The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 482: Ignored

Chapter 482: Ignored

After lying unconscious for days, her first conscious thoughts centered solely on him. The depth of her feelings for him was something only he could truly comprehend now.

"Oriana," Yorian called out softly.

She turned toward the elf, her eyes filled with anxiety. Scanning the room, her gaze landed on Arlan, who stood nearby alongside two other figures. A wave of confusion washed over her, but upon seeing Arlan, relief flooded her. But at the same time she wondered if it was a dream.

Yorian could understand her and answered her confusion. "Prince Arlan is completely alright, safe and sound."

She continued to stare at Arlan wordlessly. He was alive; what she’d experienced had merely been a harrowing nightmare.

Just as Arlan prepared to address her, Oriana averted her gaze, whispering to Yorian with a weary voice, "I feel drained. My head is throbbing."

"I understand. You’ll improve since you’re awake now," Yorian reassured.

Without responding, Oriana tightened her brows, shutting her eyes.

Arlan remained rooted to the spot, recognizing her silent message. She was deliberately ignoring him. While not unexpected, given the gravity of recent events, it was a clear sign of her deep-seated anger toward him.

Others observed Oriana’s response to Arlan, though they tactfully chose to remain uninvolved, recognizing it as a matter between the two. At present, Oriana was in a fragile state and required care.

"Yorian, give this to her," Evanthe instructed, offering a small vial. "It will help restore her energy."

As Evanthe extended the vial to Yorian, Arlan intervened, taking it from Evanthe’s grasp. "I’ll handle it."

Seating himself at the edge of the bed, Arlan studied Oriana’s pallid face, glistening with sweat. "Drink this," he murmured softly, bringing the vial to her lips.

Oriana remained unresponsive, her mouth firmly shut as if she hadn’t heard him.

"If you refuse to drink, you’ll prolong your recovery," Yorian remarked.

At his words, Oriana parted her lips, allowing Arlan to administer the potion.

Drayce arrived at the manor promptly upon receiving his mother’s message. Upon entering the chamber, he observed the scene unfolding before him, silently joining the others as a mere spectator.

Miraculously, after consuming the potion, Oriana’s headache subsided, and her weariness diminished.

"Feeling any better?" Arlan inquired, but she offered no reply.

After a brief moment, Oriana’s eyes fluttered open, deliberately avoiding Arlan as she surveyed the room. Her attention settled on two unfamiliar figures standing beside Yorian.

Following her gaze, Yorian began, "Oriana, allow me to introduce you to these two ladies." He turned to Evanthe first, saying, "This is Evanthe, King Drayce’s mother and the former Queen of the Witch clan."

Oriana blinked, a sense of disbelief clouding her thoughts as she examined young and beautiful woman clad in simple white dress- Evanthe. How could this woman, supposedly a millennia-old former queen and Drayce’s mother, appear so youthful? Shouldn’t age reflect wisdom, making her look older, perhaps even like a motherly figure rather than looking so young. Who would believe she lived for multiple centuries or had son as grown up like Drayce.

Was her vision distorted due to her weakened state?

As Sierra was covered in the long hooded robe head to toe, Oriana could not get a glimpse of her appearance but she expected this woman must look the same as young like Evanthe.

Evanthe approached with a soft, reassuring smile, prompting Arlan to gracefully vacate his position by the bed, making room for her. Seated at Oriana’s bedside, Evanthe extended a comforting smile and said, "Oriana, we’re relieved to see you recovering."

Oriana felt a mix of emotions, uncertain about how to engage with Evanthe given her fragmented memory of the previous night’s events.

"I need to examine you," Evanthe declared gently. Sensing Oriana’s tacit consent, she placed her hands over Oriana’s and closed her eyes in concentration.

After a moment, Evanthe opened her eyes and remarked, "Your core is remarkably stable; you’re recovering more swiftly than I anticipated."

Meeting Evanthe’s gaze, Oriana remained silent, prompting Evanthe to continue, "I understand you must be overwhelmed with questions. Rest assured, we’ll address them once you’re stronger. For now, focus on recuperating and regaining your strength."

Rising from her seat, Evanthe turned to her son, instructing, "Dray, continue helping her for the next few days. Despite her stable core, she still requires further recuperation."

"I will, Mother," Drayce affirmed. Evanthe nodded, casting a final comforting glance at Oriana. "We’ll give you some space to rest," she said before rising.

With Evanthe leading the way, everyone else made their way to the door, leaving Arlan alone with Oriana. Taking his previous place at the edge of the bed, he noticed Oriana deliberately shut her eyes, avoiding any eye contact.

"You should heed her advice and rest," Arlan softly suggested. "I’ll ensure a nourishing meal is prepared for you."

Once again, Oriana remained silent, giving no indication she had heard him.

Respecting her silence, Arlan motioned for two attendants to enter. Together, they assisted Oriana in refreshing herself and changing into clean attire in anticipation of the upcoming meal.

Moments later, a knock signaled the arrival of the meal. Catching Arlan’s eye, Ana, one of the attendants, understood her cue. She exited the room, leaving Arlan to approach Oriana alone, a tray of food in his hands.

Moving closer, Arlan observed Oriana’s contemplative posture by the window. She looked refreshed as her pale face and finally regained some vitality. A gentle breeze played across her face, complemented by the sun’s radiant glow. For Oriana, emerging from the shadows of a seemingly endless slumber, the sunlight offered a comforting contrast to the darkness she’d known.

She seemed to have thinking about something deeply and it somehow made Arlan restless for unknown reason. He shrugged his worries away and sat at the edge of the bed, holding a tray of the meal.

With no response forthcoming, Arlan gently shifted the focus. "I brought you a meal. It’s good to eat when it’s hot," he said, offering a spoonful of nourishing soup to her.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked, while stirring the soup to lower its temperature.

Oriana turned her head to look at it, not meeting Arlan’s gaze and quiet ate it. The time in the room seemed to have stopped with unusual silence surrounding the couple, only the sound of meal utensils could be heard once in a while.

Arlan approached her, "You should lie in the bed."

In response there was always a silence he got from her but it didn’t bother him. He continued with what he must. He helped her lie in bed and covered her with the thick blanket as it was cold. Even before he could look at her face to say anything, she had already closed her eyes.

"Sleep well. I’ll remain close by."

Not expecting any response from her, he left the chamber to meet others while she was sleeping.

When Arlan went to the lounge area, to his surprise he saw purple eyed woman sitting next to Drayce.