The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 368

Chapter 368: Alvear’s Visit

Arlan returned to the Wimark guest mansion, his customary haven during his stays at the Wimark estate. Butler John had already taken care of all the arrangements.

"Your Highness, the bath is ready," the butler informed who was accompanied by few servants.

Arlan, standing by the window in a daze, moved briskly towards the awaiting bath.He had been travelling without any rest and his clothes looked travel worn and dirt coated.

After Arlan had bathed and changed into the fresh garments, Imbert entered the chamber. They discreetly dismissed the attending servants.

"Your Highness, the Verner family has been safely brought to the Wimark estate and is now under the protection of Commander Conor Loysst and Duke Wimark."

The moment Arlan had set foot on the Wimark estate, he sensed a familiar scent hanging in the air. He didn’t need to be informed of the reason behind it.

Imbert continued, "Lord Verner is unconscious and in a precarious state. The Wimark family’s physician has already attended to him."

Arlan remained unresponsive. Since the events that had unfolded at Oriana’s residence and his subsequent departure, he hadn’t uttered a single word.

Just days ago, his life, while filled with pain, had seemed relatively stable. Now, it had spiraled into a nightmarish scenario beyond his worst imaginings.

Imbert, having received a comprehensive briefing from Alex, could only offer a helpless gaze toward his liege. Just like Arlan, the knight had never anticipated that events would take such a grim turn. He had not expected the woman staying by Prince’s side for a past few months was in fact the one who they were searching for past few months. He could only leave in silence.

Although a messenger had informed Arlan that his sister was was awaiting a meal with him, it seemed designed to leave him with no viable excuse to decline his sister’s request for a return to her estate. The meal was delivered to Arlan’s chamber, but he partook in it sparingly, as if his appetite had abandoned him.

Lying in bed, he could only look at the ceiling, and could wait for the night to pass by and could hope that the next day when he wakes up, everything would turn out to be nothing but one of his worst nightmares.

When he was trying to lesson the troubles in his life, the worst ones had to show up right at this moment, and he felt like he was now unable to find a way out.

----

On the other hand, when Oriana was presented with food, she consumed it voraciously, her determination resolute. She reasoned with herself, ’I must keep my strength; I can’t afford to starve.’

Late into the night, after tending to her grandfather, she lay in her bed. Her initial anger had subsided, allowing her to reflect more coherently.

’Why did he suddenly appear in my home and harm my grandpa? Didn’t he inform the King that he was headed to the northeast border to quell the rebellion? So why is he here in Wimark? What are they hiding from me? Even that elderly knight refused to provide answers. I must uncover the truth. The assassination of the previous Queen? My grandpa is not capable of such acts. There must be a misunderstanding. If no one else will give me answers, I will seek them from him directly. Before I pass judgment, I will grant him the opportunity to offer a valid explanation. If he can’t, I won’t show him mercy.’

She attempted to close her eyes, but memories of the past few months spent with Arlan flashed before her, causing her heart to race. She sat up abruptly, admonishing herself, ’This is not the time to dwell on that. I don’t know the man who seeks to harm my helpless and frail grandpa. I don’t know him at all. I won’t forgive him unless I uncover the truth. Even if I receive answers, that won’t justify his desire to harm my only family. If the King himself is working to protect us, it means the Prince is undoubtedly mistaken. He will pay for his error.’

She lay back in the bed and drifted to sleep despite her mind having so many questions going on in it. She needed to eat and sleep well so she could conserve her enrage instead of letting herself affected and turn weak even before she could seek a revenge for her grandfather.

---

The following morning, Alvera prepared to visit her brother, but Rhys intercepted her with a question, "Are you going to see your brother?"

She nodded, "I should have gone last night, but I thought he needed some time alone. The matters concerning his betrothed are delicate, and he’s opposing our father this time."

"Would you like me to accompany you?" Rhys offered.

"This time, I’ll speak to him alone. Since you’re loyal to his father, he may not want to discuss anything in your presence," she explained.

"Just try to persuade him not to act recklessly and to comply with His Majesty’s orders."

"I will," she assured. "I also intend to visit the Verner family. They are our guests, but I couldn’t go to them promptly due to what Arlan did."

"Hmm, you should. Lord Verner is in a critical condition," Rhys informed. "Before you go, let me explain something. The girl who’s betrothed to Arlan, you might not find her dressed as a girl. She prefers to disguise herself as a boy."

Alvera arched an eyebrow, "As a boy?"