“…..” Basil stood in place flabbergasted and taken aback. Was it not common sense that women loved flowers? If they did not… well, he had never met one.
“You make it so obvious that you don’t want to answer my question, Basil.”
Basil grumbled and muttered softly,
“Forget it, I won’t give you advice anymore. This beast will only irritate me.”
But in the next moment, Basil donned a wide smile and clapped his hand. “Of course, that’s not the case, Your Majesty. Of course, of course! The Countess will truly appreciate your kind goodwill.”
And in the end, Igor decided to pluck sets of flowers from the garden for her mother. He intended to pay the Countess a proper respect. Her mother was her only true family member that cared for her, but… because of the Countess’ close relationship with the his mother, the Queen, he had long developed a great dislike toward her.
He regretted…
She stood next to the Countess’ grave, as expected, and Igor placed the flowers in front of the tomb. He looked at Basil.
“They all love flowers,” Basil quickly replied.
‘Why don’t you say it yourself, beast?!’
Igor was somewhat nervous… afraid that she’d kick him out, but fortunately, she showed no signs of disdain. While talking to her, his eyes landed on the Count’s grave, and coldly stared at his tomb. He had never known her family history.
That was his fault.
He never sought to amend their lack of dialogue. No… it was more accurate to say that he never knew his wife. Only after she passed away did he learn the truth.
“Rihannan, I know you’re in a difficult position and I can’t imagine how you feel, but I’d like to make it clear to you that I’ve no intention of treating you like a hostage. You’re my wife. I’ll protect you from any danger. Don’t be nervous, please,” he said nervously.
He wished dearly in his heart that she believed his words. He would never hurt her and it would be the last time he would do so… he knew forcing her to return back to this land was a selfish act he had done for himself… he knew this… and this would be his last selfish request…
Fortunately, she nodded softly. It was the first time she had accepted his presence. That gentle nod brought him extreme happiness, his heart fluttering.
In her last life, she sought love from the wrong people but it only brought her pain and suffering. She even thought she deserved it not knowing she was worthy of every wonderful thing in life, even love… Igor knew she may never love him, but this was fine. He was fine with that. He did not need to be loved by her. It was not something he deserved. Instead, he would give the love he had never given her.
And if ever there came a chance, he hoped one day that he could confess his sins and ask for forgiveness…
This was his earnest wish in front of her mother’s grave.
End of Act 2
***
Act 3: Wedding Ceremony
The entrance to the palace came about quietly and without notice. They had come back from victory over their arch-nemesis and rival, Chrichton, and thought they’d walk through a stage of victory parade, but this was not the case. They returned straight to the palace without a particular schedule in mind that even the people of Edirne did not realize their King had returned.
However, the welcoming ceremony inside the royal palace was splendid. When Rihannan arrived in the palace with Igor, everyone rushed out in an ordered manner and welcomed their arrival.
“Welcome, Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen.”
Before the wedding procession began, the palace servants had already called her Queen.
“She is the Matron of Honor that will take care of you.” Igor introduced the servant to Rihannan.
The lady was of old age as she held her skirt and bowed her head deeply. “The late Duke Cessley is my husband. You can call me Mrs. Cesley, My Queen.”
And it was then that Rihannan recognized her. Duke Cessley was a just nobleman who held large territories in the province. Duke Cessley’s family lineage could be traced since the founding of Arundell. As a result, the Duchess wielded great influence in social circles, but after her husband’s death, she returned to her estate and remained there quietly.
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cesley,” Rihannan smiled.
Though inwardly, she had no intention of maintaining a deep relationship with the ladies-in-waiting for she knew she would leave the palace within a year’s time.
Besides, she had no good memories from her previous maid of honor.
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When she first came to the palace at a young age, the Queen had placed a Countess who was her close aide as Rihannan’s Maid of Honor. She and the Countess never got along. With the Queen’s background, the Maid of Honor was arrogant and even acted superior to the Young Queen.
Rihannan had lived her life in the palace walking on thin ice, waiting for knowing eyes to find a cause for mistake to use against her.
Still, it was all right.
She managed to live through the hardships.
Especially that one time… that even after a year had passed and she was not able to conceive a child, she was forced to take medicine.