The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 650

Chapter 650: Family Swords

Arlan and Oriana were ready to return to Griven by the afternoon. Duke Alissin came to bid them farewell, but he brought something with him.

"Your Highness, this is for you," he said as the knights placed a long wooden box on the center table. The Duke explained, "These swords belong to your family and were likely used by your ancestors, Your Highness. I found them long ago and kept them safe because they are like a rare treasure. I believe you might like to take a look at them."

Oriana’s eyes brightened. "I would love to see them."

A knight had already opened the box, revealing five different swords. Four were longswords used by men, while one was a short sword.

Oriana moved and knelt in front of the table. She didn’t mind that she was a princess and shouldn’t sit like this, nor did Arlan stop her. Her fingers traced the handles of the swords as the Duke explained, "Each sword has different initials carved on it. The fourth one belongs to your grandfather, King Patrick Laurien, and the other three belong to previous kings from your family."

Oriana’s attention was caught by the first sword. "Why is this sword shorter compared to the other four?"

"It has the initials of Amaya Laurien," he explained.

Oriana looked at the sword affectionately. "Grandpa didn’t change her name?"

"Seems like it," Arlan commented.

"But wasn’t she just a baby when Grandpa left this kingdom to have this sword made for her?" Oriana asked.

The Duke explained, "Your Highness, the Laurien family had a tradition of preparing swords for a child after they were born. These swords take at least half a year to be perfected, so they were given to the child as a gift on their first birthday. However, this didn’t mean the sword belonged to them yet. A child had to practice the sword skills of the Aurialor family. If they mastered it and proved their skills were strong enough, only then were they allowed to use the sword. The purpose of having a sword was to create a goal for the child to focus on from a young age."

"That’s a really good way to make a child earn it and not just see it as a gift from the family," Oriana commented. "I believe the sword must have been a meaningful part of the start of their life’s journey."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Oriana turned to Arlan. "When we have a child, I want to do the same. We will follow my family’s tradition."

"Yes. I like the idea," Arlan replied, a content smile on his lips.

"I want to take my mother’s sword with us," she proposed.

"Your Highness, these are all for you."

"I only need one. The rest can stay here in the palace," she replied.

"Yes, Your Highness."

They returned to Griven. Oriana went back to the Honeysuckle Palace while Arlan visited his father to update him on his visit to Aurialor with Oriana. Ailwin was happy to know that Oriana got what rightfully belonged to her. Later, Ailwin informed Arlan about the decision of marriage between Aaron and Erin.

"What do you think about it, Arlan?" Ailwin asked.

"It’s a good decision, Father. Aaron is a good and capable man, and he surely needs a woman like Lady Erin by his side. She will be his strong support."

"I feel the same. I am glad that she accepted this marriage proposal," the king added. "Have you talked to Aaron?"

"Not yet, Father. I had just returned from Aurialor."

"He said he would do as I wish, but make sure to talk to him," The King said.

"Of course, father."

After talking for a while, Arlan went to the Thistle Palace. He learned that Oriana was practicing sword fighting with Rafal.

Arlan and Imbert walked towards the training ground as he spoke, "We just returned, and she can’t wait to get her hands on a sword."

Imbert didn’t comment but asked, "Are we going to inform Rafal about his sister’s marriage arrangements?"

"He was away with us, so I doubt he knows. The matter has been kept within the family."

As they reached the training ground, they saw Oriana practicing with Rafal, who continued to instruct her with a strict and authoritative voice.

"Remember what I taught you last time, every word of it."

"Don’t be in haste. First, observe my move."

"Look into my eyes, not at my sword."

"Consider that sword a part of your body, and then move."

Arlan and Imbert didn’t disturb them. Oriana was trying her best to learn what Rafal was instructing her, but she already looked exhausted.

"I wonder if she would ever listen to so many instructions from me," Arlan mumbled. _{freeweɓnovel.cѳm}

"That’s why she chose Rafal," Imbert commented.

Arlan turned to look at him. "What do you mean? Are you saying I can’t be a good teacher?"

"Not to her, at least."

Arlan raised an eyebrow, to which Imbert replied, "Apologies, Your Highness. I just believe Her Highness is serious about learning the sword."