Rihannanleft the palace and searched for Igor, who had yet to show his presence after lunchtime. They had spent every minute, every hour, every day together after the competition. His disappearance left a large gaping hole in her heart, oddly enough.

Looking around the places hed likely be at, she suddenly found herself in the garden where she and Igor first met when they were but innocent children who knew nothing of the intricacies of the world.

She stepped foot inside the garden and saw his graceful figure resting on the grass and sleeping peacefully. He developed a habit of scaring off his caretakers when they got near while pretending to sleep as a small child. The habit seemed to have continued on to his adult life.

Rihannanapproached Igor with precise wariness and sat next to his sleeping figure, wondering whether to let him be or wake him up. But a hand suddenly stretched out and grabbed her.

Ah!

The small shawl wrapped around her shoulder fell to the ground as her small body let out a light scream.

Pulling her close to him, Igors lips drew to a smile.

You were awake this whole time? Crazy man, you surprised me!

Igor buried his face into her hair and breathed in her flowery scent.

Basils looking for you right no

Igor pulled her hips tight, indicating that he no longer wished to hear any more of it and said bluntly, Basil likes to go around all day long, overworking me to death. Please let me stay away from him for at least a moment.

Rihannanpursed her lips together. But it seemed urgent. The documents that need to be approved today

Hm but, he smirked, Ihave an urgent need to release right now as well.

Rihannancocked an eyebrow. What do you mean?

Rihannan, as I hold you like this, the thought of wanting to embrace you badly grows

Rihannanslapped the arms hugging her and cursed. I told you not to speak those words when were outside and when there are others nearby!

Who else but us two are in the garden right now? Speaking ofothers Igor licked her nape and kissed it. Does it include the birds and bugs as well? If so, Im sure that youre no human but a fairy.

He teased her, voice taunting.

Rihannansbrows furrowed. I I think I made the wrong impression when I first met you.

Igor smiled, grabbing her chin and rubbing his thumb in a circle. There were creases between her eyebrows, as if egging him to figure out what she meant.

I thought you were more mature and wiser than my cousins but I was wrong. Seeing younow,youre..to put it quite frankly, devilish and mischievous my cousins cant compare to you,Rihannansaid.

Igor let out a burst of snorting laughter.

I dontquite like that youre comparing me to your cousins, he muttered, leaving a quick kiss on her lips. But let me say this at least Im more mature than your cousin who still talks about pirate ships and sailing the seas.

Pirates and shipsRihannanlet out a thin sigh. It was Dimis roundabout manner of not wanting to be involved in politics. But its difficult for him to escape that now

Rihannanhad heard of Dimitris current status through word of mouth. Not long ago, evidence of the nobles resisting the crown prince had been leaked.

Behind the forces was Dimitri.

The event causedRihannanmany worries; she believed hell end up falling in abysmal troubles.

Dont worry, Igor patted her back, Im sure hell be able to handle all troubles that come his way with ease and ingenuity. I believe he can do that.