บท 303: Lady Ria Burton

Seren stepped aside, pretending to hug her husband's arm a little closer to her, though her real intention was to stop blocking Arlan's view of his mate. 

Sensing his gaze on her, Oriana looked up and felt a jolt. A pair of ocean blue eyes met her golden-flecked hazel ones. 

Her body froze and she lowered her gaze in alarm.

'I am caught! I should have known this disguise would not work!'

Just then, Arlan's deep voice pierced through her panic. 

"And this lady?" he asked while looking at Seren.

"She is one of my ladies-in-waiting, Ria Burton," Seren replied, knowing Arlan had already recognized Oriana but she acted along with him. 

"Lady Ria, this man is the Crown Prince of Griven, Arlan Cromwell."

"This lady is honored to meet the Crown Prince of Griven," Oriana spoke formally, her voice soft and delicate, imitating Xena's manner of speaking. It was a far cry from her regular voice, which had a more boyish timbre.