You could say that, Rihannan smiled, holding her hands together. I often played together with Helena. Shes quite athletic, but Ill lose on purpose. Im much better than her in terms of skill.

Igor snickered.

Rihannans lips curled to a light frown. She thought he was laughing at her.

You dont believe me? Watch. Ill show you how good I am in the next competition. Ill make you regret it.

Igor grabbed her hands that tightened up to a ball and pulled it towards him. He stroked her hand, drawing light circles with his thumb.

Just dont push yourself too hard to prove me wrong. I dont want you to get hurt.

You need not worry. That wont happen. Compared to Crichtons rough game, Arundells is more quiet and subdued.

Though she quietly criticized Arundell, Igor didnt seem to care, and only strengthened his grip and said, On that day, therell be a lot of people. Since well be at the hunting grounds, there are hidden and dangerous factors you wouldnt be able to expect. Please keep my words in mind.

She heard his repeated warning for a second. Rihannan didnt refute and gave a nod. She looked down at her hand, waiting for him to let go. Igor refused and continued to hold on.

As she locked her eyes on both their hands, Igor laughed and dragged her fingers near his lips.

Do you remember what I told you last night?

No. What are you

She tried recalling the words he spoke last night. It was no different than the usual days she spent with him over the last few months. Theyd meet in the evening, chat till they transitioned to mixing their bodies together and drowning in carnal pleasure. After that, shed fall asleep in his embrace.

Rihannan looked at his purple eyes with a mix of confusion.

A moment later, she remembered one thing.

I have one thing I wish to do with you.

Igor had whispered those words to her in her while in the midst of their love making. She couldnt say much back then. Shed been too busy attempting to prevent her moans from leaking out.

What is it? Rihannan asked, her breathing heavy.

I want to go to someplace with you other than the palace and stay there for a few days. Just the two of us

Caught in the throes of pleasure, her sense of reasoning was thrown in a disarray. She had trouble figuring out the difference spending time together in the palace versus outside. After a night of passion, his words filled her mind before falling asleep.

It was as if Igor had read her mind. He smiled and said gently, Theres too many people here. It feels suffocating. What I mean is that I wish to spend time alone with you without the court ladies, those pesky nobles, nor anyone else. I dont want us to be king and queen just a man and woman.

Igor would make a request time to time out of the blue, forgetting that their marriage was contractual. Each time, shed fall in a troubled state of mind.

She wondered if it was alright if it was okay to continue living like this. What if they grew used to each others presence would they be able to separate quietly? If she fell for him what should she do?

In good timing, a wave of sleepiness washed over her, avoiding the need to answer his question.

Now, this was the question he was bringing up.