"You can have this meal alone," Venus said. "And will you stop doing that?" she urged.
"Doing what?" Odin queried.
"Making me feel more pathetic," Venus replied.
The two stared at each other before she averted her gaze from him. Her arms crossed against her chest and she heard Odin, "Finish your meals." It was a voice of authority and demanded obedience. "If you don't, Princess Alora will be reported about this."
Venus cast another glance at him before she gracefully pulled out a chair and seated herself. She commenced her meal in silence, not exchanging a single word with Odin.
Odin, on the other hand, was engrossed in observing her facial expressions, trying to decipher the thoughts swirling in her mind. He delicately dabbed a napkin across his lips when he heard Venus's voice break the silence, "How long do you plan on staying in this house?"
"Until Prince Magnus issues a recall order," Odin responded, his voice steady.
