Chapter 831: Nathan’s Determination

Arlan and Oriana reached Guan Province to attend the wedding of the Duke’s daughter. The province that lies between the capital and the north-east territory of the kingdom. Others had already arrived there and were eager to meet the couple after a year.

The Duke of Guan, Irwin Guan himself welcomed the Crown Prince and Crown Princess along with his wife, two sons, and daughters, one of the daughters who was getting married.

After the grand welcome, the royal couple was led to a guest mansion that was arranged exclusively for them.

Arlan guided Oriana to her bed. "You must be tired. You should rest."

She hummed quietly and closed her eyes already. "Your servants are here. I have to meet a few people."

"It’s alright. Go ahead. They must be dying to meet you after a year," she said, smiling and making herself comfortable in bed. "I want to sleep for a while."

Arlan stood up and turned to the servant, Ana, Oriana’s attending lady. "Prepare a meal before she wakes up. And make sure to cook what she loves to eat most."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Arlan left the bedchamber, and Imbert informed him, "Your Highness, the Lords are here."

Imbert didn’t have to mention the names, and it wasn’t out of their expectations. "Bastards couldn’t wait a little to barge in here already," Arlan muttered and went downstairs to the drawing room. Imbert followed.

In the drawing room, everyone Arlan knew was present, the same group that was his solace and could be annoying as hell as well.

Arthur, Nathan, Aaron, Rowan were there, Rafal keeping his job as a knight.

"My dear brother, why are you standing?" Rowan asked. "After a long journey, is your liege still not showing any mercy?"

"I am fine," Rafal replied.

"Watching you stand hurts my knees. Come sit," Rowan insisted.

Rafal didn’t budge while Arlan entered the room.

Arthur, Nathan, and Aaron stood up upon seeing him, and the next moment Arlan was being hugged by them.

"Too much love, I might just puke," Rowan commented, seeing the friends being too cozy with each other.

"Someone’s just jealous," Arthur commented. "Don’t be a sore ass."

"My ass is just fine. You are welcome to check," Rowan countered with a smirk.

"You wish," Arthur shot back.

And turned back to Arlan with another hug. "Congratulations! You hit the goal," Arthur teased.

Arlan knew they were talking about Oriana being pregnant. "Thank you."

Rowan stood up and greeted Arlan. "Good to see you after so long, Your Highness. And congratulations."

Arlan offered him a nod, and they settled on the sofas of the drawing room. Arlan turned to Rafal and Imbert. "Have a seat."

The two sat on the chairs, while Rowan looked at Rafal. "When I was asking, you were being too haughty. But you obey your liege like a little puppy."

Rafal offered him a silent stare, and Rowan, as usual, smirked smugly.

Just then, Lucian arrived there.

"The only married man here finally found time," Rowan commented.

"That married man has to take care of your sister and niece first," Arthur shot back.

Lucian ignored them and greeted, "Greetings, Your Highness."

They talked about various things for a long time. When it was done, Arlan asked Nathaniel to stay. Arthur and Aaron understood they must have something important to talk about, so he left with the others.

Once everyone was gone, Nathaniel asked, "What’s the matter?"

"Everything’s alright on your side?" Arlan questioned back.

"My asshole of a father is quiet for some reason, so I can say everything’s fine," Nathaniel answered.

"Might not last long," Arlan said.

"What intel did you get?" Nathaniel asked. "That even I don’t know."

"He is planning a wedding proposal for you," Arlan answered.

Nathaniel laughed. "It’s not the first time. Don’t worry, I know how to get rid of it."

Arlan paused for a moment before saying, "If the proposal is good, I think there is no harm in going ahead with the marriage. I wish you to have a family as well."

Nathan raised brow, "You are saying this knowing why exactly I don’t want it."

Arlan met his gaze, "I know. But maybe be it’s time to leave the past behind."

"As long as that bastard lives, nothing can be left behind," Nathan said as his face darkened, "I will never let any of his wishes come true. I won’t marry, nor he will get any heir."

"Nathan..."

"If you want me to marry and have a family, then you better allow me to kill him," Nathan interrupted him, "But you won’t, right?"

"That cannot happen. I don’t want to see your life ruined" Arlan said, "the punishment for killing your own parents is brutal and you won’t be spared even if you are my friend. And if even you insist on facing that punishment, I will do anything to stop you from committing that crime."

"I don’t care about any punishment. That bastard is alive simply because my promise to my mother, or I would have killed him," His lips curved into a smirk, "But then failing all his plans and crushing his pride every time is worse punishment than death."

Nathan stood up, "You should rest and take care of your wife," and turned to leave.

"Nathan," Arlan called.

Nathan stopped and turned to face him.

"Consider what I said. Marriage is not a bad idea."

"I am not meant for it, and you know it well. I will just ruin her life. You know the kind of monster I am," Nathan said and left.

Arlan let out a sigh, watching his dear friend leave, and thought, ’You are not a monster. You just need someone to hold on to.’

---

When Oriana woke up and regained her energy, the Rainier family, Erin, and Rina came to meet her with Lucian. He talked to her for a while and left, leaving Erin and Rina with Oriana.

Erin hugged Oriana. "I missed you so much. You couldn’t even attend my wedding."

"I am sorry. I missed you as well," she said.

"And me?" Rina asked.

Oriana hugged her. "You have grown up a lot just in one year. It feels like I am seeing a grown-up, beautiful young lady."

"I am fourteen now, kind of grown up and an aunt now," Rina said and looked at the baby in the nanny’s arms. "Arria."

Oriana took the baby girl. She pecked her cheeks. "She is so cute. I might not let her go."

"I always wish to bite her chubby cheeks," Rina commented. "They are like soft cotton."

They played with the baby, while Erin said, "You will be having a baby soon. How long are you in?"

"Almost three months," Oriana replied. "Now seeing Arria, I can’t wait to see my baby as well. But for now, let me enjoy with this angel."

----

With everyone back together, everything was lively once more.

But that same evening, when the friends were enjoying drinks over talk, a message came for Nathaniel. "My Lord, Lord Mortem has asked for you."

The servant left while Arthur asked, "Why did he call for you so late?"

"Must be free from pleasing other lords and making business deals with them," Nathaniel frowned and stood up. "I will be back soon."

Arlan offered a light nod, permitting him to leave, a tinge of worry in his eyes. He knew, as well as Nathaniel, what it was about.