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
Rihannan gazed into the duchess’ gentle eyes. “Mrs. Cessley, are you referring to the forthcoming palace banquet?”
“Yes, it’s the banquet where you, My Queen, and His Majesty will welcome and interact with the nobles as a couple for the first time. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed. All they’ll care about is the queen’s fashionable attire and how many times she dances with her king. Just greet them with a polite smile. In the beginning, they are merely innocent cats concealing their true intentions.”
Indeed, the duchess spoke the truth. The banquet tomorrow would serve as a quiet reconnaissance, marking Rihannan’s official debut as queen. The nobility would scrutinize her every move, assessing the kind of queen they perceived her to be. Their judgment would determine their subsequent actions.
Rihannan recalled a time when she was an easy target for the power-hungry nobles. Her lack of experience in handling large crowds left her unable to confidently lead conversations or respond to subtle wit. And to make matters worse, the king seemed indifferent towards her, their strained relationship bearing the mark of forced union by the Queen Mother.
In the past, she would find herself relegated to a lonely corner during banquets, filled with longing before retreating to the solitude of the Queen’s Palace.
Rihannan crossed her arms and smiled. “…However, we must teach those greedy cats a lesson. They shouldn’t dare reveal their hidden claws if they value their lives.”
That would suffice. While she would remain in Arundell for a year, she had no intention of reverting to her weak, despised former self. She refused to become an easy target for the power-hungry nobles and would ensure they knew it.
While she didn’t aspire to rule them with an iron fist, she wouldn’t tolerate their avaricious actions.
As she uttered those words, the hand caressing her shoulder came to a gentle halt. The duchess stared at her momentarily, then smiled.
“You’re absolutely right,” Mrs. Cessley said.
After completing her bath, Rihannan changed into comfortable attire. Over a light tea, she enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with the duchess, engaging in casual conversation.
When lunchtime arrived, her maternal uncle paid her a visit to bid his final farewell before returning to Chrichton.
“Uncle!” Rihannan greeted him with a bright smile.
The marquis embraced his niece and the girl who had become the queen of a kingdom overnight.
“This is wonderful. You appear happy, Rihannan,” he remarked.
Rihannan was taken aback. She touched her cheek and chuckled softly. Life in the palace wasn’t so bad, but she hadn’t expected to feel genuinely happy and at peace.
“After breakfast, His Majesty took me aside to tell me something personal, Rihannan.”
Rihannan looked up. “What did he say?”
The marquis smiled. “He expressed his determination to cherish and protect you, which reassured me greatly about your safety while I return home.”
Rihannan’s eyes widened at his unexpected words.
“H-He said that?”
The marquis nodded.
“Yes, indeed. It put my mind at ease, and it seems that he genuinely cares for you. The depth of his emotions was evident on his face. I believe he is a good man,” he said, patting her shoulder lightly. “Well, I suppose I should bid him my final farewell before I depart. I wish I could stay by your side a little longer, but…”
Hearing such entirely unexpected sentiments from him, Rihannan’s eyes quivered.
Rihannan offered a radiant, beaming smile. “I’ll be fine, Uncle. Please don’t worry and go. I’m sure Mother is missing you dearly as well. And… please give this to Dimi.”
She handed over the personal letters she had written to the marquis. While royal letters typically bore the seal of the monarchy, these letters were written before she ascended to the throne, and their content was of a personal nature.
The one letter she had sent to Dimitri in the past had caused problems, leading to accusations of her espionage and betrayal of Arundell’s secrets to Chrichton. She had to be cautious, both for her own sake and for Dimitri’s.
Likely, this would be the last letter she sent to Dimitri for several months to come.
The marquis nodded and examined the letter in his hand. Rihannan noticed a sour expression on his face when she mentioned Dimitri.
“Has something happened to Dimi? He didn’t attend the wedding ceremony, and I heard he was infuriated and took it out on you before coming to Arundell.”
The marquis sighed in exasperation. “It’s not a significant matter. It’s just… he has changed somewhat…”
“Changed?” Rihannan asked, her concern evident.
“After his release from prison, he learned that it was you, not the princess, who was sent to Arundell. He became more involved in matters of state, actively engaging in internal affairs. These days, it’s difficult to find him around. As you know, Dimi has always detested politics and would often speak of becoming a pirate. I’m glad he has altered his mindset, but at the same time, I worry about him. The circumstances might drive him to act impulsively because of what happened to you…”
Rihannan understood the marquis’ concerns. If Dimitri were to involve himself in state affairs, he would gain political influence. However, there would be numerous conniving nobles who would try to hinder his rise to power.
“…Uncle, please don’t worry too much. Despite appearances, Dimi is a wise person. He will handle whatever comes his way. The royal family also owes a debt to both him and me. They wouldn’t dare to act rashly.”
After bidding her uncle farewell and seeing him off, an unexpected thought crossed Rihannan’s mind. In her previous life, after her untimely demise, she often wondered what became of Dimitri at that time. What actions would he have taken? Now, knowing how deeply he cared for her as a sister, she was certain he wouldn’t sit idly by. It simply wasn’t in his nature.
He would have done something.
***
“Rihannan.”
As the sky darkened and enveloped the surroundings, Igor arrived for a visit. Rihannan lay in bed, engrossed in a book, struggling to find sleep.
His unexpected presence startled her, prompting her to rise from the bed. “Igor? Why are you here?”
He approached her with purposeful strides, offering no reply, and captured her lips in a kiss, wrapping his arms around her.
His kiss felt commonplace, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
He kissed her deeply, his tongue entwined with hers, his hand gently caressing her cheek.
She closed her eyes, surrendering her lips to him.
The duchess’ advice from earlier that day echoed in her mind, but for some inexplicable reason, she found herself disinclined to follow it.
Even she couldn’t discern the direction her own heart was steering her towards.
Igor broke away from the kiss, his gaze fixed upon her. He pulled her closer and spoke with a smile. “How did you spend your day today?”
“Well, as you suggested, I had a good rest. I also spent time with my uncle,” she replied.
Igor’s eyebrows furrowed slightly at the mention of her uncle. She noticed his attempt to gauge her reaction.
“He told me that you took him aside and reassured him, promising to take care of me and protect me. Thank you, Igor, for putting his mind at ease. It brought him great relief to hear those words from you.”
A faint blush colored his cheeks, and he turned his head slightly. A hint of awkwardness laced his expression.
Clearing his throat, he said, “I see. Were you reading a book?”
With sparkling eyes and a wistful smile, he took her hand and led her to the bed, where they sat together on the edge.
He picked up the book she had been engrossed in moments ago.
“Ah, a report. It seems to recount past events from ten years ago.”
“Yes, I’ve been away from Arundell for so long that…”
Igor let out a small sigh.
“You are diligent. Despite having a simple test today, here you are, immersed in study.”
His words held a hint of sympathy.
Rihannan looked at him and said, “I appreciate your kind words, Igor, but look at yourself. You’re still dressed in your work attire. I’m certain you’ve been toiling until now.”
Igor smiled. “Indeed. I have been occupied until this very moment. Once I finished, I hurried to see you. However, I will need to depart again soon. My duties are not yet complete. Although, at this particular moment, what I truly desire is to lie in bed with you.”
He returned the book to its place and enveloped Rihannan in his arms.
“…Rihannan.”
He guided her down onto the bed.
Gently.
His heart raced as he buried his face in the nape of her neck, inhaling the sweet scent of her skin. A contented smile graced his lips.
As his hands caressed her back, Rihannan’s body tensed slightly.
“It’s alright. For now, I will simply hold you like this. I know you’re weary.”
It was as if he had read her thoughts. His reassurance eased her, yet within moments, new thoughts took shape in her mind. If his intentions weren’t carnal, then why had he sought her presence?
“…Rihannan, what kind of king do you think history will remember me as?”
The question seemed to arise out of nowhere, likely prompted by the book she had been reading earlier.
“I believe they will regard you as a just and righteous king, one who governed the people with fairness. After all, you are fulfilling that role now,” she responded without hesitation.
Compared to their past life, Igor had dethroned his mother from power much earlier, causing Arundell to be viewed in a different light by foreign kingdoms. Arundell had become a powerful and prosperous nation, impossible to overlook. Rihannan had witnessed the evidence during her journey from the port to the palace. Arundell was now vibrant, brimming with colorful markets and people whose smiles were brighter and carefree. And to top it off, Igor had emerged victorious in the naval battle against Chrichton.
Satisfied with her answer, Igor mustered a weak smile. “I hope that is the case.”
He rested his head on her chest, finding solace in the soft, comfortable mounds. A contented sigh escaped his lips.
“You should sleep. I will leave once you fall asleep.”
Rihannan raised an eyebrow.
“…So, you came all this way just to… lull me to sleep?”
Igor cleared his throat.
“Well… among other things.”
“But I’m the type who takes a long time to fall asleep… It would be best for you to leave.”
He lifted his head and locked gazes with her, his eyes filled with stars.
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
Rihannan gazed into the duchess’ gentle eyes. “Mrs. Cessley, are you referring to the forthcoming palace banquet?”
“Yes, it’s the banquet where you, My Queen, and His Majesty will welcome and interact with the nobles as a couple for the first time. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed. All they’ll care about is the queen’s fashionable attire and how many times she dances with her king. Just greet them with a polite smile. In the beginning, they are merely innocent cats concealing their true intentions.”
Indeed, the duchess spoke the truth. The banquet tomorrow would serve as a quiet reconnaissance, marking Rihannan’s official debut as queen. The nobility would scrutinize her every move, assessing the kind of queen they perceived her to be. Their judgment would determine their subsequent actions.
Rihannan recalled a time when she was an easy target for the power-hungry nobles. Her lack of experience in handling large crowds left her unable to confidently lead conversations or respond to subtle wit. And to make matters worse, the king seemed indifferent towards her, their strained relationship bearing the mark of forced union by the Queen Mother.
In the past, she would find herself relegated to a lonely corner during banquets, filled with longing before retreating to the solitude of the Queen’s Palace.
Rihannan crossed her arms and smiled. “…However, we must teach those greedy cats a lesson. They shouldn’t dare reveal their hidden claws if they value their lives.”
That would suffice. While she would remain in Arundell for a year, she had no intention of reverting to her weak, despised former self. She refused to become an easy target for the power-hungry nobles and would ensure they knew it.
While she didn’t aspire to rule them with an iron fist, she wouldn’t tolerate their avaricious actions.
As she uttered those words, the hand caressing her shoulder came to a gentle halt. The duchess stared at her momentarily, then smiled.
“You’re absolutely right,” Mrs. Cessley said.
After completing her bath, Rihannan changed into comfortable attire. Over a light tea, she enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with the duchess, engaging in casual conversation.
When lunchtime arrived, her maternal uncle paid her a visit to bid his final farewell before returning to Chrichton.
“Uncle!” Rihannan greeted him with a bright smile.
The marquis embraced his niece and the girl who had become the queen of a kingdom overnight.
“This is wonderful. You appear happy, Rihannan,” he remarked.
Rihannan was taken aback. She touched her cheek and chuckled softly. Life in the palace wasn’t so bad, but she hadn’t expected to feel genuinely happy and at peace.
“After breakfast, His Majesty took me aside to tell me something personal, Rihannan.”
Rihannan looked up. “What did he say?”
The marquis smiled. “He expressed his determination to cherish and protect you, which reassured me greatly about your safety while I return home.”
Rihannan’s eyes widened at his unexpected words.
“H-He said that?”
The marquis nodded.
“Yes, indeed. It put my mind at ease, and it seems that he genuinely cares for you. The depth of his emotions was evident on his face. I believe he is a good man,” he said, patting her shoulder lightly. “Well, I suppose I should bid him my final farewell before I depart. I wish I could stay by your side a little longer, but…”
Hearing such entirely unexpected sentiments from him, Rihannan’s eyes quivered.
Rihannan offered a radiant, beaming smile. “I’ll be fine, Uncle. Please don’t worry and go. I’m sure Mother is missing you dearly as well. And… please give this to Dimi.”
She handed over the personal letters she had written to the marquis. While royal letters typically bore the seal of the monarchy, these letters were written before she ascended to the throne, and their content was of a personal nature.
The one letter she had sent to Dimitri in the past had caused problems, leading to accusations of her espionage and betrayal of Arundell’s secrets to Chrichton. She had to be cautious, both for her own sake and for Dimitri’s.
Likely, this would be the last letter she sent to Dimitri for several months to come.
The marquis nodded and examined the letter in his hand. Rihannan noticed a sour expression on his face when she mentioned Dimitri.
“Has something happened to Dimi? He didn’t attend the wedding ceremony, and I heard he was infuriated and took it out on you before coming to Arundell.”
The marquis sighed in exasperation. “It’s not a significant matter. It’s just… he has changed somewhat…”
“Changed?” Rihannan asked, her concern evident.
“After his release from prison, he learned that it was you, not the princess, who was sent to Arundell. He became more involved in matters of state, actively engaging in internal affairs. These days, it’s difficult to find him around. As you know, Dimi has always detested politics and would often speak of becoming a pirate. I’m glad he has altered his mindset, but at the same time, I worry about him. The circumstances might drive him to act impulsively because of what happened to you…”
Rihannan understood the marquis’ concerns. If Dimitri were to involve himself in state affairs, he would gain political influence. However, there would be numerous conniving nobles who would try to hinder his rise to power.
“…Uncle, please don’t worry too much. Despite appearances, Dimi is a wise person. He will handle whatever comes his way. The royal family also owes a debt to both him and me. They wouldn’t dare to act rashly.”
After bidding her uncle farewell and seeing him off, an unexpected thought crossed Rihannan’s mind. In her previous life, after her untimely demise, she often wondered what became of Dimitri at that time. What actions would he have taken? Now, knowing how deeply he cared for her as a sister, she was certain he wouldn’t sit idly by. It simply wasn’t in his nature.
He would have done something.
***
“Rihannan.”
As the sky darkened and enveloped the surroundings, Igor arrived for a visit. Rihannan lay in bed, engrossed in a book, struggling to find sleep.
His unexpected presence startled her, prompting her to rise from the bed. “Igor? Why are you here?”
He approached her with purposeful strides, offering no reply, and captured her lips in a kiss, wrapping his arms around her.
His kiss felt commonplace, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
He kissed her deeply, his tongue entwined with hers, his hand gently caressing her cheek.
She closed her eyes, surrendering her lips to him.
The duchess’ advice from earlier that day echoed in her mind, but for some inexplicable reason, she found herself disinclined to follow it.
Even she couldn’t discern the direction her own heart was steering her towards.
Igor broke away from the kiss, his gaze fixed upon her. He pulled her closer and spoke with a smile. “How did you spend your day today?”
“Well, as you suggested, I had a good rest. I also spent time with my uncle,” she replied.
Igor’s eyebrows furrowed slightly at the mention of her uncle. She noticed his attempt to gauge her reaction.
“He told me that you took him aside and reassured him, promising to take care of me and protect me. Thank you, Igor, for putting his mind at ease. It brought him great relief to hear those words from you.”
A faint blush colored his cheeks, and he turned his head slightly. A hint of awkwardness laced his expression.
Clearing his throat, he said, “I see. Were you reading a book?”
With sparkling eyes and a wistful smile, he took her hand and led her to the bed, where they sat together on the edge.
He picked up the book she had been engrossed in moments ago.
“Ah, a report. It seems to recount past events from ten years ago.”
“Yes, I’ve been away from Arundell for so long that…”
Igor let out a small sigh.
“You are diligent. Despite having a simple test today, here you are, immersed in study.”
His words held a hint of sympathy.
Rihannan looked at him and said, “I appreciate your kind words, Igor, but look at yourself. You’re still dressed in your work attire. I’m certain you’ve been toiling until now.”
Igor smiled. “Indeed. I have been occupied until this very moment. Once I finished, I hurried to see you. However, I will need to depart again soon. My duties are not yet complete. Although, at this particular moment, what I truly desire is to lie in bed with you.”
He returned the book to its place and enveloped Rihannan in his arms.
“…Rihannan.”
He guided her down onto the bed.
Gently.
His heart raced as he buried his face in the nape of her neck, inhaling the sweet scent of her skin. A contented smile graced his lips.
As his hands caressed her back, Rihannan’s body tensed slightly.
“It’s alright. For now, I will simply hold you like this. I know you’re weary.”
It was as if he had read her thoughts. His reassurance eased her, yet within moments, new thoughts took shape in her mind. If his intentions weren’t carnal, then why had he sought her presence?
“…Rihannan, what kind of king do you think history will remember me as?”
The question seemed to arise out of nowhere, likely prompted by the book she had been reading earlier.
“I believe they will regard you as a just and righteous king, one who governed the people with fairness. After all, you are fulfilling that role now,” she responded without hesitation.
Compared to their past life, Igor had dethroned his mother from power much earlier, causing Arundell to be viewed in a different light by foreign kingdoms. Arundell had become a powerful and prosperous nation, impossible to overlook. Rihannan had witnessed the evidence during her journey from the port to the palace. Arundell was now vibrant, brimming with colorful markets and people whose smiles were brighter and carefree. And to top it off, Igor had emerged victorious in the naval battle against Chrichton.
Satisfied with her answer, Igor mustered a weak smile. “I hope that is the case.”
He rested his head on her chest, finding solace in the soft, comfortable mounds. A contented sigh escaped his lips.
“You should sleep. I will leave once you fall asleep.”
Rihannan raised an eyebrow.
“…So, you came all this way just to… lull me to sleep?”
Igor cleared his throat.
“Well… among other things.”
“But I’m the type who takes a long time to fall asleep… It would be best for you to leave.”
He lifted his head and locked gazes with her, his eyes filled with stars.
