The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 383

Chapter 383: Doubts About Queen

After her visit to the King, Oriana made her way to the guest mansion. Some time later, a servant informed her that Erich Winfield had arrived to check on her grandfather.

In a hurry, Oriana descended from her chamber and headed to the patient’s room. Commander Loyset was already present, watching Erich as he tended to the elderly man. Oriana patiently waited for Erich to complete his examination.

Once he had finished, Oriana inquired, "How is my grandfather, Master?"

Erich turned to the voice he recognized and was stunned to find the young woman standing before him. She was his apprentice, but why was she referring to this old man as her grandfather, and why was she dressed in women’s clothing? Hadn’t he been instructed to treat the important guest, the Crown Princess’s grandfather?

"Mister Winfield, I believe you’ve recognized your apprentice," Commander Loyset interjected. "She is our Crown Princess."

Erich could only look at her in disbelief, to which Oriana nodded and approached him. "How is Grandpa?"

"Not well, I’m afraid," Erich replied. "His body is severely weakened and damaged. I’ll do my best, but I can’t guarantee the outcome."

"Will he wake up?" Oriana asked with tears welling up in her eyes.

Erich didn’t sugarcoat the truth. "I can’t say for certain. He may wake up, or he may leave us."

Tears began to flow down Oriana’s cheeks. "I wish for him to wake up and speak with me. I was away for so long and couldn’t even return to him. When I finally did, he was..."

"We’ll do everything in our power. Don’t lose hope just yet," Erich reassured her.

She nodded resolutely, wiping away her tears. "I won’t. I want him to wake up."

The commander left the two alone, allowing Oriana to explain everything to Erich.

"What’s your plan?" Erich inquired. "Is there anyone you can seek help from?"

Oriana sighed. "There is no one."

"Perhaps you could talk to King Drayce. He’s a close friend of Prince Arlan."

"They are indeed close friends, but I know King Drayce would side with his friend. Even if they were willing to help me, I don’t want to put him in a difficult position. This is my family’s matter, and it’s not right to involve them and jeopardize his friendship with the Prince."

"You have a point there."

"Do not worry, Master. I’ve always managed to find a way out of difficult situations. I’ll handle this."

"Very well."

-----

Once Erich departed, the commander returned to Oriana.

"Your Highness, Her Majesty, the Queen, has returned to the palace and wishes to meet with you."

Oriana wondered, ’Back to the palace? Was she away somewhere?’ Then looked at commander, "Do I need to go now?"

"Yes, she has summoned you."

She sighed inwardly. "Alright."

They prepared to depart. As Oriana stepped out of the carriage, all the servants along the way cast their gaze upon the veiled woman and bowed respectfully, sensing her noble status as the Crown Princess, even though it hadn’t been officially announced. However, they could only extend their courtesy as they would to any other noble.

Walking down the corridor, Oriana encountered a familiar woman who respectfully bowed to her. ’This woman...she visited the Prince’s residence that day. She’s said to be Prince’s nanny, Lady Karla. I just got to peek and listen to their talk. Seems like the Queen is not that fond of this woman.’