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
“It matters naught. Her Majesty possesses no power nor does she currently wield any. The fact that she is the Queen Mother’s goddaughter holds no significance!” a voice retorted with a touch of snark.
“You’re absolutely right,” nodded a noble as he pondered the matter. “Even during the wedding ceremony, Her Majesty made only a fleeting appearance at the night party before returning to the Queen’s Palace. Moreover, I’ve heard that our king was furious upon discovering her secret meeting with the Queen Mother not long ago, without his knowledge.”
Another noble sighed thoughtfully, his gaze fixated on the wine glass in his hand. “It seems that the bitter relationship between His Majesty and the Queen Mother still lingers. I wonder when they will reconcile…”
As the conversations carried on, the melodic musings abruptly ceased, giving way to hushed whispers and chattering lips.
Suddenly, the main attendant’s voice boomed through the ballroom, announcing the majestic entrance of the king and queen. “His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen now grace us with their presence!”
The nobility swiftly moved aside, creating a wide and straight path leading to the throne.
Silence blanketed the ballroom as all eyes fixated on the king and queen, particularly their intertwined hands. The sight of the newlyweds holding hands elicited gasps of astonishment, escaping from the lips of the enraptured onlookers.
“What a splendid couple they make.”
“You’re absolutely right. They are even more remarkable together than I had imagined.”
The nobility had spent their entire lives pursuing youth and beauty, reveling in the very idea. Their genuine gasps of astonishment and surprise upon witnessing the radiant beauty of the queen and the captivating charm of the king reflected their high regard for them.
As they watched the king gaze at his queen with eyes brimming with love and affection, the bitter opinions they had held mere moments ago dissipated, replaced by renewed and completely transformed perspectives. It seemed highly improbable that their relationship was fractured, and even more unlikely that the king disapproved of his queen, who was originally brought to Arundell as a mere hostage and later became his wife in name alone.
Amidst the multitude of inquisitive gazes and thoughts directed at the king and queen, the royal couple made their way to the throne, gracefully taking their seats at a deliberate pace.
The king’s hand lay gently atop the queen’s, which rested on the armrest. Every gaze from the nobility was riveted on that precise point.
Even as the king raised his glass in a toast, a broad smile gracing his lips, he did not release her hand.
“Welcome, honored guests. You have graced us with your presence to celebrate and offer congratulations on our union. For that, I express my heartfelt gratitude, and I hope you thoroughly enjoy this splendid occasion.”
“Congratulations on your marriage! Blessings be upon Your Majesty the King and Your Majesty the Queen!”
The nobility jubilantly toasted to their marriage, glasses raised in unison. The music resumed its enchanting melodies, and the conversations resumed their lively flow.
The grand ball had truly begun.
In that fleeting moment when the guests’ attention momentarily shifted away from the king and queen, Igor leaned in quietly, his voice a soft whisper meant only for Rihannan. “I told you, didn’t I? Their eyes and gazes will remain fixated on our hands, desperately awaiting the moment we release our grip.”
Rihannan shook her head gently, a solemn sigh escaping her lips.
Igor smiled and tightened his grip on her hand, his touch offering reassurance. “There’s a way to ensure you don’t feel anxious in the ballroom. Would you care to give it a try?” he inquired, his voice laced with tender affection.
Prior to their public appearance, Igor sensed Rihannan’s restlessness and anxiety, and he sought to calm his beloved wife’s nerves. With a sigh laden with empathy, she readily embraced Igor’s suggestions. At her consent, he immediately took hold of her hand and refused to let go. Unbeknownst to her, his heart overflowed with gentle contentment.
What he revealed to her next took her by surprise. He explained that as long as she clung to his hand, the gaze of the nobility would remain fixated on their entwined hands, oblivious to her presence. And indeed, it seemed to be effective. When they took their seats on the throne, Igor maintained his firm grip, even when Rihannan attempted to subtly withdraw her hand.
Fortuitously, all eyes remained locked on their clasped hands, despite attempts to feign indifference. From the moment they made their public entrance, hand in hand, the nobility’s interest immediately shifted towards deciphering their relationship. It was a rare sight to witness a king and queen displaying genuine affection in such a formal setting.
Soon, the nobles lined up one by one to personally greet the king and queen, starting with the highest-ranking nobles and working their way down to the lower ranks.
The husband and wife from the House of Lissel, known for their longstanding tradition of greeting royalty first, approached.
“Congratulations on your marriage, Your Majesty the King, and to you as well, Your Majesty the Queen,” the duke said as he bowed, pressing a tender kiss to the back of Igor’s hand before doing the same to Rihannan’s.
“You two are an absolute vision together. May the blessings of the heavens be upon you now and forever.”
As the duke concluded his greeting, the duchess began hers, but in reverse order, starting with the queen and then the king. Like her husband, she extended her warm congratulations and stepped away gracefully.
As the noblemen and their noble partners approached one by one, the line gradually diminished.
Meanwhile, Rihannan laughed and whispered softly, “When will you finally release my hand?”
“We will be holding hands again soon enough. Why let go now?”
A playful banter ensued between Igor and Rihannan amidst the ongoing greetings, but they soon silenced their exchange and greeted the approaching nobles with bright smiles.
As the final round of greetings concluded, Rihannan finally got to hear Igor’s rationale.
“Because, my dear Rihannan, I want to dance with you,” Igor announced, gesturing toward the ballroom dance floor. With a subtle flick of his finger, the serene melody transformed into a lively tune, setting the stage for dancing.
He rose from his seat, extending his hand toward Rihannan. Her hand, once kissed by the nobles as a symbol of their absolute loyalty, was now being claimed by Igor, who bowed deeply before her. He pulled her hand gently, planting a soft, tender kiss.
“Rihannan, my wife, may I have the honor of this dance?” Igor’s smile radiated warmth and affection. “I yearn to steal a dance with you.”
Igor’s eyes held a deep longing as he gazed at her.
Rihannan returned his gaze.
In those eyes, she beheld not only the man standing before her but also the echoes of the man she had known in a different time.
…It was the Igor she once knew.
The Igor of the past had worn a stoic and angered expression. They had endured a tumultuous night, their marriage consummation ending bitterly.
He had only worn a facade of a smile as they danced, his heart heavy with obligation.
To the Rihannan of the past, it had felt akin to being led like a cow to the slaughterhouse.
But that was then…
Rihannan dispelled the memories of the past and rose from her seat. She had ample time to reflect during the past month, and she had reached a revelation: the individuals who had wreaked havoc in her life were no more, and the Igor standing before her now was a different man.
She held steadfast belief in this truth.
Hand in hand, the king and queen descended from the throne. The nobility hastened to clear a space in the middle of the ballroom, creating an empty stage.
After bowing to one another, they extended one hand outward and gracefully spun in a circle in their designated spot. Their unwavering gazes remained locked on each other throughout the rotation. As they spun in the opposite direction, their eyes never wavered.
Igor drew Rihannan closer, his hand firm on her waist as they took a step forward.
Their eyes spoke volumes.
Her lips curved into genuine smiles.
He beamed, his smile wide as they danced.
To all who beheld them, they appeared as nothing less than a king and queen divested of their titles, simply a man and a woman deeply in love.
“…It seems that His Majesty’s affection for the queen exceeds our expectations.”
“Yes,” chuckled a nobleman. “Perhaps we will witness the arrival of a new member in the royal family soon. They radiate such happiness together. I have no doubt that her pregnancy is imminent.”
“Oh? It appears we will witness more good news in due time.”
While the nobility shared their thoughts on the king and their newly crowned queen, the second dance of the king and queen reached its conclusion. They bowed to each other once more and gracefully exited the dance floor. The nobles soon gathered, resuming their own dances with joyous enthusiasm.
A faster-paced melody filled the ballroom, and the noblemen swept their partners onto the dance floor, twirling and swirling with grace. The attendants busily circulated, offering light refreshments and libations to the guests who stood and observed the revelry with delight. The ballroom brimmed with cheer and merriment.
As the dance came to an end, the king and queen separated to engage in earnest conversation and socialize with the nobility, a prospect eagerly awaited by many. The nobles flocked to the queen as swiftly as possible.
“My Queen, allow me to introduce the wife of Duke Safia.”
Mrs. Cessley remained by Rihannan’s side, acting as her guide while introducing the nobles, fostering connections between the queen and her subjects. The nobles, who had previously exchanged only simple greetings, now conversed with her freely.
“My Queen, should you find the time and should the heavens permit, I extend an invitation to you to visit our domain. The scenery there is truly breathtaking, and I am certain you would find great pleasure in it.”
The duchess’s words carried genuine sincerity.
Rihannan fanned herself delicately and responded with a gentle smile. “I am grateful for your gracious offer, Duchess. However, as I am still acclimating to the palace, I cannot make any promises regarding a visit to your domain at this moment. Once I have settled in more fully, I will remember your kind invitation.”
The duchess playfully contested, “Nonsense, My Queen! You already seem perfectly at ease here, particularly in the company of His Majesty! Isn’t that right, Madame Cessley?”
Her words evoked laughter from the nearby nobles.
Mrs. Cessley joined in the laughter, exchanging a knowing glance with Rihannan. “You have no idea of the depth of His Majesty’s care and adoration for the queen. Let me assure you, what you witnessed today pales in comparison to their true connection.”
“My goodness! To think their love runs even deeper! Every time I saw His Majesty and Her Majesty so close, I lost count of how many times I pinched my husband’s side out of jealousy and frustration. I’m quite certain it must be bruised by now!”
Another round of laughter reverberated through the hall.
As they continued their conversation, an attendant approached Mrs. Cessley, summoning her back to the residence for an urgent matter.
Observing Rihannan’s effortless engagement with the nobility, Mrs. Cessley felt reassured and departed to attend to her duties, confident that Rihannan could carry on the conversation in her absence.
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
“It matters naught. Her Majesty possesses no power nor does she currently wield any. The fact that she is the Queen Mother’s goddaughter holds no significance!” a voice retorted with a touch of snark.
“You’re absolutely right,” nodded a noble as he pondered the matter. “Even during the wedding ceremony, Her Majesty made only a fleeting appearance at the night party before returning to the Queen’s Palace. Moreover, I’ve heard that our king was furious upon discovering her secret meeting with the Queen Mother not long ago, without his knowledge.”
Another noble sighed thoughtfully, his gaze fixated on the wine glass in his hand. “It seems that the bitter relationship between His Majesty and the Queen Mother still lingers. I wonder when they will reconcile…”
As the conversations carried on, the melodic musings abruptly ceased, giving way to hushed whispers and chattering lips.
Suddenly, the main attendant’s voice boomed through the ballroom, announcing the majestic entrance of the king and queen. “His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen now grace us with their presence!”
The nobility swiftly moved aside, creating a wide and straight path leading to the throne.
Silence blanketed the ballroom as all eyes fixated on the king and queen, particularly their intertwined hands. The sight of the newlyweds holding hands elicited gasps of astonishment, escaping from the lips of the enraptured onlookers.
“What a splendid couple they make.”
“You’re absolutely right. They are even more remarkable together than I had imagined.”
The nobility had spent their entire lives pursuing youth and beauty, reveling in the very idea. Their genuine gasps of astonishment and surprise upon witnessing the radiant beauty of the queen and the captivating charm of the king reflected their high regard for them.
As they watched the king gaze at his queen with eyes brimming with love and affection, the bitter opinions they had held mere moments ago dissipated, replaced by renewed and completely transformed perspectives. It seemed highly improbable that their relationship was fractured, and even more unlikely that the king disapproved of his queen, who was originally brought to Arundell as a mere hostage and later became his wife in name alone.
Amidst the multitude of inquisitive gazes and thoughts directed at the king and queen, the royal couple made their way to the throne, gracefully taking their seats at a deliberate pace.
The king’s hand lay gently atop the queen’s, which rested on the armrest. Every gaze from the nobility was riveted on that precise point.
Even as the king raised his glass in a toast, a broad smile gracing his lips, he did not release her hand.
“Welcome, honored guests. You have graced us with your presence to celebrate and offer congratulations on our union. For that, I express my heartfelt gratitude, and I hope you thoroughly enjoy this splendid occasion.”
“Congratulations on your marriage! Blessings be upon Your Majesty the King and Your Majesty the Queen!”
The nobility jubilantly toasted to their marriage, glasses raised in unison. The music resumed its enchanting melodies, and the conversations resumed their lively flow.
The grand ball had truly begun.
In that fleeting moment when the guests’ attention momentarily shifted away from the king and queen, Igor leaned in quietly, his voice a soft whisper meant only for Rihannan. “I told you, didn’t I? Their eyes and gazes will remain fixated on our hands, desperately awaiting the moment we release our grip.”
Rihannan shook her head gently, a solemn sigh escaping her lips.
Igor smiled and tightened his grip on her hand, his touch offering reassurance. “There’s a way to ensure you don’t feel anxious in the ballroom. Would you care to give it a try?” he inquired, his voice laced with tender affection.
Prior to their public appearance, Igor sensed Rihannan’s restlessness and anxiety, and he sought to calm his beloved wife’s nerves. With a sigh laden with empathy, she readily embraced Igor’s suggestions. At her consent, he immediately took hold of her hand and refused to let go. Unbeknownst to her, his heart overflowed with gentle contentment.
What he revealed to her next took her by surprise. He explained that as long as she clung to his hand, the gaze of the nobility would remain fixated on their entwined hands, oblivious to her presence. And indeed, it seemed to be effective. When they took their seats on the throne, Igor maintained his firm grip, even when Rihannan attempted to subtly withdraw her hand.
Fortuitously, all eyes remained locked on their clasped hands, despite attempts to feign indifference. From the moment they made their public entrance, hand in hand, the nobility’s interest immediately shifted towards deciphering their relationship. It was a rare sight to witness a king and queen displaying genuine affection in such a formal setting.
Soon, the nobles lined up one by one to personally greet the king and queen, starting with the highest-ranking nobles and working their way down to the lower ranks.
The husband and wife from the House of Lissel, known for their longstanding tradition of greeting royalty first, approached.
“Congratulations on your marriage, Your Majesty the King, and to you as well, Your Majesty the Queen,” the duke said as he bowed, pressing a tender kiss to the back of Igor’s hand before doing the same to Rihannan’s.
“You two are an absolute vision together. May the blessings of the heavens be upon you now and forever.”
As the duke concluded his greeting, the duchess began hers, but in reverse order, starting with the queen and then the king. Like her husband, she extended her warm congratulations and stepped away gracefully.
As the noblemen and their noble partners approached one by one, the line gradually diminished.
Meanwhile, Rihannan laughed and whispered softly, “When will you finally release my hand?”
“We will be holding hands again soon enough. Why let go now?”
A playful banter ensued between Igor and Rihannan amidst the ongoing greetings, but they soon silenced their exchange and greeted the approaching nobles with bright smiles.
As the final round of greetings concluded, Rihannan finally got to hear Igor’s rationale.
“Because, my dear Rihannan, I want to dance with you,” Igor announced, gesturing toward the ballroom dance floor. With a subtle flick of his finger, the serene melody transformed into a lively tune, setting the stage for dancing.
He rose from his seat, extending his hand toward Rihannan. Her hand, once kissed by the nobles as a symbol of their absolute loyalty, was now being claimed by Igor, who bowed deeply before her. He pulled her hand gently, planting a soft, tender kiss.
“Rihannan, my wife, may I have the honor of this dance?” Igor’s smile radiated warmth and affection. “I yearn to steal a dance with you.”
Igor’s eyes held a deep longing as he gazed at her.
Rihannan returned his gaze.
In those eyes, she beheld not only the man standing before her but also the echoes of the man she had known in a different time.
…It was the Igor she once knew.
The Igor of the past had worn a stoic and angered expression. They had endured a tumultuous night, their marriage consummation ending bitterly.
He had only worn a facade of a smile as they danced, his heart heavy with obligation.
To the Rihannan of the past, it had felt akin to being led like a cow to the slaughterhouse.
But that was then…
Rihannan dispelled the memories of the past and rose from her seat. She had ample time to reflect during the past month, and she had reached a revelation: the individuals who had wreaked havoc in her life were no more, and the Igor standing before her now was a different man.
She held steadfast belief in this truth.
Hand in hand, the king and queen descended from the throne. The nobility hastened to clear a space in the middle of the ballroom, creating an empty stage.
After bowing to one another, they extended one hand outward and gracefully spun in a circle in their designated spot. Their unwavering gazes remained locked on each other throughout the rotation. As they spun in the opposite direction, their eyes never wavered.
Igor drew Rihannan closer, his hand firm on her waist as they took a step forward.
Their eyes spoke volumes.
Her lips curved into genuine smiles.
He beamed, his smile wide as they danced.
To all who beheld them, they appeared as nothing less than a king and queen divested of their titles, simply a man and a woman deeply in love.
“…It seems that His Majesty’s affection for the queen exceeds our expectations.”
“Yes,” chuckled a nobleman. “Perhaps we will witness the arrival of a new member in the royal family soon. They radiate such happiness together. I have no doubt that her pregnancy is imminent.”
“Oh? It appears we will witness more good news in due time.”
While the nobility shared their thoughts on the king and their newly crowned queen, the second dance of the king and queen reached its conclusion. They bowed to each other once more and gracefully exited the dance floor. The nobles soon gathered, resuming their own dances with joyous enthusiasm.
A faster-paced melody filled the ballroom, and the noblemen swept their partners onto the dance floor, twirling and swirling with grace. The attendants busily circulated, offering light refreshments and libations to the guests who stood and observed the revelry with delight. The ballroom brimmed with cheer and merriment.
As the dance came to an end, the king and queen separated to engage in earnest conversation and socialize with the nobility, a prospect eagerly awaited by many. The nobles flocked to the queen as swiftly as possible.
“My Queen, allow me to introduce the wife of Duke Safia.”
Mrs. Cessley remained by Rihannan’s side, acting as her guide while introducing the nobles, fostering connections between the queen and her subjects. The nobles, who had previously exchanged only simple greetings, now conversed with her freely.
“My Queen, should you find the time and should the heavens permit, I extend an invitation to you to visit our domain. The scenery there is truly breathtaking, and I am certain you would find great pleasure in it.”
The duchess’s words carried genuine sincerity.
Rihannan fanned herself delicately and responded with a gentle smile. “I am grateful for your gracious offer, Duchess. However, as I am still acclimating to the palace, I cannot make any promises regarding a visit to your domain at this moment. Once I have settled in more fully, I will remember your kind invitation.”
The duchess playfully contested, “Nonsense, My Queen! You already seem perfectly at ease here, particularly in the company of His Majesty! Isn’t that right, Madame Cessley?”
Her words evoked laughter from the nearby nobles.
Mrs. Cessley joined in the laughter, exchanging a knowing glance with Rihannan. “You have no idea of the depth of His Majesty’s care and adoration for the queen. Let me assure you, what you witnessed today pales in comparison to their true connection.”
“My goodness! To think their love runs even deeper! Every time I saw His Majesty and Her Majesty so close, I lost count of how many times I pinched my husband’s side out of jealousy and frustration. I’m quite certain it must be bruised by now!”
Another round of laughter reverberated through the hall.
As they continued their conversation, an attendant approached Mrs. Cessley, summoning her back to the residence for an urgent matter.
Observing Rihannan’s effortless engagement with the nobility, Mrs. Cessley felt reassured and departed to attend to her duties, confident that Rihannan could carry on the conversation in her absence.
