Rihannan looked into the duchess gentle eyes.

Mrs. Cessley, are you talking about the banquet thatll be hosted in the palace?

Yes. Itll be the banquet where you, My Queen, and His Majesty greet and tend to the nobles in the gathering together as a pair for the first time. You dont need to feel pressed. The only useless thing theyll be interested in is what trendy dress the queen is wearing and how many times she danced with her king. Youll only need to greet them with an adequate smile. Theyre merely innocent cats hiding their claws in the beginning, after all.

It is as Mrs. Cessley says.

The banquet tomorrow will only be of quiet reconnaissance and the first shell make an official appearance as queen. The nobility will watch her every move with keen eyes and judge the sort of queen they think she is. From there, theyll decide how to proceed with her.

Rihannan remembered the time when she was an easy target for the nobility to prey upon. She had a lack of experience handling large crowds of people. The ability to lead the topic of conversations confidently nor reply to any subtle witty remarks were nonexistent.

And also the king looked like he did not favor her. Their estranged relationship looked uneasy and they believed it had been forced upon by the Queen Mother.

In the end, though she was the main attraction of the banquet, she could only sit in the corner wistfully before quietly returning back to the Queens Palace.

Rihannan crossed her arms and smiled. Though well need to teach those greedy cats a lesson. They shouldnt dare to show their bare claws if they value their lives.

This was fine.

Shed remain in Arundell for a year but it did not mean she was willing to return back to her old self, the self she despised for being weak. Shell not allow herself to become easy prey for the power-hungry nobility and shell damn well make sure it would be made known.

Though she did not exactly wish to rule over them like a bloody tyrant, shell not take their greedy actions lightly.

As she said those words, the hand washing her shoulder gently, stopped. The duchess looked at her for a moment blankly, then smiled.

Youre perfectly right, Mrs. Cessley said.

After finishing her bath, Rihannan changed into a new set of comfortable clothes. She had a simple breakfast with Mrs. Cessley and chatted lightly while drinking tea.

When lunchtime came, her maternal uncle visited her and gave his last farewell and bid goodbye before returning back home to Chrichton.

Uncle! Rihannan smiled brightly as she greeted him.

The marquis gently hugged his niece and the girl who became queen of a kingdom overnight.

This is good. You look happy, Rihannan, he said.

Rihannan was surprised. She rubbed her cheek and laughed lightly. Life in the palace wasnt too bad but she did not think shed be happy and at peace.

His Majesty pulled me aside after breakfast to tell me something personally, Rihannan.

Rihannan looked up. What did he say?

The marquis smiled. That hell treasure you and protect you so I wont go insane thinking about your safety while going back home.

Rihannans eyes widened at his unexpected words.

H-he said that?

The marquis nodded.

Thats right. And its why I feel like I can leave this place without many worries. It seems that he cares for you sincerely. The look on his face speaks much depth. I think hes a good man, he lightly patted her shoulder, Well, I think Ill give Anastasia my last farewell before I leave. Itd be great if I could stay by your side a bit longer but

Hearing him say such completely unexpected things, Rihannans eyes quivered.