The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 554: For The Sake Of Her Husband

Chapter 554: For The Sake Of Her Husband

Philips weak eyes didn’t fail to notice the shyness suddenly enveloped his granddaughter. He simply ruffled her hair with his hand to show his affection and happiness for her.

"Grandpa, my hair," she offered him a displeased glare like a little annoyed girl, "I am Crown Princess now. I can’t have my hair messy," and tried to soothe her hair with her fingers.

Philip chuckled and teased, "Or are you worried the certain someone would end up seeing you in unkept manner? Let me fix your hair."

Oriana allowed those tumbling fingers to caress her hair. Seeing him in a better mood, Oriana spoke, "Grandpa, I’ve never told you how he and I first met," Oriana revealed. "It wasn’t on the day he found you, but even before then."

"It seems I’ve been missing out on quite a bit," Philip remarked, showing interest in her story. He always enjoyed hearing about her adventures whenever she was away, relishing her animated storytelling, even when she amusingly cursed the people she encountered.

Oriana began recounting everything to him, starting from the day she first encountered Arlan in the forest. The atmosphere between them turned warm and pleasant as Philip laughed weakly now and then at the humorous incidents his granddaughter shared.

"...and he always pretended not to know I was a woman," she complained.

Philip gently poked her forehead with his index finger, a chuckle escaping his lips. "If he could be so easily fooled, he wouldn’t be the crown prince of this kingdom. But I’m delighted that there’s someone who can outwit my clever granddaughter."

She pouted in mock annoyance. "Are you taking his side and praising him, Grandpa?"

Philip grinned, enjoying her reaction. "One must always acknowledge the cleverest among us."

Frowning playfully, Oriana retorted, "I’m not talking to you."

"Alright, my Ori is the cleverest. The prince is just a tad bit smarter than her," Philip teased.

"I’m not buying it," she replied, though happy that Philip had accepted Arlan for her.

The banter between them continued for some time, reminiscent of their interactions from the past when they used to talk like this.

After a while, Oriana remembered, "Grandpa, your hands are cold. You shouldn’t stay out for too long."

Philip agreed, not wanting to impose on her time, and allowed her to escort him back to his room.

Returning to her own chambers with Ana in tow, Oriana recalled that she needed to return to Wildridge Manor by sundown.

"Ana," she called.

"Yes, Your Highness?" Ana replied.

"I’m returning to Wildridge Manor," Oriana began, a hint of hesitation in her voice, "Help me get ready... a little more elegantly than usual..."

Ana, always perceptive and devoted to her mistress, understood the implication immediately.

"Of course, Your Highness. As you’ll be staying here more frequently, I’ve already arranged the necessary items. We have many beautiful dresses and pieces of jewelry that you haven’t yet worn."

"Thank you, Ana," Oriana said softly, gratitude evident in her tone.

"It’s my duty, Your Highness," Ana replied, her expression reflecting her happiness for her mistress.

Ana returned from the side chamber, carrying a stunning dress and holding it out for Oriana to see. "Your Highness, I’ve noticed that you look exceptionally beautiful in this light ivory color. You wore a similar shade on your engagement day, and it suited you perfectly."

Oriana glanced at the dress and couldn’t help but admire its beauty. Its outer layer consisted of delicate, transparent fabric adorned with intricate embroidery that shimmered softly in the light. The long sleeves matched the ethereal material, while a gold-embroidered belt cinched the waist, leading to a full, billowing skirt that gracefully swept the ground.

"On your engagement day, Your Highness wore a veil, so His Highness couldn’t see you entirely. Today, it’s my chance," Ana remarked with a smile.

Understanding Ana’s intentions and feeling a sense of agreement, Oriana nodded. "I will wear this dress."

Ana carefully laid the dress on the bed before returning with several jewelry boxes. Placing them beside the dress, she encouraged Oriana to take a look.

Oriana, who had never taken much interest in clothing or jewelry and usually deferred to Ana’s choices, found herself surprisingly intrigued by the idea of selecting her own accessories. Unbeknownst to her, a desire to present the best version of herself had stirred within her, and she was ready to embrace it like never before.

Ana couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy as Oriana didn’t utter her usual remark of "just select what you feel right." Her mistress was finally showing interest in her appearance and choices, all for the sake of her husband.

Observing Oriana’s confusion over the array of jewelry, Ana stepped in to offer guidance. "This one is made of pearls and would complement the dress you’ve chosen, Your Highness. And this teardrop silver gem with gold accents is exquisite as well. You are naturally beautiful, so whatever you wear will enhance your beauty."

Oriana decided on the pearl necklace, prompting Ana to cheer, "A splendid choice, Your Highness! These pearls will gleam beautifully and perfectly match your dress."

With the dress and jewelry selected, Oriana settled before the mirror as Ana brought out the makeup box. Though Oriana typically avoided makeup, she had begun to accept Ana’s insistence on its use since becoming crown princess.

As Ana began applying makeup, Oriana didn’t interject as she usually did. Ana took this as tacit permission to proceed as she wished.

"A touch of baby pink on your lips will enhance your beauty," Ana suggested, seeking Oriana’s approval.

Surprisingly, Oriana remained silent, allowing Ana to continue with the makeup application without objection. It was a different from their usual routine, and Ana couldn’t help but feel both surprised and pleased by Oriana’s compliance.

As Ana began working on Oriana’s hair, she inquired, "Your Highness, how would you like your hair styled?"

Remembering Arlan’s fondness for her long, beautiful locks, Oriana replied, "Leave them open."

Ana understood Oriana’s preference perfectly. With skillful hands, she elegantly gathered strands of hair at the front, weaving some part of them into delicate braids that were secured at the back of Oriana’s head with beautiful hair pin. The remainder of her long hair cascaded gracefully down her back.

Finally ready, Oriana gazed at her reflection. She heard Ana’s reassuring voice, "You look stunning, Your Highness. His Highness will be captivated by your beauty."

Oriana, who usually took pride in her appearance, found herself unable to offer self-praise. Perhaps she was waiting for Arlan’s admiration, knowing that his praise would hold deeper significance.