Rihannan immediately denied it but the Queens words echoed in her mind.

No.

It cant be.

I have a question too, Igor.

Igor gave a nod, an indication to ask away.

Her Majesty said to me that every time I came to the palace when we were just kids that you were always there at a distance looking at me. She said you wanted to get away, but its not true, right?

A while ago, he had driven her to the corner as if a hunter chasing a rabbit, but now the tables have turned.

His face hardened immediately.

As you know, I wont ever lie to you, he looked at her nervously and sighed quietly, Heh. I didnt think a counterattack would happen so quickly, but yes. Shes right.

Why?

I wanted to see you again.

Me? Why?

I liked you. I ended up liking the girl who interrupted my rest in the garden. Even after finding out you were the daughter of my mothers friend and my mothers goddaughter, I couldnt stop liking you.

And I only realized too late that I did like you and horridly terrible at expressing it.

..

Rihannan did not know what to say at his confession. She thought he hated her, despised her, but what hes saying now it went against what she believed.

I see.

Rihannan turned her head and leaned against the carriage. She closed her eyes, a silent sign that it was the end of the conversation.

The truth she learned was one of bitter sadness than of happiness

Then where did it all go wrong?

Where didtheygo wrong?

Meanwhile, the carriage arrived at the Queens Palace.

Mrs. Cessley, who had waited anxiously at the side, quickly approached Rihannan.

My Queen! She breathed in rapidly, seeing Rihannan wearing only thin layers of clothing and a long robe. Oh Goodness! Lets go inside!

Rihannan looked back at Igor as she entered the palace.

Igor smiled and gestured for her to go in.

Rihannan nodded and turned around.

The ladies-in-waiting tended to her washed her body, poured her warm tea, and made sure all was properly taken care of.

Mrs. Cessley poured tea on Rihannans cup and said, It was getting late. You didnt come back so I visited His Majesty. Im sorry if you were surprised.

No. Its fine. It was a mistake on my part. I thought everything would be fine.

As soon as I told His Majesty that you went to visit her, he grew so angry thinking that you were being held hostage. He had almost flipped the tables.

Mrs. Cessleys words were no exaggeration, this she knew. His reaction at the seasonal palace was no different from what she said.

My Queen, did you have any problems?

Rihannan shook her head. No. Igor and Her Majesty had some arguments, but nothing more than that. I dont think their relationship will improve any time soon.

Thats true, Mrs. Cessley acknowledged with a sigh.

On the way back, I asked him what happened between them. He said that it was because he was afraid of being with his mother like he might end up hurting her. Did Her Majesty ever do anything to him?

Mrs. Cessley pondered but soon shook her head.

No, of course not. There arose some conflicts in the process of cutting out pieces of Her Majestys power, but it was never to the point worthy of murder. The work ended so quickly. We had prepared for so long that when the time came, Her Majesty did not have the time to fight back. Rather, if there is anyone worthy of hatred, it should be Her Majesty. She had suffered humiliation, the Duchess set down the teacup and continued, but lets not worry too much, Queen. Parents and children cant always have amicable relationships. We can only hope that itll get better one day. You must be tired now. Come, lets go sleep. We can talk more in the morning.