The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 648: Proposal From The King

Meanwhile in Griven...

Walys Ahren returned home and called for his family to gather in the living room. Only his wife, elder son Euron, and daughter Erin were available, as Rafal had gone with Oriana to Aurialor, and his third son was not yet in the capital.

Euron and Erin arrived at the drawing hall where Walys and his wife were waiting.

"Father. Mother," they both bowed respectfully.

"Have a seat," Walys instructed.

The siblings settled into chairs next to each other, sensing their father had something important to discuss.

Euron spoke up, "Father, you seem troubled. Is something wrong?"

Walys nodded, "Today, His Majesty asked me about something significant."

"What is it?" Euron inquired.

"His Majesty asked if I would consider marrying Erin to one of the Lords of the Northeast," Walys replied.

Euron and Erin were taken aback.

"His Majesty wishes those two lords to marry daughters from families loyal to him. One of the families he chose is ours," Walys explained.

"I suppose this is His Majesty’s way of showing strong support to those two lords. As they are still new, their rule and abilities could be questioned by troublemaker nobles," Euron commented. His Majesty truly consider those two young lords in high regards."

"You are right," Walys agreed. "It will help ensure their authority over the northeast, but it also means keeping the northeast tied and loyal to the throne forever."

"It’s too far from here, Walys," his wife said with concern. "I have only one daughter, and I do not wish to send her that far."

Walys hummed thoughtfully. "I felt the same, which is why I have not confirmed anything with His Majesty. He suggested it, but there is no pressure on us."

"Father, it’s not a bad proposal," Euron said. "But what do you truly feel if we keep aside the issue of northeast being too far from here?"

"His Majesty has never asked anything from me other than my loyalty. So this time, I feel I should accept his wish," Walys said, looking at his daughter, who was sitting quietly, listening. "But I will leave it to Erin to decide."

Erin looked at her father, unsure of what to say. She felt conflicted.

"Hmm, what father said I feel the same," Euron added and asked further. "Father, Out of the two lords, who has His Majesty chosen for Erin?"

"His Majesty has left it to us to decide," Walys answered. "I am not sure what to do. Both lords are capable and good in their own ways. One had been working under Crown Prince while one lord has already worked as Erin’s bodyguard."

"Isn’t it a good thing, father? Erin knows Lord Rainier, and they are almost the same age—Erin is twenty, and Lord Rainier is twenty-two. Lord Wynter is much older than her. I believe she will be more suitable with Lord Rainier since they have similar personalities as well. They will understand each other better."

Walys hummed again, his expression serious. This was about his cherished daughter, and it was not an easy decision.

"What do you think, Erin?" Walys asked, all of their gazes fixed on the unusually quiet Erin.

"I will do what Father feels is right," she answered.

"Erin?" her mother spoke gently. "Didn’t you always want to stay near your family? The northeast is far."

"If His Majesty has chosen our family and Father wishes to respect His Majesty’s wishes, then I feel the same. I will do whatever Father decides for me."

Euron had a light smile on his lips while his parents wore conflicted expressions.

"Erin, His Majesty didn’t pressurize us," Walys reminded her.

"I know, Father," she replied. "But if you find it right, I do not mind following your decision. I believe Father knows what is best for me."

Walys turned to his son. "What do you think?"

"I still say that Lord Rainier is the best choice for Erin. We have seen him; he is a capable, fearless, and smart person who single-handedly made Luis’ life difficult without the support of any strong forces. He built everything from scratch and rose from poverty. If such a capable person, who holds the potential to fight against all odds despite having nothing, if he is not suitable for my sister, then I am not sure who would be," Euron spoke confidently.

Walys agreed with his son. His wife, who had been conflicted, softened at hearing this.

"Then I will tell His Majesty our answer," Walys said, looking at Erin. "Do you really not mind going to the northeast?"

"No, Father," she replied, calm, composed, and determined.

"Very well, then," Walys let out a sigh of relief and pride. "I am fortunate that once more, our family has not let down His Majesty. All my sons have made me proud by loyally serving the throne, and now my daughter." He looked at his wife, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "We are truly fortunate to have such children."

His wife smiled back. "I agree."

"I will go and inform His Majesty of our decision," Walys informed.

Seeing their parents’ happiness, especially Walys’, the siblings felt joyful as well. As much as the parents loved their four children, the children reciprocated that love and never did anything to let them down.

Once the discussion was over, the siblings stepped out of Walys’ residence to return to their own residences.

"It was so surprising to see someone acting so obedient today. Not a single word of protest was said," Euron commented. "What’s gotten into you, Erin?"

Brother’s teasing didn’t affect Erin. She replied calmly, "Can only my brothers are meant to make father proud and happy? Can’t I do something to follow his wishes as well?"

"His or your own wishes?" Euron asked.

"What’s there for me into it?" she countered, "Sooner or later I have to get married as I am already twenty which is already considered late. What’s wrong in following father’s wishes?"

"You won’t admit despite whatever I say," Euron sighed, "As long as you are happy, I expect nothing more."

Erin didn’t comment on it and quietly climbed her carriage as her brother helped her. He closed the door of the carriage and looked at her through the window. "You took the right decision."

She offered a light nod and Euron signalled the carriage to ride away.