The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 351

Chapter 351: Queen’s Visit

Arlan descended the grand staircase to the foyer, preparing to depart for the Royal Court session. Oriana and Roman joined him, ready to see the Prince off. As Arlan reached the middle of the foyer, he came to an abrupt halt, and an icy chill settled in his eyes, causing everyone around him to pause as well.

Oriana, positioned behind him, couldn’t discern the sudden shift in his expression. She wondered, ’Did he forget something important?’

Roman, positioned just behind Arlan, immediately stepped forward and bowed, inquiring, "Your Highness, is there a matter that requires your attention?"

"Dismiss everyone," Arlan commanded.

Roman glanced at the assembled servants and spoke, "You may all return to your duties."

With those words, everyone except Roman, Arlan’s two knights, and Oriana left the foyer. Arlan turned to face Oriana and issued a strict directive, "Return to your room and do not leave unless I grant you permission."

Although puzzled by his sudden change in demeanor, Oriana bowed obediently and began to ascend the stairs. She couldn’t help but notice the distinct shift in Arlan’s expression.

At that moment, a knight named Kerry entered the foyer and announced, "Your Highness, Her Majesty, Queen Julien, has arrived."

Oriana, who had nearly reached the first floor, overheard the announcement.

’Her Majesty is here? Her mind raced with questions. Why is he acting this way? I’ve met Her Majesty before, and she even spoke to me. Mother and son seemed to have a close relationship. So, what could be the matter?’

Despite her curiosity, she had no choice but to follow Arlan’s instructions and hurriedly retreated to her room.

Soon, Queen Julien, accompanied by her ladies-in-waiting, made her entrance into the palace. Arlan welcomed his mother at the foyer with a facade of calmness, though those familiar with him could discern an underlying restlessness.

"Good morning, Mother," he greeted her.

Queen Julien responded with a pleasant smile as she examined her son’s face, as if trying to discern what lay beneath his composed demeanor.

Returning her smile, Arlan inquired, "Mother, what brings you here so early in the morning?"

"Can’t a mother come to see her son?" she countered playfully.

"Of course, you can," he replied cheerfully.

Just then, Kerry reentered the palace and announced, "Your Highness, Lady Karla has arrived to visit you."

Before Arlan could utter a word, Queen Julien, who had been smiling until that moment, suddenly furrowed her brow and questioned, "Why is she here?"

Ignoring his mother’s displeasure, Arlan directed Kerry, "Allow her to enter."

Kerry left to execute the order, leaving Queen Julien to gaze disapprovingly at Arlan. She began, "Arlan, you..."

"Mother, I’ve brought a gift for you," Arlan interjected, his tone filled with warmth. "I hope you’ll like it."

Before Queen Julien could respond, a woman entered the foyer, interrupting their conversation.

Julien turned to Arlan with a sense of accomplishment and sought his validation. "I did well, didn’t I?" _{frёeweɓηovel.coɱ}