivated by the world beyond the carriage.

Odin, however, was not one to be ignored. His voice, cold and commanding, filled the carriage. "Such audacity, Venus, to disregard my presence. Have you forgotten your courtesies? There was a time when you would greet me upon our meetings," he remarked, his words laced with an undertone of menace.

Venus turned her gaze towards him, her eyes meeting his. "Perhaps, Odin, it is you who needs a reminder. You were the first to abandon formalities and greetings. I merely followed suit," she retorted with a newfound assertiveness.

A muscle in Odin’s jaw twitched visibly, silent evidence of the impact of her words.

"Seems like you’ve forgotten your days in the dungeon, pleading for your release," Odin retorted, his voice a chilling reminder of a past Venus wished to forget. This was the reason for her disdain towards him. He had a habit of belittling her, making her relive the horrors of her past.

Odin’s lips curled into a smile, his amusement evident. "I see a shift in your demeanor," he observed, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Perhaps it’s you who needs to reassess your appalling attitude, Odin," Venus retorted, her words sharp and pointed.

Odin’s smirk widened at her response. "Well, it seems my attitude only deteriorates in your presence," he quipped, his smirk never leaving his face.

"Then, stop talking to me. Why did you even sit in the same carriage as me? Your presence is irksome, Odin," Venus’s words erupted from her, a rare display of anger. It had been a long time since she had allowed her temper to flare up like this. Her outburst was a clear indication of her annoyance with Odin.

"Perhaps I should tether you to the back of the carriage? That might prove entertaining. You’ve become quite the chatterbox lately," Odin taunted, his words laced with an attempt to intimidate her.

Venus, however, was not one to be easily cowed. "So, you’re resorting to threats of violence against a human and a woman at that. Have you no shame, Odin? Or are you simply too cowardly to withstand the words of a mere mortal?" she shot back, her eyebrows arched in defiance. His constant provocations had finally worn thin her patience. She was determined not to let him trample over her dignity any longer.

"What did you say?" His hand instinctively shot out, aiming to wrap around her slender neck, but he reminded himself she was Alora’s sister.

Venus, on the other hand, watched his actions with a furrowed brow, a mix of confusion and defiance playing on her features. "Unfortunate for you, isn’t it?" she retorted, her voice laced with a daring challenge.

"You can’t lay a finger on me, can you? Or else, I’ll make sure Prince Magnus, my esteemed brother-in-law, hears about this," she added, her words carrying a threat this time.

A chuckle escaped Odin’s lips, a sound devoid of any warmth. He ran his fingers leisurely through his hair, a gesture of nonchalance. "Go ahead, Venus," he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.

"Do you honestly believe Prince Magnus is oblivious to our interactions? He won’t utter a word against me, because, let’s face it, he despises you," he declared, a triumphant smirk playing on his lips.

Venus, on the other hand, found herself averting her gaze, her eyes unable to meet his. Her fingers fidgeted nervously with the hem of her dress, a clear sign of her discomfort.

A wave of desolation washed over her, a direct result of Odin’s relentless harshness. His words, intended to wound, had found their mark, leaving her feeling small and insignificant.

~~~~

Author’s Corner: (A small insight to future)

Odin- I can’t believe my heart flutters to see her. I think I’m infected with a disease. Out of all women, I can’t fall for her.