The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 417

Chapter 417: Queen Of Witches

With her heart heavy with guilt, Oriana returned to the guest mansion, maintaining a somber silence throughout the journey.

Ana glanced at her mistress, concern etched on her face. "Your Highness, did you not like the palace’s interior?"

"It’s quite fine," Oriana responded, unable to convey the true reason for her melancholic mood to her devoted servant.

Oriana continued her relentless pursuit of knowledge, engrossed in reading books and striving to decipher the secrets of the mystical pill.

Midnight had come and gone, and she remained in her study, her eyes burning from the relentless glow of the lamps. Her devoted servant had gently reminded her to rest, but Oriana had dismissed Ana’s concerns, resolute in her work. Sleep seemed an impossible luxury, given the multitude of troubles weighing upon her.

Suddenly, an unexpected visitor materialized within her study, prompting Oriana to glance in their direction. "You certainly took your time," she remarked, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

The newcomer chuckled playfully and approached her. "I did inform you, so you won’t miss in my absence."

She scoffed, "You do tend to act somewhat delusional at times, Lord Yorian. Could it be due to your advancing age?"

Although she playfully mocked him and pretended his presence was of no consequence, deep down, she knew that his arrival brought a sense of relief. It meant she wasn’t alone, that someone was there to guide and support her. Moments earlier, she had been quiet and downcast, but now, in the presence of this ever-cheerful elf, she felt a glimmer of hope in the darkness. His arrival also signified that he might return with valuable knowledge or assistance.

Yorian, astute as ever in understanding others, raised an eyebrow. "So, you’re implying that whether I’m with you or not makes no difference? That you didn’t miss my presence?"

"Of course not. Must I spell it out for you?" Oriana retorted, her denial swift and unwavering.

Yorian let out a resigned sigh as he gazed into Oriana’s eyes, seeing the truth in them despite her words. "I thought you might miss me and I rushed back with something useful. But since you claim not to miss me, I’ll return when you genuinely do."

"Something useful?" Oriana exclaimed.

Yorian chose to disregard her words. "When you truly miss me, just send a magical letter, and I’ll return." He began to prepare to depart.

"Wait, Lord Yorian," Oriana called out desperately, but Yorian waved her off. "See you."

"I missed you. I really did miss you," she declared, her voice filled with urgency.

"Lies," the elf responded, closing his eyes as he prepared to chant the spell to disappear.

In a rush, Oriana reached out and grasped his hand. "Please don’t leave. I was waiting for you. I was just teasing you when I said I didn’t miss you."

Yorian opened his eyes and looked at her, studying her eyes. "Your eyes tell me you’re not lying this time."

"Yes, I’m not lying. You’re the only person I can rely on and trust. I feel like I have nothing to worry about when you’re with me. Please, don’t leave," she implored, her eyes and voice carrying a sense of desperation that was unusual for Oriana.

Though Yorian was trying to have some fun by teasing her and to cheer her up, he sensed that something had happened while he was gone.

"Alright,"

Yorian agreed, looking at his hand that Oriana was holding with a firm grip. "You can let go of my hand now."

Oriana obeyed and heard Yorian inquire, "Now, tell me what happened today to change you like this."

"Huh?"

"You’re not acting like yourself. What has frightened you?" Yorian probed as he settled into a chair.

Oriana returned to her seat and poured out her feelings, "It feels like I’m losing people in my life one by one these days. I don’t want anyone else to leave me. I don’t want to be alone anymore."