352: Eavesdropping

Eavesdropping

"Please, pass it to me quickly. I'm eager to see the gift my son has brought," Julien exclaimed with a cheerful tone.2

Oriana stole a glance at Arlan, who remained impassive and avoided her gaze. She understood his displeasure with her for not obeying his instructions. She thought, 'I will accept the consequences later. For now, let's stay focused on why I'm here.' She maintained her smile and approached the Queen, ready to present the gift. 'Once I touch her hand, maybe I'll discover something.'

Queen Julien enthusiastically accepted the gift, her fingers brushing against Oriana's as they held the box. The Queen appeared oblivious to this contact, while Oriana stared at her empty hands, her expressions filled with complexity. 'I felt nothing. If this woman possesses dark magic, if she is indeed a witch, I should have sensed it simply by touching a fellow witch. Am I mistaken about her?'

"Beautiful!" The Queen's joyous voice brought Oriana back from her confusion. She watched Julien admiring her son's gift. "I love it. It's absolutely beautiful. You certainly know what your mother adores."

"I'm pleased you like it, Mother," Arlan replied calmly.

Oriana observed both of them, her thoughts tangled. Just then, Arlan's gaze met Oriana's, catching her off guard, and she lowered her head. "I will prepare some tea for Her Majesty."

With haste, Oriana turned and departed.

As she stepped out of the drawing room and closed the door behind her, she heaved a sigh of relief. She couldn't bear the cold gaze of the Prince. Hurrying towards the kitchen to prepare tea, her thoughts remained entangled with Queen Julien.

'Could I have been mistaken? She's His Highness's mother; how could I doubt her? The way she treats him, it's as if she's a better mother than anyone could be to their son. But then... His Highness was harmed after he went to the Queen's residence. Besides Her Majesty, who else could have such authority over the residence, to the extent of affecting the Crown Prince of this kingdom like this?'

Frustration gnawed at her. 'I can't ignore the fact that she isn't His Highness's biological mother. Perhaps the sweetness she displays is all a facade, meant to deceive others? Is that even possible? And as for not sensing anything after touching her, maybe she's as clever as Rosetta, able to conceal her true self. I couldn't discern anything about Rosetta until she revealed her identity to me. I must be patient. I will uncover something eventually. Perhaps today, I can venture into the rear part of the Queen's residence.'

With unwavering determination, she returned to the kitchen, prepared tea and snacks, and then made her way back to the drawing room, having something in her mind.

Before she reached the door of the drawing room, Oriana slowed her pace. When she had left, she had intentionally left the door slightly ajar, hoping to catch a glimpse of how the mother and son behaved when they were alone, as opposed to the cheerful facade they presented in front of others.

As Oriana approached, she heard the Queen's displeased voice. "...you have to do it, whether you want it or not."

"I won't," Arlan's displeased voice retorted.

"I have full authority to make you do it. You must listen to me."

"I can't. Do not force me."

Through the crack in the door, Oriana caught a glimpse of the two figures. The Queen stood before the Prince, who had turned his face away from her. It seemed that in her absence, mother and son had engaged in a heated argument.

"Do not make me force you, Arlan. Your father…"

Just then, Arlan raised his hand, silencing Julien. He turned his head toward the door, catching Oriana wide-eyed. She felt like a deer in the spotlight but quickly composed herself and knocked on the door as if nothing happened.

"Your Highness, I have brought tea."

Without waiting for a response, she entered the drawing room. Inside, she was nervous, feeling as though Arlan had caught her eavesdropping. However, she was skilled at pretending and acted completely natural, as if she had done nothing wrong.

Julien and Arlan returned to their seats. Arlan remained cold, seemingly uninterested in concealing his emotions in Oriana's presence, while Queen Julien put on a pleasant smile, not letting others know she was just arguing with her son a moment before.

"The aroma of the tea is delightful," the Queen remarked as she watched Oriana serve the tea.

"It's a special blend from Othinia," Oriana replied as she passed a cup to the Queen.

When she offered one to Arlan, he raised his hand to decline without even looking at her. Oriana felt a chill down her spine. She was certain she had deeply offended him, and his cold and distant demeanor left her apprehensive about how he might choose to punish her.

The Queen sampled the freshly brewed tea after blowing on it for a moment. "The flavor of this tea is truly exceptional."

"Mister Roman thoughtfully arranged for some to be sent to Her Majesty as well. It will be dispatched shortly."

"Oh, how considerate. I will relish it for sure," the Queen replied with appreciation.

After serving the tea, Oriana knew she had to leave the drawing room, allowing the mother and son some privacy. This time, she ensured to close the door securely, hoping to avoid arousing any suspicions from the Prince. She was not prepared to face his anger.

'What if his punishment involves preventing me from returning home?' She entertained a momentary worry before swiftly making her exit.

A while later, Arlan and Julien emerged from the drawing room. Arlan gallantly escorted his mother out of the mansion and assisted her in boarding the waiting carriage.

Oriana couldn't help but observe Arlan's impeccable conduct toward his mother and couldn't help but wonder, 'It appears I may have truly misunderstood Her Majesty. But what could they have been discussing that both of them were upset with each other?'

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