The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 365

Chapter 365: Shock And Disbelief

Alex arrived at Arlan’s side in the afternoon, shortly after Arlan had concluded his session with the royal court.

"Your Highness, all preparations have been completed. I am standing by for your orders," Alex informed Arlan.

Arlan, lost in contemplation, responded with a simple nod.

"Your Highness, what should be our plan if the girl is not with the old man when we arrive?" Alex inquired.

"We will apprehend the old man and patiently await her return. We must compel her to emerge. The old man has concealed her well, it seems. If she holds any regard for her grandfather, she will make herself known to us at any cost. If she chooses otherwise, then someone of her like who doesn’t value her own family, does not deserve to live. In either case, death is her inevitable fate," Arlan declared with unwavering resolve.

Taking in Arlan’s instructions, Alex posed another question, "When does His Highness wish to depart?"

"We shall depart immediately," Arlan affirmed.

Arlan rose from his seat, and together, they exited. Arlan settled into his carriage, leaving the palace in the company of his trusted knights, including Alex, Imbert, Rafal, Kerry, and a select few who had earned his utmost confidence.

-----

Meanwhile, within the King’s study, Lord Soren, the king’s trusted adviser, delivered the latest update.

"Your Majesty, Prince Arlan has departed," Lord Soren reported. "In accordance with His Highness’s instructions, he is headed towards the northeast territory instead of the Northern Territory of Wimark."

The king let out a light chuckle and remarked, "Let us not be fooled by his apparent course. He is likely to change his route without a word."

"We are well aware of that, Your Majesty. Our men have already set out to discreetly track him, along with our covert operatives," Lord Soren assured.

"I have faith in my son and his abilities even more than I have in myself," the king declared. "I am confident he will reach Wimark by any means necessary. Your primary task now is to safeguard that family from Arlan. You must intercept him before he reaches the girl."

"We have also been keeping a watchful eye for the girl’s appearance. If not for that, we could have apprehended the Verner family before Prince Arlan even discovered them, Your Majesty," Soren explained. "However, it appears that Prince Arlan is unwilling to wait and intends to compel the girl to reveal herself. I am curious as to what has spurred him into such haste this time."

Ailwin remained silent. In the past few months, something had changed, and he sensed a transformation in Arlan. There was an undercurrent of events unfolding, unknown to the King.

"Have you noticed anything unusual about the Prince?" Ailwin inquired cautiously.

"There is nothing out of the ordinary. The latest news we received pertains to rumors circling the prince, particularly regarding his favoritism towards a young boy who serves as his aide. Apart from that, Prince Arlan remains unchanged," Lord Soren reported.

"The young boy?" the King inquired. "Are you referring to the one who occasionally serves as Erich’s aide?"

Soren confirmed with a nod. "Yes, that’s the same boy. I heard he departed for his hometown this morning."

"Hmm," the King mused, recalling Erich’s mention of the capable young lad. "Upon his return, have him placed in the Royal infirmary to work alongside the royal physician. We cannot allow any more unfounded rumors to circulate about the Prince. If Arlan objects, instruct that boy to leave the kingdom."

Soren hesitated, well aware of the Prince’s staunch protectiveness when it came to his associates. "Your Highness..."

"If he wishes to ensure that boy’s safety, he will comply. He must remember that he is still the King’s son. Once he ascends the throne, he can exercise his own discretion," Ailwin affirmed.

Soren concurred promptly. While Prince Arlan could be obstinate, the King’s commands were final. He added, "Furthermore, the Commander has already departed for Wimark as per Your Majesty’s instructions. Even if Prince Arlan locates the Verner family, he will not dare to defy Your Majesty’s orders and harm them. The Commander will arrive there before the Crown Prince and secure the family."

The King could only nod, though he harbored inner anxiety. He understood his son better than anyone, and unless there was a compelling reason to deter him, Prince Arlan would not be dissuaded. All he could do was hope for the, King’s guardian knight, the Commander of the knights to palace of Oak to succeed in his mission.

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Arlan’s entourage halted for the night after a long journey since noon, seeking refuge at an inn along their route. Unbeknownst to them, spies from the King’s squad were diligently shadowing their every move.

"It appears Prince Arlan intends to take a rest tonight," one of the spies commented, maintaining a discreet observation from a distance while concealed in the shadows of the nearby woods.

"That seems to be the case. If the Crown Prince uses this night for rest, our Commander and knights will arrive in Wiamrk before Prince Arlan’s group," replied the other spy cautiously.

"Still, we mustn’t jump to conclusions. We need to remain vigilant. The Commander warned us that Prince Arlan is prone to deception."