The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 584

Chapter 584: Curious Oriana

The newly arrived entourage was escorted to the palace’s guest mansion, where King’s guardian knight, Commander Conor Loyset, and a personal adviser greeted them warmly.

"Lord Luis Mortimer, welcome to the capital," Commander Loyset announced as an older man alighted from the carriage, a young woman at his side.

Lord Luis Mortimer exuded an air of authority, more befitting a ruler than a visitor. Beside him stood his youngest daughter, the apple of his eye. She bore the noble family’s hallmark beauty—light brown eyes resembling her father’s, long flowing golden-brown hair, and delicate features. Her exquisite dress and jewellery befit her status as the daughter of one of the kingdom’s most powerful territorial lords.

Acknowledging the greeting, Lord Mortimer replied, "I expected at least Prince Arlan to be present to welcome us, Commander Loyset."

Conor bowed slightly and responded, "Lord Mortimer, the duties of a Crown Prince keep Prince Arlan engaged with more pressing matters. I trust you understand the need to prioritize the kingdom’s wellbeing over ceremonial welcomes."

Luis narrowed his eyes at the Commander. Despite his politeness, the knight’s words subtly implied that Luis was not a priority for the Prince. As the commander of the knights, Conor was known for his directness, a trait that left little room for objections.

"Father," the young woman beside him interjected gently. "Prince Arlan must be really busy. We can meet him later. Do you want him to see us looking travel-worn?"

He turned to his daughter, his expression softening into a light smile, "Even in a travel-worn appearance, my daughter remains the most beautiful woman. You need not worry about your looks."

She returned the smile warmly. "Thank you, father. But I am tired. Let’s head inside."

Agreeing, Luis chose not to further challenge the commander, and they proceeded into the guest mansion.

Commander Loyset silently exhaled a sigh of relief, grateful for the smooth resolution of the greeting, though inwardly he was less enthusiastic about the arrival of these new guests at the palace.

Meanwhile, Oriana was at Erich’s guest mansion, seeking updates on Gwen’s condition. Erich provided a reassuring report.

"I’ve almost cleared the blockage in her blood vessels. Now, all she needs is to take her medications, eat healthily, and rest as much as possible. It will take some time for her to fully recover."

"Thank you, master, for treating her. I don’t think anyone else could have managed it," Oriana expressed her gratitude.

Erich nodded, then shared some news. "I am leaving Griven."

"Are you leaving already?" Oriana’s expression shifted, reflecting a sense of loss as if a family member was departing again.

Erich offered a gentle smile. "I should have left after the King recovered, but I stayed on for your grandfather and then for Gwen. Now, my duties here are fulfilled. It’s time I returned to help others who need me."

"But..."

"I know you’ll miss me, but I must go," Erich insisted, "Besides, someone has returned, and I shouldn’t keep her waiting."

"Miss Martha has returned from Abetha?" Oriana inquired.

"You should return to her. She’s a remarkable woman," Oriana commented. _{freēwebnovel.com}

Ana suddenly felt chilly in the carriage and answered, "Y-Yes, Your Highness."

"Tell me more," Oriana’s voice carried a compelling authority.

"More?" Ana fumbled, suddenly feeling like she had said something wrong. But as it was the order from her master, she had to say it. "Your Highness, she is the youngest daughter of Marquis Luis Mortimer who is of age, but yet to get married." Ana felt her heartbeat rising all of a sudden, feeling nervous under Oriana’s gaze.

"Hmm, so he is here to offer his daughter to Arlan?" Oriana concluded, jumping straight to the point, saying what Ana could not dare say.

"N-No, Your Highness," Ana felt sweat appear at the back of her neck. The way Oriana sounded and her gaze looked cold and intimidating, Ana swore she had never seen her master this way. Was she angry or seemingly having a fun, hearing it.

"The Marquis travelled so far from the northeast territory along with his young daughter, simply to say ’Hi’ to the King?" Oriana commented, her tone mused, "I do not remember anyone with that name attending my wedding, but he came this far just after wedding and that too with his daughter?" she narrowed her eyes at her lady-in-waiting. "Ana, you can be smarter than this."

"Your Highness..."

"Say it all already, Ana," Oriana ordered.

Ana inhaled deeply to calm herself and spoke, "Your Highness, there are rumours that Marquis Mortimer wants to marry his daughter to the Prince. Before, the Crown Princess was missing, so the Royal family always had a way to reject any marriage proposals coming for the Prince. But now His Highness is married and will be the next king is confirmed, others would simply want their daughters to marry him. Among them, the Mortimer family is the first on the list, and others are waiting so they can approach later, as no one wants to upset the marquis."

Oriana raised a brow. "Afraid of this marquis? Is he that powerful?"