The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 582

Chapter 582: Luke’s Hurting Words

At Ahrens, Erin prepared to accompany her mother to the palace, as they were among the guests invited by the queen.

Luke, serving as Erin’s bodyguard, was to join the entourage. Just before they departed, another guard from Ahren’s main forces approached Luke discreetly, pulling him aside. The guard’s voice was low as he informed Luke, "I overheard a conversation from Lord Ahren’s study. That man will reach the capital today."

Luke’s fist clenched tightly, the veins on his exposed wrist standing out starkly.

"It is possible you would be in the palace and get to see him," he observed the threatening coldness flashed on Luke’s face, "My L....he swallowed the words back and said, "Please, keep your calm."

Regaining his composure, Luke reflected on his purpose for coming to Ahrens and securing this position. Over the past few months, he and his men had been plotting, and now, their plans were coming to fruition.

Erin stepped outside just in time to spot Luke conversing with the guard. She recognized the uniform, indicating he was part of her father’s security team.

Sensing Erin’s approach, both men adjusted their demeanor and spoke as if nothing was amiss.

"Luke, you’re fortunate to be working here at Ahrens. Don’t squander this golden opportunity to make a life for yourself. Here you will lack nothing," the guard spoke, changing his tone.

Luke, ever composed, simply nodded in response.

Erin eyed the guard, a note of surprise in her voice, "What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at my father’s residence?"

"Lady Erin, my apologies. I will return immediately," the guard replied, bowing respectfully before departing.

Turning to Luke, Erin’s curiosity piqued. "I didn’t realize you had friends here, or that you knew how to make them."

"It’s my workplace, and it’s important to maintain good relations," Luke responded, his gaze deliberately lowered, his expression unreadable. His calm demeanor gave nothing away about the secrets he harbored.

Erin chuckled lightly, amused by his response. "So, you do see the value in that. You weren’t like this when you worked in construction. Has working for me brought out a better side of you?"

Luke lifted his gaze, straight looking into her eyes. If not for his reasons, he would not have been standing here and even lowering his head to a noble.

Meeting his unyielding gaze, she raised a brow, "Forgot the manners already?"

In response, Luke’s gaze remained fixed on hers, unflinching and challenging, matched by Erin’s own unyielding look. His expression was one of pride and arrogance rather than subservience while Erin’s was amused one as if trying to see through his defiance. None of them willing to give up as their gazes continued to challenge each other.

Just then, Erin’s servant appeared. "Lady Erin, it’s time to depart."

"We will continue this some other time," Erin’s tone challenging as she turned around to walk away and sat in her carriage.

Luke mounted his horse, positioning himself to ride alongside Erin’s carriage, resuming his duty as Erin’s bodyguard. Shortly thereafter, the Queen’s carriage and her knights joined the procession.

From the window of her carriage, Erin studied the man on the horse next to her carriage.

’I always sense he’s concealing something, and he’s skilled at keeping it hidden. But I’ll uncover it eventually. Having him as a bodyguard isn’t without reason. I am the daughter of a prestigious family of knights. If he thinks he can deceive me, he’s sorely mistaken.’

She recalled that day in the market when he protected her from the thugs. Although she was fully capable of defending herself, his quick reflexes and adept handling of the situation—without even a weapon—clearly demonstrated his training. She herself trained in handling sword and some combat training due to her brother, she could tell the difference.

Luke was far more than just a construction worker. From that moment, her curiosity about his true nature had been piqued, compelling her to discover who he really was and if he had any hidden motive to come to the capital. If her brother Rafal had seen him that day, Luke would have been sure under a strict watch. But Erin decided to take things in her hands- something thrilling for her own entertainment.

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All the guests had gathered at the Queen’s palace, each offering their respects to the queen and Crown Princess Oriana. Queen Julien introduced Oriana to each of the attendees, and Oriana, thankful for her sharp memory, did her best to recall each name and face.

The women from the noble families noted the Queen’s evident fondness for Oriana, and while some might have harbored feelings of displeasure or envy, they kept such emotions closely guarded. As the gathering concluded and the guests prepared to depart, Oriana’s four appointed companions lingered.

"It’s been a long time since we last met," Oriana observed, addressing the four.

"We understand you’ve been busy, Your Highness," Katherin replied, her tone reflecting more maturity than during their previous interactions.

"Now that we are back, we’ll make sure to be available for you," Anelisa added, prompting Oriana to ponder whether their newfound dedication was influenced by her status as Crown Princess.