The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 496

Chapter 496: Wedding And Vows

As the bride and groom took their places at the altar, the dignified figure of the Royal Priest of Griven, an older gentleman with a crown of silver hair and adorned in a light beige attire, gripped the sacred religious book in his hand. His presence commanded attention, and as he began the wedding ceremony, the gaze of every guest was drawn toward the altar.

"We have assembled here to bear witness to the union of the Crown Prince of Griven, Arlan Cromwell, and his chosen betrothed, Crown Princess Oriana Verner," the Royal Priest intoned with solemnity. "In accordance with the longstanding custom of Griven, a tradition upheld for decades since the kingdom’s founding and the ancestors of the Cromwell royal family..."

The Royal Priest proceeded to recount the historical context and customs adhered to by the royal family, all while the bride and groom stood facing each other. Arlan’s eyes were fixed upon Oriana’s countenance, pondering what thoughts might be concealed behind her lowered gaze. For him, the reality of her standing before him as his bride still felt like an ethereal dream.

After a while, the Royal Priest reached the part of the ceremony where they would be exchanging the wedding vows.

"Arlan Cromwell, will you have Oriana Verner to be your wife, to live together respecting the values entrenched in the sacred vow of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and rule the bountiful lands of Griven together with fairness in mind, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I, Arlan Crowell, solemnly pledge to forsake all others and remain devoted to her throughout eternity, loving only her and her alone even beyond death. I promise to honor her and fulfill every desire she harbors, dedicating the entirety of myself to shielding her from any conceivable harm."

Oriana raised her gaze to look up at him, his eyes showing each word he said, he meant it.

He uttered the final words while gazing into her eyes, "I, Arlan Cromwell, vow to devote myself entirely to her."

As he uttered those words, his sea-blue eyes remained fixed on Oriana’s face, as though he sought to convey the profoundness of his emotions, ones that eluded clear articulation. In response, Oriana lowered her gaze once again, preparing to express her own vows.

The gathered assembly, however, found themselves surprised by Arlan’s commitment. Rumors circulating suggested Prince Arlan’s reluctance and disdain towards marrying Oriana, prompting confusion at the strength of his vow. To pledge such devotion seemed contradictory to the speculation surrounding their union. What had prompted this unexpected change in his demeanor?

Contrary to the general astonishment, Arlan’s close kin expressed joy for him. They sensed the sincerity and depth behind his words, recognizing a newfound acceptance that transcended any prior animosity.

Even the King and Queen, taken aback by this unexpected turn, discerned a willingness in their son to embrace Oriana, setting the stage for a potentially blissful life together.

Amidst the assembly, Drayce, Seren, Yorian, Slayer, and Arlan’s trusted knights—Imbert, Rafal, and Alex—all bore smiles, reflecting the shared sentiment of happiness for the union unfolding before them.

"Oriana Verner, will you have Arlan Cromwell, to be your husband, to live together respecting the values entrenched in the sacred vow of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, and rule the bountiful lands of Griven together with fairness in mind, for as long as you both shall live?"

Oriana was calm, but before answering she inhaled deeply and looked up at Arlan, her hazel eyes looking into his sea blue ones.