My goodness this is

As I thought. I knew youd understand the value of the book right away, smiledRihannan, cheerfully so. Thats right. Its the first version of Professor Rahmans critically acclaimed book. They say there are only a few prints left in the world. Since the duchess loves books so much, I thought youd enjoy this book more than anything else I could ever give you.

The duchess eyes shone brightly, the pools of her eyes gazing intoRihannansicyblue eyes. The look in the duchess eyes was akin to rapture.

Your Majesty Im I dont know what to say is it alright for me to possess such a valuable object?

The invited nobility noticed Duchess Saphias genuine voice of surprise and raucous happiness. They quickly fixed their expression of disappointment and awkwardly congratulated the duchess for the valuable gift she received.

Congratulations, Duchess Saphia. The gift mustve sent you to the heavens.

Yes. Of course. To the duchess, this book has more value than gold or any other valuables she possesses.

With the nobilitys message of flattery, the banquet continued in earnest.

The duchess birthday celebration was the first banquet after the incident at the hunting grounds occurred. Today, everyone celebrated in elated excitement.

With the help of Duchess Saphia,Rihannanwas introduced to numbers of noblemen and women she hadnt met during the previous banquet at the palace.

The talks flowed smoothly with the friendships she formed. Their disposition surprisedRihannan. They bore a dignified aura that was difficult to sway, yet highly educated, cheerful, and sharp wits.

Laughter and merry conversations echoed and ripened the banquet with glee.

Your Majesty, theres strawberry juice available. Would you like some?

Halfway through, Mrs.CessleynoticedRihannansthroat slightly parched and dry and recommended her a drink.

AsRihannanwas not the type to enjoy alcoholic drinks at banquets like this, she preferred drinking fruit juice as opposed to wine or any drinks of the sort.

Thank you, Mrs.Cessley.

Rihannanstretched out a hand and took the drink Mrs.Cessleyoffered her.

Meanwhile, she noticed a certain figure at the banquet standing out.

Amongst the crowd, she had glamorous red hair and eyes staring directly atRihannan. She was a woman of outstanding beauty that stood out from the other noblewomen. She looked untouchable, unreachable, like a blood moon rising in a sky of a thousand nebulae bursting.

As soon as that blood-red gaze metRihannansicyblue pools, her face froze instantly. She hadnt realized she had lost strength in her hand, causing the cup of glass to fall.

Clink!

Your Majesty, are you alright? Duchess Saphia yelled out in surprise.

The glass fell to the side and next to Mrs.Cessleysskirt, leaving behind a red stain.

Meanwhile, the woman with flaming red hair turned around and disappeared into oblivion.

Rihannancame back to her senses and hurriedly apologized to Mrs.Cessley.

I apologize, Mrs.Cessley. I was absent-minded for a moment and I dont know what came over me

Mrs.Cessleyhurriedly changed the queens mistake and who was at fault to hers instead.

Not at all, Your Majesty. It was I who made a mistake. This wouldnt have happened if I hadnt passed you the drink properly, she laughed heartily, paying no heed to the stain on her dress. Its a good thing, actually. I didnt like the look of this dress to begin with. I brought a spare change of clothes, so Ill quickly change and come back.

Mrs.Cessley, please come this way.

Duchess Saphia guided Mrs.Cessleyto a private room.

As the two women left the banquet,Rihannanquickly walked toward the direction the red-haired woman disappeared to.

She opened the door to the exit; it was connected to a long hallway. She walked down the path for what seemed like ages, but she could find no one.

Rihannansoon realized she had threaded a dark place and that she was alone. Igor had warned her to make sure she was with someone at all times, but the sudden surprise caught her off guard that shed forgotten his warning.

Rihannanshook her head.

Perhaps it was her own imagination.

Yes it was simply an illusion

But as soon as she convinced herself with that thought, a curvaceous figure appeared in front of her.