The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 434

Chapter 434: Helpless

Oriana departed from the King’s chamber after issuing her instructions to the commander. "We are headed to the palace of Hibiscus," she informed him with a firm tone.

The commander nodded in understanding as they made their way out, and the carriages were directed towards the residence of the Second Prince. It marked Oriana’s first visit to the place. The atmosphere inside the Hibiscus palace was as charged with tension as it had been in the Oak palace.

Filled with worry, Oriana hastened to reach the Second Prince’s chamber, guided by a servant. Upon entering the room, she discovered the Queen and the Second Princess, Lenard’s wife, Miera, standing beside the bed, tears streaming down their cheeks. The Royal Physician was deeply engrossed in treating the Prince, though his countenance seemed gravely concerned.

Oriana’s eyes desperately scanned the room for Arlan but found no trace of him. _{fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com}

"I’ve done all that I can. At this point, we can only wait for the medicine to show some miraculous effect," Oriana overheard the Royal Physician saying.

She ventured further into the room and quietly paid her respects to the Queen before turning her attention to the Physician. "May I examine Prince Lenard?"

The physician looked puzzled at her request, but recognizing her as the Crown Princess, he complied. He stepped aside to make way for Oriana. She took a seat and held Lenard’s hand to check his pulse. Her intent was to examine all the family members, and it became increasingly apparent that the curse afflicting the Prince mirrored the one afflicting the King. This led her to suspect that the witch had cast a curse that specifically targeted anyone with direct blood ties to Arlan.

The Prince’s life force waned, and with each passing moment, his body grew weaker under the relentless grip of the curse, much like his father. Oriana opened her eyes, her gaze fixed on his pallid countenance. During their previous encounter, the Second Prince had been lively and brimming with mischief, often daring to tease his elder brother. Now, to witness him almost lifeless tugged painfully at her heart.

She rose from her seat and turned to the Physician, determination in her voice. "Continue to administer every remedy you have but please consult with master Erich and follow his medication as well. They are more effective in this situation."

The royal physician nodded, "We have already asked for the physician Winfield’s presence."

Oriana approached Miera and the Queen. She met Miera’s eyes and spoke with a reassuring tone, "He will recover."

As Oriana’s words reached Miera, tears flowed more freely down her cheeks, and she sobbed, "He was perfectly fine the night before. I don’t understand how this happened all of a sudden."

Oriana gently held Miera’s hand and consoled her, "Please, be patient for a while. I’m confident that the Royal Physician and Master Erich will find a cure. Stay by the Prince’s side."

Miera, still sobbing, nodded. Oriana then turned her attention to the Queen and addressed her, "Your Majesty, I must speak with you."

The Queen nodded and wiped her tearful eyes, the pain evident in her gaze as she observed her son’s precarious state.

"Look after Lenard," the Queen said to Miera before departing with Oriana.

Once they were outside the chamber and out of earshot, Oriana inquired, her concern evident, "Where is the Crown Prince?"

At Oriana’s words, the Queen’s visage stiffened, and her once-beautiful face, now marked with the weight of worry, betrayed her anxiety. She composed herself and replied, "He was here not long ago but departed before your arrival."

Oriana fixed her gaze on the Queen, a brief silence hanging between them before she finally spoke, her voice laden with urgency. "I must discuss something of grave importance with you."

The Queen regarded her with a worried expression. "What is it?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Ana affirmed with a worried nod, her duty bound to her mistress’s wishes.

Within the sanctuary of her chamber, Oriana was joined by Yorian. His presence was met with the impatient and anxious demeanor of the Crown Princess. "Teleport me to that witch’s location," she demanded, her urgency palpable.

"Please, try to calm yourself first," Yorian implored, offering her a vial containing a potent elixir.

"I have no need for this," Oriana retorted, her frustration evident.

"You most certainly do," the elf insisted, his expression unwavering. "Before you confront your adversary, you need to consider your own strength and mental composure. Charging in recklessly won’t tilt the odds in your favor. The first rule of battle is to fortify both your body and mind before you engage."

Oriana took a deep breath, attempting to regain her composure. She accepted the elixir from Yorian and downed it in a single gulp, listening to his reassurance. "This will fortify you throughout the day."

In response, she inquired with newfound resolve, "Can we depart now?"

Yorian nodded, and the two of them vanished from her room, reappearing in the hushed corridor at the rear of the Queen’s mansion.

Upon their arrival, as they regained their composure and prepared to move forward, they were confronted with a startling scene. Arlan knelt before the door leading to the witch’s chamber, his head bowed in total submission, emanating an aura of utter helplessness.

The sight struck Oriana like a bolt of lightning, her heart pierced with an indescribable pain. Here was the once-strong, arrogant, and prideful man, reduced to a pitiful supplicant, leaving aside all his dignity in his desperate attempt for mercy from the wicked creature.