The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 547

Chapter 547: My Esmeray, We Will Reunite Soon

As Oriana made her way back to the guest mansion, her mind buzzed with thoughts of Arlan and his elusive tattoo.

"He claimed he didn’t have one. How can that be? Was he merely concocting an excuse to coax me into checking? And even if I had looked, what good would it have done? I’m not his mate, so I wouldn’t be able to see it anyway. Doesn’t he realize how uncomfortable his flirtatious behavior makes me feel?" She let out an exasperated sigh. "I used to resent his dragon for not choosing me as his mate, but if he continues acting this way, I might start resenting him too. Can’t he comprehend how hurtful it would be if his mate suddenly appears one day, claiming him and able to see his tattoo? Though I’m not his mate, he should at least consider my feelings as his wife. Heartless rascal, he and his dragon can both go to hell for all I care."

Upon returning to her grandfather’s side, Oriana learned that the King and Queen were coming to visit Philip. "Grandpa, are you sure you’re up for meeting them?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice.

Sitting on his bed, Philip nodded weakly. "Don’t worry about me."

Soon, the King and Queen arrived at the guest mansion and were escorted to the drawing room. Oriana assisted her grandfather in walking there. Philip felt a pang of guilt gnawing at him, but he knew he had to face the people to whom he owed explanations, and Ailwin was among them.

Upon entering the drawing room, Philip bowed respectfully to the King and Queen. He found himself unable to speak, as if any words he uttered would only sound like apologies. Ailwin and Julien exchanged glances, sensing the weight of Philip’s silence.

"How have you been, Lord Philip?" Ailwin inquired.

The old man met Ailwin’s gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness, guilt, and regret. "Healthy enough to receive punishment for my sins," he replied quietly.

A heavy silence settled in the room. The King exchanged a glance with his wife and Oriana before speaking, "I wish to be alone with Philip."

Both women nodded and left the room, leaving Oriana’s heart racing with worry. Once outside, Julien offered her comfort, "Rest assured, Ailwin is a rational person."

Oriana nodded in agreement. If the King truly intended harm to her grandfather, he would have acted already.

In the drawing room, Ailwin motioned for Philip to take a seat. "First, have a seat, Lord Philip. Given your weak condition, I do not wish for you to faint in the middle of our conversation."

Philip obliged, settling into the chair as he met Ailwin’s gaze. "I am ready to listen," he said solemnly.

Ailwin nodded, taking a deep breath. Despite the turmoil within him, he knew he needed to remain composed. "I know you carry regret for certain actions, and rightfully so," he began. "Coming to terms with forgiveness is not easy for me either. However, we must leave the past behind and focus on the future, especially for the sake of Arlan and Oriana. Arlan is making efforts to do the same. You are Oriana’s only family, and we do not wish to see her suffer. Whatever time you have left, spend it in peace with Oriana. No one wants to see her hurt, though we do not care even the least about you."

Philip was silent for a while before speaking. "I am relieved that your family cares for Oriana and that she will be living the happy life she deserves. I ask for nothing more."

"If there is anything that can make you feel better, there is something I wish to tell you," Ailwin said. "Before taking her last breath, Helena told me to protect your family. She said it was not your fault and asked to forgive you."

Philip looked at him with a surprised gaze.

"It’s true," Ailwin repeated. "As the one who was hurt, she didn’t hold you responsible. That means I shall do the same. Her dying wish was to protect your family and make Oriana marry Arlan, and that is what I am doing."

Philip’s eyes turned moist to hear it. She didn’t find him responsible? He never wanted to kill her; it just happened all of a sudden.

"I have no desire to delve into the past or the reasons behind what happened," Ailwin continued. "Doing so would only bring more pain to my family, who have finally found happiness after so many decades. I refuse to let anything tarnish that happiness. As for the supernatural aspects concerning Arlan, I have chosen to turn a blind eye to them and will continue to do so. He is simply my son, and that will remain absolute for me. You can rest assured about Oriana; my son is deeply devoted to her, and he will stop at nothing to ensure her happiness."

Philip nodded in understanding. He believed Ailwin’s words. That day when Arlan came to see him, he could tell the prince deeply cared about Oriana, or to be correct, he had deep feelings for her.

"I understand," Philip replied. "I will do as you said."

Soon the King and Philip walked out of the drawing room. Oriana watched the King match the slow pace of her grandfather, which made her feel better.

Julien looked at the old man she didn’t get the chance to talk to. She felt sympathy towards him as she was the one to witness him carrying his dying daughter in his arms after Amaya trapped that witch.