After Basil excused himself, Rihannan smoothed her wrinkled clothes. Induced with a need todosomething, she sought to unpack her luggage. It was relaxing and did not take too much of her time. She barely packed. Finished, she stretched her arms and pulled the curtains back, looking at the blue sea and the deep azure. She could think of nothing than to waste her time watching the scenery that calmed her, but thereafter, her head throbbed and she proceeded to pull out the medicine bottle from her luggage. For the time being, she would have no choice but to rely on drugs.

While opening the lid, the door suddenly burst open. She was taken aback as something struck her.

Ahh!!

She fell to the floor, struggling to stand as a heavy weight pressed on her body. Her wrists were locked tightly by a man that she was no stranger to.

..Your Majesty?

Rihannan noticed the identity of the assailant straightaway. It was Igor, his countenance grave and disconcerting. While left awestruck, Igor hardened his grip on her.

Rihannan came to her senses and pushed him away but Igor did not budge. He pushed her hand back to the floor and looked at her with a face full of despair and anxiety.

What were you about to do? he said.

What do you mean? Rihannan replied.

Igor quickly became conscious of his abrupt informal speech but there was no time to explain. His deep purple eyes blazed through. He growled, as if ready to pounce at immediate notice. You did not hesitate to bring a maid with you. Was the contract simply a trick?

Rihannan tried to shake him off, but all attempts made were futile. Rather, she was suffocated by the pressure weighing in on her.

Rihannan frowned ..Whats wrong?

Igor chuckled grimly. Dont make me laugh. If I had thoughts of killing you, Id have done it the moment you stepped foot on my territory. Ill not have you die before me!

Her eyes widened, surprised at his sudden outburst. Unlike his threatening words, he looked like he was on the verge of tears.

..Igor?

Rihannan whispered his name unconsciously, and unexpectedly, the hysteria and madness written on his face slowly subsided. His lips curled but a loud voice behind him interrupted his thoughts as he tried to say something.

Your Majesty!

Basil jumped in through the wide-open door, sword out and ready, but what he saw was his master andnew masterlying together in a tangled mess. He dropped his sword and pulled on his hair instead.

Your Majesty, what what are you doing?!

Igor breathed a feeble sigh and unlocked his grip on Rihannan. As he slowly backed away from her, Basil hurriedly approached Rihannan and helped her up.

Are you hurt anywhere, Lady Rih um are you fine, miss?

Yes, Im alright. Thank you. Rihannan nodded and rubbed her tingling wrist.

I sincerely apologize for His Majestys action on my behalf. Hes not usually like this, but I dont understand why

Basil was interrupted midway for Igors voice rang coldly. Basil, Ive something to speak to the Countess. Stand outside for a moment.

But Basil shook his head and relented. I cant do that. Rather, you should get out of here, Your Majesty!

Igor fired him a threatening look but Basil did not give in despite his trembling hands and said, Why must you treat your soon-to-be-bride like a pirate!

Its not that

Dont make excuses! I saw it with my own eyes!

Basil gulped nervously. Shouldhesay it? Should he? Damn it all! Hell say it!

I saw it the scene where His Majesty attacked her like a beast!

Igor groaned. His lips parted, ready to reply, but a soft voice said, Basil, please go out.

I I said I wont

Basil turned around, realizing the voice did not come from Igor but from Rihannan.

I think we have a misunderstanding. Id like to talk it out. Is it alright if we could have privacy, please, Basil?

..Are you sure?

Rihannan nodded and smiled lightly.

Basils face softened. Then if you insist

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Ch. 78: Human Nature

Ch. 77: Duchess Kisses Her Hand

Ch. 76: Igors Debt

Ch. 75: Cant Fool Me Twice

Ch. 74: Queens Palace

Ch. 73: Wedding Ceremony

Ch. 72: Women Love Flowers

Ch. 71: Torturous Beauty

Ch. 70: Public Disgrace

Ch. 69: Marriage Without Love

Ch. 68: A Wife Who Does Not Love

Ch. 67: Pleasure of Desire