I Don’t Want to Be Loved (Web Novel)
chapter-48

Chapter 48: Long Time No See

Igor…

Rihanna’s eyes convulsed, shoulders rattling briefly. The tall black-haired man looked at her, his countenance blank and devoid of emotion. He was handsome, a perfect golden ratio structure from the depths of his eyes to his masculine appearance and exotic charm… the same as before….always the object of admiration by the court ladies.

They were intimidated by the mysterious rumors of the king’s toned body… left wondering how good he was in bed as a lover. They sought answers from the queen but she was without answers.

The nights she spent with Igor left her in a state of great suspense. A look of macabre often plastered his face as if he hated… despised touching her. And oftentimes, they’d spend the night without fulfilling their obligations.

After Leticia’s appearance in the court, she’d gone around with the court ladies discussing the secrets they longed to know. The answer? The king was ecstatic and fervent in bed. The rumors could not live up to his name. Since then, the court ladies looked down at Rihannan with mocking eyes.

The pitiable and foolish queen who’d never been favorited by the king had lost her husband to her half-sister. This was the court’s assessment of Rihannan.

“……”

Soon as Rihannan’s eyes locked on Igor, she trembled… momentarily. Dark purple eyes assessed her.

In that instant, memories of the past flooded in never-ending waves. From the little boy who climbed the tree for her to her last moments spent with Leticia… she almost turned away to run as fast as she could, to escape far away from Igor. It seemed that he would rip her apart with cruel words and drag her back to hell.

“Lady… no, it should be Countess now.” Igor spoke first while Rihannan remained frozen. His voice was low-pitched and he gave a perfect and unexpected soft smile. “Long time no see.”

She was caught by surprise, her orbs flickering.

“It’s been a while. The last we’ve seen each other was when we were kids.”

That’s right… he had lost his memories of the past. He was referring to the time when they were kids.

Rihannan bent her head hurriedly, holding her skirt together. “Your Majesty, I apologize. My actions seconds ago were somewhat rude, if not more. I am the daughter of Count Alessin. And it is as you say, it has been a while since our last meeting.”

She was pleased with herself; she neither quivered nor revealed her deep fear and hatred in her heart. Though she made a few blunders in the beginning, Rihannan comforted herself.

Their start was not too bad.

“Please, sit down. The servant will bring us a drink soon.”

Igor pointed to the round table situation in the middle of the room. Rihannan nodded and moved towards the table while Igor pulled out a chair for her. Rihannan sat down on the chair silently unable to reject his burdensome kindness.

After she sat down, Igor walked away and sat opposite of her.

Soon, Basil brought a tea set and prepared tea for Igor and Rihannan.

Rihannan kept her head down as much as possible with her silver eyebrows slightly lowered. It was to hide her tumultuous heart and emotions as much as possible. This, here, was already too much for her.

“Now, let’s have a nice conversation,” Igor said.

After Basil picked up the tea kettle, Rihannan parted her lips while keeping her head down even after hearing the door behind her close.

“Thank you very much for accepting my request, Your Majesty…”

“I’m glad you’re well. It really has been a while. I heard from mother that you’ve gone off to Chrichton. How have you been?”