The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 552: Serious Talk

Chapter 552: Serious Talk

In the chamber, Arlan pulled a chair close to Oriana’s bed and settled in for the entire night, a steadfast sentinel watching over her while she was cocooned in the comforting presence of Snowflake. He hesitated to disturb their tranquility, knowing how crucial it was for Oriana’s body to mend without interruption.

The following morning, Oriana stirred, enveloped in a cocoon of warmth that embraced her like a mother’s love—a sensation foreign to her until now. As she reached out her hand, she encountered nothing but softness beneath her touch.

Slowly, she blinked her eyes open, greeted by the sight of snow-white fur surrounding her. Even in her drowsy state, she recognized the familiar texture and lifted her gaze, meeting the piercing frost-blue eyes of Snowflake.

The wolf lay beside her, nestled in her bed, and Oriana couldn’t help but feel a rush of delight at the unexpected sight. Instead of annoyance, she felt a deep sense of comfort holding her beloved pet close.

"Snowflake, what are you doing here?" she murmured softly.

A familiar voice responded to her query. "She’s aiding in your healing process," Arlan explained, his presence near her bedside reassuring.

Turning her gaze to Arlan, Oriana observed him standing there, clad in fresh attire and prepared for the day ahead. It dawned on her that, once again, she had overslept. The events of the previous day flooded back into her memory, reminding her of the ordeal she had endured.

"Good morning," Arlan greeted, making his way toward her.

"Morning," Oriana replied, feeling a twinge of guilt as he approached, aware that he now knew her body was beginning to feel the effects of their situation.

As Arlan reached the bed, Oriana attempted to sit up, and Snowflake graciously made room by stepping down the bed as her master was now healed. Arlan settled beside her, lending a supportive hand to help her into a comfortable position.

Taking her hand, Arlan gently checked her pulse, relieved to find it steady and her strength returning. "How are you feeling now?" he still inquired.

"Um... I feel fine now," Oriana replied softly, her gaze dropping as she hesitated to broach the events of the previous day. "Yesterday... I..."

"I know," Arlan interjected gently, not wanting to add to her discomfort. "Did it hurt a lot?"

He could still recall how much she was in and how it made him feel helpless.

Oriana nodded, her expression anxious as she met his gaze. "Will you send me to the Demon realm now?" she asked, her fear of the unknown palpable.

"Why would I send you to strangers?" he replied gently, understanding her fear of going to the Demon realm. "You are my wife and you are meant to stay here with me by my side. You must have been one among them in your previous life, but now you belong to me. Do know that, you have nothing to do with them. We have a solution to protect your body and you won’t be in pain."

"What is it?" Oriana inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Instead of offering an immediate response, Arlan regarded her silently, his thoughts in turmoil.

"There isn’t one, is there?" she pressed anxiously.

"Your body has fully recovered with snowflake by your side, hasn’t it?" Arlan countered with a question of his own.

Oriana pondered his words for a moment before nodding. "It did."

"Snowflake is a magical beast and possesses magical abilities. You are her master so she can use her powers to help you heal," Arlan elucidated.

"No wonder I didn’t want to part with her. It’s unusually comforting," she commented and looked at Snowflake, "Thank you for healing me, Snowflake."

In response, Snowflake, who had settled herself comfortably on the carpeted floor, emitted a soft growl of acknowledgment.

Turning back to Arlan, Oriana concluded, "So, as long as I have Snowflake, I’ll be alright."

Arlan nodded in agreement before changing the subject. "Aren’t you hungry?"

It was normal for her body to feel extreme hunger after this ordeal and her body still needed strength.

"Yes, I am," she said, suddenly realizing she instantly needed something to eat.

After Oriana freshened up, she returned to find a sumptuous meal arranged on the table, the sight of which only intensified her hunger.

"Have a seat," Arlan instructed, gesturing towards the table.

Seating herself comfortably on the carpeted floor, Oriana eagerly prepared to indulge in the meal that Arlan had served for her. Without a word, she began to eat voraciously, her hunger eclipsing any other thought.

Arlan observed her with a sense of satisfaction as she savored the food he had deliberately chosen, catering to her preferences. Though she was not a picky eater and would eat everything that is served in front of her, he had learned over time which dishes pleased her palate the most.

Once Oriana had finished her meal, they decided to take a stroll in the garden, a much-needed respite after Oriana’s twenty-four-hour slumber. Snowflake trailed behind them, a silent but loyal companion.

As they reached the garden, Oriana felt better under the sunlight. When she looked entirely relaxed and having no other thoughts on her mind, Arlan looked at her, his intentions to talk about something important with her.

"It’s been days since we got married, hasn’t it?" Arlan remarked, breaking the tranquility of their stroll.

Oriana, who had been gazing at the sky with her eyes closed, heard his comment and turned to face him, curious about his intent.

Meeting her gaze directly, Arlan spoke with a calm seriousness, "We should consummate our marriage if you’re ready."

Oriana felt her heart almost stop beating. She was not surprised with what he said as she knew it would happen sooner or later. But the way he said it all of a sudden, looking so serious and without teasing her, was the last thing she could ever expect him to say. She could brush off his teasing but not when he talked with so much seriousness.

For a moment, silence hung heavy between them until Arlan broke it once more. "What do you think?" he inquired, aware that his words had likely shocked her.

"I... I’m fine with it," Oriana replied, her voice slightly faltering. "I apologize for neglecting my duties. I was preoccupied with..."

"It’s alright," he interrupted, unwilling to hear her apologies.

He hadn’t expected to find himself discussing this with her in such a straightforward manner, nor did he desire to remind her of her duties.

To tell her he was in a hurry to protect her and help her body would add another layer of complexity, perhaps even make her feel indebted to him for helping her this way. Once they are done, she would even go ahead and thank him for helping her and protecting her from going to the demon realm.

He never wanted it all this way. It was frustrating.

He wished to tell her he would take care of her, he would give her the best of what he had, they would be having the most precious moments only meant for both of them and so on, but at this moment, he could say none of it.

"Tonight, or whenever suits you, will it be fine for you?" he finally managed to ask, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Once again, a heavy silence settled between them as Arlan awaited her response.

"First, I need to visit my grandfather. It’s been more than a day since I last saw him," Oriana replied, breaking the silence.

"Rafal will take you there," he replied, not insisting on the topic they were at.

"I will return before evening," she replied, which meant this night she was not going to stay with her grandfather but was going to return to him, signalling her agreement to the arrangement for the night.

Arlan simply nodded and instructed Rafal to take Oriana back to Verner’s residence.