The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 576

Chapter 576: Meeting Arlan Before Dying

After Oriana’s departure, Yorian arrived at Thistle Palace just as Arlan was concluding the day’s royal court affairs.

"What brings you here?" Arlan inquired, settling into his chair behind the work desk.

Seated comfortably on the couch in the lounge area, Yorian replied, "We need to discuss the matter of you marking your mate."

"I was just planning to tell her she is my mate," Arlan responded.

"It seems you’ve finally acheived what you’ve been waiting for," Elf chuckled. "Good for both of you."

"Not so good for me as she might get angry for keeping the truth from her," Arlan spoke.

"Little bit of beating won’t harm a Dragon," Yorian teased.

"What if I say I enjoy seeing her angry," Arlan added, "It suits her, when she shows her true nature."

"In the process of your enjoyment, I wish you to not lose your life at the hands of Demoness."

"I don’t mind it but in the end it’s her who would be sad so I have to protect myself," Arlan said and got back to the important topic, "Your presence here suggests there’s something troubling about Oriana."

"You’re right," Yorian confirmed, and he briefed Arlan on the looming dangers facing Oriana and how they had help Zaria. "....So, it would be wise to mark her sooner rather than later, once we confirm her human form can withstand it and nothing goes wrong with the marking process."

"I understand," Arlan acknowledged, adding, "She hasn’t experienced another episode since the night she absorbed my essence. I believe there should not be an issue."

"That’s reassuring," Yorian said. However, after you mark her, she might be unconscious for a few days. During those days it would be difficult for you to hide her situation and answer others as to why the Crown Princess is unconscious. Have you planned anything to avoid such a situation?"

"I’ll take her away from here," Arlan proposed. "I’ll devise a reason for us to leave so that no one will question our absence. Rest my father will take care."

Arlan offered and agreeing nod and explained, "Remember, marking is a sacred ritual for the divine beasts and should be performed in the presence of elders from the clans or other influential supernaturals," Yorian advised. "I would recommend you go to Agartha and stay there with Oriana until you complete the bond. King Draven had completed the bond with his mate so he can guide you on it if needed."

"I’ll consider that," Arlan replied thoughtfully. "At the moment, Oriana has important commitments here, and taking her away for an extended period might not be feasible. Or rather, she might not agree to it."

"Are you referring to her grandfather?" Yorian probed, then quickly added, "You should brace yourself for her grief."

Arlan met Yorian’s gaze silently, absorbing the implications. The old man was nearing his end. While Arlan was indifferent to Philip’s passing, he was deeply concerned about Oriana, who would undoubtedly be devastated by the loss of her grandfather.

-----

At the Verner mansion, Oriana emerged from Philip’s room alongside Erich, her expression clouded with concern. "How is he?"

"Oriana, you’re a physician too, and you understand his condition as well as I do—there’s no need for me to sugarcoat the truth," Erich responded somberly.

Her eyes welled up with tears. "Is there really no other way? Perhaps another pill...."

"You shall let people close to him so they can come and meet him," Erich suggested, which was a clear indication that the old man was going to leave her.

The news of Philip Verner’s failing health had already spread to the palace and other noble families. Over the past few days, old friends of Philip had been stopping by, and now it was time for them to say their final goodbyes.

Oriana wiped her face, removing any trace of tears, before returning to Philip’s bedside. She managed a gentle smile and sat on the edge of the bed, taking his hand in hers.

"Grandpa, how are you feeling?" she asked softly.

His eyes fluttered open, settling on her face, and a faint smile touched his lips. "I’ve never felt better than this."

She returned the smile, "Good to know."

"So you can stop feeling bad and crying behind my back," the old man teased in his feeble voice. "I had only one concern in my life—to protect you. Now that you’re safe and sound, I can leave this world with no worries."

Oriana simply squeezed his hand gently in response, then listened as he spoke again. "I want to meet Prince Arlan."

Arlan wanted to tell him if he had called him to seek his forgiveness, then he should forget about it as he would never forgive the murderer of his mother but he held back, not wanting to hurt Oriana.

"Thank you for coming here," Philip’s voice was frail but clear.

Arlan acknowledged him with a slight nod, his face still devoid of emotion.

Philip continued, his voice slow and heavy with remorse. "I called you here to express my deep regret and sorrow towards you and your family. Throughout my life, I have lived with this guilt, always considering myself a sinner. There was never a moment of peace, as the burden of my actions weighed heavily on me. I know my apology cannot undo the pain, but I offer it to you with the last breaths of my life."

Oriana, aware of the purpose behind this meeting, watched tearfully. She understood that while Philip’s apology was necessary, it would never fully mend the rift it caused. Both men held significant places in her heart, yet she found herself unable to align with either side, trapped in the painful middle of an unresolved conflict.

Arlan remained silent as Philip finished, "This is what I needed to say before it’s too late for me. I won’t take any more of your time. Thank you for letting me express myself."

The room fell into a heavy silence after Philip’s words. Oriana’s gaze shifted to Arlan, who finally spoke to her, "I should take my leave. Take care," he said, rising from his seat.

Oriana stood as well, but Arlan stopped her. "You don’t have to see me off. Stay with him. Let me know if you need anything."

She nodded in understanding, and Arlan gave Philip one last look. "I will always be by her side to take care of her and protect her," he declared, then turned and walked away.

Oriana returned to her seat by the bed, catching the sound of a weak chuckle from her grandfather.

"What happened, grandpa?" she asked, relief and a hint of joy mingling in her tone upon seeing the old man unexpectedly cheerful.

"Your stubborn and headstrong husband," Philip said with a faint smile, "he is the reason I can truly die in peace. Though he despises me, he assured me he would take care of you so that I no longer have to worry. Those were the words I needed to hear from him."

Understanding dawned on Oriana, and she smiled back to her grandfather. Philip stopped smiling and looked at her, his gaze as if he was seeing her for the last time.

"Grandpa?" Oriana held his hand, feeling his pulse getting weaker to fading away slowly.

"My Ori..." the last words left his mouth as he gasped lightly and then everything went quiet.