The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 366: Does that annoy you?

Chapter 366: Does that annoy you?

"Why didn’t you two include me in your plans?" Izaak asked, appearing suddenly before them in the corridor. His sharp gaze fixed on Alora, a hint of hurt in his eyes. "Am I not your friend anymore? That’s too bad, Alora," he complained, his tone light but carrying an edge of genuine disappointment.

"Aren’t you busy with Melody these days? I’ve been hearing how the Eldest Prince is quite occupied with his romantic endeavors. That’s why I thought it best not to disturb you with this matter," Magnus replied smoothly, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

Izaak chuckled, amused by the idea that palace servants were still gossiping about his every move. It was a constant in his life—one he had grown accustomed to over the years.

"Alora, I’m angry with you," Izaak said, turning his attention back to her with a mock pout. "You’d better make it up to your elder brother with something nice."

Alora looked up at him, genuinely puzzled. "What can I do to pamper you, Brother Izaak? I have nothing with me," she said earnestly.

Magnus, not missing a beat, chimed in with a playful grin, "Why don’t you ask your soon-to-be wife to pamper you instead of bothering mine?"

Izaak laughed, shaking his head at Magnus’s remark. His hand pointed at Alora and he said, "Alora considers me as her elder brother."

"Brother Izaak, as Prince Magnus mentioned, we didn’t wish to disturb anyone. That’s why we handled the matter ourselves before presenting it to the King. I apologize for not involving you in the plan," Alora said humbly.

"You don’t need to apologize," Izaak muttered, his gaze shifting to Magnus. "Your husband looks ready to fight with me after hearing that," he added, nodding toward Magnus.

"Brother Izaak, Magnus wouldn’t do that," Alora assured him gently.

Izaak chuckled, shaking his head. "Alora, you forget too easily. Remember the time when Magnus hit me with a vase? I think it was when you two were living in that separate residence."

Magnus, growing impatient, interjected, "We’re leaving as we’re tired. We can talk about this later." Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked ahead.

Alora quickly bowed to Izaak before hurrying after Magnus. Catching up to him, she gently slipped her arm through his, linking them together. "Why do you always act so cold when you meet Brother Izaak? He’s so sweet," she said softly, glancing up at him.

Magnus shrugged slightly. "He talks a lot sometimes. I prefer silence," he replied, his tone casual.

"Really?" Alora tilted her head to study his face, curiosity in her eyes. "But I talk a lot too. Does that annoy you?"

Magnus chuckled, a rare warmth in his voice. "Absolutely not. You’re different, Alora. I like it when you talk, so don’t stop," he assured her, his gaze softening as he spoke.

Alora smiled to herself, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Before long, they reached their chamber. Selvina greeted them with a respectful bow as they entered.

"We’ll be resting. Please see that we’re not disturbed until evening," Magnus instructed, his voice firm yet polite.

Selvina bowed once more and quietly exited, closing the door behind her.

~~~~~

Venus carefully poured the tea and served it to her father, Norman, before preparing to leave the room. Just as she was about to step away, Norman’s voice stopped her. "Sit down for a moment," he urged gently. She hesitated but then nodded, placing the tray on the table before sitting across from him, her hands resting uneasily in her lap.

Norman took a sip of the tea, his eyes studying her closely. "You seem lost and troubled these days. Is everything alright?" he asked, setting the cup down with a soft clink against the saucer.

Venus forced a smile, trying to reassure him. "Yes, Father. Everything is fine with me," she replied, hoping to hide the uncertainty that lingered beneath her calm exterior.

Norman sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Venus, I know I haven’t always been the most attentive father. I was often too absorbed in my own matters, neglecting the needs of my children and then getting angry at them later. I know you’re afraid of me, but you don’t have to be. If something is bothering you, please tell me," he said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.

Venus met his gaze, the weight of his words pressing on her heart. "Father, I’m really fine. Trust me. If there were anything wrong, I would have told you," she insisted, her voice steady though her emotions wavered beneath the surface. "I know I’ve made mistakes in the past, naive ones, but I’ve learned from them. I won’t let you down again."

Norman searched her eyes for any sign of deception or hidden pain. After a moment, he nodded slowly, accepting her words, though not entirely convinced. He picked up his cup once more, taking a measured sip as he allowed the conversation to settle into silence.

Venus, relieved yet still uneasy, stood and collected the tray, excusing herself quietly. She walked to the kitchen, where the clatter of dishes and the murmurs of servants greeted her. Her mother was busy directing the staff, ensuring everything was in place for dinner. Venus placed the tray on the counter, her movements quiet and deliberate, unnoticed by her mother.

Without a word, she turned and slipped out of the kitchen, her steps taking her to the garden. The evening air was cool, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves. She wandered among the flowers, seeking solace in the tranquil surroundings, her mind heavy with thoughts she couldn’t yet share.

Looking into the fountain water, glowing because of the lanterns around, she gazed at her own reflection. "Am I that hateful in his eyes? Why he can’t see the good in me? I am no longer the person I was once. And Odin’s words deeply hurt me from the beginning," she murmured to herself. For some reason, Venus wanted to be good in Odin’s eyes because she wanted to prove him wrong.