The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 375

Chapter 375: Caught

From the shadows, Oriana observed the emergence of a tall, robust figure, taking her completely by surprise. "Commander Loyset?" she whispered, her heart racing.

Anticipating they were captured by the Prince, she was astounded to discover that it was Commander Loyset and his men who had appeared before them.

Her thoughts swirled in turmoil. ’These mercenaries managed to outwit the Prince’s forces, yet they couldn’t outwit the Commander,’ she sighed inwardly. ’What was I thinking? He’s a Commander of the knights for a reason, having protected the king throughout his life. Deceiving him or opposing him won’t be a simple feat."

"Stay where you are, or do not blame me for not showing you any mercy," Commander Loyset’s chilling voice reverberated through the dense woods.

Instead of surrendering, the mercenaries drew their swords, ready to fight with the Commander’s people.

Oriana gazed upon mercenaries in helplessness, thinking, ’These brave souls might meet their end today because of me. I can’t let that happen. I’ll return with the Commander.’

Determined to step out of the carriage, Oriana halted abruptly as another chilling voice pierced the stillness. A multitude of footsteps echoed through the darkness, surrounding them from all the directions.

"Let them go, Commander Loyset."

Through the carriage window, Oriana spotted another figure whose voice she had immediately recognized.

It was Prince Arlan who had arrived, but his words left her in disbelief – ’Let them go.’

’Why is he letting me go? Does he not want to kill me?’ Her mind raced with confusion.

The next moment, Oriana found her answer in Commander Loyset’s response to Prince Arlan.

"Prince Arlan, you must instruct your men to stand down. I cannot allow them to abduct the Verner family; they are under the King’s protection," Commander Loyset declared firmly.

Realization dawned upon Oriana, leaving her utterly shocked. ’These mercenaries are Prince Arlan’s associates? I walked into the Prince’s trap willingly? The servant who visited me at the Wimark mansion, was he working for the Prince too? They deceived me, claiming to be my grandfather’s friends... ’

Her moment of shock was interrupted by the ongoing conversation between the two men.

"Commander, I have no desire to harm your men. I must insist on taking them with me," Arlan’s icy voice reached Oriana’s ears, leaving her clenching her lips in frustration. ’That devious Prince deceived me just so he could abduct us and eliminate us without raising suspicion.’

"Prince Arlan," the Commander responded in a calm and dignified tone as he retrieved something from his pocket: the jade seal that the King had entrusted to him."I presented this to you before at Verner families residence, and I believe I need not reiterate its significance."

Prince Arlan’s cold, piercing eyes fixated on the familiar object, fully comprehending its meaning. He had given up last time and allowed the Commander to get Verner family. This seal was the very reason that he had to make another plan.

"Prince Arlan, His Majesty has refrained from invoking the authority of this jade seal for over a decade, but he was compelled to use it due to his deep understanding of his son’s nature. Anyone who defies this authority will be branded a traitor and subjected to due punishment. Do you wish His Majesty to see the day when his son is labeled as traitor, a Crown Prince of this kingdom turning into a traitor?’

Arlan’s grip on his sword tightened, the desire to shatter the jade seal etched on his face.

Looking at her with his emotionless and dangerous looking gaze, the grip of his hand tightened strongly on the handle of his sword as if it would crush it the next moment.

"Your Highness," Alex called, his voice bearing an undertone of insistence, urging Arlan to give for now. Alex being loyal to his master, could not see him labeled as a traitor.

Without a word, Arlan turned and departed. His retinue followed him, even those who had deceived Oriana and escorted her out.

Approaching Oriana, the commander spoke, "Please, hand over that sword, Miss Verner."

Oriana’s gaze met the commander’s, and she replied, "Should I just kill myself and end it all here and now?"

The commander was calm as she spoke, "When your grandfather awakens and learns of what has befallen you, he may well lose his will to live."

’Grandfather?’ The tears she had concealed behind a façade of coldness finally broke free, trailing down her cheeks, and her grip on the sword weakened. ’He’s the reason I want to keep living.’

The commander gently took the sword from her and said, "Please, come with us. After this, the Prince will pose no threat to either of you."

They brought Philip with them as they returned to the inn, but by then, the Prince and his entourage had vacated the premises.

"We will travel on our now. The prince has given up," the commander informed Oriana which made her feel relived.