The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 544: More Than Just A Hug

Chapter 544: More Than Just A Hug

"Arlan doesn’t know about it as I couldn’t bring myself to tell him," the King continued, his voice heavy with regret.

"After a few days of Helena’s passing, when Arlan had begun to cope with the sorrow of losing his mother, he came to me and accused Philip of her murder. He insisted that I capture and punish him. He was just a little boy, relying on me to carry out such a task. When I asked if he had seen Philip and was certain it was him, Arlan told me his face was covered, but he could still recognize him. I took advantage of the fact that he hadn’t seen Philip’s face and continued to deny his claim, under the guise of gathering more evidence. Fulfilling Helena’s wish and protecting Arlan was more important to me."

"As the Verner family had disappeared suddenly, my priority was to locate you and Philip. Bringing you back was more important than apprehending Philip. Over the years, Philip managed to keep you hidden, but I am grateful that I was able to find you and grateful that you married Arlan despite the history between our families."

Oriana could see the King’s deep affection for his son. If it were someone else, they might have condemned Arlan, calling him a beast, but Ailwin was different like how humans usually reacts to something which was not normal to their understanding.

"I should be the one thanking you, Your Majesty, for your forgiveness," Oriana said sincerely.

"Let’s not mention it, as we are family now. All I want is for you and Arlan to lead a happy life."

"We will," Oriana affirmed with determination.

"Is there anything else you wish to know?" Ailwin asked.

"For now, there is nothing," she replied. "I shall take my leave."

The King offered her an approving nod, "Feel free to come to me if you need anything."

Oriana stood up and offered him a respectful bow, to express her gratitude. "Thank you for sparing me your precious time and answering my questions... Father..." The last word came out awkwardly, but she decided to try.

In response, Ailwin offered her a light smile and watched her leave.

With complicated emotions swirling inside her, Oriana stepped out of the King’s study. But the next moment, she felt something and looked around the empty hallways as if searching for someone.

’Why do I feel like he was here?’ she wondered, hurrying along the hallway to find him but spotting no one. ’Was I mistaken?’

Giving up, she made her way to Rafal, who was waiting for her on the other side of the hallway. As it was an important conversation between the King and her, the area around the study had been ordered to be emptied.

"Your Highness," Rafal bowed to her.

"To the Thistle Palace," she said in a serious tone, walking ahead to leave.

Rafal followed her, and they ordered a coachman to ride to the Thistle Palace. On the way, Oriana felt restless, unable to shake the feeling of needing to see him.

Arriving at the Crown Prince’s palace, she headed straight to Arlan’s study, where the Prince was said to be present at that moment. Seeing her, Imbert left, allowing her to enter the study. When she opened the door, she found the Prince standing by the window, looking outside, his hands folded behind his back.

There was an unusual calmness around him, or perhaps it was loneliness or more precisely sadness he was feeling. She felt as though she could somehow feel his emotions as if they were her own, and at that moment, he seemed sad.

Oriana didn’t announce her presence or waited for him to recognise her presence. she straightway went to him, not knowing what she was even thinking or feeling.

Arlan was lost in his thoughts, grappling with his own emotions. For the first time, he didn’t sense her presence or her approach. Suddenly, he felt a pair of delicate hands wrap around him, and a delicate figure pressed against his strong back.

Wordlessly, they stayed there in silence, neither having anything to say. Oriana buried her face in his back, closing her eyes, trying to absorb his pain.

After a while, Arlan finally moved and gently caressed her hand with his. "What happened?" he asked, turning his face to look over his shoulder, his voice calm.

She shook her head gently that rested against his back. "Nothing."

"Then what’s the meaning of this?" he inquired, referring to the back hug she had initiated.

"I just felt like it," she replied softly.

Once more, there was silence, and neither of them moved. Arlan took a deep breath, realizing she had no intention of letting go. Releasing her hands from around him, he turned to face her, her beautiful eyes searching his face for any trace of sadness, but he hid it well.

The last thing he wanted was to see pity in her eyes for him.

He moved his hand to caress her cheek, a teasing smile playing at the corner of his lips. "I wouldn’t mind if you felt like this more often. You can even go further than just a simple hug."

Initially, Oriana wanted to say something to comfort him, but seeing him hide his emotions behind flirtatious teasing, she held herself back. Instead, she found herself tiptoeing, holding onto his shoulders, and pressing her lips against his – just as he said, more than just a hug.

In that moment, she was willing to do whatever it took to make him feel better.

Arlan had expected her to frown at his teasing and perhaps curse him, but instead, she surprised him by taking the initiative.

’Did she just took an initiative to kiss me? This isn’t a dream, is it?’ he thought, his mind struggling to accept the reality of the situation.

It took him a few moments to come to terms with what had just happened. His eyes clearly reflected his surprise as the pair of delicate and soft lips continued to press against his lips.