The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Wounds From The Past

As if in response to her thoughts, the wagons finally stopped moving.

’They stopped!’

She almost cried happy tears, thanking the universe for siding with her for once. It was very dark when she looked outside, but the escorts held lanterns that allowed her to see they were in a dense forest. There was a small tavern in front where hardly any people could be seen.

’Please, please, please...’

Oriana almost laughed in relief when no escort stayed behind this time.

She watched the entire group enter that wooden building, not leaving a single soul to guard the goods. As fast as the wind, Oriana took this opportunity to leave the wagon where she hid.

It was a dark and dense forest so it was a good opportunity for her to do her things without being noticed.

She went behind the woods obstructed by the large body of the wagon. Once she finished her business, her stomach growled.

’Dried jerky is not enough. I need to eat something more or I am sure I will go crazy.’

The scent of freshly cooked food filled her nostrils and she looked at the tavern where everyone was eating. _{freeweɓnovēl.coɱ}

’Those morons are eating their fill, yet here I am, starving since morning and had nothing but jerky and berries.’

Taking advantage of the darkness, she slowly moved towards the tavern while hiding behind the trees. The only option was for her to grab food from the kitchen or from the convoy’s tables.

She went in the direction of the kitchen, but she could not steal food without alerting the cook or the servants. It was also impossible for her to steal the dishes from Ron and his group.

’What to do?’

Oriana looked around and her gaze landed on the horses which were drinking water and having their food. She moved her hand forward in the direction of the wagons and there was a strong gust of wind that scared the horses. They jumped with their front legs in the air, making frightened noises. They ended up tilting the wagons attached to their bodies, and on one wagon, a part of the goods even slipped out.

Those eating in the tavern were alarmed and ran out to see what happened. Oriana used that chance to go to their tables and steal some food. She was so fast that she managed to get some meat and bread and even a cup of water for herself before hiding back in the woods. Sitting quietly in the shadows, she wolfed down the food until she calmed her hunger.

Before the group left the tavern, Oriana once again sneaked inside the second to the last cart and resumed her dull journey with them.

—---

Two days passed by in a blink of an eye. The Crown Prince of Griven’s short visit to his sister’s home was over, and the servants of the estate were bustling about in preparation to see him off.

Arlan was currently in his chamber, getting ready to leave.

"Any news about that boy?" Arlan asked as he fixed his clothes in front of the full body mirror.

"The villagers said he must still be out in the forest," Imbert informed him.