The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Holding Hand

"Why is it not working? My magic?" she complained with her hazel eyes wide with confusion.

'How can such a rogue be so adorable?'

In Arlan's opinion, it was just a drunk talk and simply smiled at her cute tantrum.

"Spirits be damned, my magic, is it gone?" She started crying and there were even tears rolling down her cheeks. "My magic!" She glared at him. "You took my knife, now you took away my magic too. You sly robber! You evil thing! Give it back to me! Give it back!"

Arlan wanted to pinch her cheek but stopped himself. "I really should send you home. Where do you live?"

"I won't tell you. You will take my home away as well...'' This time, as she jabbed another finger in his direction, she completely lost her balance. When Arlan caught her body, she was already unconscious.

His two knights approached them. Rafal stepped forward. "Your Highness, let me carry the boy."

"I will handle him," Arlan said and held her closer. He was not willing to let his knights touch her.

"Kerry knows where he lives," Imbert remarked. "Give me a moment and we will send him back to his village."

Arlan looked at the face of unconscious women in his embrace. "No need. Get us a room in a decent inn."

It surprised Imbert and Rafal but they obeyed their master.

Rafal returned soon. "It's been arranged, Your Highness."

The tavern had a separate inn next door, and though it was neither large nor luxurious, the place was tidy and quiet.

Arlan carried Oriana in his arms and let his knights lead the way. The innkeeper greeted them and simply handed Rafal their keys. Rafal led them upstairs. "I have booked two single bed rooms adjacent to each other, Your Highness. That one is for this guy and this one's for you."

Arlan carried Oriana inside one room. Before closing the door, they heard their liege say, "Use the other room yourselves."

Rafal turned towards Imbert with shocked eyes, his expression puzzled but unable to voice his question. On the other hand, the older knight showed no reaction. He only patted Rafal's shoulder.

"Guard His Highness. I will be back."

Rafal saluted as he watched the Commander leave.

Good subordinates could guess their master's intentions and needs without them saying a word. Those drunkards who spoiled the Crown Prince's entertainment...Though Rafal wanted to deal with them himself, he was smart enough to know his commander wanted to go.

The room was clean and rather spacious. It had a single bed on the corner, a wooden chair and a small center table which had a pitcher of water.

Arlan gently placed the young woman on the bed and covered her with the quilt. He could not help but stare at her face, not because she was beautiful, but because the owner of this face had brought him a lot of pleasant surprises.