151: Shocked Oriana

Shocked Oriana

'Funny how life works. A few weeks back, I never concerned myself with the existence of the royalty of this kingdom, let alone imagine I will be in the presence of one, and now, I am even serving one of them.'2

Upon arriving at the Central Palace, the sight of two hawks forming an arc greeted Oriana. This was the facade of the royal palace complex, the principal administrative building where the nation's affairs were being dealt with. 

The prince's entourage was soon greeted by the sight of a crowd of officials. 

Their carriages stopped at the huge open area outside of the Central Palace and had to disembark for some setting out ceremony of sorts. The knights dismounted from their horses, and as Oriana gazed at the pleasant view of their uniformity, her attention was caught when the tallest of the knights, the one she recognized to be called Sir Alexander, approached the prince's carriage.

Nobody could hear what he reported to the prince, but Imbert, who was standing by Arlan's side, ordered others. "You all go inside first."

Only Arlan, Imbert and Alex remained, while Rafal led the rest of the knights and the servants inside the Central Palace.

Alex handed one scroll to Arlan, and when Arlan opened it, the expression on his face turned serious. Oriana noticed that subtle change and could not help but wonder about the reason.

'That looks foreboding. I hope it is not a problem related to the trip to Othinia.'

Along with others, they were led in front of what appeared to be a grand courtyard, with a spacious platform at the front of that square-shaped paved open area. 

From the entrance up to the platform, there was a long red carpet spread, forming an aisle, and on either side stood the officials working in the royal palace.

Since they were part of Arlan's entourage, Rafal led them near the platform, though as mere servants, Oriana had to stand behind all the nobles.

Soon, horns were blown and the announcement of the arrival of the members of the Cromwell Royal Family was made.

The first to enter was a young man clad in white and gold, his appearance exactly like that of Arlan, albeit thinner and younger looking, his brown hair only barely an inch below his shoulders. 

"...welcome, His Highness the Second Royal Prince, Lenard Cromwell, escorting Her Highness Princess Miera Cromwell!"

Most of the crowd bowed towards the lovely couple, and as they straightened their bodies after the prince and princess passed, Oriana managed to catch some of their whispered conversation. All of them were curious to see the rumored beauty of Abetha. 

Oriana looked at the blond princess, whose very existence seemed to sparkle under the sun, and could not help but praise in her heart. 

'She is really beautiful! That peerless face, that grace and elegance, it seems like she is the personification of the ideal princess in fairy tales. No wonder the Second Prince is smitten with her.'

However, seeing Lenard's young face, Oriana felt like something was wrong, like she was missing an important fact, but she could not put a finger on it.

Once again, the horns were blown, and there was another announcement. However, this time, each and every person, even the most senior-looking officials, proceeded to courteously bend their bodies.

"...welcome, His Majesty King Ailwin Cromwell and Her Majesty Queen Julien Cromwell!"

The most powerful people of the kingdom arrived with the King lovingly holding the hand of his wife. Like the Second Prince, the middle-aged couple were clad in a magnificent ensemble of white and gold as well, and unlike their leisurely appearance inside the King's chamber, Oriana found their appearance proud—no, arrogant, as if every existence aside from them were negligible. 

Neither the King nor the Queen were smiling, and as they walked donning their crowns, the gemstones embedded on them glistened under the sun.

As they sat on the throne placed at the center of the platform, Oriana realized it was not just Arlan who wore masks. The Ailwin she met was a patient, and in front of his family, he was easygoing and full of laughter. However, carefully watching the King now, the dominance in his stance was enough to cause her to lower her head out of instinct. She could not see the weakened man who had troubled breathing, but the King of Griven in the flesh.

'His Majesty's complexion looks much better than when I last saw him a week ago. Seems like Master's medicine is showing a positive effect on him. No wonder they are able to keep the issue of his health under wraps. Seeing him like this, no one would suspect the King is sick.'

"My loyal subjects," Ailwin's clear and strong voice echoed from the raised platform, "my dear people of Griven, today I have gathered you here…"

Oriana blinked in confusion. 

'Eh? It has started? What about Prince Arlan? Why didn't they announce his entry?'

She wondered whether her master was being marginalized by his own family.

'No way. I have witnessed him talking to his parents…'

The King's voice continued in his speech, "...and as a sign of my trust, the delegation headed for this year's kingdom alliance summit, representing my authority, will be the heir to the throne of Griven, my first son and the crown prince of this kingdom, Arlan Cromwell!"

'A-Arlan Cromwell? This name…?'

That very moment, the sounds of horns resounded once more, and from the other end of the red carpet stood the very prince she served.

People lowered their heads to bow before the Crown Prince of Griven, but Oriana was so shocked she forgot to follow everyone else. 

"He is the Crown Prince…?" she mumbled with her eyes wide in disbelief, staring at the handsome man who had entered the premises. 

"Orian? What are you doing?" Neil whispered and pulled her body to bow. She woodenly did so, but her mind could not come out of shock.

Arlan, who heard her mumble of disbelief, glanced at his attendant's direction. The corners of his lips lifted up in a smirk. 'Idiot.'

pqdm.com