Chapter 59 - Sincere Apology Chapter 58 - Hostage Queen Chapter 57 - Affectionate King Chapter 56 - Igor’s Wish Chapter 55 - He Cares For You Chapter 54 - Basil Chapter 53 - Garden Check (19) Chapter 52 - Maidenhood Gone (19) Chapter 51 - Taste of Wine (19) Chapter 50 - Tradition Annulled Chapter 49 - Yearning Kiss Chapter 48 - You’re Beautiful Chapter 47 - Dimi Over You Chapter 46 - I’m Sorry, Rihannan Chapter 45 - The Truth Chapter 44 - Anastasia’s Daughter Chapter 43 - I Owe It to Her Chapter 42 - Igor’s Clumsiest Best Chapter 41 - Queen’s Palace Chapter 40 - Human Nature Chapter 39 - Igor’s Debt Chapter 38 - The Medicine Chapter 37 - Women Love Flowers Chapter 36 - Public Disgrace Chapter 35 - A Wife Who Does Not Love Chapter 34 - He Liked Her, After All Chapter 33 - Are You Crying? Chapter 32 - You’re My Wife, I’ll Protect You Chapter 31 - Mother's Grave Chapter 30 - Rihannan and Arundell Chapter 29 - Your Majesty, Please Get Out Chapter 28 - Suicidal Impulse Chapter 27 - Igor’s Regret Chapter 26 - But Divorce Me a Year Later Chapter 25 - Long Time No See Chapter 24 - I’ll Kill You Myself Chapter 23 - I’ll Be Alright Chapter 22 - A Favor Chapter 21 - Danil Lyurik Chapter 20 - A Future Worse Chapter 19 - Suffer the Same Fate Chapter 18 - New Man Chapter 17 - The Dream Chapter 16 - There Was a Time... Chapter 15 - Young King Chapter 14 - Years Later Chapter 13 - If She Did Her Job Properly… Chapter 12 - Of Chrichton Blood Chapter 11 - I Don’t Want To Marry Chapter 10 - Life In Her Belly Chapter 9 - Dimitri Priebius Chapter 8 - The First and Last Chapter 7 - Feared Queen Chapter 6 - Send Them Out Chapter 5 - Wanting His Love Chapter 4 - Get Out Chapter 3 - Hertia Cesca Chapter 2 - Loveless Marriage Chapter 1 - Golden Bird’s Feather
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“It has been quite a while, Duchess Cesley. Rumor had it that you had returned to your estate, yet here you are,” the countess greeted with a smile, her words coated in a touch of sarcasm.
“Yes,” the duchess replied with a forced smile, her demeanor rigid. “I have come to serve the queen, Countess Lausanne, at the behest of His Majesty.”
The exchange between them was brief, but Rihannan discerned from the duchess’ tone that she harbored little fondness for the countess. The duchess was known for her outwardly kind words and smiles, but when it came to the countess, her hostility was unmistakable.
“Countess, how long did your journey take, and what delayed your arrival? I sent a letter to Her Majesty yesterday,” Rihannan inquired, her smile unyielding.
“Upon receiving your letter, Her Majesty expressed a fervent desire to see you again. That is why I am here today, Queen,” the countess responded.
She had adamantly declined, but the late queen refused to accept her refusal. Rihannan sighed. What a bother. It seemed impossible to avoid paying her a visit.
“Very well. I shall go see Her Majesty later…”
“Queen, Her Majesty wishes to meet you without delay.”
The countess’ remark elicited an immediate reaction from the duchess. “That is excessively sudden! Have you no sense of basic courtesy?”
The countess tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Basic courtesy? Is it impolite for Her Majesty, the eldest living member of the royal family, to desire an audience with her daughter-in-law? On the contrary, wouldn’t it be expected for her daughter-in-law to pay her respects to Her Majesty? It is merely an act of basic courtesy, Duchess.”
“Are you daring to find fault and blame Her Majesty?” the duchess retorted.
“She is not yet the queen, at least not officially. And Countess, do you realize that your attitude towards me has become increasingly disrespectful and irksome? Remember, I serve Her Majesty!”
Tension permeated the air, and Rihannan found herself compelled to intervene. “Enough from both of you.”
Both the countess and the duchess locked eyes, their gazes filled with hostility and malice. Yet, at Rihannan’s urging, they ceased their battle of glares.
Rihannan sighed. “Very well. I shall see Her Majesty immediately.”
“Queen!” the duchess protested vehemently.
“As the countess has stated, it is only natural for me to visit Her Majesty,” Rihannan reassured, trying to soothe the duchess’ concerns.
This time, she could not refuse the late queen’s request. Having sent her lady-in-waiting personally, if Rihannan were to reject this gesture, it would only further insult her. The duchess was well aware of this and could not easily deny Rihannan’s words.
With a resigned tone, she acquiesced, “Then I shall cancel today’s schedule, My Queen.”
Today, the merchants were scheduled to visit the royal palace so that Rihannan and the duchess could select fabrics and jewelry, as previously discussed. However, traveling to the seasonal palace where the late queen resided from the royal palace would consume two hours of their time.
This meant that Rihannan and the duchess would have no time to meet with the merchants.
“I shall prepare myself now.”
“No, Duchess, you need not accompany me,” Countess Lausanne interjected.
The duchess seethed, fixing a piercing glare on the countess. “I am Her Majesty’s maid-of-honor. Are you implying that I should not come? Countess?”
“Do you possess no shame, daring to set foot in the palace where Her Majesty resides? Or have you conveniently forgotten what you and your husband did to her?” the countess retorted with bitter words.
Rihannan soon understood why their relationship had grown so hostile. Among those who had opposed the late queen in the past six years were the deceased duke and the current duchess who served her. It was only natural for the countess to harbor bitter feelings towards the duchess.
“Then I shall go alone. Mrs. Cesley, please remain here.”
“Queen!” the duchess protested vehemently. “You would go there alone at a time like this, without His Majesty’s presence?”
“….She is my godmother. I owe it to myself to visit her at least once…”
“But…!”
Rihannan offered a gentle smile. “Fear not. I shall return before the day’s end. Do not worry excessively.”
The duchess knew she could not prevent Rihannan from leaving. Convinced that the situation was inevitable, she reluctantly stepped back.
“….I eagerly await your safe return, My Queen.”
Rihannan nodded and followed the countess into the carriage that would take them to the seasonal palace. Situated in the cool highlands, the palace served as a sanctuary for the late queen during the summer season, a place of reprieve and self-care during her pregnancies.
She had resided there for a whole month—a period filled with happiness. Igor visited her daily. Rihannan believed that things might change, that perhaps this was the beginning of their new chapter. But one day, Igor did not come. Driven by curiosity, she paid an unannounced visit to his palace and saw him with Leticia…
To shake off the painful memories, Rihannan gazed out of the carriage window. The road leading to the seasonal palace was adorned with fallen leaves. While autumn had long since arrived in Chrichton, Arundell was now transitioning to a new season.
The countess’s voice disrupted Rihannan’s contemplations as she admired the early autumn scenery. “Queen, Her Majesty has endured a series of unfortunate events from the past. It would bring her immense solace if you were to offer her consolation.”
Rihannan turned her gaze to the countess. She was a woman of few words, someone who had left little impression on Rihannan during their limited interactions. The only notable encounter had been when she delivered messages from the late queen. Yet now, it was the countess who sought Rihannan’s presence.
Rihannan wondered what had unfolded in Arundell during her six-year absence. She knew it would be futile to ask Igor for details. Perhaps the countess or the queen herself would shed light on the events.
“I have been away for six years. Upon my return, I find many things have changed, and I must admit, it is somewhat embarrassing to learn that Her Majesty has left the palace. What transpired, Countess?”
“….It is all because of His Majesty,” the countess began, her voice strained. “His Majesty unleashed a brutal assault on Her Majesty, seemingly out of the blue.”
The countess proceeded to elaborate. In his youth, Igor clandestinely sought Duke Cessley’s support, knowing of the duke’s animosity towards the late queen. This alliance led to a tax investigation that sent the queen’s loyal followers into a downward spiral.
The countess sighed. “No one could fathom what possessed Igor. It all began when he turned nineteen. His Majesty mercilessly dismantled the queen’s supporters. It happened so suddenly, like an unforeseen tempest, leaving Her Majesty no time to regain her footing. She felt betrayed… by her own son, no less. You cannot comprehend the depth of her anguish.”
“How long does Her Majesty intend to retain her hold on power?”
Rihannan had no intention of appearing supportive of Igor, but unintentionally, she did. She was well aware of the intense power struggle between the mother and son. However, now… the countess portrayed the late queen as a victim of tragedy. Rihannan found it difficult to believe. She knew that the queen l**ted for power and showed no hesitation in wielding it long after her son had become an adult capable of making sound decisions.
“Queen, do you believe Her Majesty intends to cling to the throne indefinitely? Then you are mistaken. She was biding her time. Her intention was to pass the reins to His Majesty when the opportune moment arrived.”
“But when will that moment come? Moreover, it is not solely up to Her Majesty to determine the timing. Shouldn’t Igor’s opinion also be given due consideration?” Rihannan inquired, meeting the countess’s gaze.
The countess regarded her intently.
“And let me make this clear, Countess. My visit to Her Majesty is to honor our past connections and out of respect for her relationship with my mother. If her sole purpose is to maneuver me for political gain, rest assured that I am not afraid to leave the palace without delay.”
Chapter 59 - Sincere Apology Chapter 58 - Hostage Queen Chapter 57 - Affectionate King Chapter 56 - Igor’s Wish Chapter 55 - He Cares For You Chapter 54 - Basil Chapter 53 - Garden Check (19) Chapter 52 - Maidenhood Gone (19) Chapter 51 - Taste of Wine (19) Chapter 50 - Tradition Annulled Chapter 49 - Yearning Kiss Chapter 48 - You’re Beautiful Chapter 47 - Dimi Over You Chapter 46 - I’m Sorry, Rihannan Chapter 45 - The Truth Chapter 44 - Anastasia’s Daughter Chapter 43 - I Owe It to Her Chapter 42 - Igor’s Clumsiest Best Chapter 41 - Queen’s Palace Chapter 40 - Human Nature Chapter 39 - Igor’s Debt Chapter 38 - The Medicine Chapter 37 - Women Love Flowers Chapter 36 - Public Disgrace Chapter 35 - A Wife Who Does Not Love Chapter 34 - He Liked Her, After All Chapter 33 - Are You Crying? Chapter 32 - You’re My Wife, I’ll Protect You Chapter 31 - Mother's Grave Chapter 30 - Rihannan and Arundell Chapter 29 - Your Majesty, Please Get Out Chapter 28 - Suicidal Impulse Chapter 27 - Igor’s Regret Chapter 26 - But Divorce Me a Year Later Chapter 25 - Long Time No See Chapter 24 - I’ll Kill You Myself Chapter 23 - I’ll Be Alright Chapter 22 - A Favor Chapter 21 - Danil Lyurik Chapter 20 - A Future Worse Chapter 19 - Suffer the Same Fate Chapter 18 - New Man Chapter 17 - The Dream Chapter 16 - There Was a Time... Chapter 15 - Young King Chapter 14 - Years Later Chapter 13 - If She Did Her Job Properly… Chapter 12 - Of Chrichton Blood Chapter 11 - I Don’t Want To Marry Chapter 10 - Life In Her Belly Chapter 9 - Dimitri Priebius Chapter 8 - The First and Last Chapter 7 - Feared Queen Chapter 6 - Send Them Out Chapter 5 - Wanting His Love Chapter 4 - Get Out Chapter 3 - Hertia Cesca Chapter 2 - Loveless Marriage Chapter 1 - Golden Bird’s Feather
Prev
Next
“It has been quite a while, Duchess Cesley. Rumor had it that you had returned to your estate, yet here you are,” the countess greeted with a smile, her words coated in a touch of sarcasm.
“Yes,” the duchess replied with a forced smile, her demeanor rigid. “I have come to serve the queen, Countess Lausanne, at the behest of His Majesty.”
The exchange between them was brief, but Rihannan discerned from the duchess’ tone that she harbored little fondness for the countess. The duchess was known for her outwardly kind words and smiles, but when it came to the countess, her hostility was unmistakable.
“Countess, how long did your journey take, and what delayed your arrival? I sent a letter to Her Majesty yesterday,” Rihannan inquired, her smile unyielding.
“Upon receiving your letter, Her Majesty expressed a fervent desire to see you again. That is why I am here today, Queen,” the countess responded.
She had adamantly declined, but the late queen refused to accept her refusal. Rihannan sighed. What a bother. It seemed impossible to avoid paying her a visit.
“Very well. I shall go see Her Majesty later…”
“Queen, Her Majesty wishes to meet you without delay.”
The countess’ remark elicited an immediate reaction from the duchess. “That is excessively sudden! Have you no sense of basic courtesy?”
The countess tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Basic courtesy? Is it impolite for Her Majesty, the eldest living member of the royal family, to desire an audience with her daughter-in-law? On the contrary, wouldn’t it be expected for her daughter-in-law to pay her respects to Her Majesty? It is merely an act of basic courtesy, Duchess.”
“Are you daring to find fault and blame Her Majesty?” the duchess retorted.
“She is not yet the queen, at least not officially. And Countess, do you realize that your attitude towards me has become increasingly disrespectful and irksome? Remember, I serve Her Majesty!”
Tension permeated the air, and Rihannan found herself compelled to intervene. “Enough from both of you.”
Both the countess and the duchess locked eyes, their gazes filled with hostility and malice. Yet, at Rihannan’s urging, they ceased their battle of glares.
Rihannan sighed. “Very well. I shall see Her Majesty immediately.”
“Queen!” the duchess protested vehemently.
“As the countess has stated, it is only natural for me to visit Her Majesty,” Rihannan reassured, trying to soothe the duchess’ concerns.
This time, she could not refuse the late queen’s request. Having sent her lady-in-waiting personally, if Rihannan were to reject this gesture, it would only further insult her. The duchess was well aware of this and could not easily deny Rihannan’s words.
With a resigned tone, she acquiesced, “Then I shall cancel today’s schedule, My Queen.”
Today, the merchants were scheduled to visit the royal palace so that Rihannan and the duchess could select fabrics and jewelry, as previously discussed. However, traveling to the seasonal palace where the late queen resided from the royal palace would consume two hours of their time.
This meant that Rihannan and the duchess would have no time to meet with the merchants.
“I shall prepare myself now.”
“No, Duchess, you need not accompany me,” Countess Lausanne interjected.
The duchess seethed, fixing a piercing glare on the countess. “I am Her Majesty’s maid-of-honor. Are you implying that I should not come? Countess?”
“Do you possess no shame, daring to set foot in the palace where Her Majesty resides? Or have you conveniently forgotten what you and your husband did to her?” the countess retorted with bitter words.
Rihannan soon understood why their relationship had grown so hostile. Among those who had opposed the late queen in the past six years were the deceased duke and the current duchess who served her. It was only natural for the countess to harbor bitter feelings towards the duchess.
“Then I shall go alone. Mrs. Cesley, please remain here.”
“Queen!” the duchess protested vehemently. “You would go there alone at a time like this, without His Majesty’s presence?”
“….She is my godmother. I owe it to myself to visit her at least once…”
“But…!”
Rihannan offered a gentle smile. “Fear not. I shall return before the day’s end. Do not worry excessively.”
The duchess knew she could not prevent Rihannan from leaving. Convinced that the situation was inevitable, she reluctantly stepped back.
“….I eagerly await your safe return, My Queen.”
Rihannan nodded and followed the countess into the carriage that would take them to the seasonal palace. Situated in the cool highlands, the palace served as a sanctuary for the late queen during the summer season, a place of reprieve and self-care during her pregnancies.
She had resided there for a whole month—a period filled with happiness. Igor visited her daily. Rihannan believed that things might change, that perhaps this was the beginning of their new chapter. But one day, Igor did not come. Driven by curiosity, she paid an unannounced visit to his palace and saw him with Leticia…
To shake off the painful memories, Rihannan gazed out of the carriage window. The road leading to the seasonal palace was adorned with fallen leaves. While autumn had long since arrived in Chrichton, Arundell was now transitioning to a new season.
The countess’s voice disrupted Rihannan’s contemplations as she admired the early autumn scenery. “Queen, Her Majesty has endured a series of unfortunate events from the past. It would bring her immense solace if you were to offer her consolation.”
Rihannan turned her gaze to the countess. She was a woman of few words, someone who had left little impression on Rihannan during their limited interactions. The only notable encounter had been when she delivered messages from the late queen. Yet now, it was the countess who sought Rihannan’s presence.
Rihannan wondered what had unfolded in Arundell during her six-year absence. She knew it would be futile to ask Igor for details. Perhaps the countess or the queen herself would shed light on the events.
“I have been away for six years. Upon my return, I find many things have changed, and I must admit, it is somewhat embarrassing to learn that Her Majesty has left the palace. What transpired, Countess?”
“….It is all because of His Majesty,” the countess began, her voice strained. “His Majesty unleashed a brutal assault on Her Majesty, seemingly out of the blue.”
The countess proceeded to elaborate. In his youth, Igor clandestinely sought Duke Cessley’s support, knowing of the duke’s animosity towards the late queen. This alliance led to a tax investigation that sent the queen’s loyal followers into a downward spiral.
The countess sighed. “No one could fathom what possessed Igor. It all began when he turned nineteen. His Majesty mercilessly dismantled the queen’s supporters. It happened so suddenly, like an unforeseen tempest, leaving Her Majesty no time to regain her footing. She felt betrayed… by her own son, no less. You cannot comprehend the depth of her anguish.”
“How long does Her Majesty intend to retain her hold on power?”
Rihannan had no intention of appearing supportive of Igor, but unintentionally, she did. She was well aware of the intense power struggle between the mother and son. However, now… the countess portrayed the late queen as a victim of tragedy. Rihannan found it difficult to believe. She knew that the queen l**ted for power and showed no hesitation in wielding it long after her son had become an adult capable of making sound decisions.
“Queen, do you believe Her Majesty intends to cling to the throne indefinitely? Then you are mistaken. She was biding her time. Her intention was to pass the reins to His Majesty when the opportune moment arrived.”
“But when will that moment come? Moreover, it is not solely up to Her Majesty to determine the timing. Shouldn’t Igor’s opinion also be given due consideration?” Rihannan inquired, meeting the countess’s gaze.
The countess regarded her intently.
“And let me make this clear, Countess. My visit to Her Majesty is to honor our past connections and out of respect for her relationship with my mother. If her sole purpose is to maneuver me for political gain, rest assured that I am not afraid to leave the palace without delay.”
