The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 413: Asking For Forgiveness

Chapter 413: Asking For Forgiveness

Inside Arlan’s mansion.

A solitary figure occupied the chair behind his imposing desk, his gaze fixated on the inky darkness beyond the window. The moon, a celestial beacon that indicated the night of full moon will be there soon. The very moon which brightened even the darkest of nights for most, was a source of loathing for him. He despised its luminous presence in the sky and fervently wished he could erase it from his view forever.

Imbert entered the study and conveyed, "Your Highness, Her Highness ventured to Physician Winfield’s guest mansion this evening and it appears she intends to stay there for the night. We’ve observed no signs of her carriage departing."

Arlan’s weary eyes flicked to the time, revealing that it was now past midnight.

Imbert continued, "Our sources suggest that His Majesty has approved Her Highness’s requests in exchange for her compliance. She sought the freedom to move about at will and to work as an apprentice to Physician Winfield."

"Freedom to roam?" Arlan mumbled, then turned his steely gaze on Imbert. "Ensure she would not enter the confines of the Queen’s residence. Station a contingent of knights to keep watch over her."

"Of course, Your Highness."

"As for that man?" Arlan inquired.

"That man Luke is still working in the palace. We will bring him as per Your Highness’ orders."

Arlan nodded, and Imbert respectfully took his leave.

Once Imbert left, Arlan turned to look at the moon and the next moment his eyes narrowed and the window of the study closed with loud thud, blocking his view of the moon, drowning that place in the darkness.

------

The next morning, Oriana awoke with a sharp gasp, as if she had been submerged deep underwater and suddenly resurfaced.

"Finally awake?" she heard the familiar voice.

Yorian was seated on a nearby couch, leisurely sipping freshly brewed tea and holding a book in his other hand.

Oriana cast a puzzled glance at him and then turned her attention to the window, which flooded the room with bright sunlight. It was clear she wasn’t in her own room.

"Why am I here?" she asked, struggling to recall the events leading up to her current situation.

"Because I brought you here," he replied matter-of-factly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Oriana fell into a brief silence, attempting to piece together her memories after her ill-fated encounter with the secret room. The recollection of those events rushed back, and she clutched her head, eyes tightly shut.

"You’re alright now. Just take a moment to compose yourself," Yorian assured her, setting his book aside.

After a few moments, when she regained her composure, she heard Yorian again. "You should change into your usual attire before your personal attendants come and find you like this."

Oriana realized she was clad in a man’s clothing.

"Your clothes are right there," Yorian pointed out. "Mister Winfield visited to check on you. He informed your servant that you were exhausted from working on medicine preparations late into the night. However, you won’t be able to keep your servant at bay for long."

Oriana comprehended the situation and got out of bed. Yorian stood up and stated, "I’ll take in some fresh air. We can discuss everything when I return." With that, he disappeared.

Oriana changed into her own attire and made her way downstairs. Her devoted servant Ana was waiting in the drawing room and visibly relieved to see her mistress.

"Good morning, Your Highness. Are you feeling well?" Ana inquired with concern.

Oriana nodded. "Let’s return."

They informed Erich and headed back to Oriana’s guest mansion. Her thoughts remained clouded by the previous night’s unsettling events.

During the carriage ride, as they passed by the imposing Thistle Palace, Oriana’s gaze fixated on the palace’s grand facade. A whirlwind of emotions stirred within her, making it difficult for her to discern her exact feelings. A heaviness settled in her chest, making each breath feel uneasy, and her eyes turned moist, ready to shed tears any moment.

"Your Highness, is something amiss?" Ana asked, her voice filled with worry. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Oriana lowered the carriage curtain and sat up straight, shaking her head as she controlled her tears. "I’m fine."

Ana sensed that something was amiss with her mistress, but Oriana’s unusual silence deterred her from broaching the subject.

Oriana completed her morning routine and allowed Ana to assist her without uttering a word. Even though she lacked the appetite, she forced herself to eat. Her body had been weakened by the malevolent black magic, and she needed sustenance to regain her strength.

Once she had finished her meal, Oriana visited her grandfather, dismissing all others in the room. She needed solitude with him, as her heart was a tumultuous storm of conflicting emotions.

Taking Philip’s hand, tears welled up in her eyes even before she could speak. "I’m sorry, Grandpa," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I fear I’m not the dutiful granddaughter you deserve... I’m not sure I love you as much as you love me... Forgive me, Grandpa."

Tears flowed freely as she continued while sobbing, "I understand the pain he’s caused you, and I should be seeking justice for you, grandpa, but my heart aches for him as much as it aches for you... It feels like I am betraying you, Grandpa. I don’t know what to do. I can’t stand to see him suffer. All I want is to shield him from whoever is harming him..."

She paused to catch her breath, her voice heavy with anguish. "I felt his torment throughout the entire night, Grandpa. What I witnessed was merely a fragment of his life, and I could hardly bear it. He’s endured it for so many years, starting as a young boy. After what I’ve seen, I can’t stop myself from wanting to protect him."

Her eyes gazed at him, as if seeking for his forgiveness beforehand, "Will you ever be able to forgive me for this, Grandpa? Will you ever forgive me for protecting the one who sought to harm you? If not, I’ll accept any punishment you deem fit. But just this once, just this once allow me to help him. Afterward, we can leave this place. The King won’t be able to stop us. Just this once... You will let me do it, right, Grandpa?"