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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“Mrs. Cesley, I have one final inquiry for you,” Rihannan addressed her, seizing her arm and gazing intently into her eyes as the Duchess rushed her toward slumber. After a moment’s hesitation, she parted her lips and spoke, “Do you perchance possess any knowledge of a certain individual named Leticia?”
The Duchess tilted her head, deliberating for a moment. “I’m afraid my memory fails me. What is her standing among the nobility?”
“I stumbled upon her name in the book you bestowed upon me. Her surname is Olbach, and she is purportedly the wife of Gaith Olbach.”
“Vaguely do I recall. In that case, it is probable that he is a distant kinsman of Count Clovis.”
“Count Clovis…”
“Yes, the firstborn son of the former king.”
She was intimately acquainted with the name. Count Clovis, the eldest son of the former king, lived a reclusive existence, rarely making appearances at public gatherings. A small group of devoted loyalists aimed to install him on the throne, supplanting Igor.
“A few years ago, Gaith Olbach, the Viscount, remarried. The person you seek may be that woman. I encountered his former wife once. She was around my age.”
“You met the Viscount’s former wife?”
“Yes, but it was during the early days of my marriage to my husband.”
“So the woman the Viscount remarried is older?”
“Perhaps. At first glance, the Viscount appeared more weathered than I, and I am well over forty,” she playfully remarked. “But, my Queen, why do you inquire? Viscount Olbach is hardly an influential figure at court.”
Rihannan shook her head. “No, it is of no consequence. I believed it to be someone I knew, yet it seems not.”
“Are you searching for someone, my Queen? We can dispatch investigators if you so desire.”
Rihannan chuckled softly. “No, there is no need. It grows late now. Let us retire, Mrs. Cesley.”
The Duchess offered a slight nod and departed. Rihannan sank onto the bed, seeking solace. Sleep eluded her, burdened by the multitude of recent events.
The sight of Leticia’s name inscribed within the thick book had jolted her, leading her to contemplate her own troubled past. She had thought she had vanquished those demons, but now she knew she had merely concealed them beneath a veneer.
In this lifetime, Igor had never encountered Leticia, yet at times, Rihannan envisioned them together in her dreams.
When would the specters of her past cease haunting her nightmares? She wondered.
Rihannan closed her eyes, yearning for a peaceful night’s rest.
***
Time flew by with startling swiftness, and soon the day of their wedding arrived. Though the month had been lengthy, it provided scant time to make the necessary preparations. Nevertheless, every detail fell into place flawlessly.
The distributed invitations yielded remarkable results. Courtly gatherings and weddings often witnessed a lackl**ter response, as attendees came and went as they pleased. Yet, for this momentous occasion, the invitations bore fruit. More guests graced the event than Rihannan could recall from her previous wedding.
The grandeur of the wedding itself surpassed all expectations. Igor’s influence extended far and wide throughout the kingdom. In their past life, their union had been orchestrated by the Late Queen, but in this existence, those who gathered did so to honor Igor and his betrothed.
Neighboring kingdoms, which had observed the alliance between Arundell and Chrichton over the preceding decades, decided to participate in the celebration and extend their congratulations to the King and Queen on their wedding day.
In the days leading up to the event, the capital of Edirne bustled with the arrival of numerous envoys and foreign dignitaries.
Even the palace gates witnessed a ceaseless procession of carriages laden with lavish gifts.
Rihannan found herself consumed by ceaseless activity. She attended to myriad tasks, even tending to the temple where the royal ancestors slumbered. She and Igor were scheduled to visit the temple separately, offering their prayers before proceeding to the Main Palace, where the wedding ceremony would take place.
“Rihannan.”
Having concluded her duties at the temple, Rihannan waited at the Queen’s Palace. It was then that Marquis Preibius arrived to pay her a visit.
“Uncle!” she exclaimed with delight, rushing towards him and enfolding him in her embrace. Her trailing skirt gracefully caressed the floor, and the ladies-in-waiting executed their duties with impeccable precision.
Rihannan paid no heed to the onlookers or the slightly askew crown atop her head.
After a while, she released the Marquis from her embrace and inquired, “When did you arrive? Just now?”
“I arrived last night. I intended to arrive earlier, but inclement weather caused delays. Almost missed your wedding, you see.” The Marquis smiled warmly. “But Rihannan, you are resplendent, a true vision, much like your mother.”
Rihannan blushed.
“Rihannan, my father once told me that there is no greater beauty in life than that of a woman. He was right. You are a stunning sight, my dear niece.”
Rihannan, the epitome of a radiant bride, exuded unparalleled beauty, universally acknowledged. And yet, she remained blissfully unaware of her own allure. The silver crown adorned with jewels and the traditional bridal robe embellished with threads of silver and gold evoked memories of her mother’s own nuptials.
The Marquis sighed, his eyes betraying a profound surge of emotions. “I am reminded of the day I escorted my sister to Arundell. I held her hand during the ceremony, a proxy for our ailing father… isn’t it ironic? Here I am, holding her daughter’s hand as she weds a man from Arundell.”
Rihannan smiled, gently caressing his hand. She had heard tales of her uncle’s objections and numerous reservations regarding her mother’s marriage. She was certain that this union was not what her uncle had envisioned.
“Uncle, where is Dimitri? Did he not come?”
The Marquis hesitated before responding, “That… well…”
“He’s still angry, isn’t he?” Rihannan sighed.
Dimitri had been released from prison shortly after Rihannan’s arrival in Arundell. She had invited her uncle and Dimitri, realizing that the wedding could not be thwarted at this juncture. However, Dimitri had chosen not to attend.
He must be infuriated with her, she surmised.
“I understand. Dimitri can be gentle, but once angered, there is no pacifying him,” she remarked with a faint smile.
“It’s not that. Actually, Dimitri…” The Marquis appeared eager to speak but ultimately offered a bitter smile. “Never mind, dear. It is not yet the time to discuss it. But fret not, he is fine. He asked me to tell you to find happiness. Are you content?”
The Marquis tenderly stroked her head.
Rihannan smiled. “What do you think?”
“Hmm… not too shabby, I dare say. Your countenance exudes vitality.”
“I told you, didn’t I? The letter I penned was no falsehood. His Majesty treats me with kindness, as do those around me.”
Indeed, the past month had passed serenely, devoid of any particular concerns. It had been a tranquil, peaceful, and comforting time. She relished it, considering how she had believed herself on the verge of perishing upon her initial arrival.
The ladies-in-waiting interjected, interrupting their conversation.
“Your Majesty, it is time to depart.”
“I understand,” Rihannan replied, planting a tender kiss on her uncle’s cheek. “I shall see you at the ceremony, Uncle.”
***
As the royal carriage traversed the streets, a throng of well-wishers lined their path, jubilantly welcoming the King and Queen. Rihannan waved her hand gently, reminiscent of her past self. She had been a mere sixteen years old at the time, an inexperienced Queen, oblivious to the ways of the world. The weight of her despondency had made it arduous to summon a smile and acknowledge the cheering crowd. Fear had enveloped her—fear of the masses, fear of those who cheered her, fear of her husband, the man rumored to have uttered abusive words prior to their union.
A husband who despised her, a Queen who treated her kindly yet placed her in precarious circumstances, nobles eager to exploit her, and countless strangers observing her every move… it had suffocated her.
The scars of her haunting past had abruptly reawakened, dragging her into an unyielding abyss.
Then…
A large hand enveloped hers, as her fingers clutched the hem of her gown.
She lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes. He was focused on the crowd, his words unspoken, simply holding her hand.
“…”
A husband who loathed her, who had turned his back on her… now, he displayed warmth. Freed from the oppressive grasp of the Late Queen, this man had blossomed differently. He exuded brightness, confidence, and consideration for others.
Their shared silence brought solace. She knew not why, but she felt as though he comprehended the turmoil within her.
Rihannan smiled once more, dispelling the dizzying thoughts that had begun to swirl in her mind. She was fortunate. Fortunate that he was a different person, for otherwise, she would have endured a tumultuous existence, reliving the horrors of the past.
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
“Mrs. Cesley, I have one final inquiry for you,” Rihannan addressed her, seizing her arm and gazing intently into her eyes as the Duchess rushed her toward slumber. After a moment’s hesitation, she parted her lips and spoke, “Do you perchance possess any knowledge of a certain individual named Leticia?”
The Duchess tilted her head, deliberating for a moment. “I’m afraid my memory fails me. What is her standing among the nobility?”
“I stumbled upon her name in the book you bestowed upon me. Her surname is Olbach, and she is purportedly the wife of Gaith Olbach.”
“Vaguely do I recall. In that case, it is probable that he is a distant kinsman of Count Clovis.”
“Count Clovis…”
“Yes, the firstborn son of the former king.”
She was intimately acquainted with the name. Count Clovis, the eldest son of the former king, lived a reclusive existence, rarely making appearances at public gatherings. A small group of devoted loyalists aimed to install him on the throne, supplanting Igor.
“A few years ago, Gaith Olbach, the Viscount, remarried. The person you seek may be that woman. I encountered his former wife once. She was around my age.”
“You met the Viscount’s former wife?”
“Yes, but it was during the early days of my marriage to my husband.”
“So the woman the Viscount remarried is older?”
“Perhaps. At first glance, the Viscount appeared more weathered than I, and I am well over forty,” she playfully remarked. “But, my Queen, why do you inquire? Viscount Olbach is hardly an influential figure at court.”
Rihannan shook her head. “No, it is of no consequence. I believed it to be someone I knew, yet it seems not.”
“Are you searching for someone, my Queen? We can dispatch investigators if you so desire.”
Rihannan chuckled softly. “No, there is no need. It grows late now. Let us retire, Mrs. Cesley.”
The Duchess offered a slight nod and departed. Rihannan sank onto the bed, seeking solace. Sleep eluded her, burdened by the multitude of recent events.
The sight of Leticia’s name inscribed within the thick book had jolted her, leading her to contemplate her own troubled past. She had thought she had vanquished those demons, but now she knew she had merely concealed them beneath a veneer.
In this lifetime, Igor had never encountered Leticia, yet at times, Rihannan envisioned them together in her dreams.
When would the specters of her past cease haunting her nightmares? She wondered.
Rihannan closed her eyes, yearning for a peaceful night’s rest.
***
Time flew by with startling swiftness, and soon the day of their wedding arrived. Though the month had been lengthy, it provided scant time to make the necessary preparations. Nevertheless, every detail fell into place flawlessly.
The distributed invitations yielded remarkable results. Courtly gatherings and weddings often witnessed a lackl**ter response, as attendees came and went as they pleased. Yet, for this momentous occasion, the invitations bore fruit. More guests graced the event than Rihannan could recall from her previous wedding.
The grandeur of the wedding itself surpassed all expectations. Igor’s influence extended far and wide throughout the kingdom. In their past life, their union had been orchestrated by the Late Queen, but in this existence, those who gathered did so to honor Igor and his betrothed.
Neighboring kingdoms, which had observed the alliance between Arundell and Chrichton over the preceding decades, decided to participate in the celebration and extend their congratulations to the King and Queen on their wedding day.
In the days leading up to the event, the capital of Edirne bustled with the arrival of numerous envoys and foreign dignitaries.
Even the palace gates witnessed a ceaseless procession of carriages laden with lavish gifts.
Rihannan found herself consumed by ceaseless activity. She attended to myriad tasks, even tending to the temple where the royal ancestors slumbered. She and Igor were scheduled to visit the temple separately, offering their prayers before proceeding to the Main Palace, where the wedding ceremony would take place.
“Rihannan.”
Having concluded her duties at the temple, Rihannan waited at the Queen’s Palace. It was then that Marquis Preibius arrived to pay her a visit.
“Uncle!” she exclaimed with delight, rushing towards him and enfolding him in her embrace. Her trailing skirt gracefully caressed the floor, and the ladies-in-waiting executed their duties with impeccable precision.
Rihannan paid no heed to the onlookers or the slightly askew crown atop her head.
After a while, she released the Marquis from her embrace and inquired, “When did you arrive? Just now?”
“I arrived last night. I intended to arrive earlier, but inclement weather caused delays. Almost missed your wedding, you see.” The Marquis smiled warmly. “But Rihannan, you are resplendent, a true vision, much like your mother.”
Rihannan blushed.
“Rihannan, my father once told me that there is no greater beauty in life than that of a woman. He was right. You are a stunning sight, my dear niece.”
Rihannan, the epitome of a radiant bride, exuded unparalleled beauty, universally acknowledged. And yet, she remained blissfully unaware of her own allure. The silver crown adorned with jewels and the traditional bridal robe embellished with threads of silver and gold evoked memories of her mother’s own nuptials.
The Marquis sighed, his eyes betraying a profound surge of emotions. “I am reminded of the day I escorted my sister to Arundell. I held her hand during the ceremony, a proxy for our ailing father… isn’t it ironic? Here I am, holding her daughter’s hand as she weds a man from Arundell.”
Rihannan smiled, gently caressing his hand. She had heard tales of her uncle’s objections and numerous reservations regarding her mother’s marriage. She was certain that this union was not what her uncle had envisioned.
“Uncle, where is Dimitri? Did he not come?”
The Marquis hesitated before responding, “That… well…”
“He’s still angry, isn’t he?” Rihannan sighed.
Dimitri had been released from prison shortly after Rihannan’s arrival in Arundell. She had invited her uncle and Dimitri, realizing that the wedding could not be thwarted at this juncture. However, Dimitri had chosen not to attend.
He must be infuriated with her, she surmised.
“I understand. Dimitri can be gentle, but once angered, there is no pacifying him,” she remarked with a faint smile.
“It’s not that. Actually, Dimitri…” The Marquis appeared eager to speak but ultimately offered a bitter smile. “Never mind, dear. It is not yet the time to discuss it. But fret not, he is fine. He asked me to tell you to find happiness. Are you content?”
The Marquis tenderly stroked her head.
Rihannan smiled. “What do you think?”
“Hmm… not too shabby, I dare say. Your countenance exudes vitality.”
“I told you, didn’t I? The letter I penned was no falsehood. His Majesty treats me with kindness, as do those around me.”
Indeed, the past month had passed serenely, devoid of any particular concerns. It had been a tranquil, peaceful, and comforting time. She relished it, considering how she had believed herself on the verge of perishing upon her initial arrival.
The ladies-in-waiting interjected, interrupting their conversation.
“Your Majesty, it is time to depart.”
“I understand,” Rihannan replied, planting a tender kiss on her uncle’s cheek. “I shall see you at the ceremony, Uncle.”
***
As the royal carriage traversed the streets, a throng of well-wishers lined their path, jubilantly welcoming the King and Queen. Rihannan waved her hand gently, reminiscent of her past self. She had been a mere sixteen years old at the time, an inexperienced Queen, oblivious to the ways of the world. The weight of her despondency had made it arduous to summon a smile and acknowledge the cheering crowd. Fear had enveloped her—fear of the masses, fear of those who cheered her, fear of her husband, the man rumored to have uttered abusive words prior to their union.
A husband who despised her, a Queen who treated her kindly yet placed her in precarious circumstances, nobles eager to exploit her, and countless strangers observing her every move… it had suffocated her.
The scars of her haunting past had abruptly reawakened, dragging her into an unyielding abyss.
Then…
A large hand enveloped hers, as her fingers clutched the hem of her gown.
She lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes. He was focused on the crowd, his words unspoken, simply holding her hand.
“…”
A husband who loathed her, who had turned his back on her… now, he displayed warmth. Freed from the oppressive grasp of the Late Queen, this man had blossomed differently. He exuded brightness, confidence, and consideration for others.
Their shared silence brought solace. She knew not why, but she felt as though he comprehended the turmoil within her.
Rihannan smiled once more, dispelling the dizzying thoughts that had begun to swirl in her mind. She was fortunate. Fortunate that he was a different person, for otherwise, she would have endured a tumultuous existence, reliving the horrors of the past.
