My Queen, is it alright to speak my thoughts out?

Nodding lightly, Rihannan said, Its fine. Go ahead.

Im not exactly sure the problems you and His Majesty have, My Queen, but know that he cares and loves you, deeply so. If you knew how much hed changed after you came here, youd be quite surprised. He smiles more often now, hes less tense and more carefree. And he nags less and less.

Hes changed that much?

Mrs. Cessley laughed and nodded.

Why of course. In the past, he didnt have much free time like he did now. He was quite crazy and always had something preoccupying his mind. He was someone who didnt know when to stop working. Ive never seen him relax, not even once to take a break. It was as if he was reaching towards an unattainable goal. And then he met you

Mrs. Cessley spoke of everything, in great details, all that had occurred over the past six years of Igors life: how he rallied the nobles to his side while managing to hide it from his mother as he grew into power, how he was able to secure control of the nation once he turned of proper age, how he used the tax investigation to kick out all the nobles waving their flags under his mothers banner.

Then, after he arranged the state coffers properly, he used the funds to build a modern, cutting-edge naval ship to prepare for an all-out war against Chrichton.

I was unaware of this until recently. I know now why he works so laboriously. It was all done because of you, My Queen. There cant be any other explanation but that.

Rihannan shook her head.

Thats not true. Theres actually something a truth that you dont know. I wasnt the person he wanted in Chrichton from the beginning but Helena, Chrichtons beloved princess. But because of circumstance, it was I who was wedded to him instead of the princess.

Surprised, Mrs. Cessleys eyes widened. The queens honest reply was not something she expected to hear.

T-theres no way Im sure there are some misunderstandings here, My Queen. He had even gone so far as to repair the Queens Palace for you.

Rihannans eyes softened. That, too, was for Helena. Mrs. Cessley, our relationship was built to pacify both kingdoms from entering a war. How could I allow myself to misunderstand? Rihannan let out a small sigh. In any case, I understand what you try to say, Mrs. Cessley. Im aware that hes doing his best to make sure Im living well and comfortable in Arundell. For that, Im grateful. Thats something I have to thank him for. You dont need to worry about my relationship with him and what would become of us.

Mrs. Cessley looked as if she was ready and desperate to share her thoughts, but in the end, she kept her mouth shut.

Moving her gaze, she looked at the item in Rihannans hand.

But who are you making that for, My Queen? she asked.

Rihannan had been sewing to pass her time away. She adjusted the knitting in her hand. The size of what she had sewed so far was only a small piece.

Im knitting a shawl to give to the Queen Mother. The weather will grow cold soon, and the royal villa the Queen Mother resides in is colder than ours. I think that giving her a shawl to wear would at least help her out.

Mrs. Cessley smiled. You genuinely care for her, dont you, My Queen?

Shes my godmother, after all. Though its terrible of me to say this when I never once contacted her when in Chrichton, but I never forgot the good things she did for me and I even thought of her oftentimes while living in Chrichton. Though I cant give her much, at least this much is feasible.

Mrs. Cessley looked at Rihannan with warm understanding eyes.