The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 489

Chapter 489: His Orders

By late afternoon, the Crown Prince’s carriage traversed the city roads, flanked by Arlan’s knights stationed on all sides. The entire capital had transformed into a spectacle of celebration, adorned from every nook and cranny in honor of their Prince’s wedding the next day. _{freewebnøvel.coɱ}

Every onlooker recognized the distinctive flag bearing the crest that symbolized the Crown Prince. They bowed in unison, their cheers resonating through the air as they fervently blessed the Prince and Princess for their union. Commoners extended warm wishes for the wedding and a blissful future together.

Amidst the festive atmosphere and the resounding cheers, Oriana remained somber inside the carriage. Her eyes had not opened even once since the moment she departed Wildridge Manor. It was as if she were either oblivious to her surroundings or chose to deliberately disregard them, as though none of it held any significance for her.

Arlan, too, maintained a silence, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on her composed face. He pondered the mysteries unraveling within her mind. How could a woman who was once exuberant and could not stay in one place despite repeated warnings now exude such calm amidst the bustling chaos?

Until they arrived at the palace and halted at the guest mansion, Oriana remained unchanged. When the carriages came to a stop, Arlan spoke, "We are here."

She slowly opened her eyes and turned to disembark from the carriage, as if unaware that there was someone seated opposite her.

"Wait," Arlan said, stepping out of the carriage first. He assisted her in stepping down, a gesture she didn’t resist.

As Oriana entered the mansion, the servants couldn’t contain their excitement at her return. Numerous speculations had circulated about their Crown Prince and Princess during their absence from the palace, but the loyal servants felt a sense of relief seeing them back.

While the guest mansion was adorned with decorations, Oriana remained oblivious, walking directly to her grandfather’s room. Arlan trailed behind but stayed outside. His affection for Oriana was profound, yet he harbored no sympathy for the old man, who was the murderer of his mother.

Having foreseen Oriana’s inclination to discuss her grandfather’s health with Erich Winfield, Arlan had already sent a message for the physician to be present.

Erich entered the chamber, exchanging greetings with Arlan. Oriana sat quietly by her grandfather’s side, holding his hand, her eyes closed as she delved into scrying through his body to assess his condition.

Upon opening her eyes, she noticed Erich standing in the room. "He is doing fine," Erich stated, to which Oriana nodded. "Thank you for taking care of him when I was busy."

"Don’t mention it. It’s my duty to look after my patient," he replied, walking toward the bed. "Once we develop that medicine and administer it to him, then we can rest assured."

"I will work on it. Now, there is nothing that can keep me busy. I can focus on preparing medicine for him," she added.

Erich nodded and advised, "You look tired. You should rest."

"I am alright."

"Tomorrow is your wedding," Erich remarked as he observed her.

However, Oriana didn’t react. She continued to hold the old man’s hand, sitting by his side quietly. After offering a few comforting words, Erich stepped out of the chamber.

He glanced at Arlan and remarked, "Seems like she wants to stay by her grandfather’s side."

He gently lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the chamber. Ana, who stood outside, exchanged glances with the butler, who offered her an assuring gaze.

Arlan carried Oriana upstairs to her room, placing her in bed and covering her with a warm blanket. Seated at the edge of the bed, he removed the veil from her face, staring at her delicate features for a moment. She appeared frail and exhausted, prompting him to wonder how long it would take for her to recover entirely.

He removed his shoes and jacket, slid under the blanket to sleep, cradling her in his arms. It seemed as though he had no will to part from her.

Just before dawn, he woke up. Not wanting Oriana to see him when she woke up, he quietly left the chamber. On this wedding day, he decided to leave the choice of whether she wished to marry him or not entirely up to her.

Descending the stairs, he instructed the butler, "Do not wake her up. Let her sleep as long as she wishes."

"Your Highness, today is the wedding, and Her Highness..."

"Do not wake her up," Arlan reiterated, his voice resolute.

"Understood, Your Highness," the butler replied with a sense of disappointment.

Arlan departed, returning to the Thistle Palace, prepared to accept whatever comes his way.