The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 520

Chapter 520: Comfort In The Warmth

Oriana swiftly changed into her new attire, the fabric draping elegantly around her frame. "I will get matching jewelry," Ana informed her, heading towards the jewelry section.

"Ana, you need to change your clothes as well," Oriana gently reminded her, noticing her dress.

Ana acknowledged her lapse. "Apologies for not keeping myself tidy, Your Highness. I will change quickly once I get you ready."

"You can go ahead. I will take care of the jewelry," Oriana insisted, granting Ana the time she needed.

Though it wasn’t a matter of particular interest to Oriana, she understood her duty as Crown Princess wore anything, leaving it to Ana’s preferences. With a bow, Ana excused herself, leaving Oriana to her own devices.

Walking toward the jewelry section, Oriana resolved to select whatever caught her eye first, aiming for efficiency. But as she moved forward, a sudden sensation gripped her body. A sharp pain pierced her heart, rippling through her entire being like a violent uprising against herself. Muscles tensed, veins bulged, as if some internal force rebelled against her, threatening to overwhelm her entirely.

Her body succumbed to the overwhelming agony, forcing her to kneel upon the unforgiving floor. Beads of sweat adorned her skin, her eyes reflecting the torment coursing through her veins.

’W-what is happening to me?’ Her trembling hand reached for her wrist, seeking reassurance amidst the chaos within. ’Am I afflicted with a grave illness?’ _{freeweɓnovēl.coɱ}

Despite the agony, she forced herself to focus, attempting to scry the depths of her own being. "Darkness... that power is affecting my body...," she deduced, grappling with the overwhelming force threatening to consume her.

Remaining seated on the floor, she endured the relentless pain, her mind fraught with worry over the consequences. ’If my body cannot withstand these internal forces... if Lady Sierra’s words hold true, will they send me to the demons? I cannot allow it... I mustn’t let Arlan discover this...’

With every fiber of her being, Oriana fought to endure, clinging to hope amidst the anguish. ’Please, let this torment pass swiftly. I cannot bear to be discovered.’

Outside, a sound disrupted her solitary struggle. ’Seems like Ana is back.’

As the pain gradually ebbed away, relief washed over Oriana. Ana entered the room, her eyes widening in concern at the sight of Oriana on the floor.

"Your Highness? What happened?" Ana rushed to her side, eager to offer aid.

Oriana avoided Ana’s gaze, allowing her long hair to cascade over her face as a shield. "I think I dropped one of the jewelry pieces on the floor," she murmured, feigning a search for the missing item.

"Your Highness, please allow me to find it," Ana offered, immediately beginning her search. Meanwhile, Oriana seized the opportunity to discreetly wipe the sweat from her face and compose herself before the mirror.

Glancing back at Ana, who remained engrossed in her task, Oriana casually revealed the earring in her hand. "Oh, it was caught up on my dress," she remarked.

Ana stood, relieved. "Glad that we found it," she said, assisting Oriana in donning the earring. However, Ana couldn’t ignore the subtle change in Oriana’s complexion.

"Your Highness, why do you suddenly look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?" Ana inquired, her concern evident.

"I believe I’ve spent too long inside this side chamber. It’s starting to feel suffocating," Oriana responded, masking her discomfort. "I think I need some fresh air."

Ana acquiesced, accompanying Oriana outside. Despite Oriana’s outward appearance of composure, the lingering effects of her recent ordeal still weighed heavily upon her, leaving her feeling weakened. She made a concerted effort to conceal her condition, determined that no one would discern her vulnerability.

In response, the wolf edged closer, allowing Oriana to fulfill her desire. However, before she could fully embrace Snowflake, Arlan interjected, "You can always hug me. I wouldn’t mind."

Oriana shot him a pointed glare. "For now, I need a hug from our pet."

Arlan raised a brow at how easily she said ’our pet’. It was the first time she considered something that belonged to the both of them together. It made him feel delighted so he could only comply with her wishes. Meanwhile the beast inside was relieved that their pet was not a male or his beast instincts would have stopped Oriana from getting closer to this wolf.

As Oriana leaned in to hug Snowflake, she reveled in the comforting warmth radiating from her furry companion. The sensation of her weak body growing stronger with each passing moment filled her with newfound joy. A fleeting thought crossed her mind: ’What if I slept with Snowflake every night? Would the Dragon agree?’

Before she could entertain the idea further, she was abruptly pulled away from Snowflake, finding herself pressed against Arlan’s muscular chest. Confusion and irritation clouded her thoughts as she met his displeased gaze.

"Though she is a female, that doesn’t mean you should give her what belongs to your husband," Arlan chided gently. "You can hug me instead." With that, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

Ana discreetly turned away, a soft smile playing on her lips, while the knights averted their gazes, respecting their privacy.

"She is warm, and I felt better when I hugged her," Oriana defended herself, though she knew arguing would be futile.

"Am I not warm enough?" Arlan’s voice was low and tinged with meaning as he gazed down at her. "I can warm you in a better and more pleasing way."

Oriana swallowed nervously under his heated gaze, attempting to free herself from his grasp, but finding herself unable to resist.