The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 167

Chapter 167: Red-Eyed Devil

The next morning, she woke up covered with a quilt. Her body was comfortably lying on that couch, her small frame a perfect fit on the long cushion. The sun was yet to rise but the color of the sky was showing signs of brightening.

When she looked at the bed, she found it empty.

’Where did he go?’

She looked around and found Arlan standing by the window, looking outside as if brooding over a problem. ’Uh-oh. That expression. Did he wake up early or he didn’t sleep? I don’t remember him having a nightmare or me needing to hold his hand. Could it be that he had a nightmare but I was in a deep sleep and didn’t wake up?’

"Are you planning to sleep more or what?" she heard him say, without turning to look at her.

’Does he have eyes at the back of his head?’ She immediately climbed off the couch, stifling the yawn from her mouth. ’I don’t think he looks mad but...’

"Good morning, Your Highness. Did you sleep well?" she asked cleverly, hoping to sweep away her mistake under the rug.

"You can go to your room and send in Neil and Damien," he said.

It was usual routine for her now. Neil and Damien would serve him when it came to his meals, baths and clothes, while she was in charge of tea and other more miscellaneous tasks. She had free time until after Arlan had his morning meal.

When the prince finished his meal, Imbert informed him, "Your Highness, Commander Sanders sent a message that the King of Megaris is waiting to meet his dear friend, said verbatim."

Arlan let out an amused grin, the kind a boy would wear when he’s about to pull a prank.

"Where are they staying?"

"The guest mansion right next to us."

"Imbert, you alone can follow me," he told his guardian knight. "Orian, get a bottle of red wine from my collection and bring it along."

Arlan walked out of his accommodation bringing only two subordinates as his retinue. Oriana was more nervous than excited to go to the mansion next door. She hoped that the Queen’s nanny would answer her questions about black magic, allowing her to resume her old life brewing medications without fear of ruining them, but little did she know that she was going to regret this particular visit.

The black-clad knights from Megaris saluted the moment they recognized the Crown Prince of Griven. The guardian knight of the King of Megaris escorted Arlan inside the drawing room where he directed him to have a seat.

After passing the wine bottle to another servant, Oriana quietly stood like an obedient servant behind where Arlan was sitting.

"His Majesty will be here in a while," Slayer said.

"Aren’t you being too formal with me, Slayer?" Arlan looked at him.

"Chivalry indicates that knights must behave at all times with courtesy, Prince Arlan."

"That’s a funny way of saying you’re on duty," Arlan said with a chuckle. "Being Dray’s knight sure took a toll on our friendship."

"I am sure that’s not the case, Your Highness."