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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“…Where is everyone?” Rihannan whispered aloud.
The chamber should have been filled by now, surrounded by onlookers from both kingdoms, with white curtains elegantly draped around the bed. Yet, it stood empty.
“Most likely enjoying the wedding reception,” Igor responded, pouring a glass of liquor that was half-full and passing it to his wife. She accepted it with a lack of enthusiasm. He poured himself another glass.
“What do you mean?” she inquired.
He took a sip and explained, “It’s customary to hold a reception to celebrate the union of the bride and groom at a wedding. They’re probably dancing, drinking, and reveling in merriment. They won’t return until after daybreak.”
Indeed, a reception was a natural part of the festivities. Rihannan could still hear the echoes of excitement and melodies resonating in the air. However, this was not the answer she sought.
“They won’t be coming? The ones who were meant to bear witness to our…”
“No.”
“Yes?”
Igor gazed into the eyes of the woman he loved, their hue resembling the azure sea illuminated by the moonlit night. He adored rain, the ocean, and the river—reminders of her eyes, which held the same captivating shade of blue. But she despised the color purple, despised his violet eyes—the eyes that instilled fear in her.
“Rihannan, the tradition of noble witnesses overseeing the consummation of the wedding night no longer exists. I abolished it.”
She blinked, studying him intently.
This was the first she had learned that an age-old Arundellian custom could be so easily discarded.
“Do you know why nobles were once required to witness the newlyweds’ first night?” he inquired, a soft smile curving his lips.
Rihannan followed suit, taking small sips from her glass of wine until it was nearly empty. Igor refilled it slightly.
“I have no knowledge of its origin,” she admitted.
“Long ago, when Arundell was not yet a kingdom but rather a collection of tribal chieftains, bride abductions were commonplace. Even after the establishment of a monarchy, this practice persisted, causing confusion regarding the legality of marriages. If a marriage was deemed illegitimate, the king could be disqualified.”
“I see,” Rihannan murmured, attentively listening to his explanation. She had heard of the ancient times, when strength and power determined one’s fate. Bridal abductions often resulted in numerous complications, including disputes over the legitimacy of children.
“In those days, prior to the influence of the ancient empire, Arundell was a lawless land. The tradition of witnesses emerged as a means to establish the legality of marriages and safeguard against predatory unions.”
“But what led to its abolishment?” she inquired.
“The proof of my own strength,” Igor replied, a faint smile adorning his face.
Rihannan laughed, seeing him in the light of that young boy she had once known.
“You have done remarkable things,” she acknowledged.
“Heh. The man you married is capable of such feats.”
“I was well aware of your exceptional abilities. The fact that I stand here now is proof enough.”
A man capable of pressuring Chrichton and taking its princess hostage, ultimately marrying her, was no ordinary man. Igor had accomplished what was unthinkable in the past.
Rihannan finished her wine, feeling a slight buzz and a newfound courage.
“And with or without witnesses, everyone is aware of the circumstances that led to our marriage. In a way, it resembles a predatory union. You sailed to Chrichton, bold and mighty, and demanded that the royals and nobility surrender their princess. It is far from ordinary.” As she conversed with him, the earlier nervousness and tension that had plagued her dissipated. She extended her glass to him. “Worry not. I am fully aware that we will face disagreements sooner or later. Nevertheless, for the duration of this one-year contract, I shall faithfully fulfill my duties as your wife,” Rihannan smiled, anticipating another drink.
Igor retrieved her wine glass.
Her ice-blue eyes widened immediately. “Why did you take it? I wanted to have a bit more.”
“I offered it to help you relax, not to become intoxicated.”
“I wasn’t nervous, and I am not drunk.”
“You are not inebriated at present, but one more drink would push you to the edge. Besides, you become more open and speak your mind freely when you are drunk. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but not tonight.”
He placed the glass on the table and approached her.
It is time, she thought.
Originally, their bodies were meant to be entwined in passionate union as soon as he entered the room, but their conversation had delayed their physical connection.
He would soon enfold her in his embrace. She now understood what it entailed and the fears that once plagued her had diminished. Furthermore, she did not feel coerced. There were no witnesses, nor would there ever be. Igor had changed—he had become kinder and more considerate. He would never do anything to harm her.
Not intentionally.
His large hands reached out, gently cupping her flushed cheeks. She accepted his touch without repulsion. His hands radiated warmth, dispersing the slight chill in her cheeks.
“…I acknowledge that my methods were and still are abominable. What I have done to you is no different from our ancestors… kidnapping and forcing you into marriage.”
Upon hearing his words, she lifted her head, anger flickering in her eyes. She realized she had made a grave mistake—slipping into a careless state due to the influence of alcohol and the relaxed atmosphere, she had unintentionally criticized him.
As she began to formulate an apology, he interjected, “So, I will give you a choice.”
Confusion clouded her mind. “…What choice?”
“You do not have to spend the night with me if you so desire.”
She was uncertain of his meaning. Was he implying that they would not proceed with the wedding ceremony? Did he intend to annul the marriage?
“What do you mean?” she inquired.
“If you are unable to accept this now or in the future, we need not proceed. You can sleep in the bed, while I rest on the couch over there. The choice is yours, Rihannan.”
“But if that happens, our marriage will…”
“I have told you… my words hold more weight than any witnesses. If I say that I am married to you, then I am married to you,” he spoke gently. “However, remember that if you choose me, I will not hold back. I will give my all. So… ponder your answer carefully.”
Rihannan looked at him, her eyes trembling. His words were sincere. Those eyes, those violet eyes, spoke with utmost honesty. He could have lied, but she knew that he spoke the truth.
Perhaps he was right—that they would pass the night without fully committing themselves.
But…
“…I was the one who proposed this marriage in the first place. I asked you to marry me.”
Yet, how long could their relationship remain fair amidst the battles and intrigues of the royal court? Rumors of a king who had abandoned his queen, rumors that she was held hostage, rumors that he had never sought her body would spread like wildfire. The nobility thrived on toxicity, their watchful eyes ready to trample the weak, even the royal family, given the opportunity. It was a reality she herself had experienced in the past during her time in Chrichton.
“I assured you that I would faithfully fulfill my obligations without any intention of escaping.”
She lifted her head and placed her hand on top of his.
“Igor, I will use you to protect myself.”
She held his hand firmly and locked her gaze with his.
“So, embrace me, Igor.”
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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“…Where is everyone?” Rihannan whispered aloud.
The chamber should have been filled by now, surrounded by onlookers from both kingdoms, with white curtains elegantly draped around the bed. Yet, it stood empty.
“Most likely enjoying the wedding reception,” Igor responded, pouring a glass of liquor that was half-full and passing it to his wife. She accepted it with a lack of enthusiasm. He poured himself another glass.
“What do you mean?” she inquired.
He took a sip and explained, “It’s customary to hold a reception to celebrate the union of the bride and groom at a wedding. They’re probably dancing, drinking, and reveling in merriment. They won’t return until after daybreak.”
Indeed, a reception was a natural part of the festivities. Rihannan could still hear the echoes of excitement and melodies resonating in the air. However, this was not the answer she sought.
“They won’t be coming? The ones who were meant to bear witness to our…”
“No.”
“Yes?”
Igor gazed into the eyes of the woman he loved, their hue resembling the azure sea illuminated by the moonlit night. He adored rain, the ocean, and the river—reminders of her eyes, which held the same captivating shade of blue. But she despised the color purple, despised his violet eyes—the eyes that instilled fear in her.
“Rihannan, the tradition of noble witnesses overseeing the consummation of the wedding night no longer exists. I abolished it.”
She blinked, studying him intently.
This was the first she had learned that an age-old Arundellian custom could be so easily discarded.
“Do you know why nobles were once required to witness the newlyweds’ first night?” he inquired, a soft smile curving his lips.
Rihannan followed suit, taking small sips from her glass of wine until it was nearly empty. Igor refilled it slightly.
“I have no knowledge of its origin,” she admitted.
“Long ago, when Arundell was not yet a kingdom but rather a collection of tribal chieftains, bride abductions were commonplace. Even after the establishment of a monarchy, this practice persisted, causing confusion regarding the legality of marriages. If a marriage was deemed illegitimate, the king could be disqualified.”
“I see,” Rihannan murmured, attentively listening to his explanation. She had heard of the ancient times, when strength and power determined one’s fate. Bridal abductions often resulted in numerous complications, including disputes over the legitimacy of children.
“In those days, prior to the influence of the ancient empire, Arundell was a lawless land. The tradition of witnesses emerged as a means to establish the legality of marriages and safeguard against predatory unions.”
“But what led to its abolishment?” she inquired.
“The proof of my own strength,” Igor replied, a faint smile adorning his face.
Rihannan laughed, seeing him in the light of that young boy she had once known.
“You have done remarkable things,” she acknowledged.
“Heh. The man you married is capable of such feats.”
“I was well aware of your exceptional abilities. The fact that I stand here now is proof enough.”
A man capable of pressuring Chrichton and taking its princess hostage, ultimately marrying her, was no ordinary man. Igor had accomplished what was unthinkable in the past.
Rihannan finished her wine, feeling a slight buzz and a newfound courage.
“And with or without witnesses, everyone is aware of the circumstances that led to our marriage. In a way, it resembles a predatory union. You sailed to Chrichton, bold and mighty, and demanded that the royals and nobility surrender their princess. It is far from ordinary.” As she conversed with him, the earlier nervousness and tension that had plagued her dissipated. She extended her glass to him. “Worry not. I am fully aware that we will face disagreements sooner or later. Nevertheless, for the duration of this one-year contract, I shall faithfully fulfill my duties as your wife,” Rihannan smiled, anticipating another drink.
Igor retrieved her wine glass.
Her ice-blue eyes widened immediately. “Why did you take it? I wanted to have a bit more.”
“I offered it to help you relax, not to become intoxicated.”
“I wasn’t nervous, and I am not drunk.”
“You are not inebriated at present, but one more drink would push you to the edge. Besides, you become more open and speak your mind freely when you are drunk. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but not tonight.”
He placed the glass on the table and approached her.
It is time, she thought.
Originally, their bodies were meant to be entwined in passionate union as soon as he entered the room, but their conversation had delayed their physical connection.
He would soon enfold her in his embrace. She now understood what it entailed and the fears that once plagued her had diminished. Furthermore, she did not feel coerced. There were no witnesses, nor would there ever be. Igor had changed—he had become kinder and more considerate. He would never do anything to harm her.
Not intentionally.
His large hands reached out, gently cupping her flushed cheeks. She accepted his touch without repulsion. His hands radiated warmth, dispersing the slight chill in her cheeks.
“…I acknowledge that my methods were and still are abominable. What I have done to you is no different from our ancestors… kidnapping and forcing you into marriage.”
Upon hearing his words, she lifted her head, anger flickering in her eyes. She realized she had made a grave mistake—slipping into a careless state due to the influence of alcohol and the relaxed atmosphere, she had unintentionally criticized him.
As she began to formulate an apology, he interjected, “So, I will give you a choice.”
Confusion clouded her mind. “…What choice?”
“You do not have to spend the night with me if you so desire.”
She was uncertain of his meaning. Was he implying that they would not proceed with the wedding ceremony? Did he intend to annul the marriage?
“What do you mean?” she inquired.
“If you are unable to accept this now or in the future, we need not proceed. You can sleep in the bed, while I rest on the couch over there. The choice is yours, Rihannan.”
“But if that happens, our marriage will…”
“I have told you… my words hold more weight than any witnesses. If I say that I am married to you, then I am married to you,” he spoke gently. “However, remember that if you choose me, I will not hold back. I will give my all. So… ponder your answer carefully.”
Rihannan looked at him, her eyes trembling. His words were sincere. Those eyes, those violet eyes, spoke with utmost honesty. He could have lied, but she knew that he spoke the truth.
Perhaps he was right—that they would pass the night without fully committing themselves.
But…
“…I was the one who proposed this marriage in the first place. I asked you to marry me.”
Yet, how long could their relationship remain fair amidst the battles and intrigues of the royal court? Rumors of a king who had abandoned his queen, rumors that she was held hostage, rumors that he had never sought her body would spread like wildfire. The nobility thrived on toxicity, their watchful eyes ready to trample the weak, even the royal family, given the opportunity. It was a reality she herself had experienced in the past during her time in Chrichton.
“I assured you that I would faithfully fulfill my obligations without any intention of escaping.”
She lifted her head and placed her hand on top of his.
“Igor, I will use you to protect myself.”
She held his hand firmly and locked her gaze with his.
“So, embrace me, Igor.”
