The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 491: Handsome Groom

Chapter 491: Handsome Groom

An hour passed, and it was almost time for Arlan to depart for the Grand Palace. Alex, who had dispatched Kerry to gather updates about Oriana, nervously awaited any positive news.

Kerry returned, his expression betraying the grim tidings he bore.

"What is it?" Alex hastily inquired.

Kerry, shaking his head in disappointment, replied in a hushed tone, "Her Highness is awake. However, instead of preparing for the wedding, she went to her grandfather’s room to prepare medicines for him. The servants are still waiting, and there’s no indication that Her Highness intends to get ready for the wedding."

Rafal, who had maintained silence until then, finally spoke in displeasure, "Doesn’t anyone remind her that she needs to get ready?"

"Lady Ana and the butler tried, but their words fell on deaf ears. She isn’t responding to anything said," Kerry explained.

"That stubborn woman. If she weren’t a Crown Princess, I would have beheaded her and that old man for troubling His Highness every chance they get," Rafal muttered through gritted teeth.

Alex placed a comforting hand on Rafal’s shoulder. "Don’t utter words you might regret. She’s the woman His Highness has chosen for himself. If not, she wouldn’t still be in the palace, let alone allowed to trouble him like this."

Rafal bit back his words, though his anger manifested in the tight grip on his sword’s handle and the clenching of his jaw.

----

Drayce appeared Arlan’s chamber, sharing the same concerns as Arlan’s knights. His eyes fell on his friend, whose appearance had been altered with the shorter haircut.

"Cutting your long hair didn’t diminish the handsomeness you exude," Drayce complimented.

Arlan turned to Drayce, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Why don’t you try cutting yours?"

"Megaris Royalty prefers long hair," Drayce countered, "Besides, I enjoy it when Seren helps me style it."

Arlan simply chuckled softly and returned his gaze to the window.

"Any news about what’s happening on her side?" Drayce inquired, referring to Oriana.

"I’m not sure."

"Should I have Seren visit her..."

"No need. I don’t want to force her," Arlan interjected, meeting Drayce’s gaze. "I appreciate your concern, Dray, but this decision, leave it to her."

"If she doesn’t appear, it will remain a stain on you for a lifetime," Drayce remarked, his worry for his friend’s future and the potential tarnishing of his reputation evident. "You may not be able to assume the throne either."

"It’s alright," Arlan responded calmly. "Just like you, I never really wished to sit on the throne. All I wanted was to be free but could never do it. These are responsibilities thrust upon us, whether we desire them or not. If she doesn’t show up, I’ll follow her wherever she goes and relinquish the title of Crown Prince to my brother."

Drayce couldn’t dispute Arlan’s words; the throne was indeed an enforced responsibility. Silence lingered for a moment before Drayce spoke, "I never thought the stubborn you would one day truly humble yourself for someone. You’ve fallen hard."

Arlan offered a faint smile. "Aren’t you the same?"

Drayce smiled in return. "Can’t deny it."

After spending a while with Arlan, Drayce silently departed from his chamber, wishing everything go well for his friend.

-----

As the time to depart approached, Arlan made his way to the foyer, accompanied by Imbert. The assembled knights donned their distinctive uniforms, tailored for grand ceremonies. Arlan settled into the carriage, which set forth toward the Grand Palace, flanked by his guardian knights Imbert and Rafal leading the procession. Alex and Kerry took their positions on each side of the opulent carriage, while the rest of the knights followed on horseback.

Throughout the journey, Arlan refrained from inquiring about Oriana or any matters related to her, prepared to discover her decision at the eleventh hour.

Upon arrival at the Grand Palace, resplendently adorned and bustling with esteemed guests, Arlan emerged from the carriage. A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned towards him, and a collective bow acknowledged his commanding presence. The grand doors of the palace swung open, accompanied by the announcement from the royal guard.

"His Highness, Crown Prince Arlan, has arrived."

The grand hall, majestic and intricately adorned, stood divided by the aisle, with guests occupying both sides. With the announcement resonating through the hall, all eyes eagerly turned towards the entrance.

A handsome figure, bedecked in exquisite royal attire, graced the hall. His ash-blond short hair, now neatly groomed, framed a chiseled face exuding sophistication. His sea-blue eyes, reminiscent of the deep ocean, held a captivating allure, reflecting both intelligence and charm. Cloaked in regal clothing, the finely tailored ensemble, adorned with rare and distinguishing accessories, enhanced his majestic presence. He radiated a timeless aura, standing out as a striking figure among the noble assembly within the grand hall.

The Prince proceeded towards the altar, strategically positioned before the Throne where the King and Queen held their regal seats. At the elegantly adorned altar, the royal priest awaited, prepared to officiate the impending wedding ceremony.

Approaching his parents, Arlan executed a graceful bow. "Greetings, Your Majesty, the King, and The Queen."

Both monarchs acknowledged the gesture with wide smiles, Julien’s happiness visibly overflowing in her beaming expression. Ailwin, observing her joy, teased, "I don’t recall seeing you smile like this when Lenard was getting married."

"I smiled just as much," she retorted promptly.

The King refrained from further teasing, understanding the depth of her happiness for Arlan’s wedding. Numerous challenges had been overcome to reach this point. If Oriana hadn’t been found, Arlan’s ascent to the throne would have been improbable without violating an ancient tradition, an option deemed impossible.

As the anticipation for the bride’s arrival heightened, time passed without any movement. Arlan stood at the altar, unmoving, his expressions unchanged.

Worried expressions adorned the faces of Drayce and Seren, catching the attention of Cian. He glanced at the two, silently inquiring about the situation. Seren, in response, offered conflicted expressions that Cian interpreted as a sign that this wedding wasn’t progressing smoothly.

The King’s gaze shifted to Arlan’s knights, Imbert and Rafal, who mirrored their master’s stillness, seemingly unaware of what was going on. The King then looked to his personal aide, who nodded and discreetly departed alongside Commander Conor Loyset through the door closer to the throne.

After a period of waiting, the King’s aide returned, leaning in to whisper to the King, "Your Majesty, the Crown Princess is not in her residence."

A grave expression overcame the King as he responded in a low voice, "She must be on her way to the Grand Hall. Did you follow the same route?"

The King’s aide nodded, conveying, "The servants have no knowledge of her whereabouts; it’s as if she vanished from her residence. Commander Loyset has gone to search for her."

The shocking revelation left the King and Queen visibly perturbed. Julien, who had been wearing a smile moments ago, now bore a worried expression. Lenard, sensing the shift, signaled his knights to investigate further, his own countenance mirroring concern. Though he wished to go himself, his departure would only give rise to unwanted speculation.

Arlan, with his keen hearing, caught wind of the conversation. Despite his attempt to remain unaffected, a subtle tremor resonated within him. Inhaling deeply with closed eyes, he centered himself with the resolve, ’I will find her and follow her.’

Within the grand hall, guests started exchanging whispers, casting a serious and awkward air over the once festive atmosphere.

"Dray, you should do something," Seren urged in a low. "Is she really not coming? Can you use your powers to see where she is?"

Drayce used his power to search her, "She’s not in the palace. I cannot sense her essence."

Seren’s heart sank as she mumbled, "She really left."

Drayce held his wife’s hand to comfort her, "It’s their choice. We can do nothing."