The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 509

Chapter 509: Hurting?

When Oriana arrived at the guest mansion to visit her grandfather, Erich had already arrived and was patiently waiting for her in the chamber.

"How are you, Oriana?" he inquired.

"I’m well, Master," she responded, and in turn, she heard him say, "Congratulations on your wedding."

"Thank you," she replied before asking, "How is Grandpa doing now?"

"He’s stable. I’m just waiting to see if we can finally create that medicine. The King is fully recovered, and I need to return to my own place. I do hope we can heal your grandfather before that happens."

"Are you leaving, Master?"

"Not yet, as I’m still here for your grandfather. But the original purpose of my presence in this palace has been fulfilled. Although I’m not the reason His Majesty has recovered, the reason for my being in this palace no longer exists."

"Please don’t say that, Master. It was your unwavering efforts and your invention of new medicines for His Majesty that helped sustain his vitality. Without your work, he would have been in a much worse condition before we could remove that curse from his body."

Erich simply nodded and replied, "I won’t lie about the situation regarding your grandfather." His demeanor grew serious as he continued, "Given his age, even though he’s currently stable, we can’t expect him to hold on for much longer. If we can manage to prepare that medicine, at least we can ensure his last days are spent in greater comfort, with you by his side."

Oriana’s eyes glistened with moisture, but she managed to maintain her emotional composure. "The former Queen of the witches is here. I intend to approach her directly without any further delay."

"That’s an even better plan," Erich acknowledged.

After a brief interval, there came a knock on the door, and Ana entered, announcing, "Your Highness, His Highness has arrived."

---

The Crown Prince’s carriage pulled up at the guest mansion, waiting to escort Oriana to the Rose Palace, where the Queen had graciously invited them for a family meal.

Arlan disembarked from the carriage, patiently waiting for his wife while Imbert exchanged a significant look with Rafal. The knight nodded in acknowledgment and proceeded to enter the guest mansion.

Arlan harbored no desire to step foot in the same place where the murderer of his mother resided. His previous visit had been an exception, as it was necessary for Oriana’s sake. However, now that she no longer stayed there, he had no reason to enter the same abode as the one responsible for his mother’s death, let alone breathe the same air.

The image of that accursed sword piercing his mother’s body, snatching her life away, remained vivid in his memories. The more he dwelled on it, the deeper his anger welled up within him. Just because the man was Oriana’s grandfather didn’t mean Arlan would ever forgive him. Instead, he was resolved to see justice served the moment the old man woke from his slumber.

If only he could stop Oriana from visiting him, but he knew he couldn’t. She had made her choice, placing her loyalty to her grandfather above him.

Rafal reached the foyer, where Oriana had just emerged from her grandfather’s room. He offered a respectful bow and greeted her, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Oriana gazed at the knight, his head bowed respectfully before her. There was a time when they engaged in playful banter, like a cat and mouse, but those days seemed distant now. Even if she were to say something amiss, he would merely remain silent and offer his obeisance. It was nothing to be happy about.