The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 488: Dragon Instead Of A Bunny

Chapter 488: Dragon Instead Of A Bunny

Drayce and Arlan stepped into the chamber, where Oriana greeted Drayce with a nod, her gaze skimming over Arlan before settling on Seren.

"I am here to aid in your healing," Drayce announced, locking eyes with Oriana.

She offered a gracious bow. "Thank you, Your Majesty, but I believe I am sufficiently recovered."

"Regardless of your current state," Drayce insisted, "I must follow the instructions set forth by my mother."

"I assure you, Your Majesty, I feel quite well."

Arlan contemplated intervening, but sensing Oriana’s disregard for him, he knew any insistence on his part would only provoke defiance.

"Drayce is right, Oriana," Seren interjected, gently clasping Oriana’s hand. "Healing is a meticulous process, and one not to be taken lightly. Trust me, I’ve been there. Let Drayce assist you. You would listen to me, wouldn’t you?"

Upon meeting Seren’s sincere gaze, Oriana paused momentarily before speaking, "I’d like a private conversation with His Majesty."

Recognizing the implication that she wished to talk alone with Drayce, Arlan nodded and made his way toward the exit.

Seren offered Oriana a comforting smile, poised to depart. "Take all the time you need."

As Oriana clasped Seren’s hand, "Your Majesty, you can stay."

With a reassuring look, Seren rose and reassured her, "I’ll be just outside."

Once Seren exited, only Drayce and Oriana remained within the chamber.

Meeting Drayce’s eyes, Oriana confided, "I’d prefer he not overhear our conversation."

Comprehending her sentiment, Drayce responded, "He won’t. He understands that you do not wish him to hear it."

Drayce trusted his friend and do not wished to use his powers to conceal their conversation.

Outside the chamber, Seren observed Arlan’s restlessness and approached him. "Prince Arlan."

He turned, meeting her gaze. "Your Majesty."

"Rest assured, whatever unfolds within, Drayce is more than capable of handling," she reassured, her tone soft and empathetic.

Arlan attempted to mask his apprehension with a nod. "I’m aware."

Seren leaned in, her curiosity evident. "You know, Prince Arlan, I possess the ability to discern the energies of any supernatural being as if no one can hide from me. I could even see through Oriana’s essence. Yet, when it comes to you, it’s as if you’re an enigma. Your essence remained hidden."

A hint of intrigue colored Arlan’s expression. "I’m uncertain whether it’s a protective veil shrouding my identity or simply that these powers are not truly mine but rather interwoven within me."

"Commander Sanders expressed concern for you. However, Drayce deemed it necessary for him to accompany me in his absence, and now he leads the royal entourage of Megaris." Seren continued the conversation, keeping Arlan engaged till Oriana concluded her talk with Drayce.

"It’s better to keep Slayer away from these intricate matters. His life as Drayce’s knight is perfectly suited for his own good," Arlan added, "I will see him once he is here."

Seren was aware that Slayer had already made his existence known to Edna but thankfully that witch was dead. But she was also aware, Arlan was not aware of Drayce and Slayer’s involvement in helping Oriana.

Seren nodded in understanding. "Drayce elaborated on the importance of maintaining Commander Sanders’ anonymity."

Arlan’s resolve shone through his eyes. "Both Drayce and I will always shield him."

A soft smile played on Seren’s lips beneath her veil. "I have no doubt. It warms my heart to see Drayce surrounded by such loyal friends."

Just as the atmosphere between Seren and Arlan settled, the door to Arlan’s chamber creaked open, revealing Drayce. Meeting Arlan’s gaze, Drayce offered a reassuring smile, silently conveying that all was under control. Arlan swallowed hard, suppressing the myriad of questions that threatened to escape his lips.

"I’ll escort her back to the palace," Arlan announced, seeking to take charge.

Drayce raised a cautionary hand. "Remember, you can’t utilize your powers right now."

Arlan nodded firmly. "Understood. No teleportation." With that, he retreated into his chamber.

Inside, Oriana had already risen from the bed, her determination evident as she prepared to depart for the palace and reunite with her grandfather.

Approaching her with a gentle yet assertive stride, Arlan spoke, "We’re making our way to the palace."

Without meeting his gaze, Oriana began to move, each step deliberate and measured, her legs betraying a hint of weakness. Arlan shadowed her, maintaining a steady pace beside her.

"If you can not walk, do not force." he urged softly.

Oriana remained silent, advancing with deliberate, measured steps. Arlan followed closely behind, vigilant in case she faltered. Under different circumstances, he would have effortlessly carried her in his arms, but he respected her wishes. Moreover, she was not a weak human so he was somewhat sure she would manage on her own which was better than angering her.

As they departed, Drayce and Seren observed their retreat. Seren’s eyes held a hint of surprise as she remarked, looking at her husband, "I never anticipated Prince Arlan to exhibit such patience and composure."

Drayce’s gaze met his wife’s, reflecting a knowing depth. "The presence of a particular individual in one’s life sure changes them to different person."

Raising an eyebrow playfully, Seren probed, "Is that so? Can the same be said for you?"

A soft chuckle escaped Drayce’s lips. "Ah, so you acknowledge your influence over me."

Seren met his gaze unwaveringly. "I never doubted it."

Tenderly cupping her face, Drayce murmured, "For you, I would change into however you like me."

"Then, what about transforming into a cute bunny?" Seren playfully suggested.

Drayce couldn’t help but feel amused and laughed at her whimsical request. The notion of a formidable Dragon morphing into a bunny seemed almost absurd.

"How about I transform into a Dragon instead?" he proposed with a smirk.

"Umm, not a bad idea either," she said happily. "Red Dragon over a bunny, always welcome to bless my eyes."

Their talk faded into a background chatter while Arlan and Oriana reached the foyer to make their way towards the carriages.

Everyone watched the veiled woman walking in front of their prince, they all bowed to her in respect. Thay had seen their liege restless and worried since the Crown Princess was not well. Now everyone could sigh a relief.

Rafal opened the door of the carriage for them. Arlan helped Oriana climb the carriage and then followed inside. Though both of them sat inside that small carriage, it felt like there was distance between them which could not be covered.

Oriana continued to sit with her eyes closed, while Arlan’s gaze never left the sight of her face.