I have a land full of Arc Stones. Ill give all of it to you. Its enough for Arundell to use for the next hundred years.

In the past, Count Alessins position in the court was not stable, more so because of his lack of experience. Hed always sneer that he rose to this position because he had a good relationship with a woman, namely Rihannans mother. He was loud always had much to say, always the vehement opposition force against the Queen to the point that the Queen investigated his estate out of ire and annoyance. And from there on the Arc Stones was discovered.

Turns out that the hills, once considered the most useless in the kingdom, was the Nordaji Mines. They came to know that it had taken the longest of times burrowing the ground, but regardless, the mere fact of the Arc Stones existence was buried deep underground further increased Count Alessins presence and value beyond comparison. None could ignore the Count who grabbed hold of a great massive wealth overnight.

Rihannan had asked the butler not to sell the lands and arranged to keep it as the property lingered in her mind. She had no interest in its growth but she believed it would prove useful one day.

And she was right.

These are the correspondence from my butler at the mansion in Arundell. From the documents, youll see that Im not lying. If you find yourself in Arundell again, Your Majesty, please feel free to check it out.

Rihannan unfolded the letters Jeffrey sent her. It contained documents and contents only Rihannan was privy to. According to her instructions, the easy-to-find Arc Stones had been used to help relieve the livelihood of folks who were victims of famine or natural disasters.

Igor reached out and began reading over the papers in a somewhat insincere manner. No signs of surprise were written on his face, a reaction Rihannan did not expect. She thought hed be pleased.

Why

Rihannan looked at him nervously. She knew what Igor wanted and sought for it was power. And to seize that which he sought for, amassing great wealth was necessary. Igors extensive tax probe was aimed at the royal family and to prevent money from flowing elsewhere, and hes sure to have spent a hefty amount building those warships. Rihannan knew to some extent that Arundells treasury of finance was not so vast. Shes sure Igor needed a cash cow to fill the empty coffers.

Its an interesting proposal. Igor smiled half-heartedly as he read through the document.

Dont you like it? Embarrassed, Rihannan asked.

No, I like it very much. How can I be dissatisfied with what youre offering me?

However, his face said so otherwise. He seemed disappointed. Maybe Rihannans imagination was getting the best of her

But I dont think this is enough. Im sure you have a condition you want in exchange for this proposal, Igor said.

Rihannan was surprised but she quickly recovered. Yes, Your Majesty. There is one more condition in exchange for all this land. If you agree, all this will belong to you.

And what is that condition?

Please marry me and divorce me a year later.

A year from now, most of Chrichtons royal males will die off and after a fierce battle for the throne, Dimitri will come out a winner and proclaimed as king.

When he becomes king, Dimitri wont leave Rihannan alone. Hell bring her back to Chrichton somehow. So, by then, shell have the means to return to Chrichton.

Did you say divorce? Igor replied sharply.