The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 431: His Scent

Chapter 431: His Scent

As Drayce and Slayer made their exit, Yorian also rose from his seat and turned to Oriana. "You can look after Prince Arlan. I’ll return later," he said.

Oriana nodded, acknowledging that there was no need for anyone to remain in the chamber while Arlan lay unconscious. She observed the three men vanishing from her sight and then decided to stay by Arlan’s side.

Meanwhile, at a distance, Drayce, Slayer, and Yorian gathered.

"What’s on your mind?" Drayce inquired, his gaze fixed on Yorian.

Yorian met Drayce’s gaze and began, "I’ve been contemplating how these two will eventually unveil the secrets they’re concealing from each other. Oriana is reluctant to reveal her true nature as a Black Witch, and Prince Arlan has yet to disclose that she is his chosen mate."

"We should refrain from intervening." Drayce’s expression turned serious as he responded, While it may appear so easy to us as outsiders, it’s an immensely challenging decision for Oriana given the complex situation between them and Arlan’s suffering due to a black witch. His hatred for Black Witches is deep rooted.

"Oriana fears the possibility of hatred she may see in his eyes, not just for her kind, but ultimately directed at her. In my opinion, it’s perfectly natural for anyone to be afraid when their truth has the potential to hurt someone they deeply care for. If I were in her shoes, I’d tremble at the thought of revealing anything to Seren that might cause her to despise me. I can’t even bear to imagine the moment that leads me to see hatred in Seren’s eyes for me and, knowing that I’d lose her."

Slayer and Yorian acknowledged his words with thoughtful hums.

"We know that her feelings for Arlan run deeper than mere care. Her hesitation is quite natural. It’s not that she’s afraid of the outcome, but she might not be prepared to face his reaction just yet. We should give her the time she needs," Drayce emphasized.

"What about letting her know she is Arlan’s mate so she can decide something against that witch’s plan about Prince Arlan?"

"Sharing that she’s Arlan’s mate is an intimate matter between them, particularly for beasts when they want to disclose it to their mate. It’s a moment that should belong to Arlan, and we shouldn’t take it away from him. Sooner or later, he’ll have to tell her."

Slayer who was quiet till now, spoke, "Moreover, even if we were to tell her, Arlan will make his choices to protect his family and Oriana. If we reveal it prematurely and she sees how he treats her despite being his chosen mate, it might only cause her pain and distract her from her goal of confronting the witch. Arlan is already burdened with the responsibility of protecting everyone, and we shouldn’t add to his worries. It’s easier for him to keep his distance from her while she’s unaware of being his mate."

Being Arlan’s friends, the two could clearly understand his intentions and his difficulties.

"They are destined mates, and no matter what happens, they’ll eventually come together. Their journey is filled with challenges, and we should allow them to navigate their own path, which may unveil many secrets and ultimately lead them to a peaceful life in the future."

Yorian concurred, saying, "Then we’ll entrust their fate to them. Every person has their destiny to follow."

Drayce and Slayer disappeared, while Yorian returned to the palace and ventured into the Queen’s rear garden, where vibrant roses blossomed.

He stood there, closely observing the roses, his keen gaze not failing to notice the ominous aura emanating from the flowers. ’These roses must be dealt with soon. I need to find a solution.’

Inside Arlan’s chamber, Oriana perched at the edge of his bed, her attention focused on Arlan’s condition. Drayce had shared some of his power’s essence, but Arlan’s body temperature was now dropping, and his pallor had intensified. Although she knew he was supernatural and wouldn’t perish, she couldn’t bear to leave him in pain. Human or supernatural, she couldn’t stand to see him suffering.

Much like her previous attempts to care for him, she removed her jacket and the shirt beneath it, leaving herself in a chest bind. She then gently lay down beside him on the bed, slipping beneath the layers of blankets and drawing him close. She didn’t understand why, but her presence seemed to provide him some relief, as she had observed in her previous attempts.

’Perhaps it’s because of my unique bloodline that makes my presence somehow effective in helping his body combat the aftereffects of the dark magic. Or maybe it’s because I’m a Black Witch, and perhaps, the Queen of Witches, and that somehow aids him. I can’t think of any other reason,’ she mused.

As expected, the lines of distress on his forehead softened, and his trembling subsided the moment she held him. Oriana gazed at his pale face. ’I wish I could do more to help you through this, but there’s no way. You’ll have to endure it. By tomorrow, you’ll be fine.’

While she held him close, Oriana found herself immersed in Arlan’s distinctive, masculine scent. It was a thought that had never crossed her mind before, but now, she couldn’t help but ponder it. ’His scent is so unique and strangely alluring to my senses. Even when he was a stranger to me, and I had no emotional attachment to him, I could still feel its impact. I’ve been in the company of many men, but none of their scents has ever affected me like this. Could it be because he’s a divine beast and his scent is inherently different? Just like his blood, I find his scent tempting as well. That’s a possibility... But then again, King Drayce is a beast as well, and his scent has never had this effect on me. Why does the prince’s scent stand out and draw me in, providing me with comfort and a desire to be near him? There must be a reason right? I will find out that what is different about the gold dragon?’

As Oriana contemplated the curious turn of her thoughts, another disturbing idea emerged in her mind. ’That witch, does she feel the same way about his scent? Has she... taken advantage of him?’

The very notion repulsed her, and she shook her head vigorously, trying to banish the thought. However, in the next instant, her eyes darkened, and her mind became clouded by malevolent intentions. Her body editing the strong essence of darkness.

’I will kill that witch so she won’t harbor any designs on what rightfully belongs to me,’ she gritted her teeth, her hands holding Arlan, clenched tightly, almost digging her nails into his flesh. ’How dare she think she can take him away from me, the Queen of Witches. That lowly wretch.’

Thud!

Suddenly, a sharp sound of the swaying of a window panel, startled her, bringing her back to her senses. The darkness around her dissipated.

’What was I just thinking?’ Oriana felt as though she had lost control of herself for a moment, she was not herself but someone else was taking control over her mind. ’How did my mind and body suddenly started to clouded with evil aura? Are Black Witches inherently prone to darkness, easily swayed into evil at any moment when they are provoked and succumb to the darkness?’

This thought filled Oriana with concern. ’Whatever it is, I must maintain my sanity. I cannot succumb to darkness for any reason, ever.’

She calmed herself and continued to hold Arlan, calming herself in his comforting scent.