The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 415

Chapter 415: I Will Leave

Oriana’s heart seized as she observed Arlan, who sat before her, his form still. His words weighed heavily on her mind as he spoke with a deliberate drawl, "I heard that man is working on the renovation of the Crown Princess’ newly prepared mansion. I was wondering if he is aware of what kind of danger he had put himself in for the sake of a woman who has been deceiving him, pretending to be a man."

The more she listened, the more Oriana felt her body turn to ice, a shock that seemed to paralyze her. Luke—someone she deeply cared for. It wasn’t just Luke; it was his family too. They had always extended their kindness to her and her grandfather.

’What is he doing in the palace? Shouldn’t he have returned to Wimark by now? That means it wasn’t my illusion that day; it was truly Luke. He might be in danger because of me. I need to protect him.’ Her gaze focused on Arlan, convinced that a man who didn’t flinch from harming her grandfather wouldn’t hesitate to harm Luke.

She gathered herself and replied, "He has nothing to do with me. He was merely a son of a neighboring family I addressed as my brother, but he is nothing more than a stranger to me."

"After indulging in the luxuries here, have you already forgotten the poor man?" Arlan quipped with a tone dripping with mockery. He didn’t wait for her response and continued, "Nothing unexpected, coming from greedy and deceitful woman like you."

Oriana didn’t dispute it. "That’s true, so there’s no need for him to know anything about me and my grandfather." Her expression remained cool, as if Luke held no significance in her life.

Arlan let out a disdainful scoff. "And here I thought you’d be concerned to find out he’s suddenly injured and absent from work today. Seems I was mistaken," he added, his gaze fixed on her, awaiting the erosion of her calm façade.

"Injured? Did you do something to him to get back at me?" Oriana’s composure crumbled, replaced by worry as memories of moments spent with Luke flooded her mind.

An evil smirk played on Arlan’s lips as he confessed, "Do you still dare doubt my intentions? Wasn’t it enough to let you see my sword piercing that old man?"

Oriana fought the urge to unleash her anger upon him, her restraint evident in her response. "I’ve already told you, I have no involvement with him. Why do you want to bring harm to that family?"

Arlan’s gaze darkened further as he noticed her concern for Luke. "Then why are you so disturbed to learn that he’s been injured?"

"That family cared for my grandfather in my absence when I was occupied as your servant. I owe them at least some companionship."

Arlan dismissed their kindness with a scornful tone. "Took care of that old man, tsk. Then that entire family deserves punishment. They sheltered and assisted a traitor, and that’s an offense no different from being traitors themselves."

Oriana felt the ground beneath her tremble. This man had a twisted way of thinking, causing her unnecessary turmoil.

"Imbert," Arlan called, summoning the aide. Imbert Loyset promptly entered the drawing room, asking, "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Place that man, Luke, in prison, and send our men to apprehend the rest of his family and bring them to the capital," Arlan ordered.

Oriana’s shock and horror were palpable as she gazed at him, wondering how cruel he could become. In a rush of panic, she pleaded, "Please, do not harm them. I’ve told you they have nothing to do with me."

"But you’ve inadvertently proven their complicity, turning them into traitors. I show no mercy to traitors. You know it well by now, don’t you?" Arlan spoke with indifference. "If not for my father, you both would be dead by now. While my father may have reasons to protect you, he has no such reason to shield that unfortunate family. I can eliminate them, and the King wouldn’t even bat an eye." _{fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓}

Oriana knelt on the floor, her voice filled with desperation as she implored him, "Please, do not harm them. I earnestly request it."

Arlan’s response was unyielding, his tone firm. "You’ve left me with no other recourse."

He turned to Imbert, issuing his command, "What are you waiting for?"

Imbert began to bow and leave, but then Oriana halted him. She turned to Arlan and admitted defeat. "Your Highness, I concede. I will leave as you wish. Please reconsider your orders."

But her pleas seemed to have little impact on Arlan. "How can I trust you when you continually backtrack on your promises, only to return with yet another excuse for staying here?"

Her eyes welled with tears, and she pressed on, her voice trembling with sincerity. "I give you my word. I swear on my grandfather’s life that I will leave. Please, Your Highness, retract your orders."

Arlan shifted his gaze between Oriana and Imbert, finally relenting by dismissing the aide as if rescinding his earlier orders. He then turned back to Oriana. "I have done as you asked. Now, you must leave."

"I promise to depart, but grant me some time," Oriana pleaded with urgency. "My grandfather is in no condition to be moved. I’m working on a potent medicine that requires a bit more time. Once it’s ready, my grandpa will recover, and I will leave. Trust me; it won’t take long."

Arlan remained impassive, as if her words couldn’t sway him.

Understanding his reluctance to have her around and his reluctance to marry her, she added, "I have no desire to marry you either. I’ll leave long before our wedding day arrives. You can then marry the one destined for you. Our betrothal won’t hinder your path. I request you to grant me this time."