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nChapter 86: Anastasia’s Daughter

nThe Countess, her face distortedly pale, looked at Rihannan for a moment before muttering, “Her Majesty’s judgment was wrong. Well, this was long ago…”

nRihannan looked at her. “What do you mean?”

n“My Queen, you’re different… more than I expected. You’ve got a strong side to you,” she sighed, “and you need not worry. All that remains of Her Majesty is the spirit of a tiger who had lost her teeth and paws and now only hopes for quietness for the rest of her life. If you’re able to give her consolation, then that is also fine.”

nAnd with that, the Countess turned her head and shut her mouth tight and said nothing more.

nRihannan, too, said nothing till they arrived at the palace.

n“Welcome, Rihannan.”

nThe Queen Mother greeted Rihannan at the front entrance. As soon as she stepped foot out of the carriage, the Queen ran towards her and embraced her in a warm, loving hug.

nRihannan smiled and returned the warmth, her arms wrapped around the Queen Mother’s shoulder.

n“It’s been long, Your Majesty. How have you been?” Rihannan asked curtly.

nThe Queen smiled bitterly. “…..I’m sure you know what happened.”

nHersia Cesca looked much older – a testament to the sufferings she went through.

nRihannan held both her hands and grazed her thumb over it affectionately. “Yes. I’ve heard some of it roughly. I hope you’ve been well.”

nThe Queen smiled brightly at her words. “Rhia, how can you still be so kind and friendly? You’re just like your mother. Anastasia used to comfort me during times of hardship. She’d always put the needs of others before her. And… you look more and more like her as you grow older. It feels like I’m back in the old days.”

nShe held Rihannan’s hand and welcomed her inside the palace.

n“You must be tired. Come. I’m a bit too excited also. It’s been a while since I’ve had a guest over. There are so many stories I want to hear from you.”

nRihannan smiled.

nShe was still the same. There were moments like this where the Queen Mother let down her guard and remained carefree. Though it rarely occurred.

nRihannan sat next to her.

n“So, did Chrichton life treat you well? As soon as Anastasia passed away, I was surprised to hear that you’d gone to Chrichton. I thought you’d stay in Arundell.”

n“It was so sudden, wasn’t it? I apologize.”

n“Yes, it was sudden, but all the more surprising was Count Alessin. I never thought you had that side to you, Rihannan.”

nRihannan smiled bitterly. Yes… that would have been a cause for surprise. The Queen had thought her a calm and quiet child since their first meeting and never one to take the first action.

n“In a man’s mind, angels and demons, and fire and water coexist,” Rihannan said.

n“Yes. Human beings have many different aspects to them. They love and hate a thing or someone at the same time.” The Queen Mother nodded. She sipped her tea and let out a laugh.

nIt felt forced, Rihannan thought. Behind the Queen’s mask, Rihannan knew she suffered from loneliness.

n“I was surprised to hear you came back with Igor. I expected this to a degree.”

nRihannan looked at her astonishingly. “You expected it? How?”

nHow did she know?

n“Igor has always liked you since you were but little kids. And so, I thought you would end up as his queen.”

nRihannan was taken aback.

nThe Queen Mother tilted her head. “You didn’t know? He had held affection for you since long ago. He likes you. Constantly, consistently, continually you. You took my son’s breath away, Rihannan.”

n“…That can’t be.”

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