The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 606

Chapter 606: You Do Not Claim What Is Mine

After returning to the palace in the afternoon, as per her father’s instructions, Grace sent a message to Thistle Palace inviting Oriana over for tea at the guest mansion. Oriana, who had been busy with her lessons after visiting Erich, received the message.

"Your Highness, Lady Grace has sent a message. She has invited you for tea," Ana informed.

Oriana settled lazily on the sofa in the drawing room and looked at Erin, who had been accompanying her. "How was your time with Grace, Erin? I heard they stayed at Ahren’s the previous night."

"I’m glad it was just one night and I didn’t have to see her again, but it seems like she won’t spare me here either," Erin replied as she settled down as well.

"Don’t say that, Erin," Oriana smirked. "As my friend, you have to accompany me to see what our dear guest is up to."

Erin smiled. "Whatever you say, Your Highness."

"Ana, her request is granted," Oriana announced.

Ana left while Oriana turned to Erin. "I noticed you were not in a good mood when you arrived. Did something happen?"

"Nothing much. While trying to save one situation, I ended up in another."

"You were glaring and ignoring your bodyguard like a blister. Did he do something?"

"Simply staying still can annoy others. He doesn’t need to do anything," Erin answered with a huff.

"His silence can indeed be annoying," Oriana added, "but he is a good man."

Erin didn’t comment as she didn’t wish to spoil the image Oriana had of him. If only she knew this mute was someone really dangerous.

After a while, Ana informed, "Your Highness, the carriage is ready."

Erin accompanied Oriana to the carriage before instructing Luke, "Stay here. I will return soon."

Erin didn’t want Luke to create any trouble, at least while they were inside the palace, so she preferred to keep him away from the guest mansion where the Mortimers were staying.

Luke nodded and said, "If I am not needed here, I would like Lady Erin’s permission to return home. Master Erich is making a last visit to my mother, so I need to be there."

"You can leave," she said and rode away with Oriana.

They reached the guest mansion where Oriana and Erin were led to the garden. Rafal accompanied them inside the garden while the other knights stayed outside. Having her brother as a knight around her, Erin was now getting used to it.

In the garden, Grace was already present with a few more young women, particularly Katherin and Anelisa, who should have been by Oriana’s side.

"Why does it look like those two brain-dead creatures are treating Grace as if she is their Queen?" Oriana referred to Katherin and Anelisa.

"When Your Highness called them brain-dead, that explains everything," Erin replied.

Rafal, who was behind them, could clearly hear them. His sister had found someone like her, and these two wouldn’t mind using their sweet words to describe others.

Seeing Oriana, everyone stood up and greeted, "Your Highness, it’s a pleasure having you here."

Oriana simply nodded and sat in the chair meant for her, arranged around the circular wooden table. Erin sat on one side of Oriana and Grace sat on the other. Once everyone sat down, a servant brought freshly brewed tea and snacks.

"Your Highness, today Lady Grace invited us, so we couldn’t be with you during lessons. Next lessons..."

"Do not bother. Those lessons would be over your heads," Oriana interrupted. "I mean, I’m sure your family has already taught you enough, leaving nothing more to learn."

Not sure if it was praise or mockery, the two simply nodded.

"Your Highness, please try this tea. It’s a rare, precious tea my father brings from the southern lands. It’s difficult to get your hands on it," Grace said.

Oriana did so, and Grace asked, "How is it?"

"It’s fine," Oriana’s reply didn’t match Grace’s enthusiasm.

"Simply fine?" Grace said, looking at the others, who replied without delay.

"It’s indeed precious, Grace." "Thank you for letting us taste this precious tea." "It’s nothing compared to what we have here in the capital."

Grace smiled and looked at Oriana, who was waiting to see what this young woman was up to. "It’s alright, Your Highness, if you find it just fine. I understand, being raised as a poor commoner, you might not be used to drinking such precious kinds of tea. Now you are with me..."

"I find it just fine as well," Erin interrupted as she took another sip and tasted it. "Umm, even with another sip, it’s less than just fine," she said, looking at Grace. "You can’t say that I am not used to drinking various types of tea?"

Grace’s expression turned sour, which she concealed, while Erin turned to Oriana. "I appreciate your fine taste buds, Your Highness."