The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 757: Provocation and Doubts

The next day, everyone gathered at the Rainier mansion. Paul had called a meeting with Aaron and Erin’s brothers to discuss the message he intended to send to the King and Lord Ahren, Erin’s father.

Nathaniel had already arrived earlier that morning, having taken care of matters in his own territory.

After a hearty meal, they convened in the drawing room, where the conversation unfolded over freshly brewed tea that paired perfectly with the cool weather.

"...I’ve already sent a message to my brother Euron, and by now, my father must be aware of it," Rowan said, surprising everyone.

The others exchanged astonished glances. Normally, it would take a messenger several days, even up to a week, to reach the capital. Yet Erin and Lucian had only agreed to their union a day or two ago. How was it possible?

Noticing their reactions, Rowan chuckled softly. "Let’s just say I have a knack for predicting the future. So, I took the liberty of handling things early."

Though skeptical, they let his explanation slide.

"I was considering going to the capital myself instead of sending a message," Paul said, breaking the momentary silence.

"Father, it wouldn’t be good for you to travel such a long distance, especially since we’ve only recently returned home," Lucian said, concern evident in his tone. He was well aware of the hardships his father had endured over the years and was protective of his health.

"Lucian is right," Rafal added. "Once we return to the capital, we can carry your message with us. And as a representative of the Rainier family, you can send someone you trust to act on your behalf."

"I’ll take care of it," Aaron offered. "As Lucian’s brother, it’s only fitting for me to handle this matter."

After some consideration, everyone agreed with Aaron’s suggestion.

"So, I’ll have a companion for the journey back to the capital?" Arthur said with a grin. "The trip won’t be boring with my friend."

Rowan teased, "Aaron, be careful this time. His Majesty might suggest another match for you."

Aaron let out a helpless sigh, shaking his head slightly.

"You could just politely say you’re not ready to marry yet," Nathaniel suggested. "His Majesty only has your best interests at heart; he wouldn’t force you."

Aaron hummed noncommittally, clearly not keen on delving into the topic further.

Just then, Rina appeared at the staircase and walked into the drawing room.

"I heard my brother is getting married to Lady Erin?" she announced, her voice ringing with excitement, her face glowing with happiness.

Everyone turned to look at her.

"Why are you out of bed?" Gwen asked, her voice tinged with concern. "You’re not fully recovered yet."

Rina waved her off. "I’m fine now," she said breezily, walking over to Lucian. Without hesitation, she perched herself on his lap and hugged him tightly. "I’m so happy you’re getting married!"

Lucian, momentarily startled by her exuberance, softened and returned the hug gently, making sure she was comfortable. She leaned back to look at him, her eyes sparkling. "I thought you’d never get married, and I’d never have a sister-in-law. But here you are, finally smart enough to want to give me one. My prayers to deities on making you smart are finally working."

Others could only chuckle at it. Even in happiness, she wouldn’t forget adding her own sorrow and mocking the reason for her sorrow- her brother.

In response, Lucian stayed calm and touched her forehead to check her temperature, and felt relieved that she was better now.

Rina looked at Erin. "I am so happy, you are marrying my brother. Only you can take care of his stubborn self. Make sure to discipline him."

Erin nodded with a smile.

Rina suddenly seemed to remember something and quickly moved to Aaron, as though realizing she hadn’t considered him.

Aaron greeted her with a gentle smile. "I’m happy for Lucian and Erin too. They’re a perfect match."

Rina sat beside him, wrapping both her arms around one of his and clinging tightly. "Don’t worry. We’ll find another amazing lady like Lady Erin for you. Until then, I’ll stay with you and make sure you’re not lonely. I’ll stay into the room we’ve prepared for me in Wynter’s residence. Now that my brother’s getting married, he won’t want me around as much. So we can stay together, alright?"

Aaron stroked her head affectionately and nodded. "Sure." He touched her forehead briefly to check if her fever had truly subsided, relieved to find her temperature normal.

"Young lady, you’re so considerate," Rowan interjected with a grin. "But I’m losing my sister too. Who’s going to console me and keep me company?"

Rina paused to think but had no immediate answer.

"How about a sister in exchange for a sister?" Rowan suggested with a teasing glint in his eye. "Your brother is taking my sister, so naturally, I should take his."

Rina frowned thoughtfully. "But if I go with you, Brother Aaron will be left all alone. I can’t leave him."

Arthur chuckled, giving Rowan a playful pat on the shoulder. "Are you proposing to the little girl now? You can’t just take someone else’s daughter with you."

Rowan laughed lightly and turned his gaze to Rina. "Alright, how about marrying me then? If I recall, last time you said yes."

Rina responded with utmost seriousness. "My brother said I can only marry when I’m an adult. Once I’m an adult, I’ll marry you."

"Are you sure?" Rowan asked, raising an eyebrow, half-teasing and half-intrigued. freewebnσvel.cѳm

Rina nodded firmly. "Yes. You are wealthy and look pleasing to the eyes, just like my two brothers."

"By the time you become an adult, you will find this man with a wife and kids by his side," Nathaniel added, "Don’t trust him, Rina. He is the most screwed man and only knows how to set traps for women."

"I will only marry him if he is not married to someone else," Rian said, "Are you going to marry another woman."

Rowan, ever playful, leaned back in chair, "No, my sweet lady. I will wait for you."

"Alright?" Rina said.

"Don’t take his words seriously," Finally Aaron said and offered a cold glare.

Rowan laughed playfully and said, "This young lady is so sweet to tease. I am going to miss her once I return." He looked at her, "Make sure to miss me as well, alright?"

Rina nodded lightly, wondering why he was laughing at her.

Once they all discussed about Lucian and Erin were about to set off to visit the part of the estate, only the two of them.

Before they left, Rowan leaned close to Erin and whispered mischievously, "This brother wouldn’t mind if you didn’t return tonight."

Cough!

Erin’s eyes widened, and she shot him a flustered glare. "What are you talking about? We are just..."

"You’re an adult; you know exactly what I mean," he said with a sly smile.

"Brother, Lucian is not like that," she countered, her cheeks reddening. "He’ll bring me back before evening."

"Not like that?" Rowan raised a skeptical brow. "Is he truly that unromantic? You two haven’t yet..."

"Shhh!" Erin cut him off sharply, her face growing even hotter. "He’s a gentleman."

Rowan almost scoffed. "Either he is dead long, or you are not effective enough. Both of you need to work on it."

"Brother!" Erin snapped, her voice laced with irritation. "I’m sure he’s just waiting for our wedding."

Rowan scoffed, his expression doubtful. "As long as you two give me some adorable nieces and nephews, I don’t care about the rest."

"We will..." Erin began, but her voice faltered. "...Of course, we will..."

Rowan shook his head as if unconvinced. "Make sure he at least holds your hand today without any reason. If not, you might want to think twice before marrying him."

"What kind of brother are you to say such things? Shouldn’t you be telling me to keep my distance from a man before we’re married?" she retorted, her brows knitting in annoyance.

"The kind of brother who actually cares about his sister’s happiness," he countered and glanced toward Lucian, who was conversing with the others, Rowan added, "Hmm, Lucian looks like an entirely healthy man." Then he looked back at Erin, and tilted her face gently by the chin, scrutinizing her features. "And you—are you not pretty enough to tempt him, little sister? That can’t be right. My sister is one of the most beautiful women in the kingdom."

Erin jerked her head away, clearly irritated. "You’re too much, brother."

"Tell me I’m wrong once you return," Rowan quipped, crossing his arms. "Looking at the two of you, I’d wager you’ll be back before sunset, let alone spend the night out there." He let out a scoff. "Gentleman? Bullshit! What’s the point of being a gentleman if you can’t show your woman how you feel? Or worse, if your woman doesn’t stir you at all."

Erin’s face flushed with anger. "Brother!"

"Alright, alright," Rowan relented, throwing up his hands. "It’s between you two. You chose each other—now whether you do or don’t do anything about it, that’s your business." With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Erin standing there, scowling after him.

Her gaze drifted toward Lucian, who was still talking with the others, his calm demeanor as steady as ever. Rowan’s words lingered in her mind, gnawing at her.

Does he really not feel that way about me?