The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 401: Restless Dragon

Chapter 401: Restless Dragon

At Thistle Palace.

Imbert walked into Arlan’s study and respectfully bowed before him, addressing him with a formal tone, "Your Highness."

Arlan paused his work, focusing his attention on Imbert, eager to hear the latest news.

"Her Highness has not emerged from her chamber since last night when she returned to the guest mansion. Her Lady-in-Waiting, Lady Ana, is tending to her, and she’s even summoned Physician Winfield. It appears Her Highness is unwell," Imbert reported.

Arlan displayed no immediate reaction and resumed his work, inquiring casually, "Have there been any indications of her wanting to depart?"

Imbert responded, "No, Your Highness. But it seems the events of the previous night have left her deeply shaken, and she has fallen ill. It must have been a considerable shock for her."

Arlan, adopting a somewhat cynical tone, commented, "Humans with fragile hearts, one can’t expect much more from them. If she hadn’t been so obstinate, her departure might have been more graceful. Ensure she expresses her desire to leave as soon as possible."

"Of course, Your Highness," Imbert acknowledged, though a faint trace of doubt lingered in his expression.

Without looking at Imbert, Arlan addressed a concern, "These days you seem to go ahead of yourself and take decisions on your own."

Imbert lowered his head, acknowledging the implied criticism, and replied, "Once Alex returns, I will go to Wildridge Manor and accept any consequences."

The previous night, Imbert had made a decision that weighed heavily on his conscience. He had allowed Oriana to enter the palace and meet with Arlan, despite knowing that Arlan had explicitly ordered her never to set foot in his residence. Going against Arlan’s direct order was a line he had never crossed before, and he couldn’t be certain whether it was a wise choice. All he could do was hope that it would ultimately serve the best interests of his liege.

Finally, the moment came when Arlan’s true identity was unveiled to Oriana, leaving Imbert to wonder about the choice she would make and the path she would now take. In his opinion Oriana was the best person to stay by Arlan’s side but it would not be that easy.

Arlan chose not to comment, and Imbert was about to excuse himself when Rafal entered the study.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has requested your presence at Oak Palace," Rafal informed Arlan.

Arlan sought to understand the reason behind the summons, asking, "Do we know the purpose of this summons?"

"The messenger did not provide specifics," Rafal replied.

Arlan nodded in acknowledgment, and Rafal added, "I’ll make the necessary preparations for your departure," before leaving the study. Imbert followed suit.

Soon after, Arlan left the palace to meet his father, accompanied by two loyal knights.

Oriana had also prepared herself for departure, occupying her place in the luxurious carriage with Ana at her side.

"Your Highness, are you feeling well?" Ana inquired with evident concern as they settled into the comfortable carriage.

Despite lingering discomfort, Oriana had regained some strength thanks to the pill provided by Yorian. "I am quite alright," she assured Ana.

The carriage soon arrived at Oak Palace, and this time Oriana was guided to a different area within the palace, the opulent drawing hall of Oak Palace. Along the way, she couldn’t help but marvel at the intricate craftsmanship that adorned the King’s residence, acknowledging the beauty and hard work invested by those who had created it.

Upon reaching their destination, only Conor accompanied her into the drawing room. Just as they were about to enter, Oriana unintentionally overheard a conversation between the King and Arlan.

"Why wait when you’re meant to marry her?" the King remarked.

Arlan responded, "This is rather sudden. Let her acclimate to the ways of nobility, manners, and ethics. She needs time to learn, and we cannot have a woman with no proper upbringing, education, or etiquette just sitting on the throne."

The King retorted, "You seem to underestimate her, but do not forget she is a daughter of the Verner family."

"Father, she can not....."

Arlan’s response came to an abrupt halt, as though something had seized him in place.

"What’s the matter?" the King inquired, but Arlan remained silent, frozen in his stance.

As Oriana entered the drawing room, a conclusion formed in her mind, ’His senses are supposed to be sharp. He must have recognized Sir Conor and me and stopped talking. But does he even care if I hear his rude words? He’s not the least bit polite when speaking to me in person. Is he pretending in front of his father?’

Oriana could never imagine what caused Arlan to shut his mouth all of a sudden. Only if she knew, in their current situation, she would prefer to torture him to death.

Conor, breaking the silence, greeted the King and then acknowledged the Queen and the Princes, Arlan and Lenard, along with Lenard’s wife, Miera. Oriana, jolted from her thoughts, greeted the King and Queen before falling into silence.

"Please, have a seat, Oriana," the King offered her a warm smile and gestured for her to sit next to Arlan, who sat there like a rigid, unfeeling log, seemingly unwilling to acknowledge her presence.

Oriana observed Arlan’s frosty and reluctant demeanor as she made her way to sit beside him. She couldn’t help but think, ’Rascal, will he die if I sit next to him? Not that I’m eager to sit next to him, either.’ A faint smirk played on her lips as she continued her inner monologue, ’He must be disappointed to see me still here, despite his attempts to frighten me. What a waste of his efforts, but glad to see that he suffered a pain of stabbing himself. This brat deserve to get even more pain after hurting my grandpa so brutally.’

Ultimately, Oriana settled on the same couch as Arlan, both perched at opposite ends, with a conspicuous gap between them. This arrangement made them appear as strangers, completely unaware of each other’s presence.

The King proceeded to the purpose of the meeting, stating, "Oriana, I have called you here to discuss the day of your wedding with Arlan."

Oriana had already picked up on Arlan’s reluctance, and while she wasn’t thrilled about the situation herself, the way the King spoke to his own son left her with little doubt. It seemed the King had made up his mind and wasn’t going to entertain objections.

"I will adhere to His Majesty’s decision," she replied, adopting the tone of a dutiful daughter.

Arlan who was sitting there for no one knows how long he was holding his breath, clenched his fists when he heard her. This infuriating woman still appeared willing to go through with the marriage. Hadn’t he frightened her enough?