350: Planning Her Safety

Planning Her Safety

As Arlan prepared for the day, Oriana dutifully resumed her role as his personal aide. She stood before him, meticulously attaching accessories to his attire, her gaze fixed on her task.1

Aerlan couldn't help but notice her demeanor, sensing that she still harbored some anger from their earlier exchange after waking up. Her lips were tightly pressed together, a clear sign of her effort to contain her displeasure as she unwillingly tended to her duties. A careful observation revealed the faint puffiness of her cheeks and a slight upward crinkle at the tip of her petite nose, which had taken on a faint hue of red.

'I didn't expect her to be this upset. Is she planning to avoid me altogether?" Arlan mused, concerned. However, he quickly reassured himself, thinking, 'Perhaps it's for the best, at least for now. This way, I can avoid her questions about last night. I can endure her anger for a while.'

But then, an inner frown crept upon him, and he couldn't help but think, 'Why do I feel like a husband who's done something wrong and is attempting to evade his wife's confrontation?' A subtle smile graced his lips as he entertained the thought, 'She would make quite the formidable spouse, one a husband should be cautious of.'

With a playful smile still on his face, he continued to observe her countenance. An impulse surged within him to playfully pinch her puffed cheek and tap the tip of her tiny nose with his finger to tease her.

His hand seemed almost poised to do so when she stepped back and announced, "It's done, Your Highness."

Oriana remained obediently bowed, not granting him even a single glance.

After a morning meal, Arlan immersed himself in his study, engrossed in discussions with his personal adviser, Jason. Oriana, despite her lingering anger, knew that she had to set aside her pride and speak to him. Her purpose was clear: she needed his permission to depart for Wimwark tomorrow. However, she decided to wait until he finished his work.

While Arlan was deeply engrossed in his tasks, Oriana quietly brought tea for both of them and discreetly observed the prince. As the minutes passed, she contemplated the right moment to approach him. She quietly waited outside the study for them to finish the work.

After what seemed like an eternity, Jason finally emerged from the study. Without wasting any time, Oriana hurried inside to speak with the Prince.

She stood resolutely across his desk, her voice steady as she addressed him, "Your Highness, may I have a moment of your time?"

Arlan looked up from his work, surprised by her sudden change in demeanor. 'A while ago she was angry and now talking to me?'

He couldn't help but remark, a teasing glint in his eyes, "I thought with that temper of yours, you won't talk to me at all."

Oriana knew as a servant she didn't have the right to show her anger to the Prince. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I hope you can pardon the ignorance of your servant."

Arlan studied her face, sensing that she had set aside her pride for a significant reason. He didn't want to trouble her further if she already had pressing matters to attend to.

"What is it?" he asked, his tone softening.

"I plan to depart for Wimark tomorrow morning, Your Highness, and I require your permission," Oriana stated with a touch of determination.

"Wimark?" Arlan repeated, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

She nodded firmly. "Indeed. I intend to return as soon as possible, but my goal is to bring my family to the capital."

Her reply delighted him as he thought, 'If she brings her family to the capital, she won't have to make such long journeys, and I won't have to endure her absence for extended periods.

"Very well," Arlan responded, his tone gracious. "I will ensure the necessary arrangements are made for your departure tomorrow, just as we did last time. You will accompany a royal caravan."

Arlan was determined to ensure her safety during her travels. He couldn't fathom the idea of her journeying alongside ordinary travelers, especially while disguised as a man. The thought of the potential dangers and unsavory individuals she might encounter troubled him deeply. Above all else, her safety was his utmost priority, and he was willing to go to great lengths to guarantee it.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Oriana expressed her gratitude. "However, I will need to remain in Wimark for a few days, unlike my previous brief visits. Since my family and I will be leaving our village, I'll require some time to make the necessary preparations."

Arlan reassured her, his gaze softening. "You need not worry. Take the time you need to make the preparations. Then you will return with me."

Oriana was taken aback. "With you, Your Highness?"

Arlan nodded with a warm smile. "Indeed. I have plans to travel to Wimark soon. You can stay there until your preparations are complete, and then we will return together, along with your family."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Oriana responded, her gratitude evident.

Concerned for her family's well-being, Arlan asked, "Have you made any arrangements for where your family will stay?"

Oriana shook her head. "Not yet, Your Highness. However, today, I plan to meet with my brother, Luke, who works at Ahrens. Together, we will make the necessary arrangements. Speaking of which, I will also need your permission to leave the palace and visit Ahrens."

Though she said it, she was not sure if Luke was still in the capital or had returned to the village. She had to go to Ahrens to check it.

"Alright." Arlan granted her request. "If you require anything during your preparations or visits, do not hesitate to inform Roman. He will ensure that everything is arranged to your satisfaction."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Oriana said with appreciation.

All of a sudden, their interaction felt entirely ordinary, and any lingering traces of Oriana's earlier anger seemed to dissipate completely.

--

pqdm.com