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
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, for I did not intend to deceive you, nor was there any malice in my actions. When His Majesty reached the age of eligibility but showed no inclination towards marriage, the nobles convened and selected Ms. Seraphina Rissel as a candidate for the position of queen. However, His Majesty promptly declined their request, displaying no personal interest in her. As this incident occurred long ago, I chose not to disclose it to you, believing that it might cause you unnecessary discomfort,” Mrs. Cessley confessed with a sense of shame.
“I understand and appreciate your consideration for my feelings. However, I request that you refrain from withholding such information in the future. Even if it may cause me discomfort, I need to be informed so that I can prepare myself for any potentially awkward situations. Today, the duke’s daughter herself dug her own grave, but it does not guarantee that similar incidents won’t happen again,” Rihannan expressed, her tone composed and assertive.
Mrs. Cessley nodded emphatically. “Indeed, Your Majesty. I shall bear your words in mind.”
Rihannan nodded in acknowledgment and made a subtle gesture towards the door. “You have performed admirably today. You may return to your quarters and rest.”
Mrs. Cessley bowed to Rihannan and left the room thereafter.
Sighing deeply, Rihannan trailed her finger along the rim of her teacup and fell into a profound state of melancholy. She had experienced the role of a lady-in-waiting in the past and understood the significance of gathering accurate information before relaying it to the queen. The lady-in-waiting had to ensure the information’s veracity to safeguard the queen’s reputation.
Perhaps Mrs. Cessley had indeed concealed information about Seraphina Rissel from Rihannan to spare her discomfort, but it might also be because it would be disadvantageous to Igor. Reflecting on it now… Igor had sent Mrs. Cessley to her. Maybe… just maybe, Mrs. Cessley would never provide her with information that could cast the king she served in a negative light.
Rihannan recognized the inevitability of this situation, but it saddened her greatly.
Meanwhile, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts before it swung open.
“I hope I am not intruding,” spoke Igor.
He stepped closer to her, and the faint fragrance of soap permeated the air. The ends of his hair appeared slightly damp, as if he had just concluded a bath. Similar to the previous day, he extended his hand and gently cupped her cheek. However, as he leaned in for a kiss, Rihannan averted her gaze and turned her head away.
“…Rihannan?” His voice carried a perplexed tone.
Composing herself swiftly, Rihannan retreated a few steps. Fortunately, he did not pursue her as she distanced herself.
“I have something important to discuss with you,” Rihannan hastened, avoiding direct eye contact.
Igor’s once-smiling lips gradually tightened with concern. “Please, go on,” he urged.
Rihannan steeled herself and took a deep breath. “You need not worry about me either. I… I can fend for myself.”
“What do you mean?” he inquired, his voice tinged with confusion.
“I am conveying that you need not be bound to me and sacrifice your freedom in the process. I do not mind if you seek comfort in the arms of another woman during our marriage. You are free to embrace her as passionately as you desire, without any regard for how I might feel… I will manage.”
After the incident with Seraphina
Rissel, such thoughts had occupied her mind. She wondered if history would repeat itself, if he would seek solace in the arms of other women. When he pulled Leticia towards him and embraced her, a deep void had formed in Rihannan’s heart. However, even though he treated her well now, she questioned whether he would lose interest in her once he had indulged in her body to his heart’s content. In such a case, Rihannan deemed it prudent to draw a line. She had no intention of becoming a laughingstock, similar to what had transpired in the past.
“But I implore you to exercise caution to prevent any rumors from circulating, as they would undoubtedly tarnish my dignity,” she concluded, her voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and determination.
Rihannan maintained a resolute silence, her lips tightly pursed. The room was engulfed in an uncomfortable stillness, like the quiet before an impending disaster.
With caution, Rihannan lifted her head and found herself met with frigid, purple eyes. Unconsciously, she gasped in silent fear as if the Igor of the past stood before her, spewing hurtful words that tore at her shattered heart.
“…Freedom, huh,” Igor scoffed, his voice a low murmur.
He advanced toward her, each step measured and deliberate. Rihannan instinctively retreated, but regardless of her efforts, he closed the distance between them, neither hastening nor slowing down. She soon realized she had no means of escape, regretting her decision to send Mrs. Cessley away. Bitter remorse filled her being, yet she knew dwelling on it would prove futile.
“Are you suggesting that I should embrace the woman I desire as much as I please?” Igor questioned, his breath tinged with aggravation, leaning dangerously close to her.
She could feel his warm breath on her skin.
As she gazed into his icy blue eyes, trembling uncontrollably, Igor let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
“…Then, my dear, it seems I should fulfill your desires right now.”
Igor’s strong hands seized her delicate face, forcing her chin upwards as he forcefully captured her lips in a devouring kiss. He assaulted her, claiming her mouth, delving deep with an insatiable hunger.
She was powerless to resist. All her attempts to push him away were in vain. When she tried to retract her tongue, his entwined around it, pulling it toward him.
She was trapped. Caught in his snare.
“Mmphh!”
Desperately, she sought a breath of air, but he kissed her with unrestrained intensity. A small gasp escaped her lips as they brushed against his.
She could not repel him. It was an impossible feat. Instead, she grasped his shoulders, attempting to push him away, but he responded by pushing her further against the wall. With each futile attempt, she found herself driven deeper into the corner until she had nowhere left to go. Frustration engulfed her, and she clenched her fists, pounding on his shoulders with exhaustion. Yet, he crudely seized both her wrists and pinned them to the wall.
Simultaneously, he bit down harshly on her soft, luscious lower lip.
“Ugh…”
The taste of bitter iron filled her mouth. Her hands were rendered powerless, trapped within his grasp. With no escape in sight, she soon lost all will to resist. In that moment of bitter surrender, he gently tugged at her lightly layered pajamas, tearing them apart.
Rip!
Her goddess-like, alluring body was exposed to the cool, open air. Her swollen lips, still connected to Igor’s, shifted slightly, allowing her to catch a glimpse of his faint purple eyes, devouring her delicate and fragile form.
His eyes, filled with l**t, roamed over her nakedness. She stood defenseless, her hands restrained, unable to cover herself in any way. The weight of her vulnerability crushed her, and she yearned to shield herself, but she knew it was futile.
Soon, Igor’s hand descended upon her enticing bosom, firmly cupping it. Rihannan’s body quivered as his palm exerted pressure on her alluring curves.
“Ah…”
Rihannan emitted a short, delicate moan, synchronized with her ragged breaths. Igor seized her nape with his teeth, savoring the smoothness of her skin, akin to a beast devouring its prey.
Her eyes clenched shut, delicate brows furrowing in a display of exquisite anguish. Igor relentlessly caressed her twin peaks from both sides, threatening to drive her to the brink of insanity.
A moment later, Igor released her wrists and lifted her effortlessly.
Rihannan gasped as he gripped her perky derriere and pressed her forcefully against the wall. The rough texture of the tapestry behind her scraped against her skin while his body pressed tightly against hers, separated only by a thin layer of silk.
She struggled fruitlessly, fully aware of the futility of her attempts to escape.
“Nnnh…”
The unbridled Igor sank his teeth into the tender edge of her ear.
Rihannan instinctively recoiled, her body recoiling in response.
“What’s the matter? Does this not please you? If I recall correctly, my dear wife, you granted me the freedom to embrace any woman as I desire.”
He whispered madly in her ear, his tongue slipping out to lick her, the coarse sound of his wet tongue echoing menacingly.
Her chest heaved rapidly, on the verge of bursting.
“I-I… I meant someone else…” Rihannan managed to gasp out a feeble response.
“I have chosen the woman I wish to embrace. No one can dictate whom I can or cannot hold. Don’t you understand this simple fact? Have you forgotten who I am, Rihannan?!”
Igor’s icy voice dripped with volcanic rage.
That’s when she realized the source of his anger.
Her words had triggered a dormant emotion within him. After all, Igor had suffered under the shadow of his mother in the past. Despite the immense effort and stress he endured to reclaim the political power stolen by the Queen Mother, he had succeeded in the end.
Perhaps her words had awakened a memory he had buried—a memory of being controlled.
Igor’s expression turned blank as he held Rihannan closer, wrapping his arms around her. His hand settled on her abdomen, slowly descending between her legs, delving into her most intimate depths.
She buried her head in his shoulder, releasing an unsettling moan.
Her garden remained dry, untouched—just the intrusion of a single finger caused excruciating pain. He licked her skin and sank his teeth into her nape, biting down forcefully as he worked to moisten her flesh. With each repeated motion, her tender garden gradually yielded to the burgeoning humidity, an unforeseen transformation.
“Haa…”
Igor released a shuddering breath.
His manhood had become fully erect.
Withdrawing his finger, he lowered his bottoms, preparing to enter her. However, he noticed his shoulder growing increasingly wet.
“…Rihannan?”
Her head remained buried in his shoulder, her tears soaking his clothing. Yet, she made no sound, biting her lip to stifle her weeping voice.
Igor snapped back to reality, cursing himself.
He recognized his mistake.
“…Rihannan, why are you crying?”
His voice softened, offering solace.
But her tears continued to flow.
Igor let out a despondent sigh.
Holding her tightly, he guided her toward the bed and gently laid her down. He draped a blanket over her naked body, cocooning her tightly. Then, he lay beside her, stroking her silver-colored hair sprawled across the pillow.
“I… I’m sorry… I was wrong… please, stop crying…”
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
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, for I did not intend to deceive you, nor was there any malice in my actions. When His Majesty reached the age of eligibility but showed no inclination towards marriage, the nobles convened and selected Ms. Seraphina Rissel as a candidate for the position of queen. However, His Majesty promptly declined their request, displaying no personal interest in her. As this incident occurred long ago, I chose not to disclose it to you, believing that it might cause you unnecessary discomfort,” Mrs. Cessley confessed with a sense of shame.
“I understand and appreciate your consideration for my feelings. However, I request that you refrain from withholding such information in the future. Even if it may cause me discomfort, I need to be informed so that I can prepare myself for any potentially awkward situations. Today, the duke’s daughter herself dug her own grave, but it does not guarantee that similar incidents won’t happen again,” Rihannan expressed, her tone composed and assertive.
Mrs. Cessley nodded emphatically. “Indeed, Your Majesty. I shall bear your words in mind.”
Rihannan nodded in acknowledgment and made a subtle gesture towards the door. “You have performed admirably today. You may return to your quarters and rest.”
Mrs. Cessley bowed to Rihannan and left the room thereafter.
Sighing deeply, Rihannan trailed her finger along the rim of her teacup and fell into a profound state of melancholy. She had experienced the role of a lady-in-waiting in the past and understood the significance of gathering accurate information before relaying it to the queen. The lady-in-waiting had to ensure the information’s veracity to safeguard the queen’s reputation.
Perhaps Mrs. Cessley had indeed concealed information about Seraphina Rissel from Rihannan to spare her discomfort, but it might also be because it would be disadvantageous to Igor. Reflecting on it now… Igor had sent Mrs. Cessley to her. Maybe… just maybe, Mrs. Cessley would never provide her with information that could cast the king she served in a negative light.
Rihannan recognized the inevitability of this situation, but it saddened her greatly.
Meanwhile, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts before it swung open.
“I hope I am not intruding,” spoke Igor.
He stepped closer to her, and the faint fragrance of soap permeated the air. The ends of his hair appeared slightly damp, as if he had just concluded a bath. Similar to the previous day, he extended his hand and gently cupped her cheek. However, as he leaned in for a kiss, Rihannan averted her gaze and turned her head away.
“…Rihannan?” His voice carried a perplexed tone.
Composing herself swiftly, Rihannan retreated a few steps. Fortunately, he did not pursue her as she distanced herself.
“I have something important to discuss with you,” Rihannan hastened, avoiding direct eye contact.
Igor’s once-smiling lips gradually tightened with concern. “Please, go on,” he urged.
Rihannan steeled herself and took a deep breath. “You need not worry about me either. I… I can fend for myself.”
“What do you mean?” he inquired, his voice tinged with confusion.
“I am conveying that you need not be bound to me and sacrifice your freedom in the process. I do not mind if you seek comfort in the arms of another woman during our marriage. You are free to embrace her as passionately as you desire, without any regard for how I might feel… I will manage.”
After the incident with Seraphina
Rissel, such thoughts had occupied her mind. She wondered if history would repeat itself, if he would seek solace in the arms of other women. When he pulled Leticia towards him and embraced her, a deep void had formed in Rihannan’s heart. However, even though he treated her well now, she questioned whether he would lose interest in her once he had indulged in her body to his heart’s content. In such a case, Rihannan deemed it prudent to draw a line. She had no intention of becoming a laughingstock, similar to what had transpired in the past.
“But I implore you to exercise caution to prevent any rumors from circulating, as they would undoubtedly tarnish my dignity,” she concluded, her voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and determination.
Rihannan maintained a resolute silence, her lips tightly pursed. The room was engulfed in an uncomfortable stillness, like the quiet before an impending disaster.
With caution, Rihannan lifted her head and found herself met with frigid, purple eyes. Unconsciously, she gasped in silent fear as if the Igor of the past stood before her, spewing hurtful words that tore at her shattered heart.
“…Freedom, huh,” Igor scoffed, his voice a low murmur.
He advanced toward her, each step measured and deliberate. Rihannan instinctively retreated, but regardless of her efforts, he closed the distance between them, neither hastening nor slowing down. She soon realized she had no means of escape, regretting her decision to send Mrs. Cessley away. Bitter remorse filled her being, yet she knew dwelling on it would prove futile.
“Are you suggesting that I should embrace the woman I desire as much as I please?” Igor questioned, his breath tinged with aggravation, leaning dangerously close to her.
She could feel his warm breath on her skin.
As she gazed into his icy blue eyes, trembling uncontrollably, Igor let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
“…Then, my dear, it seems I should fulfill your desires right now.”
Igor’s strong hands seized her delicate face, forcing her chin upwards as he forcefully captured her lips in a devouring kiss. He assaulted her, claiming her mouth, delving deep with an insatiable hunger.
She was powerless to resist. All her attempts to push him away were in vain. When she tried to retract her tongue, his entwined around it, pulling it toward him.
She was trapped. Caught in his snare.
“Mmphh!”
Desperately, she sought a breath of air, but he kissed her with unrestrained intensity. A small gasp escaped her lips as they brushed against his.
She could not repel him. It was an impossible feat. Instead, she grasped his shoulders, attempting to push him away, but he responded by pushing her further against the wall. With each futile attempt, she found herself driven deeper into the corner until she had nowhere left to go. Frustration engulfed her, and she clenched her fists, pounding on his shoulders with exhaustion. Yet, he crudely seized both her wrists and pinned them to the wall.
Simultaneously, he bit down harshly on her soft, luscious lower lip.
“Ugh…”
The taste of bitter iron filled her mouth. Her hands were rendered powerless, trapped within his grasp. With no escape in sight, she soon lost all will to resist. In that moment of bitter surrender, he gently tugged at her lightly layered pajamas, tearing them apart.
Rip!
Her goddess-like, alluring body was exposed to the cool, open air. Her swollen lips, still connected to Igor’s, shifted slightly, allowing her to catch a glimpse of his faint purple eyes, devouring her delicate and fragile form.
His eyes, filled with l**t, roamed over her nakedness. She stood defenseless, her hands restrained, unable to cover herself in any way. The weight of her vulnerability crushed her, and she yearned to shield herself, but she knew it was futile.
Soon, Igor’s hand descended upon her enticing bosom, firmly cupping it. Rihannan’s body quivered as his palm exerted pressure on her alluring curves.
“Ah…”
Rihannan emitted a short, delicate moan, synchronized with her ragged breaths. Igor seized her nape with his teeth, savoring the smoothness of her skin, akin to a beast devouring its prey.
Her eyes clenched shut, delicate brows furrowing in a display of exquisite anguish. Igor relentlessly caressed her twin peaks from both sides, threatening to drive her to the brink of insanity.
A moment later, Igor released her wrists and lifted her effortlessly.
Rihannan gasped as he gripped her perky derriere and pressed her forcefully against the wall. The rough texture of the tapestry behind her scraped against her skin while his body pressed tightly against hers, separated only by a thin layer of silk.
She struggled fruitlessly, fully aware of the futility of her attempts to escape.
“Nnnh…”
The unbridled Igor sank his teeth into the tender edge of her ear.
Rihannan instinctively recoiled, her body recoiling in response.
“What’s the matter? Does this not please you? If I recall correctly, my dear wife, you granted me the freedom to embrace any woman as I desire.”
He whispered madly in her ear, his tongue slipping out to lick her, the coarse sound of his wet tongue echoing menacingly.
Her chest heaved rapidly, on the verge of bursting.
“I-I… I meant someone else…” Rihannan managed to gasp out a feeble response.
“I have chosen the woman I wish to embrace. No one can dictate whom I can or cannot hold. Don’t you understand this simple fact? Have you forgotten who I am, Rihannan?!”
Igor’s icy voice dripped with volcanic rage.
That’s when she realized the source of his anger.
Her words had triggered a dormant emotion within him. After all, Igor had suffered under the shadow of his mother in the past. Despite the immense effort and stress he endured to reclaim the political power stolen by the Queen Mother, he had succeeded in the end.
Perhaps her words had awakened a memory he had buried—a memory of being controlled.
Igor’s expression turned blank as he held Rihannan closer, wrapping his arms around her. His hand settled on her abdomen, slowly descending between her legs, delving into her most intimate depths.
She buried her head in his shoulder, releasing an unsettling moan.
Her garden remained dry, untouched—just the intrusion of a single finger caused excruciating pain. He licked her skin and sank his teeth into her nape, biting down forcefully as he worked to moisten her flesh. With each repeated motion, her tender garden gradually yielded to the burgeoning humidity, an unforeseen transformation.
“Haa…”
Igor released a shuddering breath.
His manhood had become fully erect.
Withdrawing his finger, he lowered his bottoms, preparing to enter her. However, he noticed his shoulder growing increasingly wet.
“…Rihannan?”
Her head remained buried in his shoulder, her tears soaking his clothing. Yet, she made no sound, biting her lip to stifle her weeping voice.
Igor snapped back to reality, cursing himself.
He recognized his mistake.
“…Rihannan, why are you crying?”
His voice softened, offering solace.
But her tears continued to flow.
Igor let out a despondent sigh.
Holding her tightly, he guided her toward the bed and gently laid her down. He draped a blanket over her naked body, cocooning her tightly. Then, he lay beside her, stroking her silver-colored hair sprawled across the pillow.
“I… I’m sorry… I was wrong… please, stop crying…”
