The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 329

Chapter 329: Bites That Left Marks

Marie was aware of who Oriana was and nodded. "But not as powerful as you, Miss Oriana," Marie answered politely. "I am a mixed blood, not even a halfling."

Her instincts were telling her that she should be kneeling in front of the Queen of Witches and calling her with a proper title— ’Your Eminence’ —but Martha had told her not to do it. Oriana was not yet aware of her greatness and importance to their race.

"Since when you are aware that you are a witch?" Oriana asked.

"Since I was a child. My father is a human, and mother is a witch and so was her mother. I inherited the bloodline from my maternal side. But as my mother is a halfling, we live among humans, and we don’t generally practice witchcraft aside from a few simple spells. Maybe that is also the reason why I am not powerful as we don’t practice spells nor research magic. When you don’t use your magic, it becomes weaker over time."

Oriana understood and asked nothing more. She was glad to meet others of her kind other than Martha, Drayce and Rosetta.

With the help of Marie, Oriana readied herself for the day. However, she only asked that the woman draw the bath, as she preferred washing and dressing herself on her own. Marie then helped her dry her hair faster before wrapping the brown fabric over her head to hide her hair.

Standing in front of the dresser mirror, Oriana could see the marks on her neck as usual. Shame caused her cheeks to warm up, but her expression remained calm in front of Marie.

All Oriana could think was, ’I told him not to leave marks and he still did it intentionally! What a brat!’

She was adjusting the collars of her shirt and coat when heard Marie say, "Let me help you with that, Miss."

The maidservant procured a box from one of the drawers of the dresser. "This will help cover those marks."

Oriana recognized the box. It held the expensive makeup products used on her back when she was playing the role of ’Lady Ria’.

"Please take a seat, Miss."

She obediently sat down in front of the dresser mirror. Marie instantly started working on powdering her skin, but her actions paused at some point.

Oriana noticed her reaction and caught a glimpse of something from the mirror. Oriana stood up and leaned closer to the mirror and realized her neck not only sported a bruise or two—there was a distinct bite mark.

Her eyes nearly popped out.

’Did that man bite me for real?!’

"Do not worry, Miss. No one will realize what it is unless they pay close attention," she heard Marie assure her.

Oriana could only let out a frustrated sigh as she sat back down on the dresser stool. "Stay away from water and try not to sweat too much, or else the powder will wash away."

After refusing to stay for a morning meal, Oriana returned to the Grivenian delegation after bidding a tearful farewell to Seren. They promised to exchange letters, but the fact that they lived in two different kingdoms—with different statuses, responsibilities and lifestyles—would surely take a toll on their friendship. She wondered if she would be able to meet the Queen of Megaris again after they parted.

Outside the guest mansion, rows of carriages, horses and wagons bearing various gifts were lined up, an orderly chaos with the bustle of knights and servants preparing for their return journey to their homeland.

Oriana could see Rafal overseeing the knights of the Order of Thistle, while Lucas, the administrative aide of the Crown Prince, were passing instructions to the palace officials and other members of the delegation. It was Damien who was issuing instructions to the other servants.

’Sir Loyset and Neil must be with His Highness.’

Entering the mansion, she first went to her room in the servant quarters, excusing herself from Damien about packing her things.

After locking the door of her room, she then pulled out a blue scarf from her luggage. It was Arlan’s apology gift from the lake incident. She remembered him saying she should wear it when she sprained her neck again, so according to that logic, she had sprained her neck today and needed to use it.

’What if this makeup washes away and exposes those marks? I can’t take any chances. If His Highness notices the bite mark...ugh! I might not have any decent excuse to say.’

She deftly wrapped that scarf around her neck like a nobleman’s cravat. She smiled as she touched the soft fabric. ’This scarf is really beautiful.’

She went upstairs towards the prince’s chamber, dodging the servants carrying the last batch of things to be loaded to the carriages. Imbert was indeed standing guard outside the door. She gave him a brief greeting before knocking.

When she entered the chamber, she saw Arlan standing before the mirror, with Neil adjusting his coat.

Arlan looked through the mirror and caught sight of her entrance. He immediately noticed the blue scarf wrapped around her neck and his lips curved into a smile.

"Your Highness, shall I get an ointment for your neck?" Neil asked as he noticed the teeth marks peeking above the collar of his shirt.