"Oriana, I have no desire to rush you, especially given the challenges of the past few days. However, I was wondering if you're ready to assume your duties as Crown Princess," Julien asked gently. "The women of the noble families are eager to meet you after your wedding."
"I will follow Mother's guidance," Oriana replied calmly, prompting a smile from Julien.
Arlan turned to Oriana, who was quietly eating. "It's quite unlike you to be so compliant, Oriana Verner."
"Arlan Cromwell, Have you forgotten she's your wife and she carries the name Cromwell now?" Julien corrected as she offered a displeased gaze to her son, "You should refer to her as Oriana Cromwell."
Arlan gazed at his mother with calm demeanour. "Mother, after spending two decades without a family name, she finally has one. Why would I strip her of that? It doesn't change the fact that she's a Cromwell—my wife, Oriana Cromwell. Our family register lists her under the Cromwell name anyway."
