I Don’t Want to Be Loved (Web Novel)
chapter-150-30041322

Chapter 150: Could We… Start Anew?

Many years had passed since the name of the late king’s son came out of Igor’s cold lips. Count Clovis, the eldest son of the late king, spent his days in solemn silence ages ago when he and his followers pushing to elect him as king were suppressed.

Basil was unsure why Igor suddenly spoke his name out of nowhere.

“Do you find him suspicious? Or perhaps you’ve something?”

“Your Majesty, on that day, the count attended in the early morning for a moment for the sake of formality before heading back to his place. His wife stayed behind but she did not go anywhere close to the like, merely spending the hours with other noblewomen inside the tent. Under these circumstances, I find nothing suspicious at all,” Basil argued.

“I understand.” Igor let out a deep low sigh. “In anycase, the possibilities remain. Investigate them all. You aren’t allowed to let any single person pass.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

Basil bowed and left.

Thereafter, Igor went toward the opposite direction of the door where Basil had just left. The door from his study room was connected to another room. Igor turned the doorknob and opened the door wide. There, in that room, was a large bed on the biddle and his wife sleeping peacefully.

After returning from the hunting ground, he had Rihannan sleep in his own quarters instead of the Queen’s Palace. He’d even used his personal library as his office so he could stay by her side. He worried for her sake, worried that something would happen to her.

After she moved to his quarters, Rihannan slept peacefully, every day and every night. Igor worried about the abnormal long sleep pattern that he called for the palace doctor.

His worries was unfound when the doctor informed him no to worry.

“Your Majesty, you need not worry. Her Majesty is finally in a state of relaxation. It would seem the problems that plagued her had been solved, somewhat. After taking a proper rest, she’ll naturally return to her normal, daily routine.”

…Perhaps she had realized that someone stood by her side watching over her… compared to the life she lived in the past without support.

Igor wore a bitter smile.

‘We’ve gone through rough times, right? The both of us did… perhaps… once we cross this hill… maybe… maybe we can forget all that happened and start anew? What… do you think, Rihannan?’

“…Igor?”

At that moment, Rihannan’s eyes shook and she awakened from her slumber. Though she hadn’t fully recovered, Igor smiled hearing her sweet, gentle voice call his name. To her, she now considered his presence a natural thing, as if he was the only man in the world able to watch her… embrace her… touch her while she slept.

Her icy blue eyes, half-asleep, looked at him. Whenever she looked at him with eyes of complete trust and without defense, Igor’s heart ached. The urge to tell her the truth echoed in his mind. But once that happened… he knew the false relationship he built with her would break apart.

Igor pulled the blanket and snuggled next to her. Rihannan nestled her head on his shoulder like a small beast seeking warmth.

“Igor, for some odd reasons, I’m always drowsy with sleepiness even after resting for many hours. Do you know why this is happening?”

“The doctor said it’s a natural thing. Don’t worry. Sleep some more.”

“Did he say how long it’ll last?”

“I’m not sure. He said to let you sleep as much as you want,” Igor laughed and stroked her smooth back.

Suddenly remembering the event at the hunting ground, Rihannan lifted her head to face him.

“Igor, there’s something I remember.”