The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Another Sleepless Night

Not aware she was spotted by an Rafal, Oriana waited by the courtyard near the servant quarters. Luke should soon be finishing his work for the day. She had her arms crossed in front of her chest and was kicking tiny rocks on the ground to pass time.

’The butler said they’re supposed to finish an hour ago. Even if he loves to work, he should not work too much. He should have heard by now that I visited. Can’t he finish work early even just today? I cannot wait to tell him good news. I have no one else to share my happiness with.’

After some more waiting, Ken came from the direction of the building they were working on, his body covered in sweat and dust.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Orian."

"It’s alright, Ken." She peeked at the other workers walking behind him. "Luke, he...?"

"He is just finishing something. He will be out soon."

"Oh," she said, but her eyes were still seeking her friend. The hired workers were being boisterous, some gathering in groups to chat, others heading straight to the servant quarters to rest. It appeared construction work for the day was completed.

’Is he avoiding me on purpose? I really need to ask how I offended him.’

"Are you sure you want to wait here? You can wait inside the common hall—"

"No, no, it’s fine. I do not want to impose. I will be leaving as soon as I see Luke."

"If you say so. I have to go. I need to bring back some tools from the shed," Ken said, patting the sack of artisan tools in his hand. _{freewebnσvel.cѳm}

Oriana nodded and watched Luke’s cousin leave for a different building that looked like a workshop. She resumed her previous action of kicking rocks.

’Seems like he will take more time,’ she thought with pursed lips. Her mind wandered about what she would do after she gets to meet that apothecary. While immersed in her thoughts, she continued to pace around with her head lowered, not realizing one of the rocks she kicked hit another person.

"I’m sorry—"

Startled, Oriana backed away but lost her footing from the scattered rocks, causing her to fall forward.

"Watch out," she heard the familiar voice coming from a tall man who was standing in front of her. Her reflexes fortunately stopped her from colliding with him.

Her gaze slowly moved from the strong chest covered in a simple dirty white shirt, going up towards a sweat-covered neck until it reached the familiar nonchalant face of a young man with dark brown eyes and shoulder-length messy hair.

"Luke!" she smiled at him brightly. It was as if she forgot all her earlier complaints. "Look at you. Did you roll around in the dirt?"

"Hmm."

"Have you finished your work?"

"Hmm."

"Why don’t you go inside to wash first—"

The young man shook his head. "Tell me why you are here."

"Oh." Oriana gave an awkward laugh, hearing the impatience in his voice. "I came here to tell you that I finally found that herb shop and got to know the whereabouts of Master Cenric. I went straight here as soon as I got the news because I..I could not wait to tell you."

As she said it, her eyes turned moist. Luke felt angry at himself for keeping her waiting because he was being petty. He should have seen her as soon as she came. He forgot how important it was for Orian to find that apothecary.

He let go of his cold attitude and said, "It’s good that you found him."

His words caused a stunningly bright smile to appear on her face.

"It’s really good." She held his hand in happiness. "Now I can save my Grandpa, Luke. I...I can treat him and he won’t forget me...he won’t...forget me..." Tears rolled down her eyes as she looked at him with that same bright smile on her trembling lips. "I can finally..."

Luke hesitated first but then wiped her tears, as if she was a little girl. Though his expression remained impassive, his voice held warmth. "You worked hard. Success was given."

Oriana didn’t mind if he didn’t smile as she knew how Luke was. Even if he cared, he won’t show it on his face. She simply nodded and heard him continue, "I have finished my work."

"I know. You should head inside and rest. You deserve it. I only came to share good news," she informed him, patting his arm. "I will go now."

"You can stay," he said.

"Huh?"

"I mean, you can eat with me and go after that," he corrected himself, taking control over that hidden temptation of making her stay for the night.

Her hazel eyes sparkled. Suddenly, she felt like she finally had someone her own in this strange place, and the little loneliness she’d long kept hidden in her heart dissipated. She agreed immediately. "Hmm, let’s do that. Is the food in the common hall good?"

"We can eat outside," he offered.

"Oh, yes, of course. On the way here, there was a small diner from where I smelled mouth-watering roasted meat. We can go there if you want."

Luke called for Ken as well, inviting him to eat. However, the furniture maker declined.