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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“Rihannan, what do you envision will unfold if a tragic fate befalls Chrichton’s immediate royal members?” The Queen posed a hypothetical scenario, delving into the realm of potential future realities.
“What do you mean by that? Why would you…” Rihannan’s voice trailed off, confusion etching her features.
“What do you believe will occur?” the Queen pressed, her gaze fixed on Rihannan.
Rihannan closed her eyes, contemplating the question. “….The throne would pass to Igor.”
In both Arundell and Chrichton, the illegitimate children of royals and their concubines held no claim to the title of king or queen. This tradition stemmed from the ancient empire.
“Yes. If all the immediate male members of the royal family were to perish, the king’s illegitimate children would have no right to the throne. Furthermore, according to the laws of succession, no female royals would be recognized as successors. Consequently, the rights to the throne would pass to another direct line of the royal family. Can you guess which line that would be?” A smile tugged at the corners of the Queen’s lips.
“Igor would ascend as the king of Chrichton… and jointly rule over the two kingdoms,” Rihannan replied, her voice laced with trepidation. “But why…”
“Rihannan, my mother was a Chrichtonite princess. Chrichton blood flows within Igor. As long as relations between Arundell and Chrichton remain favorable, Igor possesses the qualifications to claim the throne should the royal members meet an unfortunate end. If Igor could merge the powers of both Arundell and Chrichton, it would no longer be a distant dream to establish an empire capable of opposing the Toulouse Empire.”
Rihannan locked eyes with the Queen, her heart pounding in her chest. The Queen’s musings held weight. Igor was the legitimate heir, and in terms of genealogical purity, he held precedence over Dimitri. Igor’s lineage traced directly back to Carl the 1st, whose descendants formed the direct line of the royal family. On the other hand, Rihannan and Dimitri were descendants of the Preibius ancestry, stemming from Carl the 1st’s brother.
Rihannan had never entertained such thoughts. The issue of lineage background would inevitably arise should all the direct royal members of Chrichton fall victim to the plague.
Memories of Dimitri’s coronation flooded Rihannan’s mind. At the time, she was pregnant and taking respite in the seasonal palace, isolated from official affairs. She had remained oblivious to the outside world. If lineage issues were at play, the chances of her overlooking them were high.
The teacup in Rihannan’s grasp trembled. The Queen had been harboring dangerous thoughts for an extended period. Since when?
“But Your Majesty, it is practically impossible. The Crown Prince is healthy and vigorous, and there are several immediate male members in the royal family.”
“….Yes, and with the deterioration of relations with Chrichton, it has become an unattainable dream,” the Queen sighed heavily, her gaze drifting out the window, her expression vacant. “Igor would not follow me even if such a scenario were to unfold. I held hopes… he used to be somewhat rebellious, but never to this extent. It all began when the palace was thrown into turmoil by his sudden disappearance. And then he returned…”
“….I’m not entirely following,” Rihannan inquired, her curiosity piqued.
The Queen’s authority was the pillar of the kingdom, her strength and means to exercise power. Rihannan could not comprehend how Igor had slipped from her grasp without notice. He had always been under the most stringent protection.
“Everyone kept their mouths shut. No one except for a select few confidants knew of Igor’s disappearance,” the Queen confessed, her gaze dropping to her teacup as she sighed once more.
“Why did he go missing? Was he abducted?”
“No. Given Basil’s demeanor, he disappeared clandestinely with Igor, but he refused to divulge the details to me. Regardless, I paid it little mind. I was relieved when he returned safely, but since then, everything has changed,” the Queen’s brow furrowed as she recalled the painful memories. “He looks at me as though I were a murderer, as if I had taken someone dear away from him. That is the nature of our relationship now, Rihannan.”
The Queen let out a desolate laugh, filled with bitterness.
“And fear not, I have relinquished all hope of making a comeback. My limbs have been severed, my loyal supporters and people destroyed. What more can I do but spend the remainder of my days like this? I have long since abandoned any ambitions. I did not summon you here with ill intentions. I simply wished to see you. You remind me so much of your mother. At times, I glimpse traces of her soul within you. She was a kind-hearted woman.”
The Queen reached out and gently patted Rihannan’s cheek, her eyes brimming with tears. Her aged face spoke volumes, telling tales of trials and tribulations. She had left her dreams scattered in the annals of history, never to see their culmination. She had built her kingdom upon shattered spines and blood, but it was no more.
Rihannan felt the sincerity in her words. She clasped the Queen’s hand tightly and whispered affectionately, “I am also overjoyed to see you again.”
The room grew dim as the blue haze of daylight faded, giving way to the twinkle of stars. The Queen’s nostalgic reminiscences reached their conclusion, and Rihannan bid her farewell. However, as she prepared to depart, a thunderous roar filled the air, accompanied by a torrential downpour. The roads would be treacherously muddy and perilous at this hour. The Queen dissuaded Rihannan from leaving, and she reluctantly nodded, choosing to spend the night there.
Guided by the Queen, Rihannan was shown to the guest room where she would sleep. Attentive maids attended to her every need. After a refreshing bath, she sank onto the bed, tossing and turning, unable to find rest. Time seemed to stretch infinitely, and her mind became consumed by dark thoughts. Eventually, sleep overcame her, plunging her into a realm of profound darkness.
She awoke to an unfamiliar commotion outside the palace walls.
The pitter-patter of rain had ceased long ago, replaced by a soft illumination filtering through the gaps in the curtains. Rihannan surveyed her surroundings, her gaze settling on the figure that burst through the door.
“….Your Majesty?”
It was Igor. His purple eyes scanned the room before landing on her face, relief washing over his features, swiftly replaced by an impassive mask.
Rihannan grew anxious at the sight of his cold demeanor.
His black cape clung to him, dripping with water. A black sword hung from his waist.
Rihannan pursed her lips, her words catching in her throat. “What are you…”
Igor turned abruptly, his gaze sharp and focused.
“Get dressed. You have a minute,” he spat out hurriedly.
Rihannan stood there in nothing more than thin pajamas.
Igor closed the door and left, prompting her to hurriedly cover herself, a rush of subconscious modesty flooding her.
She remained oblivious to the events unfolding outside. The only thing she could focus on was obeying Igor’s instructions and hastily dressing herself in a set of clothes, layering them with a coat. She stepped out of the room, uncertain of what had transpired.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed her wrist, jerking her to a halt.
“Your Majesty!”
She had no opportunity to protest as Igor held her hand tightly, guiding her forward. His long strides were difficult to match, and his expression seemed on the verge of eruption.
“Stop this instant, Igor!”
A loud, clamoring voice echoed from behind. Igor halted, turning around and pulling Rihannan behind him.
It was the Queen. Clad in her pajamas and a wide shawl, she appeared to have been roused from sleep only moments ago.
“How dare you? How dare you cause such a commotion in the middle of the night?” Anger radiated from her, her face contorted with fury. Never before had she experienced her son or anyone trespassing upon her abode in such a manner. Igor’s actions were filled with contempt toward her, and it was only natural that she felt incensed. However, Igor paid her no heed.
“Do not summon my wife without my permission ever again. I will not tolerate a repeat of this,” Igor’s tone was cold, his words cutting through the air.
“Must you treat me in such a way for simply wishing to see my goddaughter?”
She was wounded.
“She is my wife before she is your goddaughter, Mother. Or have you forgotten that not everything revolves around you, as it once did?”
Rihannan covered her mouth in astonishment at the intensity of Igor’s words. She had never witnessed such ruthlessness from him toward his mother. While his words were sharp, he had always maintained a veneer of basic courtesy.
The Queen was left speechless. She stared at her own son, her rising anger stifled, her eyes filled with a profound sadness. “Is this how you speak to your mother? Do you have nothing kind to say to me? To the person whom you haven’t seen in so long?”
“I would not have to resort to such harsh words if you had not spirited away my wife.”
“Why would I ever consider doing such a thing? Ask Rihannan. Did I, as he claims, abduct you to imprison you?”
Once again, Rihannan found herself caught in the middle, compelled to intervene.
And what she would do was clarify the truth.
“Your Majesty, I…”
“I will hear your explanation when we return to the palace.”
Igor interrupted her, his gaze soft and polite, yet conveying an unspoken command for her to remain silent.
“This is a matter between my mother and me. Please refrain from interfering…”
Rihannan sighed and nodded.
Very well.
She would comply.
“……Why do you treat me like this, Igor? How can you treat me this way…?” The Queen’s voice trembled with sorrow.
Her heart fractured.
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
“Rihannan, what do you envision will unfold if a tragic fate befalls Chrichton’s immediate royal members?” The Queen posed a hypothetical scenario, delving into the realm of potential future realities.
“What do you mean by that? Why would you…” Rihannan’s voice trailed off, confusion etching her features.
“What do you believe will occur?” the Queen pressed, her gaze fixed on Rihannan.
Rihannan closed her eyes, contemplating the question. “….The throne would pass to Igor.”
In both Arundell and Chrichton, the illegitimate children of royals and their concubines held no claim to the title of king or queen. This tradition stemmed from the ancient empire.
“Yes. If all the immediate male members of the royal family were to perish, the king’s illegitimate children would have no right to the throne. Furthermore, according to the laws of succession, no female royals would be recognized as successors. Consequently, the rights to the throne would pass to another direct line of the royal family. Can you guess which line that would be?” A smile tugged at the corners of the Queen’s lips.
“Igor would ascend as the king of Chrichton… and jointly rule over the two kingdoms,” Rihannan replied, her voice laced with trepidation. “But why…”
“Rihannan, my mother was a Chrichtonite princess. Chrichton blood flows within Igor. As long as relations between Arundell and Chrichton remain favorable, Igor possesses the qualifications to claim the throne should the royal members meet an unfortunate end. If Igor could merge the powers of both Arundell and Chrichton, it would no longer be a distant dream to establish an empire capable of opposing the Toulouse Empire.”
Rihannan locked eyes with the Queen, her heart pounding in her chest. The Queen’s musings held weight. Igor was the legitimate heir, and in terms of genealogical purity, he held precedence over Dimitri. Igor’s lineage traced directly back to Carl the 1st, whose descendants formed the direct line of the royal family. On the other hand, Rihannan and Dimitri were descendants of the Preibius ancestry, stemming from Carl the 1st’s brother.
Rihannan had never entertained such thoughts. The issue of lineage background would inevitably arise should all the direct royal members of Chrichton fall victim to the plague.
Memories of Dimitri’s coronation flooded Rihannan’s mind. At the time, she was pregnant and taking respite in the seasonal palace, isolated from official affairs. She had remained oblivious to the outside world. If lineage issues were at play, the chances of her overlooking them were high.
The teacup in Rihannan’s grasp trembled. The Queen had been harboring dangerous thoughts for an extended period. Since when?
“But Your Majesty, it is practically impossible. The Crown Prince is healthy and vigorous, and there are several immediate male members in the royal family.”
“….Yes, and with the deterioration of relations with Chrichton, it has become an unattainable dream,” the Queen sighed heavily, her gaze drifting out the window, her expression vacant. “Igor would not follow me even if such a scenario were to unfold. I held hopes… he used to be somewhat rebellious, but never to this extent. It all began when the palace was thrown into turmoil by his sudden disappearance. And then he returned…”
“….I’m not entirely following,” Rihannan inquired, her curiosity piqued.
The Queen’s authority was the pillar of the kingdom, her strength and means to exercise power. Rihannan could not comprehend how Igor had slipped from her grasp without notice. He had always been under the most stringent protection.
“Everyone kept their mouths shut. No one except for a select few confidants knew of Igor’s disappearance,” the Queen confessed, her gaze dropping to her teacup as she sighed once more.
“Why did he go missing? Was he abducted?”
“No. Given Basil’s demeanor, he disappeared clandestinely with Igor, but he refused to divulge the details to me. Regardless, I paid it little mind. I was relieved when he returned safely, but since then, everything has changed,” the Queen’s brow furrowed as she recalled the painful memories. “He looks at me as though I were a murderer, as if I had taken someone dear away from him. That is the nature of our relationship now, Rihannan.”
The Queen let out a desolate laugh, filled with bitterness.
“And fear not, I have relinquished all hope of making a comeback. My limbs have been severed, my loyal supporters and people destroyed. What more can I do but spend the remainder of my days like this? I have long since abandoned any ambitions. I did not summon you here with ill intentions. I simply wished to see you. You remind me so much of your mother. At times, I glimpse traces of her soul within you. She was a kind-hearted woman.”
The Queen reached out and gently patted Rihannan’s cheek, her eyes brimming with tears. Her aged face spoke volumes, telling tales of trials and tribulations. She had left her dreams scattered in the annals of history, never to see their culmination. She had built her kingdom upon shattered spines and blood, but it was no more.
Rihannan felt the sincerity in her words. She clasped the Queen’s hand tightly and whispered affectionately, “I am also overjoyed to see you again.”
The room grew dim as the blue haze of daylight faded, giving way to the twinkle of stars. The Queen’s nostalgic reminiscences reached their conclusion, and Rihannan bid her farewell. However, as she prepared to depart, a thunderous roar filled the air, accompanied by a torrential downpour. The roads would be treacherously muddy and perilous at this hour. The Queen dissuaded Rihannan from leaving, and she reluctantly nodded, choosing to spend the night there.
Guided by the Queen, Rihannan was shown to the guest room where she would sleep. Attentive maids attended to her every need. After a refreshing bath, she sank onto the bed, tossing and turning, unable to find rest. Time seemed to stretch infinitely, and her mind became consumed by dark thoughts. Eventually, sleep overcame her, plunging her into a realm of profound darkness.
She awoke to an unfamiliar commotion outside the palace walls.
The pitter-patter of rain had ceased long ago, replaced by a soft illumination filtering through the gaps in the curtains. Rihannan surveyed her surroundings, her gaze settling on the figure that burst through the door.
“….Your Majesty?”
It was Igor. His purple eyes scanned the room before landing on her face, relief washing over his features, swiftly replaced by an impassive mask.
Rihannan grew anxious at the sight of his cold demeanor.
His black cape clung to him, dripping with water. A black sword hung from his waist.
Rihannan pursed her lips, her words catching in her throat. “What are you…”
Igor turned abruptly, his gaze sharp and focused.
“Get dressed. You have a minute,” he spat out hurriedly.
Rihannan stood there in nothing more than thin pajamas.
Igor closed the door and left, prompting her to hurriedly cover herself, a rush of subconscious modesty flooding her.
She remained oblivious to the events unfolding outside. The only thing she could focus on was obeying Igor’s instructions and hastily dressing herself in a set of clothes, layering them with a coat. She stepped out of the room, uncertain of what had transpired.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed her wrist, jerking her to a halt.
“Your Majesty!”
She had no opportunity to protest as Igor held her hand tightly, guiding her forward. His long strides were difficult to match, and his expression seemed on the verge of eruption.
“Stop this instant, Igor!”
A loud, clamoring voice echoed from behind. Igor halted, turning around and pulling Rihannan behind him.
It was the Queen. Clad in her pajamas and a wide shawl, she appeared to have been roused from sleep only moments ago.
“How dare you? How dare you cause such a commotion in the middle of the night?” Anger radiated from her, her face contorted with fury. Never before had she experienced her son or anyone trespassing upon her abode in such a manner. Igor’s actions were filled with contempt toward her, and it was only natural that she felt incensed. However, Igor paid her no heed.
“Do not summon my wife without my permission ever again. I will not tolerate a repeat of this,” Igor’s tone was cold, his words cutting through the air.
“Must you treat me in such a way for simply wishing to see my goddaughter?”
She was wounded.
“She is my wife before she is your goddaughter, Mother. Or have you forgotten that not everything revolves around you, as it once did?”
Rihannan covered her mouth in astonishment at the intensity of Igor’s words. She had never witnessed such ruthlessness from him toward his mother. While his words were sharp, he had always maintained a veneer of basic courtesy.
The Queen was left speechless. She stared at her own son, her rising anger stifled, her eyes filled with a profound sadness. “Is this how you speak to your mother? Do you have nothing kind to say to me? To the person whom you haven’t seen in so long?”
“I would not have to resort to such harsh words if you had not spirited away my wife.”
“Why would I ever consider doing such a thing? Ask Rihannan. Did I, as he claims, abduct you to imprison you?”
Once again, Rihannan found herself caught in the middle, compelled to intervene.
And what she would do was clarify the truth.
“Your Majesty, I…”
“I will hear your explanation when we return to the palace.”
Igor interrupted her, his gaze soft and polite, yet conveying an unspoken command for her to remain silent.
“This is a matter between my mother and me. Please refrain from interfering…”
Rihannan sighed and nodded.
Very well.
She would comply.
“……Why do you treat me like this, Igor? How can you treat me this way…?” The Queen’s voice trembled with sorrow.
Her heart fractured.
