The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 572

Chapter 572: Flirting

"Ori?" Philip called out, noticing she was deep in thought.

"Yes, Grandpa?"

"That man may have been watching you for some time. You must protect yourself. Even if he is your father, don’t let him take you away. You’re safer here, with the Prince by your side."

"Yes, Grandpa. I’ll remember that," she replied, managing a reassuring smile. "You should rest now. I’ll take my leave."

As Oriana turned to leave, Philip’s voice stopped her. "Ori."

She faced the old man again, her smile unwavering, showing him she was alright. "Yes, Grandpa?"

"Just remember, no matter what they say about who you are, you will always be my Ori. The one Grandpa loves most."

Her eyes welled up, but her smile broadened on her quivering lips. "I know, Grandpa. And thank you for reminding me again and again."

"You may go now," he said softly and closed his eyes.

Turning off the lamp, Oriana left the room. Her thoughts swirled as she descended the stairs to the foyer, where Rafal greeted her. "Your Highness, the carriage is ready."

"Huh?" Oriana blinked at him, her mind elsewhere before she snapped back to reality, remembering her destination—Arlan.

As the carriage rolled towards Thistle Palace, her mind was besieged by revelations about her father. Questions cascaded through her thoughts.

"If he’s a demon, why is he in the mortal world? How did he know his child would be the reincarnation of Esmeray and plan it through my mother? He knew about that flower and everything about my family. If guarding that flower was so crucial, why didn’t he take it himself to safeguard? He mentioned taking me would put me in danger; does that mean he’s also at risk, possibly hiding or even exiled from the Demon realm? What’s his endgame in resurrecting Esmeray? Is he using me, or does he genuinely care for her legacy?"

Her mind was a maze of unanswered questions, so engrossing that she didn’t notice their arrival at the Thistle Palace.

"Your Highness, we have arrived," Rafal announced, snapping her out of her reverie.

"I should stop overthinking," she muttered to herself, determined to clear her head. ’I’m here now. I mustn’t let distractions sway me; it wouldn’t be fair to him.’ With a few shakes of her head, she tried to dispel the tumult of her thoughts. ’Focus on Arlan... Just on him.’

The carriage door swung open and Oriana stepped out, her eyes immediately drawn to the grand entrance of Thistle Palace, flanked by rows of servants poised to welcome her.

It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought about him all day. In fact, thoughts of him had frequently crossed her mind, stirring a sense of longing. However, she had pushed these feelings aside to focus on her grandfather.

As Oriana approached the entrance, curiosity bubbled within her. ’I wonder what he’s doing right now? Is he immersed in his work or perhaps waiting for my arrival?’

Meanwhile, Imbert entered Arlan’s study. "Your Highness, Her Highness is on her way to Thistle Palace?" _{frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓}

Arlan set aside the scroll he was holding and looked up at his knight, disbelief etching his features. "She’s coming here?" he asked.

What he had expected her to spend time with that old man with how desperately she left in the morning as if that old man was going to take his last breath if she didn’t show up.

"Yes, Your Highness. It seems Her Highness made the decision quite abruptly. She’s likely already within the palace grounds," Imbert added.

At that moment, the distant sound of a carriage rolling through the palace gates reached Arlan’s ears. He rose, Imbert trailing behind him as he left the study.

Though eager to see her, Arlan descended the stairs deliberately, not wanting to appear rushed, hoping she would be the first sight to greet him at the foyer.

Oriana, her focus sharpened on the anticipation of meeting him, entered the foyer. Her eyes instinctively traveled towards the staircase where she saw her husband making his descent, his gaze locking onto hers. The moment their eyes met, all the turmoil and thoughts that had occupied her mind vanished, replaced by a profound sense of relief as if sight of him took away all her worries and the realization of how deeply she had missed him throughout the day.

Her gaze remained locked on him as he approached steadily, each step causing her heart to race faster, her breathing shallow. As he drew closer, the world seemed to narrow until only they existed to one another.

Arlan stopped right in front of her, making her more nervous than already she was feeling. She felt lost for how to start a conversation even. This man could sometimes really make her lose her mind and make her feel helpless in front of him just by his presence and doing nothing more.

"Is it a challenge, my love?" Arlan said, his words effectively making her flustered. "I dare not," she replied softly.

"Only you can," he whispered, closing that small distance between them swiftly. Before she knew it, his arms enveloped her, pressing her close. "As you have challenged, I shall not let you down."

Realizing his intentions, Oriana quickly placed her hand over his mouth just as he leaned in for a kiss.

He raised an eyebrow, questioning her gesture.

"Not here," she murmured softly.

"Hmm?" Arlan feigned confusion, the sound muffled by her hand.

"We can go to your chamber," she suggested, her voice barely above a whisper.

At that, she felt his lips curve into a broad smile beneath her palm. She removed her hand, stammering slightly, "I...mean..."

"I was simply planning a kiss to show how much I missed you," Arlan clarified with a chuckle, "but it seems you’re expecting something more."

"No... I just meant we aren’t alone here and...ahh..."

Before she could finish, Arlan swept her into his arms, his actions swift and sure. "It’s a husband’s duty to provide what his wife desires," he said, a wicked smirk playing on his lips as he looked down at her. "And trust me, I am more than just willing to fulfill my duty."

Oriana didn’t protest, instead circled her hands around his neck, earning an approving gaze from him. She allowed him to carry her upstairs, knowing his intentions clearly. It won’t be wrong to say she was equally willing, she wanted him as well.

Once Arlan disappeared from the sight, Roman finally raised his head and instructed all the servants to depart. As if they were free from the cage, it didn’t even take a few moments for the servants to disappear, making that place entirely deserted.

Imbert walked to Rafal and the two made their way outside as well.