The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 440

Chapter 440: What Have You Promised In Return?

Leaving Alran’s chamber, Oriana proceeded downstairs, intent on departing from this place. Her resolute and confident demeanor remained unaltered throughout the journey. Along the way, every servant who crossed her path bowed in deference to the Crown Princess. _{freēwebnovel.com}

Their astonishment at her departure was evident. No one within the palace had any knowledge of her arrival or her overnight presence in the Prince’s chamber. However, they dared not voice their confusion.

Upon stepping out of the building, Oriana issued a command to the knights stationed outside, "Prepare a carriage for me."

Since her arrival had been discreet and without prior arrangement, no carriage had been readied for her. Kerry promptly relayed her request to the other knights, all of whom maintained a respectful posture in the presence of the Crown Princess.

Shortly thereafter, the carriage arrived. Imebrt joined Oriana and informed her, "I have already sent a message to Commander Loyset regarding Your Highness’s presence."

"Thank you, Sir Loyset," Oriana acknowledged as she settled into the carriage. "To the Queen’s palace," she instructed.

The moment she entered the carriage and its door closed, the façade of unwavering strength she had displayed thus far rapidly dissolved, much like ice exposed to the heat of a flame.

Oriana felt her entire body grow weak, and she took a deep breath to regain her composure. Maintaining such a tough facade in front of Arlan and sustaining it for an extended period had not been an easy feat.

"I’m fortunate that he didn’t confront me this time," she thought to herself.

Commander Conor Loyset and his knights had already arrived there on time and they accompanied Oriana’s carriage to the Queen’s palace.

Rafal arrived at the scene with information for the commander. He observed the carriage departing and, once again, couldn’t catch a glimpse of the Crown Princess. Her early morning departure left him bewildered.

"Is there something amiss, Captain?" Rafal inquired.

Imbert nodded and fixed his gaze on the knight. "You must keep a watchful eye on His Highness and ensure he remains in his room throughout the day. If he attempts to leave, you must prevent him."

"What?" Rafal almost exclaimed in disbelief. "Captain, are you jesting with me at this early hour?"

"Have I ever been one to jest?" Imbert replied in a cold tone.

"How can I... I mean, who would dare defy His Highness if he..."

"That’s your concern to grapple with. Should you fail, be prepared to face the consequences," Imbert stated before turning to depart.

"Captain..."

Imbert halted and added, "One piece of advice: if he refuses to heed you, you can mention that you intend to report it to the Crown Princess." He left, without giving Rafal a chance to say more.

Rafal could only let out an helpless sigh.

’Captain sure seems tired of having me around and perhaps wishes to see me on my death bed.’

-----

After Imbert and Oriana departed and the door closed behind him, Yorian made his way toward the couch in the lounge area and remarked, "Prince Arlan, you’re quite fortunate to be on the receiving end of her temper."

Arlan’s gaze lingered on the departing elf. He felt a peculiar sense of displeasure that Oriana had spent an unknown amount of time with this elf without his knowledge. The presence of another man beside her, even unbeknownst to him, left a bitter taste. Not that he would have permitted it even if he had been aware. In his view, there was no room for anyone else beside her, even if he couldn’t be the one himself.

"Are you jealous?" Arlan asked as he took a seat in his chair, ready to engage in a serious conversation with the elf.

"Jealous?" Yorian chuckled and elegantly settled onto the couch, crossing one leg over the other. "Wasn’t I on the receiving end as well? It’s not the first time for me, though. She occasionally treats me with such an attitude where I can do nothing but listen obediently."

Yorian’s words were clearly intended to incite Arlan, and the elf relished the various expressions he got to witness on Arlan’s face.

Arlan’s sea-blue eyes darkened, as if he wanted to throttle the man in front of him. "There won’t be a next time for you."

Arlan interrupted him, his glare as lethal as ever. "Do you want me to throw you out or you plan to go on your own."

"Very well, I’ll return to my Oriana. I’m not certain if I’ll get to see her after the night of the New Moon," the elf remarked and vanished in an instant, not waiting to witness Arlan’s reaction.

"Since when she has become yours?"

"As long as she is not claimed by anyone, I can sure think of her as mine," the elf spoke and disappeared with the smirk on his lips.

Arlan’s hands clenched the chair’s armrests, his jaw tight, and his eyes filled with a mix of anger and bitter helplessness.

----

Oriana arrived at the Queen’s palace and was directed to the Queen’s chamber. Upon reaching the door of the Queen’s chamber, Oriana noticed two servants stationed outside. They weren’t the Queen’s usual attendants, but rather... Oriana’s gaze turned colder as she recalled who they were.

"Your Highness, allow me to announce your arrival to Her Majesty," one of the Queen’s servants said and turned to head inside the chamber.

"Wait," Oriana spoke, and the servant halted. She regarded Oriana with a puzzled expression. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"No need for an announcement. I will proceed directly," Oriana declared and advanced, leaving the servant perplexed.

"Your Highness, you cannot..."

Oriana paid no heed to the servant and entered the Queen’s chamber without hesitation.

It was considered impolite to enter the Queen’s chamber unannounced. Even the King and the Princes were not permitted to do so, but this young Crown Princess seemed to care little for such conventions.

The other servants could only frown and feel powerless in the face of Oriana’s stubbornness, ready to accept any punishment if the Queen chose to mete one out.