I Don’t Want to Be Loved (Web Novel)
chapter-125

Chapter 125: Embracing Other Women

“Please forgive me, My Queen. I did not mean to deceive you nor was it done out of malice. When His Majesty reached the age of eligibility but showed no signs of interest in marriage, the many nobles came together and selected Ms. Seraphina Rissel as queen candidate, however, His Majesty declined the request right away. He had never once shown any personal interest to her. As this incident happened long ago, I did not care to bring it up to you for I was sure that if you were to learn of it then it may have caused you unnecessary discomfort,” Mrs. Cessley said in disgrace.

“I understand and I appreciate that you put my feelings into consideration. However, I wish that you not do this next time. Even if the information were to cause me discomfort, I need to know so I’m able to prepare ahead of time with what I know should I be placed in an awkward situation like today. The duke’s daughter dug the grave herself, but it does not mean that a similar occurrence won’t happen again.”

Mrs. Cessley nodded vigorously. 

Rihannan nodded and lightly gestured to the door. 

“You did well today. You may go back to your room and rest.”

Mrs. Cessley bowed and left the room hitherto.

Rihannan sighed and slid her finger along the rim of the teacup and fell into a deep in forlorn. She experienced what it was like to have a lady-in-waiting in times past and she knew the importance of gathering information before relaying it to the queen. The lady-in-waiting had to make sure the information was factual otherwise it’d damage the queen’s image.

Maybe Mrs. Cessley had indeed hid information about Seraphina Rissel to Rihannan purposely so she not feel discomfort, but it may have to do with it being disadvantageous to Igor. Thinking of it now… Igor did send Mrs. Cessley to her. 

Rihannan knew this was inevitable, but it saddened her so.

Meanwhile, there came a knock on the door before it opened.

“I hope I’m not bothering you.”

It was Igor.

He stepped closer to her. 

The faint smell of soap wafted in the air. The ends of his hair looked damp as if he had just finished bathing. And like yesterday, he stretched out his hand and cupped her cheek. 

As he came in for a kiss, Rihannan turned her head to the side.

“…Rihannan?” 

His voice echoed confusion.

Rihannan composed herself and quickly walked back. Fortunately, he did not close the distance as she moved away from him.

“I have something I need to speak to you,” Rihannan said quickly while not looking him in the eye.

Igor’s lips, which was filled with smiles, slowly tightened in worry.

“Go ahead,” he said.

Rihannan steeled herself and breathed deeply.

“You don’t need to worry about me too. I… I can handle myself.”

“…What do you mean?”

“I am saying that you need not bind yourself to me and lose your freedom in the process. I do not mind if you have another woman you hold in your embrace during our marriage. You’re free to embrace her as much as you want without consideration of how I will feel… I’ll be fine.”

She had entertained these thoughts after what happened with Seraphina Rissel, wondering if the deeds of the past would occur again. 

Would he embrace other women, she wondered. 

He had left a large hole in her heart when he pulled Leticia to his side and embraced her… it was the most talked topic in the kingdom after many nobles learned of their affair…

But…

Even though he treats her well now, would he lose interest in her after enjoying her body as much as he placed? 

If it will end up like this, Rihannan thought it better that she draws the line. 

She had no plans to be made a laughing stock similar to the past.

“But please be careful so that rumors don’t leak out since it is related to my dignity, after all.”