The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 406

Chapter 406: Mocking The Crown Princess

Oriana’s attention shifted behind Arthur as she observed a group of people approaching them. Most of the group consisted of women, trailed by knights.

’It appears to be Lord Clarence’s family,’ she surmised, watching them draw closer.

"Greetings, Your Highness," echoed the salutations as everyone acknowledged the prince. He stood there, wearing his customary cold demeanor, seemingly indifferent to the younger generation. Instead, he directed his attention to Arthur’s grandmother and mother, offering a polite nod.

"I regret not being able to attend your engagement, as this old woman now falls ill frequently," the elderly woman spoke, her smile warm and pleasant. She turned her gaze toward Oriana with the same amiable expression. "And here we have our Crown Princess."

Oriana found the elderly woman to be gentle and amiable, and she had no desire to act recklessly. She respectfully offered a bow, unsure of how to address this venerable lady.

"Your Highness, this is my grandmother, and that’s my mother. The others you see are young ones from my family," Arthur explained. He then glanced at a lovely young girl standing beside his grandmother, assisting the elderly lady. "This is my sister, Evie, and the rest are my cousins."

Oriana observed the beautiful young girl, who bore a striking resemblance to her grandmother, and heard her greet her with, "Greetings, Your Highness."

In return, Oriana offered a nod.

Evie’s gaze fixed on Arlan as she remarked, "Your Highness, it’s been quite a while since we’ve met." Her eyes revealed her admiration for the handsome man. "How have you been?"

"I am well," he replied at last, and his voice carried across for everyone to hear.

Arthur interjected, cautioning, "Don’t trouble him. You know he won’t utter more than a few words."

Evie offered a gentle smile and commented, "At least he spoke."

On the other hand Oriana felt somewhat tired facing so many nobles eager to engage with her. All she truly desired was to conclude the interaction swiftly and depart.

"Enjoy yourselves, young ones. I’ll retire to the gazebo and relish some tranquil time by the lake," the elderly lady announced. Arthur’s mother accompanied her and provided support as they made their way to the gazebo. However, the elderly lady paused and fixed her gaze on Oriana.

"You’re Philip’s granddaughter, I’m certain you’ll make an excellent queen," the elderly woman declared warmly.

Arlan remained silent and unreactive. He had to respect the elderly lady’s discretion. His mind was somewhere else as he was being affected by Oriana’s presence and scent. As the elder lady left, he began to turn to leave, Arthur halted him.

"Where are you off to? My grandmother just suggested that you enjoy the company of the young ones. Are you going to leave the Crown Princess on her own with us?"

"Your Highness, you appear to be injured," one of Arthur’s cousins pointed out, directing everyone’s attention to Arlan’s slightly bloody lips.

Sighing, Arthur conceded, "While you may have confidence in your betrothed, I can’t allow my cousins to insult her."

Arthur was about to intervene, but then he noticed his sister stepping forward. She addressed Oriana, her innocent beauty overshadowed by guilt. "Your Highness, please forgive the rudeness of my cousins. I apologize on their behalf."

Oriana responded, "You don’t need to apologize for someone else’s rudeness," as she looked at the contrite girl. Then, her gaze shifted to Evie’s cousins, who appeared to find it easy to bully the new addition to the nobility.

"We’re not being rude, Your Highness. We were simply expressing our concerns," one of them explained.

"Concerns?" Oriana chuckled, gazing at the Clarence family members who had been less than courteous. "It seems you people are quite adept at making assumptions, aren’t you?"

"We’re genuinely concerned about you..." _{freewēbnoveℓ.com}

Oriana interrupted with a sweet and polite tone, "From where I stand, it seems you nobles are trying to ridicule me for having spent my life in the wilderness. You inquired whether I suffered there? Well, I must say my life in the wilderness was much better and liberating. I didn’t have to wear a facade and pretend to be noble while harboring bitterness in my heart. I was spared the burden of being fake."

Her words left everyone stunned. Arthur glanced at Arlan, who remained quiet and appeared ready to depart, but Arthur held his hand, saying, "Wait a moment, Cromwell. I wouldn’t want to miss this entertainment. It’s been quite some time since the Milton family incident that I’ve seen something this entertaining."

Arlan halted as Arthur gave him a pleading look, resembling a child, and frowned in response.