Chapter 377: Arrived At The Palace
Chapter 377 of "The Devil's Betrothed" starts revealing the story: Chapter 377: Arrived At The PalaceAfter three days, Commander Loysetâs troop reached the palace uneventfully,... Donât miss it!
Chapter 377: Arrived At The PalaceAfter three days, Commander Loysetâs troop reached the palace uneventfully, without any interference from Prince Arlanâs side.
Although the entire situation had been kept highly confidential, with only the Kingâs closest confidants being informed, the influential families in the vicinity had sensed that something was amiss. The sudden deployment of the Kingâs forces and the Commander of Knights leading the mission had not gone unnoticed.
One of the Kingâs closest acquaintances and friends, Marquise Ahren, was privy to the situation and tasked with handling related matters. Preparations for the Crown Princessâ residence had been entrusted to him.
"Your Highness, the commanderâs troop has entered the capital," Imbert informed Arlan, who was still at Wildridge Manor.
Arlanâs response was one of silence, his gaze growing colder as he clenched his fists. He appeared displeased yet powerless.
"Have our operatives monitor her. When the time is right, I will take action," Arlan declared.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Just like Alex, Imbert also pondered why Arlan was so reluctant to accept his betrothed, but he chose to keep his thoughts to himself. Alex had relayed the Princeâs earlier response, leaving Imbert to wonder about the hidden meaning behind those words.
Was Arlanâs betrothed going to harm him in some way? Imbert knew Oriana well and believed she could never intentionally harm Arlan. However, given the change in their relationship and Orianaâs apparent anger toward the Prince, it seemed she wouldnât hesitate to hurt him.
Imbert recognized that Oriana was a woman with a strong character and challenging to handle
At the palace, Oriana was guided to a guest mansion with stringent security measures in place. Apart from the specially appointed personnel, no one was allowed to approach the guest mansion, and they were strictly forbidden from divulging any information to outsiders.
Oriana, dressed in an exquisite gown and a veil covering the lower half of her face, descended from the carriage. The servants assigned to welcome her dared to sneak glances at her, aware of her status as the Crown Princess. To their surprise, they were unable to see her face, but her eyes and the upper half of her visage hinted at her extraordinary beauty. Her long hair cascaded gracefully, and her elegant travel attire accentuated her slender, alluring figure.
"Your Highness, welcome to the palace," all the servants greeted her simultaneously. Behind her veil, Oriana clenched her teeth, averse to being addressed in such a manner. She loathed the association with the Prince, yet she couldnât take her anger out on the servants who were merely performing their duties.
A middle-aged servant stepped forward and introduced himself, "Greetings, Your Highness. I am Astral Barlow, the butler of this mansion. I am here to serve you."
Oriana regarded the man and offered a simple nod. She was then led into the mansion, with a few lady servants closely following her; they would serve as her ladies-in-waiting.
Her grandfather was escorted to a room where the royal physician and his apprentice were already in attendance to tend to him. Once Oriana ensured her grandfatherâs safety in the care of the royal physician, she was led to her own room, where the female servants were ready to assist her.
Before she retired to her room, Commander Loyset respectfully addressed her, saying, "Your Highness."
Oriana regarded him with a quizzical expression. It seemed that even this man was now addressing her with the title instead of simply calling her Miss Verner.
âMiss Verner sounded much better than this title, which associates me with that jerk.â
She kept her thoughts to herself and listened as he continued, "Please take some rest. In the afternoon, I will be here to accompany you to meet His Majesty. He wishes to see you."
Upon hearing this, Oriana felt a fresh wave of puzzlement, realizing that her concerns had multiplied. The King had known her as Arlanâs aide, and now he would learn her true identity.
Sensing her apprehension, the commander spoke again, "His Majesty is aware of who you are. That is why, Your Highness, you must continue wearing the veil for the time being, until the palaceâs residents forget your previous identity. Only the servants seeing your here, will be able to see your face."
Oriana nodded, contemplating, âI must remain calm and composed and tolerate these people for the time being. I can only comply with their wishes.â
Just like any other Crown Princess, Oriana was provided with personal servants who attended to her every need. While she wasnât accustomed to such treatment and typically conducted herself as a noble lady, her time among royals and nobles had taught her how to navigate these situations.
"Your Highness, the bath is ready," her servant informed.
Oriana nodded and promptly removed her veil. It had been suffocating for her, as she wasnât used to wearing it.
The moment she unveiled her face, the three female servants, who were ready to assist her, froze in place as if they had witnessed something astonishing.
Oriana raised an eyebrow and looked at them, curious if there was something amiss with her appearance.
"Whatâs the matter?" she inquired.
The servants quickly regained their composure, and one of them stammered, "Y-Your Highness, you are exceptionally beautiful."
"I know," Oriana replied matter-of-factly and proceeded toward the bath, leaving the servants flabbergasted. They hastily followed her.
Oriana couldnât wait to shed the bothersome gown and don her usual attire.
The servants couldnât help but think to themselves, âShe is incredibly beautiful. A beauty worthy of standing by our Crown Princeâs side. Itâs no wonder sheâs the chosen one, and our Crown Prince hasnât accepted any other woman to date. We must serve her diligently and keep her content.â
As Oriana emerged from the bath, feeling rejuvenated and free from the weariness of the journey, the servants busily prepared her. Entrusting everything to them, her mind was preoccupied with planning her next steps.
âWhatever the King requests of me today, I must present my own demands to him as well. I will only comply when he accepts my terms.â