Ch. 366..370: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 366-370

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.

Chapter 367: Even the smallest happiness

Later that evening, after Alora woke from her rest, she found herself sitting in the quiet comfort of the chamber with Selvina. The soft glow of the setting sun bathed the room in a warm light as Magnus had already left to discuss matters with his brothers.

As they sat together, Selvina shifted slightly in her seat, her expression uncertain. "Princess Alora, there’s something I need to talk to you about," she began, her voice tinged with hesitation.

Alora turned to her, curiosity piqued by the unease in Selvina’s tone. "What is it, Selvina? You can speak freely," she encouraged, offering a gentle smile.

Selvina hesitated for a moment, as if gathering the courage to speak. Finally, she blurted out, "Umm... Prince Magnus’s friend asked me out."

Alora’s eyes widened in surprise, taken aback by the unexpected revelation. "What? Who?" she asked, her astonishment clear as she tried to process what Selvina had just said.

Selvina glanced down, her cheeks flushing slightly as she gathered the courage to continue. "It’s Lord Griffin," she confessed. "He told me that Princess Alora mentioned I’m not seeing anyone at the moment. So, he gave me some time to think about it," she asserted, her voice quiet but steady.

Alora’s eyes widened as she immediately recalled her conversation with Griffin. Her mouth opened in surprise. "I-I did mention it to him once. You had shared with me how you wish to settle down and start a family of your own. When Griffin asked if I knew someone suitable, I suggested your name," she explained, her excitement evident as she anticipated Selvina’s response.

But to Alora’s surprise, Selvina didn’t share her enthusiasm. Instead, she looked hesitant and a certain pain was visible in her eyes.

"Your Highness," Selvina began, "I don’t have such grand ambitions. What I mean is, I come from a servant class, while Lord Griffin holds a much higher status. If things don’t go well between us, I’m the one who would suffer. I never told you this before, Princess Alora, but I once loved a man of higher social standing. He betrayed me. I was heartbroken and humiliated. Since then, I’ve been wary of getting involved with someone above my limit," she elaborated, revealing a deeply personal and painful part of her past.

Alora’s excitement faded, replaced by empathy and understanding as she listened to Selvina’s words. She reached out and gently took Selvina’s hand, her eyes filled with concern. "Selvina, I’m so sorry. I had no idea you went through something like that," Alora said softly, her heart aching for her attendant.

"Don’t apologise, Princess." Selvina shook her head and thanked her for her understanding.

Alora wished to speak from Griffin’s behalf, but she felt that Selvina had some wounds which should not be touched for now.

"Your Highness, please deliver my decision to Lord Griffin. I have to refuse for this. I urge you not to disclose all that," Selvina said humbly.

"Don’t worry, Selvina. Your secret will stay with me. However, I still want to tell you that Griffin is really a nice man. I will tell your decision to him," Alora affirmed, giving her a smile.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Selvina felt relieved because it was the best decision for her.

~~~~~

"Now that the witches have agreed, I believe the majority of our problems are solved," Izaak remarked, casually swirling the wine in his glass, his tone reflecting a sense of relief.

"Indeed," Alaric chimed in, a bright smile spreading across his face. "Alora has done a remarkable job. We owe her a great deal for this success."

Magnus, leaning back in his chair, let out a chuckle, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Who knows what the future holds. But I must say, things have taken a rather adventurous turn lately. Don’t you think? For so many years, nothing exciting ever seemed to happen around here."

Izaak nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "That’s true. Our lives had become somewhat dull, predictable even. But now... it feels like we’re on the brink of something new," he mused, taking a sip from his glass.

"I’ve also moved on," Alaric confided, his voice steady as he shared something personal with his brothers. "Now, when I wake up in the morning, I no longer dwell on the past. I’ve realized that I don’t want to keep dragging myself down. That’s why, even the smallest happiness—I’m ready to embrace it fully with Scarlet," he asserted, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

Izaak looked at him with a mix of surprise and approval, his eyes narrowing slightly as he teased, "That’s great, Alaric. It’s about time you understood that there’s more to life than just work. But I still hear from Jasper how you’ve been sneaking in some extra work on the side," he added, squinting playfully as he finished off the wine in his cup.

Alaric chuckled, shaking his head. "I don’t do that anymore, Brother," he proclaimed, his tone firm but lighthearted. "I’ve learned to set boundaries—finally," he added with a grin.

"I thought you’d be the first to give us some good news, Magnus," Izaak teased, turning his attention to their youngest brother with a playful grin. "I’m eager to see my nephew or niece. So, when’s that going to happen?"

Magnus chuckled, shaking his head as he met Izaak’s gaze. "I don’t know, Brother Izaak. How am I supposed to know?" he replied, his tone light and amused.

Izaak smiled, hiding the secret he held close to his heart—the vision he had seen of Magnus cradling a baby in his arms. It was a moment too precious to share just yet, a glimpse of the future that he knew would unfold in its own time. Some moments, after all, were meant to be kept as cherished secrets. This was one of them—a special moment waiting to happen.

Magnus, unaware of the thoughts running through Izaak’s mind, simply laughed off the comment. Magnus didn’t read his brother’s mind, so he remained blissfully ignorant of the secret news Izaak harbored.

Chapter 368: Ambermoon Festival 1

"Rhea, I think our daughter might be in trouble again," Norman remarked as the two strolled through the vast garden that surrounded their estate in the early morning light.

"I asked Venus if she was feeling well, but she hasn’t been very responsive," Rhea replied, a note of concern in her voice. "Do you think she might need a change of scenery? Perhaps we should take her somewhere new."

Norman sighed, his expression thoughtful. "I believe she’s feeling lonely, dear."

"That could very well be the case," Rhea agreed, her worry deepening. "Most of her friends are married and settling into their lives. Just yesterday, I heard from one of her friend’s mothers that their daughter is expecting. I can’t help but think we could have made a more informed decision when arranging Venus’s marriage. So much has happened since then, and it feels like Venus has been losing herself little by little."

Norman nodded, his expression turning somber. "That was my mistake too. Now, it was all in the past. Regretting it won’t give us any results," he asserted. "I have a thought lately," he added.

"What is it?" Rhea asked, eager to hear his idea.

"Why don’t we invite Alora and Prince Magnus to visit?" Norman suggested. "Prince Magnus has the ability to read minds and he can see what Venus is truly going through. What do you think?" He waited for Rhea’s response, watching her closely.

"That’s a wonderful idea, my Lord. I’ll send a messenger later today. Hopefully, they’ll be available," Rhea replied, her tone hopeful.

"Alora always makes time for us; don’t worry about that," Norman assured her. "As much as Venus insists she’s not interested in marriage, I can tell she’s envious of those around her who have found happiness. I can feel it," he said with conviction.

Rhea nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting her shared concern. "I feel the same way. Venus’s marriage ended before it ever really began," she murmured as her voice almost cracked in pain.

"That’s why we need to do something for her," Norman remarked as he resolved to improve his second daughter’s life.

"I think we should go back," Rhea said.

"Yes, we should," Norman replied and they went back to their residence.

~~~~~

Over breakfast, Venus mentioned to her parents that she planned to go out. "I attend the Ambermoon Festival every year, and since today marks the first day, I’d like to go," Venus informed them.

"Of course, you should go," her father, Norman, encouraged, hoping the outing would lift her spirits. "But be cautious. It’s not just humans who gather at this festival," he advised, his tone both warm and concerned.

Venus smiled reassuringly. "I understand, Father. I’ll be careful. I’ll return before evening, so there’s no need to worry about me," she assured them.

"Hmm. Take some money from your mother and enjoy yourself," Norman said, his voice gentle.

"Of course," Rhea smiled warmly at Venus, urging her to finish her breakfast quickly.

Once they had all finished their meal, Norman excused himself, mentioning he had a meeting outside, while Venus headed upstairs to get ready. She took her time brushing her hair, then placed the comb on the dressing table and admired her reflection in the mirror. Satisfied with how she looked, she smiled and headed downstairs, where Rhea was already waiting.

Rhea handed Venus a small pouch filled with coins. "Thank you, Mother," Venus said, grateful.

"I wish Alora were here. She’s never had the chance to attend this festival. Maybe she can join me on the final day. Mother, could you send her a message?" Venus requested hopefully.

"I will, dear. Enjoy the festival, but remember, stay away from isolated places," Rhea cautioned.

"I promise I won’t," Venus replied, waving a goodbye before stepping into the carriage that awaited her, ready to take her to the bustling market.

Venus finally arrived at the bustling market, where the vibrant energy of the Ambermoon Festival filled the air. She made her way through the throngs of people, her senses overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and scents of the celebration.

The heart of the market, where a grand magic show was typically held, drew her attention, and she eagerly moved toward the center.

This wasn’t the kind of magic practiced by witches or mystical beings, but rather the skillful illusions crafted by human performers—clever tricks designed to captivate and bewilder the crowd. The area was already packed with onlookers, their excited chatter creating a lively atmosphere.

Determined to get a good view, Venus gently maneuvered her way through the crowd, nudging past people until she stood at the front, where she could clearly see the performers. Two young women stood on a small platform, their eyes gleaming with excitement as they prepared to begin their act. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, their cheers rising as they urged the performers on.

Cards appeared from thin air, coins vanished only to reappear in unexpected places, and objects floated as if by magic. The crowd’s cheers grew louder with each successful trick, their enthusiasm fueling the performers’ energy, making the show all the more mesmerizing.

As the performance ended, a young boy came forward with his hat, collecting donations from the appreciative crowd. Some people dropped coins into the hat, while others simply walked away. Venus smiled and placed two coins inside, then moved on.

"That was a wonderful performance," she murmured to herself, her smile lingering as she strolled through the bustling market. Her steps soon brought her to a sweet stall, where a delightful array of confections was on display, their sugary aromas filling the air.

"What would you like to buy, Miss?" the seller asked, his voice warm and inviting.

"Two honey cakes and two sesame sweets, please," Venus replied.

The man quickly wrapped the treats in a small envelope and accepted the four coins she handed him. Venus thanked him and began enjoying one of the honey cakes as she continued walking. The sweet, rich flavor melted on her tongue, adding to the pleasantness of the day.

As she wandered through the market, Venus suddenly remembered the stunt show she had planned to see. "I almost forgot about the stunt show," she murmured, picking up her pace. But in her haste, she accidentally bumped into someone, causing the envelope of sweets to slip from her hands and spill onto the ground.

"Can’t you watch where you’re going?" the man she collided with snapped, his voice filled with irritation as he stormed away without a second glance.

"My sweets," Venus murmured, looking down at the scattered treats with a sigh of disappointment. She considered buying them again and was about to turn back to the stall when she noticed a group of familiar faces—some of her friends—gathered around the same sweet stall.

A sudden wave of anxiety washed over her, and without a second thought, she quickly turned away, her heart pounding as she walked in the opposite direction, hoping to avoid any awkward encounters with them.

She came to an abrupt halt when a man suddenly stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

"Your habit of running away hasn’t changed, has it?" he remarked in a mocking tone, his voice dripping with condescension.

Venus’s heart skipped a beat as she recognized him. The familiar taunt could came from only one man.

Chapter 369: Ambermoon Festival 2

Venus lifted her head and found herself staring into Odin’s stoic eyes. As usual his expression was unreadable. Without a word, she walked past him, acting as though he didn’t exist in her world.

Odin’s lips curled into a faint smile as he watched her reaction, amused by her attempt to ignore him. He began to follow her, his footsteps calm and measured.

’Why is he following me?’ Venus thought, her mind racing. She quickly approached a stall where various women’s beauty accessories were displayed, hoping to lose him among the crowd.

She picked up a hair clip, her gaze discreetly shifting to see if Odin was still there. To her dismay, he was standing nearby, his eyes locked on her with an intensity that made her heart race.

"Do you want this one, Miss?" the lady shopkeeper asked in her kind voice.

"I’ll check a few more," Venus replied. She didn’t particularly care for the clip’s quality, but she was desperate to avoid Odin’s piercing gaze. She pretended to search for a better option, her fingers grazing over the assortment of clips on display.

Without warning, Odin reached out and picked up a hair clip, one he selected at random. He stepped closer, placing it gently on Venus’s head. The women nearby began to whisper among themselves, their giggles filling the air, adding to Venus’s discomfort.

"I think this one will look better on you," Odin remarked, his tone confident and almost possessive as he adjusted the clip in her hair.

"This pearl one is quite expensive, Mister," the lady shopkeeper chimed in, her voice oozing with politeness. "But for a young lady with a face as radiant as the moon, this clip will certainly enhance her beauty."

Odin barely acknowledged the flattery, his focus solely on Venus. "How much does it cost?" he asked, his hand already reaching for his pouch, ready to pay whatever it took.

Venus had had enough. "I don’t like it," she snapped, her voice sharp as she pushed the clip away, her patience with Odin’s intrusion wearing thin.

"Then, which one do you like?" Odin asked.

"This pearl one is truly the best," the lady shopkeeper interjected, sensing an opportunity. She had recognized Odin as an elite Vampire and knew she could get a handsome price from him.

"No one," Venus replied curtly, her frustration boiling over. Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away in a haste. Her anger clouded her thoughts, and she didn’t realize where she was headed until her feet abruptly came to a halt.

Venus looked around, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her. In her haste to escape Odin, she had wandered into the weapon market—a place notorious for being frequented by men.

The stalls were lined with swords, daggers, and other lethal tools, their gleaming edges reflecting the muted light. The atmosphere was tense, a contrast to the vibrant energy of the main market. It was darker here, not because of the lighting, but because of the heavy, ominous aura that surrounded this place.

She felt the stares from the men around her only adding to her discomfort. Realizing her mistake, Venus took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Steeling herself, she turned to leave, hoping to slip away quietly. But as she began to walk, a group of men with cutlasses in hand suddenly blocked her path.

"It seems you’ve lost your way, girl," said a tall man with a large belly, his voice thick with mockery as he twirled the ends of his bushy mustache.

"No," Venus replied, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her. "I only need to go straight ahead in this direction, Uncle," she added, hoping to defuse the situation by feigning confidence.

The sound of swords being sharpened on stones echoed through the narrow alley, each scrape sending a chill down her spine. Her heart pounded even harder, but she forced herself to maintain her composure.

Bowing her head slightly in a gesture of respect, she excused herself and began to walk forward, praying that the men would let her pass without further trouble.

As Venus hurried through the narrow alley, the oppressive atmosphere pressed in on her from all sides. She could feel the men’s eyes boring into her back, but she resisted the urge to look back, focusing instead on reaching the safety of the main market.

Finally, she reached the end of the alley and dared to glance over her shoulder, her hand instinctively clutching her chest as she tried to reassure herself that no one was following her. Just as she began to relax, she collided with something—or rather, someone.

A scream escaped her lips as she stumbled back in fear, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest.

"Are you an idiot?" Venus yelled, her voice trembling as she tried to steady her breaths.

"Ah, now you’re talking," Odin remarked with a smirk. "So, I’m not invisible to you after all," he added, his tone laced with amusement.

Venus glared at him, her frustration mounting. "What do you want now?" she demanded, her hand dropping to her side in resignation.

"You act so cold, yet you’re just a little kitten on the inside," Odin teased, a playful glint in his eyes. Before Venus could react, he reached out, his hand brushing gently against her hair.

He placed the hair clip he had chosen earlier between her strands, securing it with a delicate touch. Venus stood frozen, bewilderment flashing across her face as she stared at him, unsure whether to push him away or demand an explanation.

"Stay still," Odin commanded, his voice firm as he locked eyes with Venus. Despite her instinct to pull away, something in his gaze made her pause, and she remained motionless.

As Odin finished adjusting the hairpin, he took a moment to regard her, his thoughts betraying a hint of admiration. ’I can’t deny she is beautiful,’ he mused inwardly.

"I don’t need any hairpin from you," Venus said defiantly, reaching up to remove it. But before she could, Odin swiftly caught her wrist in mid-air. His grip was firm, and with a hiss of irritation, he drew her closer.

Chapter 370: Ambermoon Festival 3

Venus stomach churned the moment Odin drew her close. This peculiar feeling was very new to her. Her breath caught in her throat for a second, her eyes widened at his gesture.

"You can’t do that," Odin said, his eyes darted at hers before lowering to her lips. "I don’t allow for it."

"Why?" Venus asked.

However, Odin didn’t answer it. Instead, he pulled away and started walking away while dragging her behind him. Finally, they were again among the bustling crowd.

"You can let go of my hand," Venus said, a hue of red had appeared on her cheeks.

Odin turned to glance at her and said, "I will if you won’t remove the hairclip." Venus glared at him and nodded her head.

"If you do, I’ll punish you," Odin said and let go of her wrist.

"You can’t send me to a prison for such a small thing," Venus said and began walking ahead of him.

"I will do something else," Odin said, matching her steps.

"What will you do? Will you make me work at your house? I’m neither a maid nor a servant. You need to keep that in mind. Or will you probably again use harsh words to make me feel low?" Venus chuckled, her eyes were searching for the stunts show.

Odin gazed at her, but remained quiet. For the first time, he felt his words truly hurt Venus more than anything. Before it was an enjoyment for him, but now, situation had changed.

"Okay. Let’s go our separate ways. Enjoy the festival," Venus said abruptly, before dashing toward the crowd gathered for the fire stunts. Odin watched her weave through the sea of people, trying to make her way to the front, only to get stuck in the middle. Yet, with the elevated stage, everyone had a clear view of the spectacle.

The crowd’s excitement buzzed in the air as the performers began their act. Gasps of amazement rippled through the audience when one of the stuntmen brought a flame close to his mouth, creating a blazing fireball. The others skillfully twirled fire torches, their movements so fluid and synchronized that it seemed almost effortless.

For a moment, the entire crowd fell silent, mesmerized by the stunning display of fire and skill, their eyes went wide with awe.

"A fly might go into your mouth if you keep it open like that," Odin’s voice cut through the excitement, reaching Venus’s ears. She promptly turned to face him, her expression shifting from surprise to irritation.

"Can’t you leave me alone?" Venus snapped.

"It’s fun to bother you," Odin remarked with a smirk.

Venus’s frustration boiled over, and before she could stop herself, she blurted out, "You’re a jerk!"

"Hey, lady! If you want to fight with your husband, do it somewhere else. Don’t ruin the show," an elderly man scolded her sharply, his eyes narrowing in disapproval.

"Uh... he isn’t—" Venus began to protest, but Odin quickly interjected.

"Forgive her," Odin apologized on her behalf, cutting her off before she could finish.

Venus pursed her lips, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her. Being scolded by an elderly man in front of everyone didn’t sit well with her, and she couldn’t shake the discomfort.

It was all because of Odin. She still tried to enjoy the show, but the enthusiasm she had felt earlier was gone, replaced by a lingering annoyance. Of all the people she could have run into, why did it have to be Odin? The thought only irritated her more.

As the show concluded, Venus tossed a few coins into a large bowl and turned to leave. Odin followed, noticing the lingering unhappiness in her expression, likely due to the earlier scolding from the elderly man. He chose to remain silent until they reached a nearby restaurant.

"Are you hungry?" Odin asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes," Venus replied curtly, heading inside. She picked a table and sat down, watching as Odin took the seat across from her. "This restaurant caters to both humans and werewolves. You’re aware of that, right?"

"I know. I just thought I’d sit for a while," Odin asserted, unfazed.

A young waiter approached their table, setting down two glasses of water. He took Venus’s order but hesitated when his eyes landed on Odin. Recognizing him as a vampire, the waiter quickly apologized and removed the second glass meant for Odin.

Venus couldn’t resist the urge to taunt him. "I thought you never liked these kinds of festivals. Shouldn’t you be in the torture cell, enjoying someone’s pain?" she remarked, bringing the copper glass to her lips for a sip of water.

Odin’s gaze flickered with a mix of amusement. He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Is that what you think of me?" he asked.

"Yes," Venus admitted without hesitation.

Odin chuckled softly. "But I only enjoy troubling you," he muttered, his eyes lingering on her face. "Why have you chosen such a bright lip color today?" he asked, noting the difference. He had always seen her wearing softer, lighter shades.

"Umm... I wanted to try something new. Doesn’t it look good? Is it too bright?" Venus asked, her hand instinctively moving to cover her lips, suddenly self-conscious.

"It looks good," Odin replied honestly. "I even noticed several noblemen glancing at you."

"Don’t lie," Venus murmured, lowering her hand. "Men don’t look at me like that anymore. Maybe they recognized me and thought about the kind of woman I am."

Odin’s expression softened slightly as he leaned forward. "Someone who didn’t stand for injustice in her marriage. Someone who refused to be her husband’s second choice," he said, his voice low and sincere.

Venus’s eyes snapped to his, caught off guard by his words. She hadn’t expected such a response from him, and for a moment, she saw a depth in his gaze that made her pause, uncertain of how to react.

"Well, I can’t deny this today. But you are not the person I used to think. Forgive me for treating you badly," Odin apologized with sincerity.