I Don't Want To Be Loved

Chapter 124: Have A Rest, Queen

Hearing the voice’s words, Ash Parvad was shocked but he quickly recovered and composed himself. He had not realized the king had appeared before him and held onto the queen with one hand as if showing that she was his.

Ash Parvad was extremely nervous, but once he saw the king’s playful smile, he realized he’d been joking. Ash Parvad calmed down and gave an awkward smile as his face blushed a faint red.

“I apologize, Your Majesty. I’d been too focused on this merry conversation I hadn’t had in a while that I ended up overstepping my boundaries.”

“It seems everyone is focused on talking rather than dancing in this ballroom. At this rate, won’t a rumor occur that our Queen kept everyone at bay talking for hours on end and refused to let them go? How about you take the lead, Sir Parvad, and dance with the daughters of the affluent nobles?”

At the king’s words, the young daughters of the nobility smiled excitedly and fanned themselves. Ash Parvad was a noble scheduled to inherit the dukedom. He was handsome and had a wonderful personality to boot. Among the noble daughters, many saw him as a good husband candidate.

Ash Parvad nodded and walked up to one of the noble daughters and politely requested for a dance.

“Miss, may I have this dance?”

The young lady smiled happily and nodded.

Ash Parvad smiled in return and held his hand out and escorted his partner into the hall. With him paving the way, many of the gentlemen followed suit and requested the hands of the noble daughters.

“Rihannan, if you’re too tired, how about going inside for a rest?”

Rihannan nodded at Igor’s suggestions.

She was beginning to show signs of fatigue.

“My Queen, please come this way.”

Mrs. Cessley led Rihannan to the interior.

Rihannan apologized to the nobility and excused herself, leaving the ball ahead of everyone.

After returning to the Queen’s Palace, she had a bath immediately, drying herself thereafter. She sat on the bed and brushed her hair when Mrs. Cessley came in and gave Rihannan a warm cup of tea.

“You must have been nervous today. Please have some of this to relieve your stress.”

Rihannan nodded and sipped on the tea.

Mrs. Cessley could not help but give a pleased and victorious smile.

“You’ve done well today, My Queen. You also did an amazing job handling the House of Rissel’s daughter. What had occurred today was merely of her own doing and will not affect your reputation.”

Rihannan looked up.

“You were watching?”

Mrs. Cessley nodded.

“Yes. I was on my back when I saw her attempt to make a mockery of yourself. I had plans to step in, but I thought that you would be able to handle yourself well so I did not interfere and watched from afar instead. I had also prevented His Majesty from hurriedly intervening and had him calm down and watch the situation for a moment.”

“I see.”

Rihannan sipped on the tea. She was lost in her thoughts for a second before looking in the eyes of her lady-in-waiting.

“…But Mrs. Cessley, why did you not tell me of Seraphina Rissel ahead of time?”

“My Queen, what do you mean by–”

“I’m sure you already knew that she had feelings of malice towards me and because it had to do with the king’s relationship with mine. I am asking why you did not inform me of this beforehand. Knowing you, I know you’re not one able to miss these details well.”

A look of embarrassment crossed the duchess’ face. It was a rare sight. She always wore a relaxed countenance.

Mrs. Cessley hurriedly walked up to the queen and knelt down.