I hear that Duke Saphia has a growing interest for business as of recent and is investing much of his wealth into it.

Yes, Rihannan nodded, I heard about that. They say hes developed an interest in the spice trade business.

In times past, Arundell failed in entering the spice market. Their efforts often proved futile, but this time, under Igors leadership, much of Arundell had changed. It was likely that Duke Saphia would gain heavy profits from his spice investments.

It, too, favored Igors policies.

The more Rihannan thought, the more she viewed Mrs. Cessley in a favorable light as her personal aide to help Arundell move forward as a kingdom.

I understand. Ill accept the duchess earnest invitation to visit her domain. When is it?

Two months from now.

Rihannan nodded. Then Ill write a personal letter to her.

Rihannan grabbed a papyrus paper and picked up the pen resting on a table. Shed come to realize that her act had been for the betterment of Arundell.

She laughed to herself bitterly.

Well, this was fine. She was queen now. Shell need to act accordingly and see to it that Arundell remains prosperous.

No matter what becomes of me or what I think, I should always place the peoples needs over my own, Rihannan thought, giving a small sigh.

Her thoughts previously had been selfishly foolish. She never played the part of a queen, only wallowing in self-pity of her circumstances.

But she knew better this time.

She allowed herself to chase after people, chase after their lovethe love she sought from them. But when she was imprisoned in that cold, dark room, she realized that she had no one, not even the Queen Mother.

Her mind went to a dark place.

When she lost her baby, she never once saw the Queen Mothers face. She was at her happiest seeing Rihannans bulging belly, so she thought the Queen Mother would visit her at least once

But

Perhaps after she heard the news of her soon-to-begrandchild whod suddenly left the world, she became angry and disappointed toward Rihannans carelessness.

My Queen, may I ask you a question? After sealing the letter with wax and a royal stamp, Mrs. Cessley cautiously raised a question.

Yes. Go on.

I apologize if my question offends you, but is your monthly period erratic?

It was a question that plagued Mrs. Cessley incessantly. It had been confirmed that Rihannan was a virgin on her first night with Igor and since then, she hadnt had her monthly menstruation.

It was easy for Mrs. Cessley arriving at the conclusion that shed soon bear a child.

Yes. Of course. My monthly menstruation is erratic and always has been. Id often skip a month or two. Its better for you to assume that Im not able to birth a successor in this short amount of time. And I want to make it clear that I wont take any medication to solve this problem.

When Rihannan was unable to bear Igor a child after a year of their marriage, the Queen Mother made attempts to change her constitution with medication. Among them were remedy medicine she was forced to ingest that had disgustingly live organisms

It was in those moments that Rihannan, who had a small appetite to begin with, abhorred eating meat.

Mrs. Cessley shook her head. Whod dare for you to do something you dont wish for, My Queen? And a child is a gift the heavens bless us. If we spend our days without thinking of such matters, well suddenly find ourselves with one. Dont worry about it too much.

A gift blessed by the heavens, huh

Rihannan wore a bitter smile. She desperately sought one previously and it arrived like a miracle. But she lost that child from a moment of carelessness.

Would the heavens bless her one this time around? No. She doubted it. Unless it was a cruel trick, a second pregnancy was unlikely to happen.