Chapter 86: Anastasias Daughter

The Countess, her face distortedly pale, looked at Rihannan for a moment before muttering, Her Majestys judgment was wrong. Well, this was long ago

Rihannan looked at her. What do you mean?

My Queen, youre different more than I expected. Youve got a strong side to you, she sighed, and you need not worry. All that remains of Her Majesty is the spirit of a tiger who had lost her teeth and paws and now only hopes for quietness for the rest of her life. If youre able to give her consolation, then that is also fine.

And with that, the Countess turned her head and shut her mouth tight and said nothing more.

Rihannan, too, said nothing till they arrived at the palace.

Welcome, Rihannan.

The Queen Mother greeted Rihannan at the front entrance. As soon as she stepped foot out of the carriage, the Queen ran towards her and embraced her in a warm, loving hug.

Rihannan smiled and returned the warmth, her arms wrapped around the Queen Mothers shoulder.

Its been long, Your Majesty. How have you been? Rihannan asked curtly.

The Queen smiled bitterly. ..Im sure you know what happened.

Hersia Cesca looked much older a testament to the sufferings she went through.

Rihannan held both her hands and grazed her thumb over it affectionately. Yes. Ive heard some of it roughly. I hope youve been well.

The Queen smiled brightly at her words. Rhia, how can you still be so kind and friendly? Youre just like your mother. Anastasia used to comfort me during times of hardship. Shed always put the needs of others before her. And you look more and more like her as you grow older. It feels like Im back in the old days.

She held Rihannans hand and welcomed her inside the palace.

You must be tired. Come. Im a bit too excited also. Its been a while since Ive had a guest over. There are so many stories I want to hear from you.

Rihannan smiled.

She was still the same. There were moments like this where the Queen Mother let down her guard and remained carefree. Though it rarely occurred.

Rihannan sat next to her.

So, did Chrichton life treat you well? As soon as Anastasia passed away, I was surprised to hear that youd gone to Chrichton. I thought youd stay in Arundell.

It was so sudden, wasnt it? I apologize.

Yes, it was sudden, but all the more surprising was Count Alessin. I never thought you had that side to you, Rihannan.

Rihannan smiled bitterly. Yes that would have been a cause for surprise. The Queen had thought her a calm and quiet child since their first meeting and never one to take the first action.

In a mans mind, angels and demons, and fire and water coexist, Rihannan said.

Yes. Human beings have many different aspects to them. They love and hate a thing or someone at the same time. The Queen Mother nodded. She sipped her tea and let out a laugh.

It felt forced, Rihannan thought. Behind the Queens mask, Rihannan knew she suffered from loneliness.

I was surprised to hear you came back with Igor. I expected this to a degree.

Rihannan looked at her astonishingly. You expected it? How?

How did she know?

Igor has always liked you since you were but little kids. And so, I thought you would end up as his queen.

Rihannan was taken aback.

The Queen Mother tilted her head. You didnt know? He had held affection for you since long ago. He likes you. Constantly, consistently, continually you. You took my sons breath away, Rihannan.

That cant be.