The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 393

Chapter 393: Make Me Regret It

In the grand foyer of Thistle Palace, Alex briskly entered and unexpectedly encountered Imbert, whose surprise was evident. Imbert had been well-informed about Alex’s mission for the night, so witnessing his return signaled that something had gone awry.

"Alex, what brings you here?" Imbert inquired.

Alex halted, fixing his gaze on Imbert, a dear friend of his. "Her Highness is arriving here, and I must inform His Highness of her impending arrival."

Imbert was taken aback. "Here?"

In a rush, Alex nodded. "Excuse me."

"Wait."

Alex paused, and Imbert, sensing his unspoken question, added, "Wait a little longer."

Alex was puzzled, but Imbert answered the unspoken query in his eyes. "You can inform His Highness once she has crossed the threshold of the palace."

After a moment of silence, Alex grasped the situation. If Arlan were informed in advance, Oriana would likely be denied entry to the palace altogether. However, if they held off on informing him until she was inside, there was a chance that they could arrange a meeting. In essence, Imbert hoped for Arlan and Oriana to engage in conversation, and Alex, given their shared history as master and servant, reluctantly concurred.

Imbert glanced at Rafal, who had just descended the stairs from Arlan’s study. "What is His Highness occupied with?"

Rafal responded, "He’s still engrossed in his work within the study."

"In a short while, the Crown Princess’s carriage will arrive. Grant them entry," Imbert instructed.

Rafal wore a perplexed expression, but upon receiving a subtle gesture from Imbert, he left to carry out the directive. Reluctant to challenge his captain’s authority, Rafal exited.

Hearing some sounds outside, Imebrt spoke, "They have arrived. Now, you can proceed to inform His Highness. You know what to do," Imbert remarked.

"I had no idea you could be so cunning," Alex commented.

Imbert maintained his usual stern expressions and spoke, "Do not forget that you are a part of this plan as well."

Alex donned his usual composed demeanor and ascended the staircase.

Arlan stood by the window in his study, gazing out at the world beyond. Alex entered and respectfully bowed, addressing him, "Your Highness."

Arlan didn’t turn to face him, as if he had already anticipated that things wouldn’t unfold as planned. Dealing with the woman in question had proven to be quite challenging when it came to altering her decisions.

"What excuse has she offered this time?" Arlan inquired.

"Your Highness..."

In response, she playfully raised an eyebrow, mirroring his gesture. "If not here, then why am I here at all?"

Her hands moved sensually to remove the outer robe, sliding it down her shoulders until it gracefully pooled around her feet. Her slender form stood before him, adorned in a delicate nightdress that clung to her petite frame, accentuating her enticing curves.

"Do you still harbor doubts, my dear Prince?"

Her voice and manner exuded flirtatiousness, a facet of her character that Arlan had never anticipated. Her confidence clearly showed she was aware of how beautiful and tempting she was. She was sure checking his patience.

Arlan fixed his gaze on her for a brief moment, a disdainful chuckle escaping his lips. "So, it was all a masquerade, wasn’t it? The pretense of protecting your grandfather, the desire to uncover your family history, and that seemingly genuine animosity toward me – all of it, just a charade. Your true motive from the very beginning was the pursuit of title and luxury, and you used those excuses to gain entry into the palace. You are quite the enigma. I often wondered what drives someone to fearlessly court death. As it turns out, unbridled greed can indeed overpower all of a person’s senses, especially when that person is as morally corrupt like you."

Her determination remained steadfast in the face of his mockery. "What’s wrong with that? People like you, born and raised in luxury, can’t comprehend the hardships we’ve endured. Besides, I’m on the cusp of acquiring the highest title, which elevates me above all. Why would I decline such an opportunity? If the price for that is intimacy with you, I have no objection. It might even lead to conceiving your child, which would help me even better."

Arlan laughed, his gaze darkening as he studied her. "You want to bear my child?"

"Why not?" she retorted confidently. "We’ve been intimate before, after all. I must admit, you are quite impressive." Her hands traced along his chest provocatively, devoid of hesitation, her eyes filled with determination.

"You will regret it, Oriana Verner."

"Then make me, regret it."