The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 302

Chapter 302: The Royal Ball

As evening descended, fancy carriages began to arrive in front of the royal ballroom. The delegates from the ten kingdoms and the high-ranking members of nobility began to gather within the elegantly adorned grand hall of the Royal Palace of Othinia, the lords and ladies clad in various extravagant attires symbolizing the culture and heritage of their respective kingdoms.

Laughter and animated conversations filled the air as the guests greeted one another with warm smiles and exchanged pleasantries. The tinkling of glasses and the gentle clinking of silverware resonated from the tables where refreshments were artfully arranged.

At this point, Arlan and Cian were left on their own after receiving the greetings of some nobleman and his wife.

"Your brother-in-law is still not here," Arlan commented.

"Single men like us have the freedom to arrive early without being delayed by a lady companion," Cian spoke as he took a glass of wine from a passing servant.

"In short, you are blaming your sister for my friend’s tardiness?" Arlan teased.

"I was looking forward to seeing Prince Arlan be late due to a certain someone, but it seems like he left the person behind."

"Seems like you have not put much effort in bringing your companion as well, Prince Cian."

"It’s not the time yet."

"That means you admit."

"Shall I ask you as well if you admit or not?"

"I will spare Prince Cian from trouble."

Soon, the royalty from other kingdoms came to greet the two princes, engaging them in light conversation. A light commotion arose upon the announcement of the herald stationed by the doorway.

Arlan remained unfazed, a glass of wine in hand, unbothered by the crowd’s reaction.

’That Red Dragon always manages to steal the spotlight.’

The King of Megaris drew gazes due to his unique red-eyed appearance, while he was also criticized by a handful for his late arrival. After all, he arrived last, later than the other kings in attendance.

However, it was the veiled purple-eyed woman he was escorting down the grand staircase who gathered the most attention.

The infamous cursed princess of Abetha, who was thrown away by her family and married off to the equally infamous Devil of Megaris.

While everyone was busy looking at the Queen of Megaris, the indifferent Crown Prince of Griven suddenly felt all of his nerves come alive. His sense of smell caught a whiff of the most alluring fragrance in existence.

’Honeysuckles.’

His instincts propelled him towards the approaching couple—no, his eyes were not on his friend and his wife but at a certain lady walking behind the veiled queen.

Unbeknownst to him, his feet made a move and he started walking towards the delegation of Megaris. While a small crowd had gathered to welcome the King and Queen of Megaris, the Crown Prince of Griven stayed at the outer edge of the group, his gaze stuck on the woman behind the queen, not even glancing at the royal couple.

By the time people dispersed, Arlan stood in front of Drayce and Seren.

"Are we blocking your view?"

Oriana, who was standing behind Seren, almost missed a step descending the grand staircase upon seeing Arlan in the crowd. It was strange. There were hundreds of people in attendance, yet she could find his figure without even trying.

When she saw him approaching afterwards, her heart nearly leaped out of her throat.

’He’s coming!’

She had expected this kind of encounter, but the moment she saw him walking towards them, the urge to flee overwhelmed her.

’But if I run...’

Such an ill-bred action, wouldn’t that bring more unwanted attention and suspicion to herself?

This ball was being attended by the most powerful figures in the continent. Every action of hers would reflect on the kingdom she’s representing. What if she implicated Seren?

’Nothing must go wrong.’

Suppressing that urge, Oriana simply averted her gaze toward the marble floor, her fingers grazing the edge of the veil covering the lower half of her face.

’Did His Highness recognize me? Queen Seren assured me that since no one had seen me in woman’s clothes before, covering my face should be enough to hide my identity.’

About an hour ago, the first time she saw the image of the beautiful woman reflected in the mirror, she could not recognize herself either.

’His Highness only approached to greet his friend. He couldn’t possibly recognize me.’