The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 428

428 /772

Chapter 428: Just Be Yourself

Yorian and Drayce exchanged a knowing look, and Drayce offered the elf a nod of approval. Yorian turned back to Oriana, whose face had taken on a faint shade of embarrassment following his earlier words.

"Oriana, just be yourself when you approach her; that’s what we require," Yorian advised. "As King Drayce mentioned, your mission is to extract information from her. Make her talk, so you can discern her true desires and goals. She may attempt to attack or ensnare you, but remember, you must not harm her. If needed, you can employ a small measure of your powers to surprise her, provoking her into divulging more than she intended. However, you must not harm her, for harming her means harming Prince Arlan’s family."

"So, in essence, I have to play dumb," Oriana summarized. "That way, I can gather information from her."

"Dumb? Who would dare call you dumb?" Yorian responded, shaking his head. "It’s about playing smart, getting to know your enemy before engaging in a real confrontation. Those who label you as ’dumb’ are often the ones who lack intelligence themselves."

Oriana’s concern was evident as she pressed her lips into a thin line. "I fear that my recklessness might place Prince Arlan in danger if I were to fail."

Yorian offered a reassuring response, "Oriana, your recklessness is your strength. You’re the type who doesn’t dwell on the consequences of your actions when it comes to protecting someone. Those who calculate too much tend to hesitate, but those who act without constant worry often achieve results." He then turned to Drayce, seeking his agreement. "Isn’t that right, King Drayce?"

Drayce emitted a low hum and spoke, "What we need from you is to be yourself. React to the situation as it unfolds when you confront that witch. Don’t dwell on the potential consequences. This is something only you can do. Rest assured, we’ll be there to support and protect you."

Oriana expressed her primary concern, saying, "I’m not worried about myself, but I’m concerned for him."

"We understand, and we have faith in your abilities," Yorian reassured her. "You wouldn’t take any action that could jeopardize him. Furthermore, he’s a dragon, and aside from some temporary discomfort and weakness, that witch can’t truly harm him. She needs his blood, and he serves as a vessel for her power."

After some contemplation, Oriana agreed, "Alright, I will follow your guidance." Her worry was still visible on her face, stemming from her fear of making a mistake.

Yorian shared a meaningful anecdote, "Do you know, there was another individual who embodied qualities similar to yours: recklessness, selflessness, and bravery. Just like you, she never fretted over the consequences because her goal was always the protection of her people. She made countless bold decisions without knowing their ultimate outcomes, but since they were taken in the name of safeguarding her people, she never regretted a single one. I see that remarkable woman in you, Oriana. You are just like her, and one day you’ll make us proud."

Intrigued, Oriana inquired, "Who was this person?"

Yorian responded, "The former Queen of Witches, Evanthe, King Drayce’s mother."

Oriana turned her gaze to Drayce, but he remained stoic, offering no visible reaction.

Yorian continued, "It’s no surprise that you, too, share these qualities and are worthy of being a queen within your clan—the kind of leader who prioritizes others over themselves."