245: Jealous

Jealous

It was a familiar routine, with her fellow attendants getting the freshly bathed Arlan dressed for the day, and as usual, she was in charge of attaching accessories to his clothes.  2

The moment she stood in front of him, Arlan froze, holding back his breath entirely. 

'Isn't today supposed to be her fourth day? How many days more will she continue to bleed? How long do I have to endure this?'

Oriana, being the one nearest to him, sensed his tension. He was not looking at her, his face frigid as if he had encountered his worst enemy. She belatedly realized he was holding his breath. 

'Why is this man not breathing? Could it be…?'

That night by the lake, he told her she stinks, but at that time, she must be sweaty, having to run back from another mansion. That was not the case today. She bathed not even an hour ago. 

It made her feel self-conscious.

'Do I really stink? Shall I start applying essence from now on?'

Arlan peeked at her out of instinct, but found the conflicted expression on her face. At first, he was puzzled, but seeing her steadily doing her work, this feeling morphed to disappointment.

With her being so near, his heart was ready to jump out of its ribcage, yet Oriana remained unaffected, distracted even.

What was on her mind? Was it another person? Another man? Was she no longer being affected by his presence now? Did he need to remind her again of all those she seemed to have conveniently forgotten, those intimate moments they shared?

"It's done, Your Highness."

Her voice disturbed his wandering thoughts and he found her stepping away from him. It was a good thing that she moved away, but on the contrary, he felt upset to see her in such a hurry to move away from him.

Just as Arlan headed out of his chamber to have his morning meal, he was informed a surprising guest came to visit his mansion. It was Cian, the Crown Prince of Abetha.

"Ask him if he wants to join me for a meal," Arlan told his knight captain.

Imbert led Cian's way towards the dining room. Both princes exchanged pleasantries before sitting down, with Arlan taking the seat at the head of the table and Cian sitting to his right. However, since his visit was sudden, there was only one set of plates and cutlery prepared.

"Pardon for dropping by unannounced," Cian started as he sat down. "However, just earlier, a messenger of mine shared urgent news that for the seventh day's agenda, Hatha will be raising complaints about our last conflict with them, and I rushed to discuss those concerns with you before the conference proper."

The Ilven Royal Family and the Cromwell Royal Family had been long-time allies, with their kingdoms sharing their entire eastern and western borders, respectively. In this generation, their kingdom's alliance only further strengthened with the marriage between the princes' younger siblings, Princess Miera Ilven and Prince Lenard Cromwell. 

Of all the participating kingdoms, Griven was Abetha's strongest supporter.

"It is fine. I hope you don't mind that I listen while we eat."

"You have my gratitude, Prince Arlan. I will be imposing on you then."

While the other servants served food, it was Oriana who set the tableware in front of Cian. 

The sight of her brought a frown on Arlan's face. Before she could say anything, he snapped, "Why are you personally doing such menial chores?"

The job of setting the table was a responsibility of the mansion maids, not the prince's personal attendant.

Oriana blinked in surprise at his reaction, but could only respond with a dry, "Apologies, Your Highness." 

As she placed the last fork on the table, Cian looked at her. "Orian, I heard you were not well."

"I have recovered well—"

"A small servant's wellbeing should not be your concern, Prince Cian."

Arlan's annoyance was met with Cian's indifference.

"How can you put it that way, Prince Arlan? Orian is the physician who treated my hand, and hence, he is my benefactor." The Crown Prince of Abetha returned his attention to Oriana. He smiled at her.  "As you were not well, I didn't bother to call for you to check my hand."

Oriana smiled back.

"Apologies, Prince Cian, for not being able to fulfill my duty as your physician. How is your hand now?"

Cian raised his hand, flexing his fingers to show off. "The swelling has gone down after that massage you offered. I must say you are truly skilled. It would be good if I can employ your services in the future."

Arlan's dignified mask cracked as the two conversed as if he didn't exist. 

Cian even had the audacity to offer her employment!

"Orian, why don't you just sit down and check on your patient at this very moment?" Arlan then eyed Cian. "As for you, we can have this important discussion after the summit is over."

At those sarcastic words, Cian could not help but smile, but he managed to suppress it well. 'Let's not put her in more trouble.'

Cian looked at her. "Orian, let us talk about this later."

"Of course, Your Highness."

Oriana respectfully bowed before leaving the two princes on their own. Due to the nature of their topic, all servants had been ordered to vacate the premises, and only their most trusted subordinates waited outside the dining room. 

As for what their conversation covered or what agreement they made, no one knew but the princes themselves.

Once Cian left his mansion, Arlan returned to his study. The frown on his face was not related to the urgent news Cian shared with him—it was due to Cian and Oriana's earlier interaction. He did not want to care, but it bothered him. A lot.

There was still half an hour before Arlan would leave for the conference. Oriana entered the study to see if Arlan needed anything. He was sitting in his chair behind the large desk, reading through documents with his brows knitted together.

His expression was unusually frigid, the kind that would make most people fear approaching him. Sense of being in trouble once more enveloped her the moment he looked at her. 

'Did Prince Cian bring bad news? Should I have not come here?' 

She hesitantly bowed and asked if he had any instructions for her.

"You didn't go to treat your patient?" She heard Arlan spoke, his words held the sarcasm.

Oriana wrinkled her brows, but kept her head lowered. She didn't dare look at him but spoke calmly.

"I shall do so when Prince Cian is free." 

Oriana hoped Arlan would let this topic go. The last time this was brought up, it was obvious this man was displeased. She wanted to avoid angering him, but since he asked, she had to be honest. Cian was her patient and she could not ignore her duties as his physician. 

Arlan clenched his fists, causing the document in his hand to crumple. 

This woman! Even after she knew he didn't like her interacting with that Cian, she still wants to go there. She simply didn't value what he felt! 

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