The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 583

Chapter 583: New Guest

Feeling disheartened, Oriana watched Luke walking away from her. She could not believe he was the same person with whom she had the best moments of her life when she had no one by her side as her friend, the very person who used to be cold and indifferent towards others, but showed her care and warmth in his silent way.

The man who barely said a word, now finally said more but only to draw a line between them. Oriana had always seen him as a good friend, but it seemed there was no path forward for them. She felt the sting of losing not just a friend, but also the family that had treated both her and her grandfather as one of their own.

Inhaling deeply to steady her emotions, Oriana returned to where Snowflake and Erin were.

"Seems like Snowflake has taken a liking to you," Oriana remarked, reverting to her usual demeanor.

Erin, engrossed in petting the wolf’s soft white fur, smiled broadly. "I like her too. She’s adorable."

"Erin," Oriana said, her tone turning serious.

Erin paused, her hands still in Snowflake’s fur, and turned her full attention to Oriana. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Thank you for letting Luke work at Ahrens," Oriana spoke.

"There’s no need for thanks, Your Highness. I chose him for his skills. He’s an excellent bodyguard," Erin responded. "Also, I’m aware of his family situation. I assure you, I’ll consider it carefully and won’t make things difficult for him."

"I appreciate that immensely," Oriana continued. "His family are good people, and I owe them a great deal. Given my current status, he might not welcome help directly from me, but I trust you to handle it appropriately."

"Of course, Your Highness," Erin replied as they strolled through the garden. "When you were known simply as Orian, you and he were close. Are you also trained in combat like Luke?"

"Luke? I’ve never actually seen him fight seriously, but I’m confident he can throw a good punch," Oriana chuckled. "He never really had to resort to physical means; his cold and aloof demeanor usually keeps people at bay."

’Only a few good punches?’ Erin thought with a smirk. ’I’ve seen him perform far better than that. Not only are his combat skills hidden, but it seems he’s also adept at concealing his true capabilities, that even Her Highness could not see through.’

"What’s on your mind?" Oriana inquired. "If you’re concerned about his capabilities as a bodyguard, rest assured, he’s more than competent. He will protect you well."

Not like Erin wanted him to protect her, but she still agreed with Oriana, "Yes, Your Highness, I feel secure with him nearby."

"How would you describe him as a person?" Erin queried, eager to gather insights from Oriana, who knew him well.

"He’s loyal and protective," Oriana shared. "He was often away from home, so our moments together were limited, but I still believe he’s a good man."

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"Calm down my Lord," The man said, "If it was not her, we wouldn’t be where we are today. After your kingdom was conquered by Megaris two decades back, it was her who helped us disguise and run away to Griven. It was she who helped you and your family settle in this new kingdom and later even helped you take down the two biggest noble families in the north-east territory and you became Lord of the biggest territory of Griven. Even the King of Griven is wary of your powers, my Lord and this all because of Edna. We have more things to thank her than blame her."

The older man seemed a little calm but then said, "You, it was you who brought her to me, so you would take her side. Don’t forget, it was she who instigated me to covet what Philip had and said all the fortune Philip earned is because of that magical artifact. If I get my hands on it, I will get that fortune. She made me betray him. If not for her, we would still have our kingdom in our hands and live a better life of royalty."

"But then, who would be ruling that kingdom, my lord? Philip’s daughter? Would you have accepted being ruled by a woman?"

"Never, women are not worth sitting on the throne and ruling the kingdom," the man growled. "But in the end, I didn’t get that artifact and even lost the kingdom only to take refuge in another kingdom. Find that witch at all costs and don’t forget to search Philip’s home to find that artifact if that witch had left it for us."

"My lord, Philip is said to be dead, so I believe that artifact must be with his granddaughter who is now Crown Princess Griven."

"That damn Philip," the older man slammed his hand once more, "even before dying, he made sure his bloodline lives in royalty. Such good fortune he had earned, even after I made him lose everything. I am sure it’s that artifact which is blessing him and his granddaughter with good fortune. We need to find out whether she has that artifact and take it into our hands, even if it means killing the Crown Princess of this Kingdom."

"My lord, that would be..."

"My youngest daughter will take her place," the man interrupted him, "She was close to Prince Arlan when they were young, and I am sure the Prince would prefer a well-raised woman than one grown in the wilderness, as the Queen of this Kingdom. It’s just a matter of time till he fancies my daughter. Once it happens, we will take care of Philip’s granddaughter," he gritted his teeth, "It’s time to end his bloodline."

"Yes, my Lord."