The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 578: Can’t Let Her Be Weak

Chapter 578: Can’t Let Her Be Weak

Oriana spent the next two days at the Verner mansion, where Arlan continued to support her through the mourning rituals. On the third day, she made her way to her grandfather’s grave before departing.

Kneeling before the tombstone, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Grandpa, I’ve planted your favorite flowers around here. I’ll visit often, so don’t feel lonely, okay?" Her voice cracked as tears began to stream down her cheeks.

Arlan stood a respectful distance away, silently observing her. He had witnessed her grief frequently since the loss, and although he felt deeply for her sorrow, all he could offer was his comforting presence.

Eventually, they returned to the palace. Arlan escorted her to the Crown Princess’ palace, the Palace of Honeysuckle and made sure she had everything she needed to rest.

Once Oriana was asleep, Arlan turned to Imbert. "Bring all of my work for the day here. I’ll work from here," he instructed firmly.

Imbert nodded, understanding Arlan’s reluctance to leave Oriana alone during such a trying time. Arlan then made himself comfortable in the lounge area of Oriana’s chamber, settling on the couch to sift through the stack of documents that had accumulated while he was preoccupied with supporting Oriana.

Soon after, someone arrived. A stir of excitement swept through the Crown Princess’ palace when a majestic white wolf emerged from a carriage, leaving the palace servants in a state of shock and awe. With an air of regal indifference, the wolf, guided by a knight, made its way upstairs, its presence commanding the attention of all who beheld it.

It took some time for the servants to recover from their initial fear and surprise. None had ever been so close to such a splendid creature.

Meanwhile, Arlan, deeply attuned to the energies of the palace, sensed the arrival of Snowflake, the white wolf he had summoned. He felt Oriana’s body had started to weaken and she needed healing.

The mental state Oriana was in, helping her body by providing his essence through physical intimacy didn’t feel appropriate but at the same time he feared if her body weakened and she suffered that pain in her heart once more.

Seeing Arlan in the corridor, Snowflake walked towards him, seemingly glad to see him.

He gently caressed her forehead, affirming, "She needs you." He then led Snowflake into the chamber. True to her nature, Snowflake climbed onto the bed and curled around Oriana, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

Arlan, his mind still preoccupied, stepped out to speak with Imbert, who appeared to have urgent news.

"What’s the matter?" Arlan inquired as Imbert and Rafal approached, bowing respectfully.

"We’ve received word that Marquis Mortimer is on his way to the capital," Imbert reported.

Arlan’s composed expression briefly faltered, revealing his concern. "Where is Alex? Is he aware of this?"

"He certainly is," Imbert confirmed.

"Keep a close watch on Alex, and ensure he doesn’t do anything rash," Arlan instructed firmly.

Rafal, understanding the gravity of the situation and aware of Arlan’s preoccupations, suggested, "Perhaps it would be wise to send him to Lord Nathaniel for a while. Apart from Your Highness, he only listen to Lord Nathaniel."

"Arrange for Nathaniel to meet with me," Arlan said, the lines of worry etching deeper into his face.

"Yes, Your Highness," they both responded, preparing to carry out his orders.

Arlan returned to the chamber, all of a sudden he felt like he had more things to worry about. For now, with the help of Snowflake, he could at least take care of Oriana.

When Oriana awakened, she was greeted by the comforting warmth and the serene presence of her beloved pet, Snowflake.

"Snowflake," she murmured, her voice low and hoarse.

In response, the wolf affectionately licked her cheek and snuggled closer.

"Thank you, I’m feeling much better," Oriana expressed her gratitude.

Arlan, attentive to her needs, had already risen to fetch her some water. Her extended periods of crying had left her dehydrated and her throat sore.

Sitting up in bed, Oriana accepted the water with a soft, "Thank you."

As Snowflake gracefully exited the bed and headed towards the door, Oriana turned to Arlan. "Where is she going?"

"Perhaps to the garden of your palace," Arlan suggested. "She prefers the open spaces rather than the confines of palace walls."

"I should ask the servants to look after her..."

"There’s no need," Arlan reassured her, "The knights who accompanied her here will take care of her. You don’t need to worry about anything."

Oriana nodded in understanding, relieved by his assurance. Then Arlan added, "I’ve also arranged for a meal to be prepared for you."

Oriana nodded, appreciating Arlan’s thoughtfulness, and moved to rise from the bed. As she headed toward the bath, her eyes caught a glimpse of the cluttered table in the lounge area. "That..."

"It’s just some routine paperwork, nothing crucial," Arlan responded quickly, trying to downplay his ongoing tasks.

"Did I keep you from your work?" she asked, realizing how he was by her side all the time, even taking over the work that was meant for Ana to do.

Arlan closed the distance between them, and to her surprise, he embraced her warmly. "You didn’t. I was actually glad to be by your side," he reassured her, his voice soft.

He let her go after a few moments allowing her to go to the side chamber, his gaze observing her. He had hugged her not only to comfort her but to assess the condition of her body. It was healed to better extend but not the way he had healed her by sharing his essence.

’I can’t let her body turn weaker or I won’t be able to mark her. It can’t be delayed now.’

-----

In the quiet of the evening, after ensuring Oriana was asleep, Arlan returned to his own palace, adjacent to Oriana’s. Nathaniel was already waiting for him in his study.

As Arlan entered, Nathaniel spoke up immediately, "How is your wife now?"

"She’s fine," Arlan replied, easing into his chair. "I called you here concerning Alex."

Nathaniel nodded, already briefed on the urgency. "I received the news as well. Don’t worry, I’ll keep Alex close by my side until Marquis Mortimer has left the capital."

"Alex is intelligent and resourceful enough to make independent decisions when it concerns his own matters," Arlan continued, his tone reflecting a mix of admiration and concern.

"He’ll restrain himself, not wanting to cause trouble for your family," Nathaniel added, "If he plans anything, he’ll be careful."

"That Marquis is not a simple person. We cannot let him know about Alex’ existence. For now, stop him with all you can do," Arlan said, sounding all serious, "I am preoccupied with certain important matters that I might not be around."

"Don’t worry, I will take care of it," Nathaniel assured. "Arthur is here as well. You focus on your matters and take care of your wife."

Arlan nodded, "If there is anything, let me know immediately."

"I will."