Chapter 320: She Is Beautiful
Chapter 320 of "The Devil's Betrothed" kicks off with action-packed scenes: Chapter 320: She Is BeautifulSeeing her looking at him, he spoke, "Do you also find... Discover more!
Chapter 320: She Is BeautifulSeeing her looking at him, he spoke, "Do you also find it hard to take your eyes off my handsome face even though you see me daily? Then you can imagine what Lady Ria must feel..."
"Your Highness, Lady Ria is beautiful as well. Sheâs so pretty that I believe sheâs content with looking at herself in the mirror every day, hardly finding anything that matches her beauty."
Arlan suppressed his smile once more. "Is she truly that pretty?"
Oriana nodded confidently. "Sheâs so pretty that she has to conceal her beauty from men like you, Your Highness. Sheâs most afraid of perverts."
He narrowed his eyes on her. "Are you calling me a pervert?"
"Not at all, Your Highness. I put âYour Highnessâ and âpervertâ in two separate sentences..."
"Shall I remind you of the inappropriate things youâve been doing?"
Oriana was taken aback. What was he talking about? She was reminded of the time when she helped this prince bathe and even ogled over his body. Her face turned red as she herself knew that unknowingly she had been inappropriate. She had even dreamt about kissing this man.
âI must have lost my mind.â
"Go, inform Lady Ria that I wonât accept ânoâ for an answer," Arlan instructed. His firm and authoritative tone compelled her to obey him.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Just as Oriana stepped out of the room, the smile he had been suppressing until now widened and transformed into a laugh. Leaning back in his chair leisurely, he continued to laugh as his chest heaved up and down with it.
It had been a while since he had laughed so heartily.
Oriana strolled down the hallway, her unease palpable. Random words from the prince swirled through her mind: "Settle the score," "pleasure," "took advantage." What exactly did he intend to do to even the score? Subconsciously understanding the implications, her palms grew sweaty. "He couldnât possibly be asking me to..." She shook her head firmly. "No, he wouldnât. Queen Seren assured me heâs a good man." She attempted to reassure herself, yet a furrow creased her brow in anger. "But why is he behaving like such a creep around me? Why?"
Encountering Neil in the foyer, Oriana greeted him. "Neil, Iâve received an order from His Highness to visit Megarisâ mansion."
"Didnât you just return from there a short while ago?"
"Yes, but Iâve been tasked with some other important errands."
"Very well. Go ahead."
"I apologize. I wasnât much help while you were busy packing for our departure."
"Donât worry. Others are here to assist me. You proceed."
In haste, Oriana made her way back to the Megaris mansion. Striding briskly, a mask of frustration adorned her features. "Iâm utterly exhausted from all this running around. I wouldnât even need to sprint this much to locate herbs in the forest. This spoiled bratâs absurd demands might just be the death of me."
Upon arriving at the Megaris mansion, she made a beeline for the queen, who was occupied with instructing her attendants on packing for the upcoming journey.
"Your Majesty," Oriana curtsied.
Seren graced her with a knowing smile. "It appears your excuse didnât sway Prince Arlan."
Oriana let out a sigh, her lips pressed into a thin line, tacitly agreeing with Serenâs observation.
Serenâs laughter danced lightly. She had anticipated this outcome, though sheâd allowed Oriana the opportunity to try. Arlan was as headstrong as her husband, and he wasnât one to easily let go of a woman who piqued his interest. Especially when that woman was his destined mate.
"Whatâs your plan now?"
"I need to prepare as Lady Ria."
"Very well," Seren turned her attention to Xena, who had been listening intently and was ready to assist Oriana.
"Please follow me."
Imbert entered the study, announcing, "Your Highness, Lady Ria has accepted your invitation."
Arlanâs lips curved in a subtle smirk, as if he had anticipated her acceptance all along. "I will be meeting her by the lake in the rear garden."
"Yes, Your Highness," Imbert acknowledged before departing to convey the message.
Under the cloak of the nightâs darkness, a carriage departed from Megarisâ guest mansion and entered the premises of the Griven guest mansion estate. The journey was led by Knight Azer Briden, who rode ahead on his horse with an unexplainable smile playing on his lips â or perhaps he was aware of the reasons behind the smile on his lips.
The mansionâs expanse was all but deserted, save for a handful of Arlanâs trusted knights stationed at the front. The carriage was directed towards the mansionâs rear garden and came to a halt in the presence of Imbert who alone was waiting for them.
Observing the mounted knight guiding the carriage, Imbertâs brow furrowed in mild annoyance, though he swiftly composed himself. Azer dismounted his horse, exchanging greetings with Imbert, who offered a simple nod in return before shifting his attention to the carriage.
Azer was here on a mission, obligated to execute it without a mistake. He opened the carriage door. A delicate woman stepped out of it, a striking beauty garbed in a delicate green dress that seemed to blend with the hues of the surroundings, the lower half of her face was veiled.
She refrained from meeting Imbertâs gaze as he led her towards the gardenâs perimeter.
Coming to a halt, he addressed her, "Lady Ria, His Highness awaits you by the lakeside. From here, you shall continue alone."
Her voice soft and gracious, she replied, "I appreciate your guidance, Sir Loyset," and proceeded onward.
With a few steps ahead, she caught sight of the figure standing near the lake, his gaze contemplatively fixed on the waterâs surface. This scene wasnât unfamiliar to her; she had observed him in similar reverie before.
A question crossed her mind: âDoes he find solace standing by the lake, lost in its depths?â
Arlan had already sensed her presence, her scent traveled faster than she could.
âShe is here.â
He turned to look at the woman coming towards him. His heart skipped a beat at the beautiful sight ahead. His eyes held the deep affection for her. Though, only half of her face was visible to his eyes, he could not help but praise her.
âShe is truly beautiful. Makes it worth when she praise her own beauty with pride.â
âOnly this woman can pull of the gesture of praising her own beauty with a pride and can still look adorable while doing so.â