The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 385: Marriage Proposal 2

Chapter 385: Marriage Proposal 2

"We’ve been prepared for this moment, Odin," Norman said, his laughter echoing through the room. "When Venus confided in us, we knew our decision was made." With a warm smile, he added, "We’re ready to give our daughter’s hand in marriage to you."

Alora approached Venus with a broad smile and wrapped her in a tight hug. "You should have told me sooner! When did this even start between the two of you?" she asked, her curiosity brimming as she held her sister close. As she gently pulled away, she guided Venus to sit beside Odin.

"Arthur, bring in the gifts," Odin called out, his voice steady and composed.

"Odin, I can’t believe you kept this from me!" Alora playfully complained, crossing her arms over her chest. "You shared this with Prince Magnus but not with your own sister-in-law? That’s not fair!"

"My apologies, Your Highness," Odin responded, inclining his head respectfully. "I wasn’t sure how to express my feelings to Venus at first, and I needed time to understand them myself."

"Alora, I think this started long before any of us realized," Norman interjected, turning to his elder daughter with a knowing look. "Your mother and I were just as surprised when Venus shared this with us the day before yesterday," he admitted, a soft chuckle escaping him as he recalled the moment.

"My lord, the gifts have arrived," Arthur informed Odin, who promptly rose from his seat.

"These are my humble offerings to Venus and her parents, a token of my respect and affection before the official wedding preparations commence. I hope you all find them pleasing, especially you, Venus," Odin said, his gaze softening as it fell on her.

Venus blushed deeply, her cheeks tinged with a warmth that everyone noticed, bringing smiles to their faces.

"Thank you, Lord Odin," Rhea responded, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "This gesture truly touches our hearts. Please, remain seated," she added, her smile widening as she gestured for Odin to sit back down.

Odin hummed in agreement and gracefully returned to his seat.

Alora watched her sister’s radiant smile, feeling a deep sense of joy and relief. She had always dreamed of her sister’s happiness, and seeing Odin in love with Venus gave her confidence that Venus had made the wisest decision of her life. Finally, Venus was on the path to the happy married life she had always longed for.

Magnus, observing the scene, glanced at Alora with admiration. He was pleased that Odin had taken his advice to heart and followed his true feelings.

"Mr. Wilson, my friend Odin will undoubtedly keep your daughter happy," Magnus asserted with a respectful yet amused tone. "I believe Mr. and Mrs. Wilson should consider setting an auspicious date for the wedding soon. Odin seems quite eager to be with Venus."

"Is that so, Odin?" Alora teased with a playful grin, clearly enjoying the moment. "You love my sister that much?" she asked, unable to resist poking fun at Odin while savoring the happy scene before her.

~~~~~

Later that afternoon, Magnus and Odin found themselves alone in the serene garden of the Wilson Residence, enjoying a rare moment of privacy.

"So, how did you arrive at this decision so quickly?" Magnus asked, swirling the wine in his glass thoughtfully before bringing it to his lips for a sip. "I expected you to take weeks, maybe even longer, to acknowledge your feelings."

"Your Highness, you helped clear my mind," Odin replied, his voice steady as he gazed at the garden’s vibrant blooms. "I was tormenting myself, caught in a web of doubt. But when the Ambermoon Festival came, I decided to pursue Venus. I realized it was time to be honest with myself—and with her—about what I truly feel."

Magnus nodded, a pleased smile playing on his lips as he finally took a sip of his wine. "That’s good, Odin. You made the right choice," he said approvingly. "But tell me, how does it feel to be in love? I know you’ve been alone for so long, indifferent to many emotions, and quite stern in your ways."

Odin paused, contemplating his answer. "It’s...different, Your Highness," he began slowly. "For years, I’ve been focused on duty, keeping my emotions at bay, especially after I lost my family. Love was something I thought I could never afford. But with Venus, it feels like a part of me that was dormant has finally awakened. It’s both overwhelming and liberating—like I’m rediscovering what it means to be alive."

Magnus listened intently, his gaze fixed on Odin. "That’s the power of love," he remarked, his tone softening. "It changes you in ways you never expected. I’m glad you’ve found it, Odin. And I’m even more glad that you’re embracing it."

Odin nodded, a rare smile touching his lips. "I have you to thank for that, Your Highness. Your advice made me realize what I was too afraid to admit to myself."

Magnus raised his glass in a silent toast, his eyes shining with pride and warmth for his friend.

"It’s good to see everything around me finally brightening up. Perhaps I should attribute it to Alora’s entrance into my life?" Magnus chuckled, savoring the last sip of his wine.

Odin smiled and hummed in agreement. "That’s certainly true. I recall the first time Princess Alora was brought to your estate. She’s proven to be a blessing to those around her, not the curse all feared except for you," he asserted, his tone filled with admiration.

Magnus nodded, reflecting on Odin’s words. "Alora now radiates like a star," he continued, his voice full of pride. "She’s become something far greater than she ever could have within the confines of this place. The transformation is remarkable."

He paused, a thoughtful smile spreading across his face. "I can’t believe it, Odin—two men who once showed no interest in women are now about to become in-laws," he said with a delighted chuckle. "Life certainly has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it?"

Odin’s smile deepened. "Indeed it does, Your Highness. We’ve both found happiness in places we never expected. It’s a strange but welcome twist of fate."