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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The countess, her face pallid and distorted, glanced at Rihannan for a moment before uttering, “Her Majesty’s judgment was misguided. Well, that was in the distant past…”
Rihannan regarded her curiously. “What do you mean?”
“My Queen, you are different… more than I had anticipated. You possess a resilience within you,” she sighed, “and there is no need for concern. All that remains of Her Majesty is the spirit of a once mighty tiger, now toothless and pawless, yearning only for tranquility in her remaining years. If you can offer her solace, then it is well.”
With those words, the countess averted her gaze, sealing her lips shut and refusing to say anything further.
Rihannan, too, remained silent until they reached the palace.
“Welcome, Rihannan,” the queen greeted her at the entrance. As soon as Rihannan stepped out of the carriage, the queen rushed toward her and enveloped her in a warm, affectionate embrace. Rihannan smiled and reciprocated the gesture, her arms encircling the queen’s shoulders.
“It has been a while, Your Majesty. How have you been?” Rihannan inquired, her tone measured.
The queen smiled with a tinge of bitterness. “…..I’m sure you are aware of what has transpired.”
The queen appeared much older, bearing the weight of the suffering she had endured.
Rihannan took both of her hands in hers, gently caressing them with her thumb. “Yes, I have heard fragments of the tale. I hope you have been well.”
The queen beamed at her words. “Rhia, how can you remain so kind and amicable? You are truly your mother’s daughter. Anastasia would console me in times of hardship, always prioritizing others over herself. And… as you grow older, you resemble her more and more. It feels like stepping back into the old days.”
She clutched Rihannan’s hand and led her inside the palace.
“You must be weary. Come, I am rather excited as well. It has been a while since I had a guest. There are countless stories I wish to hear from you.”
Rihannan smiled.
The queen was still the same, occasionally letting her guard down and embracing moments of carefree joy. Though such instances were rare.
Rihannan took a seat beside the queen.
“So, how has life treated you in Chrichton? When I heard that you had returned following Anastasia’s passing, I was taken aback. I had expected you to remain in Arundell.”
“It was sudden, indeed. I apologize,” Rihannan replied.
“Yes, it was sudden, but what surprised me even more was Count Alessin. I never realized you had that side to you, Rihannan.”
Rihannan smiled wryly. Yes… that would have been cause for surprise. The queen had always viewed her as a calm and reserved child since their initial meeting, never one to take the initiative.
“In a man’s mind, angels and demons, fire and water, coexist,” Rihannan remarked.
The queen nodded sagely. “Indeed. Human beings harbor various facets within them. They can love and hate something or someone simultaneously.”
The queen took a sip of her tea and let out a soft chuckle.
Rihannan sensed the forced nature of the laughter. Behind the queen’s facade, she knew that loneliness consumed her.
“I was surprised to learn that you returned with Igor. To some extent, I had expected it.”
Rihannan regarded her with astonishment. “You expected it? How?”
How did she know?
“Igor has harbored feelings for you since you were both young children. Thus, I believed that you would eventually become his queen.”
Rihannan was taken aback.
The queen tilted her head. “Did you not know? He has held affection for you for a long time. He likes you. Consistently, persistently, unyieldingly. You have taken my son’s breath away, Rihannan.”
“…..That cannot be.”
Rihannan hurriedly shook her head. There must have been a misunderstanding. The queen knew nothing of their past life.
“I have no choice but to return to Arundell. It is definitely not as Her Majesty believes.”
The queen smiled knowingly. “That is because you do not yet know Igor. He possesses the blood of Chrichton. He has an ardent desire and an obsession to pursue his own ambitions. He will never do anything he does not want to do. If he truly had no inkling of feelings for you, he would not marry you. It is in his nature, stemming from the Chrichton bloodline.”
The queen’s words echoed those spoken to her before. Rihannan had believed them to be empty words of solace at the time, but now she realized they held a different meaning.
“I had contemplated matching you with Igor from the very beginning. Thus, I intentionally requested Anastasia to bring you to the palace, hoping that you and Igor would find compatibility. Was it because of you that his clothes were torn and dirty during your first encounter? He did something for you, didn’t he?”
Rihannan flinched, covering her mouth in shock. “…..You knew all along?”
“Yes. To be honest, I was surprised. Igor rarely showed interest in others. You left a deep impression on his heart and soul. Whenever you visited the palace, Igor always wore a sour expression, yearning to escape. But I knew it was a mere façade. Igor is skilled at concealing his emotions. Basil could never find him unless he wished to be found. Yet, whenever you were present in the palace, Igor was there, in close proximity to you.”
The queen wore a fleeting smile upon her lips.
Words escaped Rihannan’s mouth in response to this sudden revelation.
“…..And look at you now, Rihannan. You have grown, and so has my son. I never expected him to wage such an assault on Chrichton.”
“Yes. And this is the outcome,” Rihannan remarked.
“It will suffice for now. I am sure he takes pride in having a defeated kingdom bow before him. However, I believe it is a short-sighted perspective. Would Chrichton be willing to maintain a stable and amicable relationship as before? It is already fortunate that matters did not turn out worse.” The queen’s voice lowered. Although Arundell emerged victorious in the war against Chrichton, she appeared not joyous, but rather distraught.
Rihannan pondered. She had always questioned the queen’s choices concerning Chrichton. The queen possessed wisdom and insight, yet when it came to Chrichton, her decisions seemed incomprehensible. She confronted the Toulouse Empire with unwavering confidence but displayed hesitation when it concerned Chrichton. Rihannan believed it was due to the kingdom’s foundational support from the neighboring nation, but even after attaining considerable power, the queen refused to sever her ties with Chrichton, thereby igniting a conflict with Igor.
“Do you desire to see Arundell subjugated to Chrichton?”
In the past, Rihannan would never have dreamt of posing such a question. Even she was surprised.
The queen smiled subtly. “What do you think? Rihannan, do I strike you as someone who would sell the kingdom for personal gain?”
Rihannan glanced at the queen momentarily before shaking her head. “No, I do not believe so. If you were that type of person, you would not have abdicated during the civil war. I heard rumors that you were the one who proposed the treaty first, unable to bear witness to the kingdom’s devastation any longer. I do not think you would allow Arundell to crumble.”
The queen smiled. “Indeed.”
“I may not know your innermost thoughts, Your Majesty, but I believe that Igor’s pursuits are justified. Chrichton had plans to expand its maritime influence, fearing that the Toulouse Empire would sabotage all land routes. While Arundell and Chrichton were allies, Chrichton would be reluctant to relinquish the trade routes it had secured. Igor’s actions will only serve to strengthen Arundell’s prosperity.”
Rihannan had much to say about Igor, but when it came to the welfare of Arundell, he was someone she could trust. If only he were a tyrant… despising him would be easier.
“Yes, you are correct. You think I am unaware of this, Rihannan?” The queen gazed out the window, a dreamy expression crossing her face. “I had grand visions for this kingdom, dreams that no one else could fathom. Yes… there is no need to hide anymore…”
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she peered into Rihannan’s blue eyes.
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
The countess, her face pallid and distorted, glanced at Rihannan for a moment before uttering, “Her Majesty’s judgment was misguided. Well, that was in the distant past…”
Rihannan regarded her curiously. “What do you mean?”
“My Queen, you are different… more than I had anticipated. You possess a resilience within you,” she sighed, “and there is no need for concern. All that remains of Her Majesty is the spirit of a once mighty tiger, now toothless and pawless, yearning only for tranquility in her remaining years. If you can offer her solace, then it is well.”
With those words, the countess averted her gaze, sealing her lips shut and refusing to say anything further.
Rihannan, too, remained silent until they reached the palace.
“Welcome, Rihannan,” the queen greeted her at the entrance. As soon as Rihannan stepped out of the carriage, the queen rushed toward her and enveloped her in a warm, affectionate embrace. Rihannan smiled and reciprocated the gesture, her arms encircling the queen’s shoulders.
“It has been a while, Your Majesty. How have you been?” Rihannan inquired, her tone measured.
The queen smiled with a tinge of bitterness. “…..I’m sure you are aware of what has transpired.”
The queen appeared much older, bearing the weight of the suffering she had endured.
Rihannan took both of her hands in hers, gently caressing them with her thumb. “Yes, I have heard fragments of the tale. I hope you have been well.”
The queen beamed at her words. “Rhia, how can you remain so kind and amicable? You are truly your mother’s daughter. Anastasia would console me in times of hardship, always prioritizing others over herself. And… as you grow older, you resemble her more and more. It feels like stepping back into the old days.”
She clutched Rihannan’s hand and led her inside the palace.
“You must be weary. Come, I am rather excited as well. It has been a while since I had a guest. There are countless stories I wish to hear from you.”
Rihannan smiled.
The queen was still the same, occasionally letting her guard down and embracing moments of carefree joy. Though such instances were rare.
Rihannan took a seat beside the queen.
“So, how has life treated you in Chrichton? When I heard that you had returned following Anastasia’s passing, I was taken aback. I had expected you to remain in Arundell.”
“It was sudden, indeed. I apologize,” Rihannan replied.
“Yes, it was sudden, but what surprised me even more was Count Alessin. I never realized you had that side to you, Rihannan.”
Rihannan smiled wryly. Yes… that would have been cause for surprise. The queen had always viewed her as a calm and reserved child since their initial meeting, never one to take the initiative.
“In a man’s mind, angels and demons, fire and water, coexist,” Rihannan remarked.
The queen nodded sagely. “Indeed. Human beings harbor various facets within them. They can love and hate something or someone simultaneously.”
The queen took a sip of her tea and let out a soft chuckle.
Rihannan sensed the forced nature of the laughter. Behind the queen’s facade, she knew that loneliness consumed her.
“I was surprised to learn that you returned with Igor. To some extent, I had expected it.”
Rihannan regarded her with astonishment. “You expected it? How?”
How did she know?
“Igor has harbored feelings for you since you were both young children. Thus, I believed that you would eventually become his queen.”
Rihannan was taken aback.
The queen tilted her head. “Did you not know? He has held affection for you for a long time. He likes you. Consistently, persistently, unyieldingly. You have taken my son’s breath away, Rihannan.”
“…..That cannot be.”
Rihannan hurriedly shook her head. There must have been a misunderstanding. The queen knew nothing of their past life.
“I have no choice but to return to Arundell. It is definitely not as Her Majesty believes.”
The queen smiled knowingly. “That is because you do not yet know Igor. He possesses the blood of Chrichton. He has an ardent desire and an obsession to pursue his own ambitions. He will never do anything he does not want to do. If he truly had no inkling of feelings for you, he would not marry you. It is in his nature, stemming from the Chrichton bloodline.”
The queen’s words echoed those spoken to her before. Rihannan had believed them to be empty words of solace at the time, but now she realized they held a different meaning.
“I had contemplated matching you with Igor from the very beginning. Thus, I intentionally requested Anastasia to bring you to the palace, hoping that you and Igor would find compatibility. Was it because of you that his clothes were torn and dirty during your first encounter? He did something for you, didn’t he?”
Rihannan flinched, covering her mouth in shock. “…..You knew all along?”
“Yes. To be honest, I was surprised. Igor rarely showed interest in others. You left a deep impression on his heart and soul. Whenever you visited the palace, Igor always wore a sour expression, yearning to escape. But I knew it was a mere façade. Igor is skilled at concealing his emotions. Basil could never find him unless he wished to be found. Yet, whenever you were present in the palace, Igor was there, in close proximity to you.”
The queen wore a fleeting smile upon her lips.
Words escaped Rihannan’s mouth in response to this sudden revelation.
“…..And look at you now, Rihannan. You have grown, and so has my son. I never expected him to wage such an assault on Chrichton.”
“Yes. And this is the outcome,” Rihannan remarked.
“It will suffice for now. I am sure he takes pride in having a defeated kingdom bow before him. However, I believe it is a short-sighted perspective. Would Chrichton be willing to maintain a stable and amicable relationship as before? It is already fortunate that matters did not turn out worse.” The queen’s voice lowered. Although Arundell emerged victorious in the war against Chrichton, she appeared not joyous, but rather distraught.
Rihannan pondered. She had always questioned the queen’s choices concerning Chrichton. The queen possessed wisdom and insight, yet when it came to Chrichton, her decisions seemed incomprehensible. She confronted the Toulouse Empire with unwavering confidence but displayed hesitation when it concerned Chrichton. Rihannan believed it was due to the kingdom’s foundational support from the neighboring nation, but even after attaining considerable power, the queen refused to sever her ties with Chrichton, thereby igniting a conflict with Igor.
“Do you desire to see Arundell subjugated to Chrichton?”
In the past, Rihannan would never have dreamt of posing such a question. Even she was surprised.
The queen smiled subtly. “What do you think? Rihannan, do I strike you as someone who would sell the kingdom for personal gain?”
Rihannan glanced at the queen momentarily before shaking her head. “No, I do not believe so. If you were that type of person, you would not have abdicated during the civil war. I heard rumors that you were the one who proposed the treaty first, unable to bear witness to the kingdom’s devastation any longer. I do not think you would allow Arundell to crumble.”
The queen smiled. “Indeed.”
“I may not know your innermost thoughts, Your Majesty, but I believe that Igor’s pursuits are justified. Chrichton had plans to expand its maritime influence, fearing that the Toulouse Empire would sabotage all land routes. While Arundell and Chrichton were allies, Chrichton would be reluctant to relinquish the trade routes it had secured. Igor’s actions will only serve to strengthen Arundell’s prosperity.”
Rihannan had much to say about Igor, but when it came to the welfare of Arundell, he was someone she could trust. If only he were a tyrant… despising him would be easier.
“Yes, you are correct. You think I am unaware of this, Rihannan?” The queen gazed out the window, a dreamy expression crossing her face. “I had grand visions for this kingdom, dreams that no one else could fathom. Yes… there is no need to hide anymore…”
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she peered into Rihannan’s blue eyes.
