My God what is all this?

The next day, after Igors departure, numerous offerings laid before here. Silk made of rare materials and top-of-the-line accessories quietly rested on the table. It is as Igor said. He had prepared in advance.

Rihannan had no choice but to admit that Igor never had plans to drag the princess of Chrichton by the foot and slit her throat. If not, why had he renovated the Queens Palace for the princess to this extent?

You wont have to worry about the lack of jewels for a while after the wedding. Isnt that right, My Queen? The duchess eyes smiled a twinkling light.

Rihannan chuckled. Thats true.

She picked up a beautifully tailored blue cloth. From the surface, it looked plain, but the texture of the cloth spoke much depth. She was sure the designer placed much thought during composition.

I dont know why he told me this now itd have been great had he informed me earlier, Rihannan said.

It might have been easier to decide on the items she needed for the preparation too.

The duchess smiled. Maybe His Majesty felt ashamed to speak his thoughts out loud.

Pardon?

Otherwise, why did he have so much trouble saying anything when he had many gifts prepared for the woman he likes? the duchess said as a playful smile crossed her lips.

I dont think thats the case.

My Queen, women arent the only ones who feel shame and shyness. In addition, His Majesty never involved himself in a romantic relationship. This was probably his first time giving a woman a gift.

No way.

You dont believe me? the Duchess asked coyly, Im serious. Im not sure if you were aware, but we all thought he liked men and had no interest in women. Some of us had lost hope. We, the people of Arundell, prepared ourselves and steeled our hearts when he would announce his loverboy. Finding out that he would soon marry a woman, nonetheless, truly shocked us. This was something we did not expect either.

And then a knock rang just as Rihannan parted her lips, ready to reply that it was ridiculous.

One of the many maids entered the room and delivered a message, Your Majesty, the Mother Queens lady-in-waiting is here and requests the presence of Her Majesty.

Rihannan and the Duchess looked at one another with a face full of shock. The lady-in-waitings visit was sudden.

The queens lady-in-waiting? Why all of a sudden? the Duchess asked sharply.

Rihannan wondered the same while chagrin shyness filled her. It seems the Mother Queen was ecstatically awaiting her visit sooner than Rihannan thought.

Your Majesty, what would you like to do?

Let her in, Rihannan answered.

The Queen was not a person she could ignore. Rihannan owed her much.

The figure who entered the room soon after was a face Rihannan was familiar with. She was the wife of Count Lausanne. She had always remained loyal to the Queen.

Countess Lausanne bowed. Long time no see, Your Majesty. Its been long. Do you remember me?

Yes. Rihannan remembered her, though vaguely. The Countess was always quiet. Never spoke much, but the Mother Queen thought highly of her. In truth, the royal palace had been run by her hands on behalf of the Mother Queen who was preoccupied with state and national affairs. The matters in the royal palace were handled by the Countess herself.

Of course. It has been a while, Mrs. Lausanne.

I wish you a life of bountiful blessing.

Thank you very much.

While she and the Countess exchanged a proper greeting, the Duchess looked at the countess disapprovingly.

Thereafter, the Countess turned to the Duchess.