The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 289: No fondness for humans

Chapter 289: No fondness for humans

Venus rapped lightly on the door before gently pushing it open, revealing Odin seated in a grand, high-backed chair, absorbed in deciphering a parchment. The room was bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, casting flickering shadows on the ancient tomes that lined the shelves.

As Odin lowered the parchment and glanced up, his piercing gaze met Venus standing timidly in the doorway. His expression softened slightly, though his demeanor remained stern.

"What do you want?" Odin asked with curiosity.

Venus took a tentative step into the room, closing the heavy oak door behind her with a soft click. She nervously clasped her hands together, her gaze shifting momentarily to the intricate patterns of the rug beneath her feet.

"Umm..." Venus began as she struggled to articulate her thoughts.

Realizing her hesitation, Odin’s stern facade softened just a fraction. "I can’t read minds," he reminded her.

Taking a deep breath, Venus gathered her resolve. "Tomorrow is my parents’ 30th anniversary," she finally blurted out, her words rushing forth in a nervous torrent. "I... I want to organize a small party for them."

Odin found it amusing. "Why are you even sharing it with me? And have you forgotten about the witch?" he asked, setting the parchment on the small table.

"I don’t think the witch should affect my parents’ anniversary," Venus stated.

"Why do you even want to organize a party, which can bring you and your parents into humiliation?" He arched his eyebrows. He reminded her once again how people might speak about Venus’s past actions. "Don’t you think it’s better to celebrate within your people?" he suggested.

Venus hummed and turned around to leave.

"I’m not done yet," Odin said.

"You’ve already said what you wanted to," Venus murmured quietly, her fingers lingering on the doorknob. She felt Odin’s hand gently grasp her wrist, holding her in place. Tilting her head slightly, she met his gaze with curiosity.

"Do you have a habit of hearing only half of what people say?" Odin questioned softly.

Venus sighed, sensing there was more he wanted to impart. "Go on," she prompted, giving him permission to continue.

"You should invite your sister for this anniversary," Odin suggested thoughtfully. "And perhaps it’s best to celebrate with your family rather than involving outsiders who may seek to ridicule you."

"They’ll never forget what I’ve done," Venus replied, her voice tinged with resignation. "Should I always hide from them?"

"No," Odin countered firmly. "Instead of hiding, you should learn to ignore them. Why subject yourself to unnecessary stress by listening to their negativity?"

Venus considered his words carefully, her brow furrowing in thought. She knew he spoke from experience and a desire to protect her. Deep down, she understood the wisdom in his advice, even if it wasn’t easy to follow.

"I understand," Venus said calmly, gently indicating for Odin to release her hand. He complied swiftly, withdrawing his grip from her wrist with a nod of acknowledgment.

"Odin, I have a question for you. Please answer truthfully," Venus stated.

"Hmm, go ahead," Odin granted her permission.

"Why haven’t you married yet?" Venus asked directly, her curiosity genuine. "You won’t stay here forever, I believe," she added softly, a hint of concern threading through her words.

Odin’s eyebrow arched slightly at the unexpected question. "Why? Do you want me to stay here forever?" he countered, his tone carrying a touch of amusement mixed with curiosity.

"Huh? No!" Venus responded quickly, realizing her wording might have been misconstrued. "Never mind. I’ll leave now," she said hurriedly, a slight flush coloring her cheeks as she turned to make her exit.

"I haven’t felt attraction toward anyone so far," Odin replied with a hint of melancholy, his gaze distant as he recalled memories long past. "The one I had feelings for passed away a long time ago."

Venus looked at him with sadness. "Oh. That’s heartbreaking to hear," she whispered sympathetically. "Was she human?" Venus asked softly, trying to understand more about Odin’s past.

"No. I have no fondness for humans," Odin replied bluntly, his voice tinged with a touch of disdain. "She was a vampire," he stated.

"Hmm. I understand," Venus murmured gently, sensing the solemnity of Odin’s revelation. "I’ll take my leave now," she affirmed softly, giving him a nod of respect before turning to leave.

"So, what plans do you have for your parents’ anniversary?" Odin inquired, his demeanor softening as he regarded Venus with genuine interest.

"I’ll call my sister myself. Can we go this evening to invite her?" Venus asked eagerly, her eyes hopeful as she looked to Odin for confirmation.

"Her Highness is currently not in the palace. I’ll let you know as soon as I receive word of her return," Odin replied calmly, his voice carrying a touch of reassurance amidst Venus’s anticipation.

Venus furrowed her brows, concern flickering across her features. "Where has she gone?" she pressed, her curiosity tinged with a hint of apprehension about her sister’s whereabouts.

Odin hesitated briefly, weighing his words. "She’s attending to some matters outside the palace," he explained carefully, choosing not to disclose more details for the moment.

Venus nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "What matters?"

"That’s none of your concern," Odin affirmed.

"Why do you always give me half information?" Venus’s tone betrayed a hint of irritation as she unfolded her arms, clearly unsettled by Odin’s vague responses. "Where did Alora and Prince Magnus go?" she pressed, her concern growing more evident with each passing moment.

"I’ve already mentioned they may return in the evening. I will inform Princess Alora about your plans for tomorrow," Odin replied calmly, his voice steady despite Venus’s frustration.

Venus narrowed her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "As Alora’s sister, I deserve to know where she is," she asserted firmly, her arms crossing over her chest once more in a gesture of defiance and concern.

"Qasima has summoned Princess Alora to see her," Odin finally revealed. "The evil witch has promised to cease her attacks on humans once she has seen Princess Alora," he added solemnly, knowing the news would weigh heavily on Venus.

"Will Alora be safe?" Venus asked.

"I think so. Her Highness possesses magical eyes, after all," Odin replied.

"Hmm." Venus had herself seen the power of those eyes, however, she was still anxious for Alora.