I Don't Want To Be Loved

Chapter 112: Soft, Comfortable Mounds

“Well, I had a good rest like you told me. I also saw my uncle.”

Igor’s eyebrows frowned slightly at her reply, at the word uncle. She noticed that he was not annoyed at her meeting with the marquis, but that he’s trying to gauge her reaction.

“He told me how you pulled him to the side and reassured him that you’d take care of me and protect me. Thank you, Igor, for putting his mind at ease. He was relieved after hearing those words from you.”

Somewhat flushed, his head turned slightly to the side. He looked a little bit awkward.

Clearing his throat, he said, “I see. Umm… were you reading a book?”

With glinting eyes and a rueful smile, he held her hand and led her towards the bed and sat together with her on the edge of the bed.

He picked up the book she’d been reading seconds ago.

“Ah. A report, I see. It’s a report highlighting past events from ten years ago.”

“Yes. I’ve been away from Arundell for so long that…”

Igor let out a small sigh.

“You’re a diligent person. You could have taken a simple rest for the day, yet here you are studying like this.”

His words sounded akin to pity.

Rihannan looked at him and said, “You say that, Igor, but look at you. You’re still wearing those clothes. I’m sure you’ve been working till now.”

Igor smiled. “That’s right. I’ve been working till now. When I finished, I came to see you immediately. We’ll… actually… I’ll need to leave again. My job isn’t finished yet. Though what I actually want to do most at this very moment is to lie in bed with you.”

He tossed the book back to where it belonged and wrapped his arms around Rihannan.

“…Rihannan.”

He pushed her down the bed.

Gently.

His heart palpitated while he buried his face in her nape and breathed in the scent of her sweet skin. His lips turned to a smile.

As his hands moved to stroke her back, Rihannan’s body stiffened slightly.

“It’s okay. I’ll only be hugging you like this for now. I know you’re tired.”

It was as if he had read her mind. She relaxed at his words, but a moment later, strange thoughts formed in her head. If he did not come to pleasure himself, why did he seek her presence?

“…Rihannan, what kind of king do you think the people will record me as in the future?”

The conversation came out of nowhere and she realized it had to do with the book she’d been reading a while ago.

“I’m sure they’ll say that you were a righteous and just king. A king that ruled over his people well. You’re being one right now, after all,” she said without much thought.

Compared to their past lifetime, the Igor of this current time pushed his mother from the seat of power much earlier, and because of his action, Arundell was viewed in a different light from foreign kingdoms – Arundell was powerful and affluent and a kingdom none could ignore.

And she saw evidence of this when she traveled from the port to the palace during the carriage ride. It’d been a long while since she last saw Arundell, but it was more colorful than the grayish aura she remembered. The markets were more vibrant and the people’s smiles were brighter and more carefree. And to top it off, Igor won the naval battle against Chrichton.

Igor was satisfied with her answer and gave a weak smile.

“I hope that’s the case,” he said.

And then he laid his head into her chest. The feel of her soft mounds was ever so comfortable. He sighed comfortably.

“You should sleep. I’ll leave after you fall asleep.”

Rihannan raised her brows.

“…You’ve come all the way here to… lull me to sleep?”

Igor cleared his throat.

“Well… among other things.”

“But I’m the type to take a long while before falling asleep… it’d be best for you to just go.”

Then he picked up his head and looked into her starry eyes.