I Don’t Want to Be Loved (Web Novel)
chapter-165-30041322

Chapter 165: To Steal the King’s Heart

A while later, after hearing Leticia’s words, the count furrowed his brows. He wore a look of consideration and pondering.

“Do you have the conference to pull it off?” he said, firmly.

Leticia lifted her chin and looked at him, eyes twinkling. Her full lips stained with light fluids looked immensely wicked and crafty as she smiled cunningly.

“Have I never not satisfied you? Not even once?”

A brief smile flashed on his lips, letting out a soft scoff. Her words with her. She satisfied him, more so. She had served him well this whole time.

“…I’ll open a window of chance for you soon.”

Finally, a concrete answer came, one that satisfied her. Leticia smiled joyously, rubbing her face on his leg.

“Just you wait. I’ll definitely steal the king’s heart for you.”

After returning from the hunting grounds, wretched loathing filling her heart, Leticia immediately proposed a plan to the count who was always afraid of the king.

Arundell’s king was the kind who’d rip the count’s neck apart whenever he so desired. Regardless, the count greedily coveted the kingship throne. Hoping that he’d be able to steal, a sliver of chance appeared and Leticia took advantage of it.

“I’ll help you out by becoming the king’s mistress,” said Leticia, licking her lips

Hearing her words, the count donned a genuinely concerned look. He was aware of her capabilities and he knew what would become of her once she grows close to the king. Not only so, but he’d also gain immense power and advantage.

Was Leticia confident?

Of course she was.

Given the chance to meet the king, she’d plan to lure him in with her charms, making him fall in a trap. He’d fall like any other men who desired her looks and body.

Since she was his mistress, he might as well let her do as she so pleased.

“Do your best,” Count Clovis said.

Leticia nodded, smiling.

***

After that night, Rihannan hadn’t bothered to see Igor’s face, not even once. Though he was just beyond the door, sitting in his and working, he had never once stepped foot inside her room.

Rihannan played her part well, trying her best to make sure all was well on the surface.

‘This is a good thing,’ she thought.

It was better to live together apathetically than to be hurt.

She had repeated these words to herself a thousand times over, yet deep down, she knew her heart said otherwise that she was lonely and bitter.

Her relationship with Mrs. Cessley became awkward and tense, too. Rihannan had wanted to apologize. She knew she was in the wrong, yet her pride and ego didn’t allow her to put any effort to rebuilding their strained relationship.

So…

She decided that her relationship with Mrs. Cessley was over.

“I have not said a word to His Majesty.”

Mrs. Cessley said one day.

“I only said that you came back early from the Duchess’ wedding banquet because you were feeling blue and under the weather. I never mentioned to him about who you saw nor that you vomited. I am only informing you of this just in case.”

Rihanna’s lips parted, her face surprised. She thought by now that Mrs. Cessley had already divulged everything to Igor.

“…Did he not ask you about it?” Rihannan questioned.

“He did,” Mrs. Cessley smiled bitterly, “He’d constantly pester me about it nonstop. My Queen, you probably won’t be able to imagine the amount of pressure he put just to make me talk.”

Mrs. Cessley let out a big sigh.

From her expression, Rihannan was able to understand the amount of pressure and exhaustion she suffered.

“Mrs. Cessley, about last time… I’m sorry,” Rihannan mumbled bitterly. “I lashed out at you when I shouldn’t have. It was in no way of your own fault, but of my own inferiority complex.”

“Please don’t have those kinds of thoughts, My Queen. It’s true that I disobeyed your orders, after all. Let’s not worry about that anymore.”

Mrs. Cessley stroked the back of Rihannan’s hand and smiled.

Rihannan smiled gently.

Though they said nothing, the silence was all they needed to understand each other.