Chapter 179 A Disturbing Riddle

Translator Yue

T/N: Extra-long chapters from now on, since youve all waited long enough

my queen, when His Majesty wrote the contract, he never specifically mentioned Princess Helenas name. The contract was vague, it only mentioned royalty. He predicted that Chrichton would never send their beloved princess, so theyd use you instead.

Rihannans eyebrows furrowed, perplexed. She couldnt completely understand this.

Even if you are telling the truth, why would he do that in such senseless manner? Itd had been simpler if hed proposed to me directly, dont you think?

Thats because

If I do that, shell run away, hide somewhere and never appear again!

Basil suddenly remembered what Igor said so stubbornly. He instinctively knew not to say a word about it.

Im sure His Majesty had his reasons, my queen. Im not completely sure why you and His Majesty are distanced right now, but if you have any questions, I wish you wont doubt His Majestys feelings. He lived many years admiring you. If what Im saying is false, may the heavens punish me and grant you the right to take my life for the lies Ive said.

Basil had a playful nature rooted since birth. Whats more, he wasnt the type of man whod gamble his life lightly. Now, he was truthfully begging her, so Rihannan couldnt ignore his words.

Im desperately begging you to do something, my queen. Please, go meet His Majesty and have a sincere conversation. Im sure His Majesty will be able to answer the questions that I couldnt answer.

Ill consider what youve said today, Basil. I will have a talk with Igor, as youve recommended, so please, dont worry.

Basil smiled broadly. Yes, Ill take you for your word, my queen!

When Basil left her room, Rihannan looked at the ceiling and went into deep thought. She remembered Igors strange behavior with her. She didnt understand why.

Why did Igor go to the port six years ago? And, what was the reason why he made such scandal to bring her back to Arundell instead of directly proposing to her?

She had a disturbing feeling. No, it was more a doubt. Before, he could have looked for her at any moment, so why did he only do so when she went back in time after drinking poison and dying?

Why did he choose this exact moment to go looking for her?

Till know, she was the only person that went back in time. Shed talked to lots of people with which shed had a connection before and they showed no sign of remembering their past life, so she never once considered the possibility that somebody else went back in time.

So what if Igor also went back to the past?

Rihannan quickly shocked her head.

No, that was impossible. If that were true, hed have did anything to avoid this marriage. Igor had no feelings for her, so there was no way hed accept her again after shed left overseas.

However, she needed an answer to her questions. There was no other way besides asking Igor and, she also had something important to tell him.

Rihannan sighed and caressed her belly.

As the days passed by, it was more evident that she was pregnant. There was still some time left in their contract, so she wanted to know what to do about her current situation.

The best option for her would be to go back to Chrichton while pregnant, but shed already surrendered that right in the contract. Anyways, even if she hadnt, Igor wouldnt easily give up his son, as he was so obsessed with the idea of having an heir back then. It would be the same this time.

And, what would happen if she were to give birth to a princess? The Queen Mother came to power after many bloody sacrifices and tears. Her baby, the princess, would have to walk a thorny path to become the governing monarch.

Rihannan had a weak constitution, so this would probably be the first and last time shed give him a baby. Therefore, she knew Igor would remarry to get a male heir.

Perhaps hed let her go if that were the case.

Having made up her mind, Rihannan gathered her courage and stood up from her seat. After walking past many rooms, she stood in front of the study room and knocked. She remained there for a while before slightly pushing the door open.

As expected, Igor was nowhere in there. However, it didnt seem like he planned on not coming back soon, as there were many documents scattered on his desk. Igor had the tendency of keeping things clean and organized, so he usually arranged his documents neatly after finishing work.

Rihannan wondered whether she should wait for him or just come back later, when she noticed that one of the desks drawer was slightly ajar.

It wasnt like she had the habit of peeking into other peoples things when they werent there, but Basils words kept resounding in her head nonstop. She wanted to know the reason why Igor did what he did six years ago.

The answer to that riddle might as well be within that drawer.

Rihannan took the drawers handle and pulled. Within, there was a small wooden figure shaped like a ship.

This

She took the small figurine in her hands, surprised. She had assumed Igor had thrown in away or lost it years ago. She hadnt seen this wooden ship again since shed gifted it to him.

Rihannan examined the toy carefully. It was polished and clean, as though Igor had stored it with the utmost care. For a moment, she got lost in her thoughts, tenderly caressing the ship with her fingers. Perhaps, just as Basil had said, Igor did have a reason he couldnt tell her. She shouldnt doubt him any longer, but go and ask him directly

With these thoughts, she was putting the wooden ship back into the drawer when something suddenly caught her eye. There was a small box deep within the drawer.

Rihannan took the box and opened it. Inside, there was something she thought shed never see again.

She looked at it for a while before carefully picking it up with trembling hands.

It was the golden feather. Shed thrown it to the sea six years ago but here it was perfectly kept.

What was the meaning of this? Did Igor get an extra feather during their first encounter? That could be it. If that was so, hed shared both feathers between them and

Rihannan shook her head.

That day, Igor had left the garden first. He couldnt have possibly found another feather, much less come back for it later.

Creak

At that moment, the creaking sound of the door opening took her out of her reverie.

Rihannan turned around, rigid. Igor was standing there looking at her, surprised. To be more precise, he wasnt looking at her, but at the feather she was holding.

Without thinking, Rihannan held the golden feather tightly in her grip.

Why do you have this? she asked.

Igor didnt answer. Suddenly, his surprised visage changed into a calm expression. He slowly closed the door and approached her.

Answer me first. Why do you have this? Rihannan yelled.