The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 492: Oaths

Chapter 492: Oaths

As anticipation hung in the air, the bride had yet to make her entrance, prompting hushed speculations among the guests. King Ailwin, sensing the restlessness, took it upon himself to quell any unease. With a reassuring tone, he guaranteed the attendees that the bride would soon grace them with her presence, urging them to continue reveling in the joyous occasion.

The royal servants, quick to distract the guests, skillfully presented an array of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks, accompanied by the enchanting strains of beautiful music. Seizing the opportunity, the guests engaged in lively conversations, discussing important matters with delegates from various kingdoms.

For the delegates, Drayce stood out as the main attraction—a young and the most powerful king across this vast continent.

Cian, recognizing the impending demands on Drayce’s time, couldn’t resist a comment. "Looks like you’re in for a busy evening, King Drayce."

Already prepared to assist his friend Arlan and his family in this awkwrd situation, Drayce who didn’t like to chat much, decided to actively mingle with the guests, aiming to capture their attention.

He turned to Cian with a determined look, saying, "I won’t be the sole participant in this endeavor. You’ll be joining me as well."

Cian flashed a knowing smirk. "I had initially planned to use this opportunity to spend time with my sister."

Drayce, unyielding, responded, "For that, you’re more than welcome to visit Megaris and reunite with your sister." With those words, he gracefully stood up, ready to play his part to help out Griven royal family.

Rising to his feet, Cian acknowledged the Griven Royal family as his relatives, now that Miera was Prince Lenard’s wife. The trio, including Prince Lenard, skillfully engaged the guests, adeptly diverting their attention from the delayed arrival of the bride.

Delighted guests relished the opportunity to interact closely with both King Drayce and Prince Cian, the prospective ruler of the prosperous kingdom of Abetha.

As time ticked away, more than half an hour later Commander Conor Loyset returned to the King’s side, concealing his concern beneath a stoic expression.

"Your Majesty, we have yet to locate the Crown Princess. She is nowhere within the palace," the commander disclosed in hushed tones.

The King’s countenance shifted to a more serious demeanor as he heard the his knight.

The commander added, "It’s been an hour since her absence was discovered by her attendants. It appears she has departed the palace. I dispatched knights to scour the city for her. Considering the time, she cannot have gone far and must still be within the city limits. We will find her."

"Find her at any cost," the King commanded icily. "This wedding is of utmost importance. She must marry Arlan, whether she desires it or not."

"I understand, Your Majesty. Please allow me some more time," the commander reassured.

Arlan, with his keen senses, overheard the exchange. While not entirely surprised, a pang of sadness gripped his heart at the realization that she had indeed departed, choosing not to be with him.

’It’s alright,’ he consoled himself. ’I have to leave. I have to follow her.’ He had made up his mind. He was going to give up on everything. It was the time- time to follow her and be free from all the shackles of royalty.’

As Conor Loyset prepared to leave, Arlan stepped forward, halting him. "No need to search for her."

"Your Highness?"

Arlan raised his hand, signaling the commander to pause, and directed his attention to his father. He knew that what he was about to express would disappoint the King, but it was a choice he had to make. Oriana held a significance greater than the throne, an inheritance that was never truly his by choice. The time had come to convey his decision, one that prioritized love over sovereignty.

"Father, please don’t be disappointed with what I’m about to say, but understand that this is of great importance to me. I can’t afford to waste any more time; I need to find her and follow my heart."

"Arlan, what are you trying to say?"

"Let me finish, Father," he urged. "I no longer wish to be the—"

"Her Highness, Oriana Verner, the Crown Princess of Griven, has arrived."

The announcement from the royal guard abruptly interrupted Arlan’s conversation with his father, casting a hush over the entire wedding hall. All eyes turned toward the grand entrance, and the guests, momentarily silenced, resumed their seating arrangements in anticipation.

The majestic doors swung open, revealing a vision of ethereal beauty—a woman adorned in a pristine white wedding dress, its cascading fabric trailing behind her like a moonlit silk waterfall. Her captivating countenance featured delicate features and radiant skin that seemed to glow with enchantment. Hazel eyes, warm as autumn leaves, held the promise of a love as enduring as the seasons. Her long, red-blond hair, expertly styled, enhanced the natural allure of each curl and twist, dancing in harmonious elegance.

With each graceful step, she embodied pure grace and elegance.

Arlan, still processing the announcement, turned around to behold his bride. His gaze fixed upon her as she moved forward slowly, as if he wanted to imprint her presence in his mind, ensuring it wasn’t a desperate figment of his imagination. He stood frozen in place, as if his feet were bound to the floor.

Every eye in the hall remained fixed on the stunning bride. Unveiled, she allowed everyone to behold the Crown Princess, a woman who perfectly deserved to stand by their Prince’s side.

Seren, holding Drayce’s hand, couldn’t contain her happiness at the sight of Oriana. Beneath her veil, she smiled ear to ear, yet the joy also brought a hint of moisture to her eyes and a swell of emotion in her heart.

Drayce gently wrapped his hand around Seren’s shoulder, pulling her closer to provide comfort. Seren’s mix of happiness and emotion was entirely understandable, given her closeness to Oriana and her awareness of the situation.

The most astonished person in the entire wedding hall was Crown Prince’s second knight, Rafal. The shock of seeing Oriana overwhelmed him to the point where he forgot to lower his head in a gesture of respect as she walked down the aisle towards the altar.

Noticing Rafal’s oversight, Imbert cleared his throat subtly, a signal for Rafal to correct his stance. Responding to the unspoken cue, Rafal looked to his captain, finding assurance in Imbert’s nod. Despite the multitude of questions swirling in his mind, Rafal respectfully lowered his head.

The King and his entourage, previously anxious over the failed search for the Crown Princess, couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of relief at Oriana’s arrival. Julien, fraught with concern, finally breathed a sigh of relief. Though she yearned to approach Oriana, embrace her, and inquire about what happened, as the Queen, she restrained herself and remained in her place.

Lenard, previously worried for his brother, found solace as he went to stand by his wife. Miera subtly took his hand for comfort, and he responded with a warm smile.

Slayer, who was standing nearby where Drayce as his knight, was equally distressed a while ago, but could feel at ease now. Arlan’s previous reaction when he was talking to his father, didn’t go unnoticed by him as all the while his worried gaze followed his friend. Each change in Arlan’s expressions could clearly convey him what was going on in his friend’s mind. Slayer had already prepared to leave with Arlan to assist him with any help he needed but by that time Oriana had already arrived there.

Drayce’s gaze remained fixed on the hall entrance, where he had sensed a familiar energy. The owner of that energy was now standing by his side.

Turning to the silver-haired elf, who attended the wedding as one of the esteemed guests from Megaris, Drayce inquired, "Where was she?"

Yorian, with a calm demeanor, responded, "Somewhere she needed to be. Now she is here. Let’s enjoy the wedding." The elf settled into his chair, wearing a light smile and showing little inclination to discuss further.

Drayce shifted his attention to his friend, Arlan, whose eyes remained unwavering from the bride walking down the aisle, seemingly still in disbelief.

While everyone marveled at the beautiful bride, Oriana herself was lost in her own thoughts, her mind weaving oaths to be followed throughout her lifetime. Her mother’s voice echoed, accompanied by blurred images from someone else’s memories.

"[Helena, do not worry. My daughter will always be with your son. She will always protect him. The mistake we have made, my daughter will take care of it.]"

’Mother, whatever mistake you made, I don’t know its nature, but if it has harmed him, then as your daughter, I will bear the consequences. I’ll fulfill the promise you made to his mother. I will protect him.’

Her thoughts shifted to her grandfather.

’Grandpa, despite the past and whatever led to your actions, right or wrong, it was your sword that pierced his mother’s body.’

Her calm gaze turned resolute as she closed the distance to the altar. ’Grandpa, I must atone for all the sins our family committed against the royal family and that innocent boy. I will stand by his side and fulfill the promises our family made. I will live each word spoken by our family in the past as the sole purpose of my life.’

Reaching the altar, she stood in front of the Prince, her calm gaze finally meeting his shocked eyes. Both continued to gaze wordlessly at each other.