The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 285

Chapter 285: Coward

She seemed determined to tell him her secret, even daring to go against his orders.He could only sigh and turn to look in her direction. The way she pursed her lips made her cute despite her obvious anger. It was a strange thought to have given the situation.

’Can I really let her be a part of my life?’

That was the question that had been haunting Arlan for the past few days.

Ever since he learned that Oriana was his destined mate, he felt sorrow and fear rather than joy and relief at finding his better half. It was more than mere denial of their connection.

To accept Oriana and start seeing her as a woman...

There were too many complications aside from that dragon soul existing inside him. He did not even know where to start explaining.

’What am I even considering? I would be foolish to think there is a way it will work. It will only end up harming her. I cannot take a risk. I cannot let her know the disgusting side of my life and cannot let her fall in danger as well.

’If she ends up as another person to be used against me...another of my weaknesses... then I will truly be driven into madness and insanity.’

He turned his head and stared back at the water surface. Even after Oriana reached him, he didn’t acknowledge her presence.

"Your Highness," she called for him.

"I ordered no one to disturb me," he replied coldly.

His response triggered the anger simmering under Oriana’s control. She snapped.

"I know."

Something in her tone made the prince stiffen.

She continued to speak, not keeping politeness in her words.

"But, Your Highness, why are you a coward?"

Oriana was infuriated. She didn’t know who gave her the right to act in front of the prince, but she cared not a whit. If it weren’t for the eyes on them, she would have even given him a mighty kick, maybe make him fall into the lake to swim with the fishes for good measure. She just could no longer hold her anger back anymore.

"Coward? You dare—"

"You promised. You promised this morning to listen to me. You said we will talk once you are back."

"Am I obligated to prioritize a servant over my own concerns?" he countered, not sparing her a glance.

"No, Your Highness, you are not obligated, but just so you know, avoiding me is an act of a coward." Her tone was sarcastic.

Arlan could clearly sense how angry she was, but rather than lash out against her for insulting him, he could only let out a sigh. Oriana was right. He was a coward, but if being a coward could save her from him, was that not better? The lesser of two evils?

Since he had been acting cowardly so far, why not see it through till the end?

"Why would I avoid a mere servant?"

"Are you not?" she asked again.

Arlan looked up. "It will rain soon. Head back inside."

Oriana could sense that as well. The weather had been gloomy the entire day, the skies gray, and from the scent of the strong wind just now, it indicated there would be rain in a few minutes.