The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 352

Chapter 352: Eavesdropping

"Please, pass it to me quickly. I’m eager to see the gift my son has brought," Julien exclaimed with a cheerful tone.

Oriana stole a glance at Arlan, who remained impassive and avoided her gaze. She understood his displeasure with her for not obeying his instructions. She thought, ’I will accept the consequences later. For now, let’s stay focused on why I’m here.’ She maintained her smile and approached the Queen, ready to present the gift. ’Once I touch her hand, maybe I’ll discover something.’

Queen Julien enthusiastically accepted the gift, her fingers brushing against Oriana’s as they held the box. The Queen appeared oblivious to this contact, while Oriana stared at her empty hands, her expressions filled with complexity. ’I felt nothing. If this woman possesses dark magic, if she is indeed a witch, I should have sensed it simply by touching a fellow witch. Am I mistaken about her?’

"Beautiful!" The Queen’s joyous voice brought Oriana back from her confusion. She watched Julien admiring her son’s gift. "I love it. It’s absolutely beautiful. You certainly know what your mother adores."

"I’m pleased you like it, Mother," Arlan replied calmly.

Oriana observed both of them, her thoughts tangled. Just then, Arlan’s gaze met Oriana’s, catching her off guard, and she lowered her head. "I will prepare some tea for Her Majesty."

With haste, Oriana turned and departed.

As she stepped out of the drawing room and closed the door behind her, she heaved a sigh of relief. She couldn’t bear the cold gaze of the Prince. Hurrying towards the kitchen to prepare tea, her thoughts remained entangled with Queen Julien.

’Could I have been mistaken? She’s His Highness’s mother; how could I doubt her? The way she treats him, it’s as if she’s a better mother than anyone could be to their son. But then... His Highness was harmed after he went to the Queen’s residence. Besides Her Majesty, who else could have such authority over the residence, to the extent of affecting the Crown Prince of this kingdom like this?’

Frustration gnawed at her. ’I can’t ignore the fact that she isn’t His Highness’s biological mother. Perhaps the sweetness she displays is all a facade, meant to deceive others? Is that even possible? And as for not sensing anything after touching her, maybe she’s as clever as Rosetta, able to conceal her true self. I couldn’t discern anything about Rosetta until she revealed her identity to me. I must be patient. I will uncover something eventually. Perhaps today, I can venture into the rear part of the Queen’s residence.’

With unwavering determination, she returned to the kitchen, prepared tea and snacks, and then made her way back to the drawing room, having something in her mind.

Before she reached the door of the drawing room, Oriana slowed her pace. When she had left, she had intentionally left the door slightly ajar, hoping to catch a glimpse of how the mother and son behaved when they were alone, as opposed to the cheerful facade they presented in front of others.

As Oriana approached, she heard the Queen’s displeased voice. "...you have to do it, whether you want it or not."

"I won’t," Arlan’s displeased voice retorted.

"I have full authority to make you do it. You must listen to me."