The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 659

Chapter 659: Decision

At the next city, where the entourage traveling to the northeast had stopped for the night, Nathaniel and his group was about join them as planned. The city inn bustled with activity as everyone settled in for the evening.

After a hearty meal, most of the group retired for the night. However, Aaron and Lucian remained outside the inn, waiting for Nathaniel. They sat under the shade of the restaurant, around an empty table, the night air cool and still.

Nathaniel soon arrived with a few knights and guards in tow. He stepped out of the carriage, his presence commanding attention. Aaron stood to greet him, while Lucian stayed seated, acknowledging Nathaniel with a polite nod. Though familiar with each other, their relationship hadn’t yet deepened into friendship.

Once they were settled at the table, a knight placed a jar of wine before them. "Aaron, I brought this precious wine of mine to celebrate your upcoming marriage," Nathaniel announced.

Lucian, who had planned to leave shortly, looked at Aaron in surprise.

"In the morning, I intended to tell you, but we got interrupted and then busy with the journey," Aaron explained, meeting Lucian’s curious gaze.

Nathaniel poured the wine into three glasses. "Such great news to keep from your cousin. Aren’t you excited to get married? After all, not every man is fortunate enough to marry someone like my cousin." He then turned to Lucian. "Am I wrong, Lucian? My cousin is the best woman for him."

"Apologies, but I do not know your cousin," Lucian replied politely, raising his glass.

Nathaniel’s eyes twinkled with mischief. "How can you say that after working as her bodyguard for days?"

Lucian paused, the glass halfway to his lips. "You mean Lady Erin?" he asked, a hint of surprise coloring his voice.

"Yes," Nathaniel replied, turning to Aaron. "Lucian can tell you how wonderful my cousin is. You are truly a lucky man."

"Don’t get too excited, Nathaniel," Aaron cautioned. "It’s just talk for now; nothing is certain yet."

Nathaniel shook his head with a smile. "When it comes to you, I have every right to be excited. I’ve raised you like my own son." He emptied his glass and sighed contentedly. "Such a fine wine tastes even better when celebrating my brother’s marriage." He then looked at Lucian. "What do you think of the marriage proposal, Lucian?"

Lucian’s face remained impassive. "Lady Erin might not agree," he said. "She may not want to go far away to the northeast. She prefers to stay near her family and dislikes the northeast."

"Is that so?" Nathaniel responded, raising an eyebrow. "But she agreed to this marriage even when her family asked her to reconsider going so far away."

Lucian was taken aback but composed himself quickly. "She must have changed her mind then."

"With a man like Aaron, any woman would reconsider," Nathaniel said confidently. "Erin is the type to think clearly before making such a decision."

Aaron, still calm, poured more wine into Nathaniel’s glass. "Enough talking. Finish your wine. We have an early start tomorrow."

They finished their wine quietly and prepared to sleep. Before parting, Lucian turned to Aaron. "Congratulations, Aaron."

"Thank you," Aaron replied with a warm smile. Lucian nodded and headed to his room.

-----

The next morning, after bidding farewell to the King and Queen, Arlan, Oriana, Yorian, Sierra, and Snowflake set out for Agartha.

In the garden of Wildridge Manor, Oriana hugged Snowflake tightly the moment she saw her. ’I’m glad he didn’t send you away for taking me to the Demon Realm,’ she thought in her mind, looking into Snowflake’s eyes, "Next time, don’t teleport me anywhere just because I wish for it. You have to ask for my permission to make sure I really want to go there? Or next time I won’t be able to stop Arlan from separating us. You know how possessive and protective he is. Understood?’

’Yes, Master.’ Snowflake answered through the mind link.

"Good girl." Oriana ruffled Snowflake’s soft fur and hugged her again.

"Seems like your mate has learned to mind-link her pet," Yorian commented, noticing the interaction. Arlan nodded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Let her be."

"Because of Oriana, it will take us a while to teleport to Agartha. Her body won’t be able to handle teleporting there all at once," Yorian explained.

"Didn’t she teleport to the Demon Realm without any issue? Why would Agartha be different?" Arlan asked.

"That time, it was Snowflake who teleported her, which is like Oriana using her own powers. But now it’s different. We are the ones teleporting her, and Agartha is far beyond those dangerous snowy mountains, hidden by a shield formed by the powers of a Black Dragon and other powerful supernaturals. It won’t be easy for her to cross all this at once. We’ll need to stop at a few places so she can rest."

"Can’t we get help from Snowflake?" Arlan inquired.

"Snowflake won’t be able to find a way there unless she’s been there before. What she can do is protect Oriana’s body during this difficult journey. Do not underestimate the shield around Agartha. There’s a reason why Agartha remains safe from human encroachment or any other supernatural power. You’ll understand once we arrive."

"Then we will do as you say," Arlan agreed, his voice resolute.