Chapter 554: For The Sake Of Her Husband
Chapter 554 of "The Devil's Betrothed" opens with exciting events: Chapter 554: For The Sake Of Her HusbandPhilips weak eyes didnāt fail to notice the... Continue reading!
Chapter 554: For The Sake Of Her HusbandPhilips weak eyes didnāt fail to notice the shyness suddenly enveloped his granddaughter. He simply ruffled her hair with his hand to show his affection and happiness for her.
"Grandpa, my hair," she offered him a displeased glare like a little annoyed girl, "I am Crown Princess now. I canāt have my hair messy," and tried to soothe her hair with her fingers.
Philip chuckled and teased, "Or are you worried the certain someone would end up seeing you in unkept manner? Let me fix your hair."
Oriana allowed those tumbling fingers to caress her hair. Seeing him in a better mood, Oriana spoke, "Grandpa, Iāve never told you how he and I first met," Oriana revealed. "It wasnāt on the day he found you, but even before then."
"It seems Iāve been missing out on quite a bit," Philip remarked, showing interest in her story. He always enjoyed hearing about her adventures whenever she was away, relishing her animated storytelling, even when she amusingly cursed the people she encountered.
Oriana began recounting everything to him, starting from the day she first encountered Arlan in the forest. The atmosphere between them turned warm and pleasant as Philip laughed weakly now and then at the humorous incidents his granddaughter shared.
"...and he always pretended not to know I was a woman," she complained.
Philip gently poked her forehead with his index finger, a chuckle escaping his lips. "If he could be so easily fooled, he wouldnāt be the crown prince of this kingdom. But Iām delighted that thereās someone who can outwit my clever granddaughter."
She pouted in mock annoyance. "Are you taking his side and praising him, Grandpa?"
Philip grinned, enjoying her reaction. "One must always acknowledge the cleverest among us."
Frowning playfully, Oriana retorted, "Iām not talking to you."
"Alright, my Ori is the cleverest. The prince is just a tad bit smarter than her," Philip teased.
"Iām not buying it," she replied, though happy that Philip had accepted Arlan for her.
The banter between them continued for some time, reminiscent of their interactions from the past when they used to talk like this.
After a while, Oriana remembered, "Grandpa, your hands are cold. You shouldnāt stay out for too long."
Philip agreed, not wanting to impose on her time, and allowed her to escort him back to his room.
Returning to her own chambers with Ana in tow, Oriana recalled that she needed to return to Wildridge Manor by sundown.
"Ana," she called.
"Yes, Your Highness?" Ana replied.
"Iām returning to Wildridge Manor," Oriana began, a hint of hesitation in her voice, "Help me get ready... a little more elegantly than usual..."
Ana, always perceptive and devoted to her mistress, understood the implication immediately.
"Of course, Your Highness. As youāll be staying here more frequently, Iāve already arranged the necessary items. We have many beautiful dresses and pieces of jewelry that you havenāt yet worn."
"Thank you, Ana," Oriana said softly, gratitude evident in her tone.
"Itās my duty, Your Highness," Ana replied, her expression reflecting her happiness for her mistress.
Ana returned from the side chamber, carrying a stunning dress and holding it out for Oriana to see. "Your Highness, Iāve noticed that you look exceptionally beautiful in this light ivory color. You wore a similar shade on your engagement day, and it suited you perfectly."
Oriana glanced at the dress and couldnāt help but admire its beauty. Its outer layer consisted of delicate, transparent fabric adorned with intricate embroidery that shimmered softly in the light. The long sleeves matched the ethereal material, while a gold-embroidered belt cinched the waist, leading to a full, billowing skirt that gracefully swept the ground.
"On your engagement day, Your Highness wore a veil, so His Highness couldnāt see you entirely. Today, itās my chance," Ana remarked with a smile.
Understanding Anaās intentions and feeling a sense of agreement, Oriana nodded. "I will wear this dress."
Ana carefully laid the dress on the bed before returning with several jewelry boxes. Placing them beside the dress, she encouraged Oriana to take a look.
Oriana, who had never taken much interest in clothing or jewelry and usually deferred to Anaās choices, found herself surprisingly intrigued by the idea of selecting her own accessories. Unbeknownst to her, a desire to present the best version of herself had stirred within her, and she was ready to embrace it like never before.
Ana couldnāt help but feel a surge of joy as Oriana didnāt utter her usual remark of "just select what you feel right." Her mistress was finally showing interest in her appearance and choices, all for the sake of her husband.
Observing Orianaās confusion over the array of jewelry, Ana stepped in to offer guidance. "This one is made of pearls and would complement the dress youāve chosen, Your Highness. And this teardrop silver gem with gold accents is exquisite as well. You are naturally beautiful, so whatever you wear will enhance your beauty."
Oriana decided on the pearl necklace, prompting Ana to cheer, "A splendid choice, Your Highness! These pearls will gleam beautifully and perfectly match your dress."
With the dress and jewelry selected, Oriana settled before the mirror as Ana brought out the makeup box. Though Oriana typically avoided makeup, she had begun to accept Anaās insistence on its use since becoming crown princess.
As Ana began applying makeup, Oriana didnāt interject as she usually did. Ana took this as tacit permission to proceed as she wished.
"A touch of baby pink on your lips will enhance your beauty," Ana suggested, seeking Orianaās approval.
Surprisingly, Oriana remained silent, allowing Ana to continue with the makeup application without objection. It was a different from their usual routine, and Ana couldnāt help but feel both surprised and pleased by Orianaās compliance.
As Ana began working on Orianaās hair, she inquired, "Your Highness, how would you like your hair styled?"
Remembering Arlanās fondness for her long, beautiful locks, Oriana replied, "Leave them open."
Ana understood Orianaās preference perfectly. With skillful hands, she elegantly gathered strands of hair at the front, weaving some part of them into delicate braids that were secured at the back of Orianaās head with beautiful hair pin. The remainder of her long hair cascaded gracefully down her back.
Finally ready, Oriana gazed at her reflection. She heard Anaās reassuring voice, "You look stunning, Your Highness. His Highness will be captivated by your beauty."
Oriana, who usually took pride in her appearance, found herself unable to offer self-praise. Perhaps she was waiting for Arlanās admiration, knowing that his praise would hold deeper significance.