The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 659: Decision

At the next city, where the entourage traveling to the northeast had stopped for the night, Nathaniel and his group was about join them as planned. The city inn bustled with activity as everyone settled in for the evening.

After a hearty meal, most of the group retired for the night. However, Aaron and Lucian remained outside the inn, waiting for Nathaniel. They sat under the shade of the restaurant, around an empty table, the night air cool and still.

Nathaniel soon arrived with a few knights and guards in tow. He stepped out of the carriage, his presence commanding attention. Aaron stood to greet him, while Lucian stayed seated, acknowledging Nathaniel with a polite nod. Though familiar with each other, their relationship hadn’t yet deepened into friendship.

Once they were settled at the table, a knight placed a jar of wine before them. "Aaron, I brought this precious wine of mine to celebrate your upcoming marriage," Nathaniel announced.

Lucian, who had planned to leave shortly, looked at Aaron in surprise.

"In the morning, I intended to tell you, but we got interrupted and then busy with the journey," Aaron explained, meeting Lucian’s curious gaze.

Nathaniel poured the wine into three glasses. "Such great news to keep from your cousin. Aren’t you excited to get married? After all, not every man is fortunate enough to marry someone like my cousin." He then turned to Lucian. "Am I wrong, Lucian? My cousin is the best woman for him."

"Apologies, but I do not know your cousin," Lucian replied politely, raising his glass.

Nathaniel’s eyes twinkled with mischief. "How can you say that after working as her bodyguard for days?"

Lucian paused, the glass halfway to his lips. "You mean Lady Erin?" he asked, a hint of surprise coloring his voice.

"Yes," Nathaniel replied, turning to Aaron. "Lucian can tell you how wonderful my cousin is. You are truly a lucky man."

"Don’t get too excited, Nathaniel," Aaron cautioned. "It’s just talk for now; nothing is certain yet."

Nathaniel shook his head with a smile. "When it comes to you, I have every right to be excited. I’ve raised you like my own son." He emptied his glass and sighed contentedly. "Such a fine wine tastes even better when celebrating my brother’s marriage." He then looked at Lucian. "What do you think of the marriage proposal, Lucian?"

Lucian’s face remained impassive. "Lady Erin might not agree," he said. "She may not want to go far away to the northeast. She prefers to stay near her family and dislikes the northeast."

"Is that so?" Nathaniel responded, raising an eyebrow. "But she agreed to this marriage even when her family asked her to reconsider going so far away."

Lucian was taken aback but composed himself quickly. "She must have changed her mind then."

"With a man like Aaron, any woman would reconsider," Nathaniel said confidently. "Erin is the type to think clearly before making such a decision."

Aaron, still calm, poured more wine into Nathaniel’s glass. "Enough talking. Finish your wine. We have an early start tomorrow."

They finished their wine quietly and prepared to sleep. Before parting, Lucian turned to Aaron. "Congratulations, Aaron."

"Thank you," Aaron replied with a warm smile. Lucian nodded and headed to his room.

-----

The next morning, after bidding farewell to the King and Queen, Arlan, Oriana, Yorian, Sierra, and Snowflake set out for Agartha.

In the garden of Wildridge Manor, Oriana hugged Snowflake tightly the moment she saw her. ’I’m glad he didn’t send you away for taking me to the Demon Realm,’ she thought in her mind, looking into Snowflake’s eyes, "Next time, don’t teleport me anywhere just because I wish for it. You have to ask for my permission to make sure I really want to go there? Or next time I won’t be able to stop Arlan from separating us. You know how possessive and protective he is. Understood?’

’Yes, Master.’ Snowflake answered through the mind link.

"Good girl." Oriana ruffled Snowflake’s soft fur and hugged her again.

"Seems like your mate has learned to mind-link her pet," Yorian commented, noticing the interaction. Arlan nodded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Let her be."

"Because of Oriana, it will take us a while to teleport to Agartha. Her body won’t be able to handle teleporting there all at once," Yorian explained.

"Didn’t she teleport to the Demon Realm without any issue? Why would Agartha be different?" Arlan asked.

"That time, it was Snowflake who teleported her, which is like Oriana using her own powers. But now it’s different. We are the ones teleporting her, and Agartha is far beyond those dangerous snowy mountains, hidden by a shield formed by the powers of a Black Dragon and other powerful supernaturals. It won’t be easy for her to cross all this at once. We’ll need to stop at a few places so she can rest."

"Can’t we get help from Snowflake?" Arlan inquired.

"Snowflake won’t be able to find a way there unless she’s been there before. What she can do is protect Oriana’s body during this difficult journey. Do not underestimate the shield around Agartha. There’s a reason why Agartha remains safe from human encroachment or any other supernatural power. You’ll understand once we arrive."

"Then we will do as you say," Arlan agreed, his voice resolute.

Sierra, noticing the impatience on Arlan’s face, chimed in. "I know you’re eager to get there and mark Oriana as soon as possible, but some things can’t be rushed."

"Unlike our usual quick teleportations, this journey will take a day or two, possibly a bit longer depending on how Oriana’s body handles it. But it won’t be too long," Yorian assured him.

With their plan set, they began their journey.

-----

At Ahren’s home, Euron, Rowan, and Rafal went to their father, who had just returned from attending the royal court session.

As they settled in for the discussion, Euron spoke up. "Father, we feel that we should send Erin to the Northeast on a short trip."

"Why did you come up with this all of a sudden?" Walys asked, curiosity piqued.

"Father, we want to see if Erin can handle the cold weather in the Northeast. We don’t want her to suffer like our aunt, Nathaniel’s mother, did. You know how difficult it was for her there," Euron explained.

Walys considered this and was reminded of those painful memories from the past. "I never thought about it. I don’t want Erin to suffer. I should have thought about it before agreeing to this marriage arrangement. How did it skip my mind?"

"Father, don’t worry too much. Our aunt was initially frail, which made it difficult for her, but Erin is strong. We just want to ensure she’ll be fine there—it’s a precaution," Rafal reassured him, noticing his father’s regretful expression.

"Rafal is right, father," Euron added. "So, do you agree with our proposal?"

Walys nodded. "I have always trusted you three when it comes to Erin. I agree with whatever you decide, but she can’t go alone."

"Don’t worry, Father, I’m going with her," Rowan, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "That way, I’ll also get the chance to explore the Northeast."

"I am leaving for the Northeast already with the Captain to help Aaron and Lucian with territory matters. I will be there for her," Rafal informed.

"Father, I will accompany her as well, once I take care of matters here," Euron added, glancing at Rowan. "I can’t leave her to the troublemaker."

Rowan ignored his brother’s jab. "I will do my best to take care of my little sweet."

Walys nodded in agreement. "When are you leaving?"

"Once they reach there and settle the territory matters without any issues, we will depart," Rafal explained.

"Erin will be staying at Nathaniel’s estate, which His Majesty awarded him as a reward," Euron added. "I have already informed Nathaniel, and he is happy to welcome his cousin into his home. With him there, we don’t have to worry about anything."

"Alright," Walys agreed, feeling reassured.

-----

The three brothers went to Erin to inform her about their decision.

"Brother, you worry too much. I can handle the cold. There’s no need for me to go there before the wedding," she replied, sitting in a chair and facing her overprotective brothers.

"We can’t take any chances. You know what happened with our aunt," Euron insisted.

"Alright, if I can’t stand the weather there like our aunt, do you plan on breaking this marriage arrangement or making Lord Wynter change his ruling territory?" she asked, leaving her brothers speechless.

"Erin, we’ll see about it after we know for sure if you’ll be fine there," Rafal said.

"I know I’ll be fine. I know my body," Erin countered.

"Don’t you want to see your future home before you go there?" Euron asked.

"What does it change? Home is home whether it’s a palace or a hut. I have to live where my husband lives."

"Erin, you don’t seem interested in getting married," Euron commented.

"I’ve told you all before not to expect me to act like other girls, shy and annoying for no reason," she retorted.

Rowan, who had been calm until now, spoke up. "Would you have acted the same if it was about Lucian?"

Erin was stunned but maintained her composure. "What does he have to do with this?"

"You know I don’t like to beat around the bush like our other two brothers, so I’ll get to the point," Rowan said. "We know you like Lucian Rianier. You’re probably disappointed by his rejection, which is why you agreed to marry Aaron. What are you trying to do?"