The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 531

Chapter 531: Oriana And Rafal

On the journey back to the palace, Oriana found herself grappling with thoughts.

’I haven’t seen him today. He left even before I woke up. Could it be he wished to avoid discussing Grandpa’s condition? What should I do now? Should I seek him out after attending to Grandpa?’ _{ƒreewebηoveℓ.com}

Her attention drifted to Rafal, mounted on his horse, riding beside her carriage. ’Perhaps Sir Ahren could offer valuable insight. He knows his master’s mind and disposition better than anyone,’ she continued to think about the knight on the horse. ’He tends to my needs without having to instruct him, no wonder he is second knight in command. How different things were between us in the past and how we used to argue. I wonder what went through his mind when he learned of my identity. Has he genuinely embraced me as their Crown Princess, or is he merely following Arlan’s directives?’

Oriana observed a side view of Rafal’s stoic face, he looked cold, calm and devoid of any emotions. she couldn’t help but ponder the disciplined facade he presented.

’These people are so well trained to hide their emotions as if they have a rock in their chest instead of a heart. Maybe when we have time, I can try talking to him as he would be with me all the time. It’s uncomfortable for me to see him serving me while we still haven’t addressed the past.’

Upon arriving at the palace, Oriana hurried to her grandfather’s quarters. ’I hope he hasn’t awakened yet.’

Entering the room, she found her grandfather still deep in slumber. The servants informed her, "Lord Philip remains asleep, though he stirs occasionally."

Relieved, Oriana checked on her grandfather, noting his stable condition with a sigh of relief.

Ana arrived promptly, addressing Oriana, "Your Highness, I will arrange a meal for you. It’s well past your usual dining time."

Oriana acknowledged with a nod. Even if she was worried about so many things in her hands, food was a must to preserve energy to deal with everything. Being a physician, had always made her rational about her body- whatever happens, never miss the food.

After replenishing herself with a meal, Oriana summoned Rafal to her study in the guest mansion.

The knight, having changed back into his uniform, entered the study and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness."

Seated behind her wooden desk, Oriana gestured for him to sit. "Sir Ahren, please take a seat. I have something important to discuss with you."

Rafal hesitated momentarily, his demeanor suggesting anticipation of a command rather than a conversation. Nevertheless, he complied and settled into the chair opposite her.

"Sir Ahren, can we forget the things in the past and be comfortable with each other as we would be working together always?" she asked.

"I am prepared to fulfill any directive from Your Highness," he responded politely.

"I understand, but I desire more than mere obedience," Oriana pressed. "I don’t want you to be just a dutiful subject. I hope for a friendship or, at the very least, the ability to seek guidance from you in challenging situations."

"I will endeavor to fulfill your wishes, Your Highness," Rafal assured.

Despite his assurance, Oriana sensed his compliance stemmed solely from his duty to her as his superior. Though he never showed any reluctance to serve as her knight, but it was not the same feeling that how he served Arlan.

What she longed for – genuine friendship and trust – would require time. Rafal’s allegiance, beyond mere obligation, would need to be earned.

"Sir Ahren, can I expect an honest answer from you?" She asked.

As usual he replied with, "Yes, Your Highness."

Oriana couldn’t help but notice that the majority of his responses to her were comprised of those three words: ’Yes, Your Highness,’ as though he had been molded to comply with her every request.

"When you discovered my true identity, how did you truly feel?" she asked directly.

Rafal met her gaze in silence for a moment before Oriana pressed, "You promised honesty."

Meeting her eyes with unwavering resolve, he spoke candidly, "I was utterly shocked at first and then felt like an idiot. More I thought about it, the more I found myself like a fool who didn’t deserve to stand by His Highness’ side as his second knight in command."