Chapter 60 - Embracing Other Women 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
Upon their arrival at the palace’s entrance, Rihannan and Igor alighted from the carriage, greeted by a multitude of joyous men and women. The air filled with petals descending like an eternal snowfall.
Igor clasped Rihannan’s hand, emanating warmth, as they made their way toward the grand hall where the wedding ceremony would transpire.
A spectacle of breathtaking grandeur unfolded before their eyes. Everything was flawless, perfect. Rihannan repeated the same vows she had spoken in the past, following the wedding ceremony’s customary order—an exchange of a kiss between groom and bride, sealing their union.
Rihannan closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting back to her previous wedding. As Igor lifted her veil, she kept her eyes shut, yearning for the proceedings to conclude swiftly. But to her surprise, she felt no contact upon her lips. Intrigued, she fluttered her eyes open, only to find the man before her gazing distantly.
Purple eyes…
Those cold, angry, piercing purple eyes locked onto her. They seemed capable of piercing through her very soul. Overwhelmed, she averted her gaze, yet his hand grasped her chin, compelling her to meet his eyes once more.
And now, in this new life, she found herself confronted by those unmistakable purple eyes once more. Clear and profound, they were a distinct trait inherited by the royal bloodline of Arundell. While Igor possessed many traits from Chrichton—his towering stature and chiseled features—his ebony hair and the regal hue of his irises belonged to Arundell.
Their eyes connected. Igor regarded her, his gaze filled with longing. He bent down, his lips gently meeting hers. It was a kiss that conveyed poetry, as if every word of verse resided upon her lips. He kissed her with the tenderness of the crimson sun kissing the horizon.
Caught off guard, she did not think to close her eyes, surrendering herself to his kiss—a kiss laden with a yearning akin to the night sky yearning for the presence of stars. She remained resolute, though breathless, until his thick, dark lashes fluttered, unveiling those deep purples once more.
As he straightened himself, his fingertips brushed against his lips, his movements betraying a touch of shyness. Rihannan realized what had transpired and blushed, overcome by bashfulness. It had not been a passionate kiss that delved into the depths of her being, but rather a gentle and unfamiliar one—neither violent nor carnal in nature.
Confusion overwhelmed her.
Her heart raced.
Igor proceeded to lower her veil.
She could feel her heart thudding loudly within her chest.
Thankfully, she was concealed behind the veil, shielding her current expression from prying eyes.
“Soon, His Majesty shall arrive.”
That night, within the Queen’s Palace, Rihannan sat upon the bed, changing into her night robes as she listened to the Duchess speak about Igor. At any moment, he would make his way to her chambers, where numerous noble witnesses would bear witness to their consummation.
She had been silent since earlier, and the Duchess noticed, taking hold of her hands. “My Queen, do you recall our conversation from yesterday?”
Rihannan nodded, her smile tinged with bitterness. Yesterday morning, the Duchess had expounded upon the details of what would transpire on her and Igor’s first night together. It was the role of a mother to instruct her daughter in such matters, but with her mother long gone, the Duchess had stepped in, assuming the motherly role for Rihannan.
Her former Maid of Honor had also been tasked with educating Rihannan on what to expect on her wedding night, but her advice had been unhelpful, simply instructing her to remain still and follow her husband’s lead.
Ignorant of the intricacies of the consummation process, Rihannan had remained oblivious until the midnight hour arrived and Igor shed his garments, surrendering to pleasure.
The Duchess had provided a comprehensive account of a man’s role on the wedding night and its significance. Her explanations had been simple, and Rihannan, despite her vast experience, had learned something new.
“Do not fret, Mrs. Cesley. I remember every word you spoke,” Rihannan responded calmly.
The Duchess smiled softly, her hand caressing Rihannan’s cheek. “A woman’s first time is often painful. I understand your apprehension, but it is inevitable. The pain will subside.”
Rihannan lowered her gaze.
In her naivety, she had believed that pushing Igor away would resolve all their problems. But looking back, she realized the recklessness of her actions. How could a king, a ruler of a nation, who had publicly declared and formalized his marriage before a host of witnesses and priests, easily retreat as if nothing had occurred? He was a king, and even he had no choice.
They were being scrutinized.
“Then, my wife, although I, too, do not desire it, endure it, even if you find it displeasing. You cannot escape it now.”
Those chilling words she had failed to comprehend at the time now became clear. A marriage could not be annulled, especially not on the wedding night. Those wretched nobles would ensure the consummation took place.
…Perhaps that was why he had interpreted her actions as aligning with his mother?
…What a tragically beautiful misunderstanding.
Rihannan inwardly sighed.
Fortunately, their present circumstances were more favorable than before. She and Igor shared a relatively good relationship, and she harbored no intention of rejecting his advances. The Duchess assured her that the physical pain would subside, and soon she would experience pleasure.
And the noble witnesses would participate, observing… hmm…
“I understand, Mrs. Cesley.”
“The pain will not persist forever. After a while, it will become enjoyable, akin to walking on clouds.”
Rihannan was aware of the Duchess’s extensive experience in such matters, but there were aspects she found difficult to agree with. Despite having slept with Igor countless times, she had never experienced the joy the Duchess described. Perhaps this time would be different.
“Of course, His Majesty will have to put forth effort,” the Duchess remarked mischievously.
Soon, a maid entered the room with courtesy, announcing Igor’s imminent arrival.
“His Majesty is on his way.”
Shortly after, the door swung open.
The Duchess grasped Rihannan’s hand one final time before rising from the bed.
“Have a pleasant evening, My Queen.”
As the sound of her footsteps faded, Rihannan directed her gaze towards the floor.
Nervousness coursed through her.
Perhaps the Maid of Honor from the past had been correct—was it better to lie like a lifeless fish when countless eyes were watching?
“Rihannan.”
A voice resounded.
Rihannan realized the room had fallen into silence—a disquieting stillness. She strained to discern the voices of the witnesses, but they eluded her ears.
Slowly, she raised her head, taking a deep breath.
It was only Igor.
He began removing the garments he had worn throughout the day.
Rihannan averted her eyes.
Chapter 60 - Embracing Other Women 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
Upon their arrival at the palace’s entrance, Rihannan and Igor alighted from the carriage, greeted by a multitude of joyous men and women. The air filled with petals descending like an eternal snowfall.
Igor clasped Rihannan’s hand, emanating warmth, as they made their way toward the grand hall where the wedding ceremony would transpire.
A spectacle of breathtaking grandeur unfolded before their eyes. Everything was flawless, perfect. Rihannan repeated the same vows she had spoken in the past, following the wedding ceremony’s customary order—an exchange of a kiss between groom and bride, sealing their union.
Rihannan closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting back to her previous wedding. As Igor lifted her veil, she kept her eyes shut, yearning for the proceedings to conclude swiftly. But to her surprise, she felt no contact upon her lips. Intrigued, she fluttered her eyes open, only to find the man before her gazing distantly.
Purple eyes…
Those cold, angry, piercing purple eyes locked onto her. They seemed capable of piercing through her very soul. Overwhelmed, she averted her gaze, yet his hand grasped her chin, compelling her to meet his eyes once more.
And now, in this new life, she found herself confronted by those unmistakable purple eyes once more. Clear and profound, they were a distinct trait inherited by the royal bloodline of Arundell. While Igor possessed many traits from Chrichton—his towering stature and chiseled features—his ebony hair and the regal hue of his irises belonged to Arundell.
Their eyes connected. Igor regarded her, his gaze filled with longing. He bent down, his lips gently meeting hers. It was a kiss that conveyed poetry, as if every word of verse resided upon her lips. He kissed her with the tenderness of the crimson sun kissing the horizon.
Caught off guard, she did not think to close her eyes, surrendering herself to his kiss—a kiss laden with a yearning akin to the night sky yearning for the presence of stars. She remained resolute, though breathless, until his thick, dark lashes fluttered, unveiling those deep purples once more.
As he straightened himself, his fingertips brushed against his lips, his movements betraying a touch of shyness. Rihannan realized what had transpired and blushed, overcome by bashfulness. It had not been a passionate kiss that delved into the depths of her being, but rather a gentle and unfamiliar one—neither violent nor carnal in nature.
Confusion overwhelmed her.
Her heart raced.
Igor proceeded to lower her veil.
She could feel her heart thudding loudly within her chest.
Thankfully, she was concealed behind the veil, shielding her current expression from prying eyes.
“Soon, His Majesty shall arrive.”
That night, within the Queen’s Palace, Rihannan sat upon the bed, changing into her night robes as she listened to the Duchess speak about Igor. At any moment, he would make his way to her chambers, where numerous noble witnesses would bear witness to their consummation.
She had been silent since earlier, and the Duchess noticed, taking hold of her hands. “My Queen, do you recall our conversation from yesterday?”
Rihannan nodded, her smile tinged with bitterness. Yesterday morning, the Duchess had expounded upon the details of what would transpire on her and Igor’s first night together. It was the role of a mother to instruct her daughter in such matters, but with her mother long gone, the Duchess had stepped in, assuming the motherly role for Rihannan.
Her former Maid of Honor had also been tasked with educating Rihannan on what to expect on her wedding night, but her advice had been unhelpful, simply instructing her to remain still and follow her husband’s lead.
Ignorant of the intricacies of the consummation process, Rihannan had remained oblivious until the midnight hour arrived and Igor shed his garments, surrendering to pleasure.
The Duchess had provided a comprehensive account of a man’s role on the wedding night and its significance. Her explanations had been simple, and Rihannan, despite her vast experience, had learned something new.
“Do not fret, Mrs. Cesley. I remember every word you spoke,” Rihannan responded calmly.
The Duchess smiled softly, her hand caressing Rihannan’s cheek. “A woman’s first time is often painful. I understand your apprehension, but it is inevitable. The pain will subside.”
Rihannan lowered her gaze.
In her naivety, she had believed that pushing Igor away would resolve all their problems. But looking back, she realized the recklessness of her actions. How could a king, a ruler of a nation, who had publicly declared and formalized his marriage before a host of witnesses and priests, easily retreat as if nothing had occurred? He was a king, and even he had no choice.
They were being scrutinized.
“Then, my wife, although I, too, do not desire it, endure it, even if you find it displeasing. You cannot escape it now.”
Those chilling words she had failed to comprehend at the time now became clear. A marriage could not be annulled, especially not on the wedding night. Those wretched nobles would ensure the consummation took place.
…Perhaps that was why he had interpreted her actions as aligning with his mother?
…What a tragically beautiful misunderstanding.
Rihannan inwardly sighed.
Fortunately, their present circumstances were more favorable than before. She and Igor shared a relatively good relationship, and she harbored no intention of rejecting his advances. The Duchess assured her that the physical pain would subside, and soon she would experience pleasure.
And the noble witnesses would participate, observing… hmm…
“I understand, Mrs. Cesley.”
“The pain will not persist forever. After a while, it will become enjoyable, akin to walking on clouds.”
Rihannan was aware of the Duchess’s extensive experience in such matters, but there were aspects she found difficult to agree with. Despite having slept with Igor countless times, she had never experienced the joy the Duchess described. Perhaps this time would be different.
“Of course, His Majesty will have to put forth effort,” the Duchess remarked mischievously.
Soon, a maid entered the room with courtesy, announcing Igor’s imminent arrival.
“His Majesty is on his way.”
Shortly after, the door swung open.
The Duchess grasped Rihannan’s hand one final time before rising from the bed.
“Have a pleasant evening, My Queen.”
As the sound of her footsteps faded, Rihannan directed her gaze towards the floor.
Nervousness coursed through her.
Perhaps the Maid of Honor from the past had been correct—was it better to lie like a lifeless fish when countless eyes were watching?
“Rihannan.”
A voice resounded.
Rihannan realized the room had fallen into silence—a disquieting stillness. She strained to discern the voices of the witnesses, but they eluded her ears.
Slowly, she raised her head, taking a deep breath.
It was only Igor.
He began removing the garments he had worn throughout the day.
Rihannan averted her eyes.
