The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55: I Don’t Care

Two days before the wedding day...

"Greetings, Mother," Arlan bowed.

A graceful middle-aged woman with a gentle impression pleasantly smiled at him. At this moment, her lady-in-waiting had just removed her travel coat, exhaustion still visible on her face. The servants tactfully left the Queen’s bedchamber, leaving the two by themselves.

"Finally, we have arrived. That kind of long journey was too exhausting for a poor old lady like me," the woman complained a little.

"I do not see an old lady in the room though?"

The woman laughed. "How have you been, Arlan? It must have been hard for you to settle the wedding preparations on behalf of your brother and me. I was worried that the unexpected delay would cause us to postpone Lenard’s wedding..."

Arlan offered her the same smile and embraced the woman. "Even then, there can be no wedding without the groom. Guests can wait. You worry too much, Mother."

The Queen of Griven, Julien Cromwell, began her trip about a week earlier than Arlan, but arrived later than him because she took the official land route between Griven and Abetha. The groom had personally fetched his mother, and thus, both of them only arrived at the Royal Palace of Abetha with little time to spare.

"It will be rude to the bride and her family though," Julien commented as she sat down in the lounge area. "I am so busy dealing with Lenard’s affairs that I am yet to visit Wimark. How is Alvera and her baby?"

"They are both doing good. Ryan is only less than two months old, still too weak to travel, but I’m sure Sister will bring him to the palace for you to meet your grandson once he is able to."

"That’s understandable."

"Oh, who is here? His Highness the Crown Prince of Griven?"

The newcomer was a handsome young man who shared somewhat similar features to Arlan, The same ash brown hair and sea blue eyes, only Lenard Cromwell looked younger and thinner compared to him. Just from one glance, anyone could tell they were blood-related siblings as both had inherited their appearance from their father, the King of Griven.

The pair of brothers shared a hug.

"I thought my brother won’t attend my wedding as he is busy playing with our nephew."

"Little Ryan is adorable, I tell you. I was tempted to stay in Wimark, but our sister kicked me out," Arlan jested.

"I will tell our big sister you are bad mouthing her behind her back."

"Then I will tell your wife that her husband is a terrible blabbermouth. Hmph. Aren’t you pretending to be a cool and well-behaved gentleman in front of Princess Meira? I will let her see your true colors, that you gossip like a village woman."

Lenard rolled his eyes.

"By the way, how is Sister’s health? The baby...?"

The three Cromwell siblings shared a close relationship amongst themselves, an oddity in the long history of royal families, and they had no reservations bickering with each other.

After exchanging taunts and insults, Arlan and Lenard laughed at each other.

"You two find another place to chat. I’d like to rest a little," Julien remarked, shaking her head at the immaturity of her sons. However, even though she said it like that, it could be seen that she was happy with the brothers’ harmonious relationship.

Lenard led Arlan to his own chamber. They lounged on the soft long couch and had expensive wine delivered to them by the maidservants.

"...oh, which reminds me," Lenard said as he poured himself a glass. "Mother received a missive from Father while we were traveling. The letter mentioned your engagement. Seems there is news about the Verners?"

"Keep talking," Arlan told him.

"I didn’t read the missive itself but she’s optimistic that the daughter of the Verners will be found soon. She wants to start preparing for your engagement ceremony."