Arlan and Oriana made their way back to their separate residences following their visit to the lake. In the meantime, rumors about the Crown Prince taking his betrothed to the lake and the intimate moments they shared had spread like wildfire, effectively dispelling the earlier negative speculation about the Crown Prince's treatment of his intended.
The news of this development also reached the Oak Palace.
"Is this true?" the King inquired with a cheerful tone as he gazed at his attendant, Garian.
"Yes, Your Majesty. It appears the Crown Prince and his betrothed have come to an understanding," Garian replied.
The King nodded, but the smile on his face was short-lived as he muttered, "Arlan is not one to yield easily, and she is quite the same. The more I think about it..."
The King turned back to Garian. "Any signs of discord between them?"
