The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 650: Family Swords

Arlan and Oriana were ready to return to Griven by the afternoon. Duke Alissin came to bid them farewell, but he brought something with him.

"Your Highness, this is for you," he said as the knights placed a long wooden box on the center table. The Duke explained, "These swords belong to your family and were likely used by your ancestors, Your Highness. I found them long ago and kept them safe because they are like a rare treasure. I believe you might like to take a look at them."

Oriana’s eyes brightened. "I would love to see them."

A knight had already opened the box, revealing five different swords. Four were longswords used by men, while one was a short sword.

Oriana moved and knelt in front of the table. She didn’t mind that she was a princess and shouldn’t sit like this, nor did Arlan stop her. Her fingers traced the handles of the swords as the Duke explained, "Each sword has different initials carved on it. The fourth one belongs to your grandfather, King Patrick Laurien, and the other three belong to previous kings from your family."

Oriana’s attention was caught by the first sword. "Why is this sword shorter compared to the other four?"

"It has the initials of Amaya Laurien," he explained.

Oriana looked at the sword affectionately. "Grandpa didn’t change her name?"

"Seems like it," Arlan commented.

"But wasn’t she just a baby when Grandpa left this kingdom to have this sword made for her?" Oriana asked.

The Duke explained, "Your Highness, the Laurien family had a tradition of preparing swords for a child after they were born. These swords take at least half a year to be perfected, so they were given to the child as a gift on their first birthday. However, this didn’t mean the sword belonged to them yet. A child had to practice the sword skills of the Aurialor family. If they mastered it and proved their skills were strong enough, only then were they allowed to use the sword. The purpose of having a sword was to create a goal for the child to focus on from a young age."

"That’s a really good way to make a child earn it and not just see it as a gift from the family," Oriana commented. "I believe the sword must have been a meaningful part of the start of their life’s journey."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Oriana turned to Arlan. "When we have a child, I want to do the same. We will follow my family’s tradition."

"Yes. I like the idea," Arlan replied, a content smile on his lips.

"I want to take my mother’s sword with us," she proposed.

"Your Highness, these are all for you."

"I only need one. The rest can stay here in the palace," she replied.

"Yes, Your Highness."

They returned to Griven. Oriana went back to the Honeysuckle Palace while Arlan visited his father to update him on his visit to Aurialor with Oriana. Ailwin was happy to know that Oriana got what rightfully belonged to her. Later, Ailwin informed Arlan about the decision of marriage between Aaron and Erin.

"What do you think about it, Arlan?" Ailwin asked.

"It’s a good decision, Father. Aaron is a good and capable man, and he surely needs a woman like Lady Erin by his side. She will be his strong support."

"I feel the same. I am glad that she accepted this marriage proposal," the king added. "Have you talked to Aaron?"

"Not yet, Father. I had just returned from Aurialor."

"He said he would do as I wish, but make sure to talk to him," The King said.

"Of course, father."

After talking for a while, Arlan went to the Thistle Palace. He learned that Oriana was practicing sword fighting with Rafal.

Arlan and Imbert walked towards the training ground as he spoke, "We just returned, and she can’t wait to get her hands on a sword."

Imbert didn’t comment but asked, "Are we going to inform Rafal about his sister’s marriage arrangements?"

"He was away with us, so I doubt he knows. The matter has been kept within the family."

As they reached the training ground, they saw Oriana practicing with Rafal, who continued to instruct her with a strict and authoritative voice.

"Remember what I taught you last time, every word of it."

"Don’t be in haste. First, observe my move."

"Look into my eyes, not at my sword."

"Consider that sword a part of your body, and then move."

Arlan and Imbert didn’t disturb them. Oriana was trying her best to learn what Rafal was instructing her, but she already looked exhausted.

"I wonder if she would ever listen to so many instructions from me," Arlan mumbled.

"That’s why she chose Rafal," Imbert commented.

Arlan turned to look at him. "What do you mean? Are you saying I can’t be a good teacher?"

"Not to her, at least."

Arlan raised an eyebrow, to which Imbert replied, "Apologies, Your Highness. I just believe Her Highness is serious about learning the sword."

"So with me, she wouldn’t be learning seriously?" Arlan questioned.

"I believe Your Highness knows the answer."

Arlan thought for a moment why Imbert said it. "Hmm, I think she made the right choice. Otherwise, every teaching lesson might have ended in bed and she would never learn to use the sword."

While Arlan and Imbert were talking, they heard a commotion.

"Rafal Ahren, are you showing off? Let me learn a little more, and I’ll show you!" Oriana shouted.

"Oriana Verner, you better focus on learning than dreaming," Rafal retorted.

"What’s happening?" Arlan mumbled as they saw Oriana aggressively aiming her sword at Rafal, clearly lacking the skills.

Rafal, on the other hand, was dodging her attacks as if he were playing with a child.

Oriana used all her force and marched at Rafal, but he stepped aside to dodge her, nearly making her fall. Just on time, Rafal caught her arm, and pulled her back to stand on her feet.

"With these lousy skills and impatient attitude, you would be the first to die on the battlefield," Rafal commented.

She pulled her hand back from Rafal’s grip. "Just you wait. One day, I’ll show you what I’m truly capable of."

"I’ll wait for it," Rafal replied calmly.

Arlan and Imbert walked closer. "What happened?" Arlan asked.

"Nothing," both of them said at the same time.

"I just saw both of you arguing, calling each other’s names," Arlan looked at Oriana. "With that anger of yours, I wouldn’t be surprised if you called all of his ancestors’ names as well," Arlan commented.

"It’s between him and me," Oriana replied.

"Alright," Arlan turned to Rafal, who bowed his head getting out of his role of Oriana’s teacher, "Your Highness."

"You should head home," Arlan instructed.

"Apologies, Your Highness, if I crossed the line while teaching Her Highness," Rafal said.

"Didn’t she say it’s between you and her? So, whatever you two do, whether you quarrel or kill each other, has nothing to do with me," Arlan replied. "I’m asking you to head home for another reason. You might want to meet your sister."

Rafal looked at him, "Erin?" A line of worry appeared on his forehead. "Did something happen to her?"

"No, it’s about her marriage arrangements, and I think you should know," Arlan replied.

It shocked Rafal as it was all of a sudden. Just the day before, he had heard nothing of the sort when he met Euron, and now this? "Thank you, Your Highness. I will head home," with that, he left, with Imbert following him out, leaving Oriana and Arlan alone.

Oriana looked at Arlan. "Erin’s marriage?"

He hummed, "With Aaron."

Oriana was surprised. "Why all of a sudden? Did she agree?"

"Yes," Arlan explained to her why this marriage arrangement was made.

Oriana’s expressions turned conflicted.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Umm, I just thought Erin was more suitable for Lucian. But maybe it was just my mind thinking that way," Oriana said. "But Aaron is fine as well. He’s a good man. She would be happy with him."

Arlan nodded, and the two walked inside the residence.

"Do you know you look so enticing like this, all sweaty and messy, that I want to...umm..."

His mouth was shut before he could say more. "Do not even think about it. I warn you. I have other things to do than pleasuring you in bed all the time."

Under her palm, she felt his lips curve into a smile. He pulled her hand away. "I was just saying I want to help you bathe, but it seems like your brain is going somewhere else."

She glared at him. "Do you think I’m an idiot?"

"Of course not."

"Then keep your tricks to yourself. I won’t fall for them," she replied, walking ahead. "I have to meet Mother and I don’t have time for you."

"After using me last night, I’m being abandoned now," he followed her, enjoying the teasing.

"You know well who used whom. Don’t act pitiful," she stopped and turned to face him. "Stop right there. Do not follow me."

The knight standing nearby heard it. They didn’t raise their heads to look at the couple but could guess it was another of their usual banter where their liege would infuriate his wife.

Like an obedient husband, Arlan stopped and did not follow her as she crossed the gate between their residences and returned to her residence.

He looked at the knights and sighed helplessly. "Your liege is pitiful, isn’t he?"

The knights didn’t comment, knowing well that their liege was anything but pitiful.