The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 103

Chapter 103: Entered The Palace

The carriages stopped in front of huge iron-wrought gates with a symbol of a large oak tree gilded in gold. From the conversation of her companions, Oriana learned it was only one of the side gates, an entrance meant for servants to use, yet it was still styled lavishly. The enormous palace walls, about a hundred feet tall, loomed on either side of the gate.

She looked outside the window of the carriage and found the coachman from the Ahrens showing a certain scroll to the gatekeepers. Once the royal guards approved it, a small door at the side of the iron gate was opened to let them in.

The coachmen knocked on their carriage door. "I can only bring you till here. Farewell, everyone. I wish all of you luck."

"Thanks, Jimmy."

"Your things, here, let me help—"

It was already the goodwill of Count Ahren that mere commoners like them were provided direct transport to the royal palace; however, from hereon, their group would have to go by foot. Oriana and the other candidates alighted from the carriage, carrying their own luggages, each of them with expressions of awe and delight.

The Royal Palace of Griven!

The principal residence of the King of Griven and the Cromwell Royal Family, the grandest and most beautiful architecture in the entire kingdom renowned for its craftsmen and artisans.

Even Oriana, who often criticized nobles for their wasteful luxury, was unable to find fault with the stunning beauty of the royal palace. It was like paradise—no, a work of art—from the impressive gardens to the exquisite palaces, buildings and pavilions along the way.

She was struck speechless, and if not for the gatekeeper leading them, she would have loved to wander around to enjoy the lovely scenery, admiring the complicated yet intriguing maze of the palace grounds.

A quarter of an hour later, the royal guard led them to a fancy two-storey building which served as the office of the Royal Chamberlain, as well as the headquarters for the officials handling the general affairs of the royal household.

The royal guard escorting them talked to another royal guard and showed them a scroll once again.

The guard then went inside the building and called out two men clad in pure black butler uniforms. They glanced at the group of six and said to the gatekeeper.

"You can leave them in our care."

The gatekeeper bowed to them and left.

"Welcome to the royal palace, newcomers." One of the two gestured for them to enter. "Follow us inside to meet the Head Steward."

They were led inside that huge building, the main double doors leading towards a huge square-shaped hall that was bustling with people, some holding what appeared to be lists, while others were carrying supplies to be brought to their designated workplaces.