I Don't Want To Be Loved

Chapter 57: Not Your Real Wife

Igor’s mouth dropped to the floor, dumbfounded that Basil would change his mind at immediate notice from Rihannan’s simple request.

Before going out, Basil left with his last word. “Miss, I’ll be standing right outside the door. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to call me.”

As the door closed, the room grew reticently quiet.

Rihannan sighed and looked at Igor. “What happened, Your Majesty? You almost broke my ribs.” She pointed her finger at the medicine glass bottle that fell on the floor. “…..Why did you do that?”

“What medicine is that?” Igor asked, his glance stealthy.

Rihannan picked up the glass bottle and put it on the table. “It’s the medicine I’ve been taking since I was a kid, a collection of herbs that helps ease my tension. What’s wrong with this?”

“It’s a problem.”

“Why?”

“You’ll become Arundell’s queen soon. Everything you touch must be thoroughly tested, be it food or medicine. Don’t you know that?” Igor said with a straight face.

“That’s true, but….” She who remained reserved, her head bowed down, fumed in anger realizing that she was on the verge of apologizing. A sea of flames suddenly raged in her eyes. “But why would you go so far as to tackle me? Besides, this prescription was prescribed by my uncle’s doctor.”

“I was only making sure…” Igor coughed, “that aside… from now on, you’ll take only medicine prescribed by a verified doctor in Arundell. If ever I find you putting unknown drugs I’m unaware of…”

“And what? You knocked me down once. You mean to tell me you’ll do it again?”

Igor frowned slightly. “That’s a bit harsh.”

“Not as harsh as what you did. I’m simply calling it as it is,” Rihannan retorted.

“You’ll soon find out what I mean,” Igor said.

“Why are you so interested in what I do?” Rihannan questioned.

“Because you’re my wife,” Igor said grimly.

“But I’m not your real wife.”

Igor was struck in the heart. “Of course, you’re free to say that a year from now, but right now, you’re my wife.”

Rihannan raised her brows. “We haven’t even had a wedding yet.”

“There will be a wedding. For now, you’re in my ship and under my protection and influence.”

“So what is the extent and limit I’m able to do under your protection and influence? Don’t you think that you should tell me in advance so I can behave properly and act in a manner so I won’t grow out of your favor?”

“Rihannan…!” Igor’s sudden bellowing roar startled Rihannan. His eyes immediately softened and he sighed softly and rubbed his neck. “I… I don’t want to fight with you, Rihannan. Things will be different from now on. You’re no longer in Crichton. Take into account your current position and identity.”

Rihannan interpreted Igor’s words as wanting her to act in a subservient manner in consideration of her identity and that she should not forget that she was no princess but a replacement.

Why did she board the ship again?

“I understand. From now on, I won’t forget my position and identity.”

Her gentle words relieved Igor from his worries but the ensuing comments from Rihannan left him speechless.

“I had forgotten for a moment that I am the princess’ replacement. Don’t worry. I’ll keep this in mind, Your Majesty.”

Igor’s eyes widened. “No, that’s…”

“Basil, His Majesty’s finished his business. Please show him out the door.”