Chapter 84: I Owe It to Her

Long time no see, Duchess Cessley. I heard youve gone back to your estate, but here you are, Countess Lausanne smiled.

Yes, the Duchess smiled stiffly, at His Majestys command, Ive come to serve the Queen, Countess Lausanne.

Their conversation was short and brief, but Rihannan noticed from the Duchess tone that she had little feelings for the Countess. The Duchess was the sort of person who treated everyone with kind words and smiles, but toward the Countess, it was of clear hostility.

Countess, how long have you traveled and what took you so long to get here? I sent a letter to Her Majesty yesterday, Rihannan said with a smile.

After receiving the letter, Her Majesty earnestly asked to see you again. Thats why Im here today, Queen.

She had flatly refused, but the Queen Mother refused herrefusal. Rihannan sighed. How troublesome. It truly is difficult to avoid visiting her.

Okay. Ill visit Her Majesty later

Queen, Her Majesty would like to meet you at this moments notice.

The duchess immediately reacted to the Countess remark. Thats too sudden! Have you no basic courtesy?

The Countess lifted the corners of her mouth. Basic courtesy? Is it rude for Her Majesty, the eldest living royal member of the royal family, to want to see her daughter-in-law? On the contrary, isnt it expected for her daughter-in-law to visit Her Majesty? This is simply basic courtesy, Duchess.

You would dare to find fault and blame Queen Rihannan? the Duchess retorted.

She is not Queen yet. Officially, that is. And Countess, do you know that your attitude towards me is growing irkly rude? Remember, I serve Her Majesty!

The atmosphere grew intensely severe. Rihannan was forced to intervene.

Both of you, stop.

Both the Countess and Duchess glared at one another, their looks deathly and vicious. But they stopped at Rihannans urging.

Rihannan sighed. All right. Ill see Her Majesty right now.

Queen!

The duchess strongly protested against it.

It is as the Countess said. It is only natural for me to visit Her Majesty, Rihannan said, soothing the duchess worries.

This time, she could not refuse the Queen Mothers request. She had sent her lady-in-waiting in person, and if Rihannan were to refuse this gesture, it would only insult her further. The Duchess was aware of this and thus could not easily deny Rihannans words.

And so she said, Then Ill cancel todays schedule, My Queen.

Today, the merchants would be called to the royal palace so she and Rihannan could choose the cloth and jewelries as previously discussed. It would take two hours to go to the seasonal palace where the Queen Mothers stayed at from the royal palace.

She and Rihannan would have no time to meet the merchants.

Ill get ready now.

No. Duchess, you dont need to go, Countess Lausanne said.

The Duchess fumed and glared at the countess. Im Her Majestys Maid of Honor. Not come? What are you implying, Countess?

Have you no shame daring to come to the palace Her Majesty resides in? Or have you forgotten what you and your husband did to Her Majesty? the Countess said bitterly.

Rihannan soon realized why they came to this hostile relationship. Among those who had gone against the Queen Mother over the last six years were the deceased Duke and the Duchess who now serves her. It was natural that the Countess had some bitter feelings toward the Duchess.

Then Ill go by myself. Mrs. Cessley, please stay here.

Queen! The Duchess reacted violently. You would go there alone at a time like this without His Majestys presence?

Shes my godmother. I owe it to myself to visit her at least once

But!

Rihannan smiled lightly. Itll be alright. Ill be back by the end of the day. Dont worry too much.