The duchess swiftly regained her composure, wiping the laughter from her face and adopting a contemplative expression. She bowed and spoke, her voice tinged with regret, “I have disrespected you, My Queen. Please forgive me. It was never my intention to mock you. When I heard the late queen’s words, I thought, ‘His Majesty’s anxious concern is futile, after all.’ However, it does not excuse my disrespectful behavior.”
Rihannan tilted her head, surprised by the sudden mention of Igor’s name. “What does that mean?”
“His Majesty has been on edge and anxious since planning the national marriage,” the duchess replied, meeting Rihannan’s surprised gaze. She recalled the playful smile she had worn a while ago. “My Queen, I have lived in the royal palace with my late husband until his passing. Afterward, I chose to live a quiet life in the countryside, away from noble society. To be honest, I was content with the tranquility. However, a year ago, His Highness summoned me back to the palace and informed me of his intention to marry and the imminent arrival of a queen. His Majesty implored me to stay and assist you, my queen.”
“You were already aware that he would marry a woman from Chrichton?” Rihannan asked, her tone indifferent.
The duchess shook her head. “No, My Queen. His Majesty did not provide me with any further details. However, considering that he meticulously planned everything from the beginning, I assumed that our new queen would be of commoner background and might harbor doubts and concerns upon her return after years abroad.”
The duchess had misunderstood the specifics, believing that Igor intended to bring her back from the start. His focus had never been on her, but rather on the princess. However, Rihannan saw no need to correct the duchess. The situation was far too complicated.
“I will give you the answer to your previous question, My Queen. The truth is, the late queen was driven away by His Majesty.”
Wide-eyed, Rihannan stared at the duchess, her lips forming an ‘o.’ She had not anticipated such a straightforward response.
The duchess smiled and met Rihannan’s gaze. “Not only that, but His Majesty treats the late queen as if she never existed.”
“As if she doesn’t exist?”
“Yes, My Queen. His Majesty and the late queen have not seen each other in years. His Majesty has treated the late queen coldly for a long time. It was only natural for her to choose to move to another palace. I don’t believe there is a mother who can endure the cold and silent treatment from her own son. Furthermore, the late queen was once the most powerful figure in the country.”
Rihannan had never anticipated this. She knew how deeply Igor loved his mother, despite their differences and arguments. She had witnessed him caring for her from a distance.
The notion of Igor treating the late queen with such cold indifference as if she never existed seemed irrational. Furthermore, had he not ascended to the throne relatively smoothly in this timeline? It seemed… implausible that his hatred for the late queen would reach such extremes.
“The people of the kingdom believe that the powerful queen was ousted by her own son, the king. My Queen, I believe you are aware of what everyone in this kingdom knows. Do you have any further questions? I will do my best to answer them.”
Rihannan surmised that the duchess would offer the same monotonous words as her previous maid of honor, acting as a puppet. Most maid of honors exhibited similar characters and demeanor, but the duchess was different.
“Why did you accept the position of maid of honor?” Rihannan inquired.
She knew that the duchess had preferred the quiet life in the countryside after her husband’s passing. The vibrant atmosphere of the capital did not suit her. There must have been a reason that compelled her to remain in the capital.
“It is not because I owe His Majesty, but rather, it is the other way around,” the duchess replied.
Rihannan’s eyes trembled.
The duchess continued, “My husband and I supported the young and a single word from me could sway the decisions and opinions of the aristocrats. I recognized the king’s potential. My eyes have often been perceptive, My Queen. His Majesty is well aware of this strength of mine. After my husband’s passing, His Majesty requested that I remain in the capital, but I refused. I left for the countryside, hoping to spend the rest of king when we were compelled to choose a side. I persuaded my husband, who was torn between supporting the queen or the young king at the time. I held a prominent position in noble society, my days in serene solitude. And then, as if it were destined… I returned to the capital…”
A bright smile spread across the duchess’s face, resembling a blossoming spring flower. Rihannan could discern the happiness emanating from within her, illuminating her eyes and permeating her being.
“My Queen, I was curious. I was curious about the woman who made the king so anxious that he hurriedly prepared everything according to his plans… Rumors had spread throughout the kingdom, suggesting that His Majesty had no interest in women but instead preferred men. We were prepared for that possibility, ready to accept his declaration and his announcement to the subjects that he was fond of men. However…” The duchess chuckled, “it turned out not to be the case. In any case, the king appeared distressed and burdened with worries about whether his queen would fit in well. But it seems His Majesty need not worry. You are strong, My Queen. Your courage in asking me that question as soon as you arrived leaves no doubt in my mind that you will navigate the treacherous waters of the aristocrats with malicious intent.”
The duchess paused for a moment, her flickering eyes sparkling with excitement.
“However, My Queen, you do not trust me, and I know nothing about you. I understand. So, how about this… why don’t we spend the remaining month before the wedding getting to know each other? Doesn’t that sound like a reasonable idea?”
“Princess, you don’t know me. Aren’t you curious to discover the kind of person I am? Why don’t we spend the remaining time getting to know each other?”
Rihannan had once spoken similar words to Helena after brushing her platinum hair. Helena had been accustomed to people who asked for her unconditional trust or expressed their unwavering loyalty, willing to follow her to the ends of the earth. Rihannan’s proposition had been refreshing. No one had ever told Helena to experience and judge for herself. And now, the duchess was offering Rihannan the same opportunity she had asked of Helena.
“You have been away from Arundell for some time, and things have changed. You will navigate the unknown, My Queen, and you will need assistance, if not from me. Once you deem me trustworthy, I will stand by your side, My Queen. If not, then we shall part ways.”
Rihannan considered herself fortunate for being able to see through Helena’s sincerity. The duchess must have felt the same way. Because of Helena, Rihannan had learned many lessons, enabling her to accept the duchess’s proposal positively.
Rihannan smiled softly and extended her hand.
The duchess understood her gesture and kissed the back of Rihannan’s hand.
“Please take care of me from now on, Duchess.”
The duchess responded with a gentle smile.
Together, they proceeded to the Queen’s Palace.
***
As morning arrived, Rihannan’s eyes met antique paintings adorning the walls, a stark contrast to the Chrichtonites’ penchant for embellishing their walls and ceilings with various objects.
Rihannan sat up and let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, she had feared she had returned to the past, reliving the nightmares with eyes wide open.
She glanced out the window. It was early dawn. She had tossed and turned in bed late into the night, afraid of returning to that cold, harrowing prison. She was afraid that perhaps all of this was just an illusion. Rihannan curled up on the bed, bringing her knees close to her forehead.
Was it the absence of the discarded drugs that led her to harbor such thoughts? Or was it the unfamiliar environment? She feared her dreams, her nightmares. Last night, she had seen Igor’s face and felt his icy demeanor. But Rihannan was accustomed to this. It was fine. And then, she saw her father’s face with Leticia clinging to him, his back turned to her as if she had been abandoned…
Her heart shattered, and she awoke from her sleep, crying out in pain, fearing she had returned to the past. Fortunately, it was not so.
As the sun gradually rose, the room grew brighter. A knock sounded from the other side of the door, and the maids entered upon receiving her response.
“Your Majesty, would you like a facial cleanse or a bath prepared?”
Rihannan studied the faces of her ladies-in-waiting, whom she had not had a chance to observe closely the previous night. None of them had attended to her in the past. It appeared that the people in the palace had undergone significant changes beyond her expectations.
“A facial cleanse will suffice.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We will prepare it immediately.”
“And what about Mrs. Cesley?”
“She will be here shortly, Your Majesty.”
The duchess swiftly regained her composure, wiping the laughter from her face and adopting a contemplative expression. She bowed and spoke, her voice tinged with regret, “I have disrespected you, My Queen. Please forgive me. It was never my intention to mock you. When I heard the late queen’s words, I thought, ‘His Majesty’s anxious concern is futile, after all.’ However, it does not excuse my disrespectful behavior.”
Rihannan tilted her head, surprised by the sudden mention of Igor’s name. “What does that mean?”
“His Majesty has been on edge and anxious since planning the national marriage,” the duchess replied, meeting Rihannan’s surprised gaze. She recalled the playful smile she had worn a while ago. “My Queen, I have lived in the royal palace with my late husband until his passing. Afterward, I chose to live a quiet life in the countryside, away from noble society. To be honest, I was content with the tranquility. However, a year ago, His Highness summoned me back to the palace and informed me of his intention to marry and the imminent arrival of a queen. His Majesty implored me to stay and assist you, my queen.”
“You were already aware that he would marry a woman from Chrichton?” Rihannan asked, her tone indifferent.
The duchess shook her head. “No, My Queen. His Majesty did not provide me with any further details. However, considering that he meticulously planned everything from the beginning, I assumed that our new queen would be of commoner background and might harbor doubts and concerns upon her return after years abroad.”
The duchess had misunderstood the specifics, believing that Igor intended to bring her back from the start. His focus had never been on her, but rather on the princess. However, Rihannan saw no need to correct the duchess. The situation was far too complicated.
“I will give you the answer to your previous question, My Queen. The truth is, the late queen was driven away by His Majesty.”
Wide-eyed, Rihannan stared at the duchess, her lips forming an ‘o.’ She had not anticipated such a straightforward response.
The duchess smiled and met Rihannan’s gaze. “Not only that, but His Majesty treats the late queen as if she never existed.”
“As if she doesn’t exist?”
“Yes, My Queen. His Majesty and the late queen have not seen each other in years. His Majesty has treated the late queen coldly for a long time. It was only natural for her to choose to move to another palace. I don’t believe there is a mother who can endure the cold and silent treatment from her own son. Furthermore, the late queen was once the most powerful figure in the country.”
Rihannan had never anticipated this. She knew how deeply Igor loved his mother, despite their differences and arguments. She had witnessed him caring for her from a distance.
The notion of Igor treating the late queen with such cold indifference as if she never existed seemed irrational. Furthermore, had he not ascended to the throne relatively smoothly in this timeline? It seemed… implausible that his hatred for the late queen would reach such extremes.
“The people of the kingdom believe that the powerful queen was ousted by her own son, the king. My Queen, I believe you are aware of what everyone in this kingdom knows. Do you have any further questions? I will do my best to answer them.”
Rihannan surmised that the duchess would offer the same monotonous words as her previous maid of honor, acting as a puppet. Most maid of honors exhibited similar characters and demeanor, but the duchess was different.
“Why did you accept the position of maid of honor?” Rihannan inquired.
She knew that the duchess had preferred the quiet life in the countryside after her husband’s passing. The vibrant atmosphere of the capital did not suit her. There must have been a reason that compelled her to remain in the capital.
“It is not because I owe His Majesty, but rather, it is the other way around,” the duchess replied.
Rihannan’s eyes trembled.
The duchess continued, “My husband and I supported the young and a single word from me could sway the decisions and opinions of the aristocrats. I recognized the king’s potential. My eyes have often been perceptive, My Queen. His Majesty is well aware of this strength of mine. After my husband’s passing, His Majesty requested that I remain in the capital, but I refused. I left for the countryside, hoping to spend the rest of king when we were compelled to choose a side. I persuaded my husband, who was torn between supporting the queen or the young king at the time. I held a prominent position in noble society, my days in serene solitude. And then, as if it were destined… I returned to the capital…”
A bright smile spread across the duchess’s face, resembling a blossoming spring flower. Rihannan could discern the happiness emanating from within her, illuminating her eyes and permeating her being.
“My Queen, I was curious. I was curious about the woman who made the king so anxious that he hurriedly prepared everything according to his plans… Rumors had spread throughout the kingdom, suggesting that His Majesty had no interest in women but instead preferred men. We were prepared for that possibility, ready to accept his declaration and his announcement to the subjects that he was fond of men. However…” The duchess chuckled, “it turned out not to be the case. In any case, the king appeared distressed and burdened with worries about whether his queen would fit in well. But it seems His Majesty need not worry. You are strong, My Queen. Your courage in asking me that question as soon as you arrived leaves no doubt in my mind that you will navigate the treacherous waters of the aristocrats with malicious intent.”
The duchess paused for a moment, her flickering eyes sparkling with excitement.
“However, My Queen, you do not trust me, and I know nothing about you. I understand. So, how about this… why don’t we spend the remaining month before the wedding getting to know each other? Doesn’t that sound like a reasonable idea?”
“Princess, you don’t know me. Aren’t you curious to discover the kind of person I am? Why don’t we spend the remaining time getting to know each other?”
Rihannan had once spoken similar words to Helena after brushing her platinum hair. Helena had been accustomed to people who asked for her unconditional trust or expressed their unwavering loyalty, willing to follow her to the ends of the earth. Rihannan’s proposition had been refreshing. No one had ever told Helena to experience and judge for herself. And now, the duchess was offering Rihannan the same opportunity she had asked of Helena.
“You have been away from Arundell for some time, and things have changed. You will navigate the unknown, My Queen, and you will need assistance, if not from me. Once you deem me trustworthy, I will stand by your side, My Queen. If not, then we shall part ways.”
Rihannan considered herself fortunate for being able to see through Helena’s sincerity. The duchess must have felt the same way. Because of Helena, Rihannan had learned many lessons, enabling her to accept the duchess’s proposal positively.
Rihannan smiled softly and extended her hand.
The duchess understood her gesture and kissed the back of Rihannan’s hand.
“Please take care of me from now on, Duchess.”
The duchess responded with a gentle smile.
Together, they proceeded to the Queen’s Palace.
***
As morning arrived, Rihannan’s eyes met antique paintings adorning the walls, a stark contrast to the Chrichtonites’ penchant for embellishing their walls and ceilings with various objects.
Rihannan sat up and let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, she had feared she had returned to the past, reliving the nightmares with eyes wide open.
She glanced out the window. It was early dawn. She had tossed and turned in bed late into the night, afraid of returning to that cold, harrowing prison. She was afraid that perhaps all of this was just an illusion. Rihannan curled up on the bed, bringing her knees close to her forehead.
Was it the absence of the discarded drugs that led her to harbor such thoughts? Or was it the unfamiliar environment? She feared her dreams, her nightmares. Last night, she had seen Igor’s face and felt his icy demeanor. But Rihannan was accustomed to this. It was fine. And then, she saw her father’s face with Leticia clinging to him, his back turned to her as if she had been abandoned…
Her heart shattered, and she awoke from her sleep, crying out in pain, fearing she had returned to the past. Fortunately, it was not so.
As the sun gradually rose, the room grew brighter. A knock sounded from the other side of the door, and the maids entered upon receiving her response.
“Your Majesty, would you like a facial cleanse or a bath prepared?”
Rihannan studied the faces of her ladies-in-waiting, whom she had not had a chance to observe closely the previous night. None of them had attended to her in the past. It appeared that the people in the palace had undergone significant changes beyond her expectations.
“A facial cleanse will suffice.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We will prepare it immediately.”
“And what about Mrs. Cesley?”
“She will be here shortly, Your Majesty.”
