The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 453

Chapter 453: Second Deal

"Related to blood?" the witch echoed.

"Yes," Oriana responded. "I seek your assistance in breaking the blood curse afflicting the royal family members...."

"Hahaha!"

The witch’s laughter reverberated through the chamber.

"So, this was your plan all along, huh?" The witch’s voice resonated in the darkness.

Oriana remained poised and unruffled, as though it unfolded precisely as she foresaw.

"Do you take me for a fool, young witch?"

"Do you expect commendation for posing such an obvious question?" Oriana chuckled. "Certainly, I regard you as a fool. In the presence of someone as intelligent as myself, everyone appears a mere fool."

"You consider yourself clever?" the witch questioned. "Do you believe I would liberate the royal family from the blood curse, exposing myself to potential retribution from the Prince?"

"I never entertained such a notion. However, you, in your folly, rushed to assumptions before allowing me to explain my entire proposal. Your cackling interrupted me," Oriana rubbed her ears gently. "Trust me, it nearly deafened me. Do you laugh like that in Arlan’s presence? Please, say you don’t. It’s quite off-putting for a man if you plan to be his mate. He might prefer being deaf than hear your laugh."

A hush enveloped the witch’s side, and Oriana remained as composed as ever, causing Edna to doubt her own judgment.

"Alright, if you’re finished utilizing your nearly nonexistent brain, listen to everything I have to say," Oriana didn’t wait for Edna’s response. "Shall I continue, or do you want me to leave?"

"Speak," the witch replied.

Oriana continued, calmly sitting in her chair, "I’m not proposing the release of the entire royal family, understanding your vested interest in keeping them hostage for your purpose. But I suggest freeing others, using only one person as your bargaining chip with the Prince. Whether it’s one or more individuals Arlan holds dear, the outcome remains unchanged. He’ll always be beholden to your influence, and we only need it until the night of the new moon." _{freewebnoveℓ.com}

"What do you stand to gain from this?" the witch inquired.

"Finally, a question from you that makes sense," Oriana commended. "If you’re under the impression that I harbor a soft spot for the royal family, think again. I’m not that magnanimous toward those responsible for my life in poverty. The reason I seek this from you is simple – you. You are the very reason."

"Me?" the witch’s voice filled with confusion.

"Yes, you," Oriana responded confidently. "Once you become his mate, you’ll have that binding connection to make Arlan heed your words. You’ll have him. But what about me? I’d have nothing to leverage against him. Furthermore, he believes my grandfather killed his mother, so he would only disdain me. All that remains for me is to craft a positive and benevolent image by posing as the savior of those he loves. I need him to owe me something so he will listen to me as well and treat me well."

Edna’s side fell into silence before she finally spoke, "Whom do you propose I spare or not?"