Chapter 158: Leticia’s Fascination
Rihannan was silent, but it only lasted a moment’s breath.
“Your name wasn’t on the guest list.”
A cunning smile remained on Leticia’s lips. “One of the noblewomen I know personally was in great pain and unable to participate in the competition so I came in her stead. It’s why you didn’t see me on the list.”
Rihannan wanted to know, wanted to ask why she needed to go so far as to attend a mere Kiritte Competition, but she did not. Her lips had trouble moving. It was the same then and it was the same now—Rihannan couldn’t understand Leticia’s unconditional hatred towards her.
…Was it fate?
“I was curious. I wanted to see how Her Majesty’s doing these days, to see how well you’re living life after you cast me and father aside. And…”
The corner of her lips lifted to a devilish grin.
“…More than anything, I wanted to see His Majesty up close. Though I saw him once before, he was far away in my area to see clearly. And just as the rumors speculate, His Majesty is quite the handsome man. His charm, dignified smile, and all those things are incomparable to any average men.”
Leticia approached Rihannan closely.
If it was Leticia who had attempted to put her life in danger, then the possibility exists that she’d use this moment as a chance. Rihannan’s instinct called her, urged her to escape from the darkroom, but she didn’t. The touch of pride in her heart remained. She was aware that her pride could possibly lead to her downfall, but…
“His Majesty was very kind to you. I still remember it clearly. Your Majesty, what do you think if that smile was directed towards me rather than you…”
Leticia leaned forward and whispered in Rihannan’s ear of words akin to toxic beauty. Flames danced in the pools of her blazing red eyes filled with greed and desire.
Rihannan had seen that look before. It was when Leticia first saw Igor at the banquet—eyes full of ambition to steal his heart and reach the pinnacle of power.
“…Your Majesty?”
Mrs. Cessley’s voice rang.
Leticia broke away from Rihannan and quickly distanced herself, immediately leaving noticing the presence of another. Mrs. Cessley gave the red-haired beauty a furtive glance, not once bothering to greet her.
Mrs. Cessley’s found something amiss. The air was unpleasant, too, but she paid it no mind and approached the queen.
“I searched all over the place for you. I didn’t know you were here. And who was that woman? I’ve never seen her before. What were you talking abo… My Queen?”
Rihannan put her shivering hand on her lips. Nausea rose from her stomach up. All kinds of dirty and dangerous thoughts inside her ran amok chaotically as if trying to break free. Then, she could no longer hold on that she violently retched a thin stream of vomit.
The surprised Mrs. Cessley hurriedly helped her.
“My Queen, are you unwell?”
Rihannan nodded her head lightly while Mrs. Cessley brought her to a separate room with fresh open air.
“Come this way, My Queen.”
The banquet ended in such fashion.
Rihannan spent the rest of the day in a guest bedroom. She stopped retching, but she was in no state to laugh and mingle.
Rihannan apologized to Duchess Sophia countless times before stepping foot on the carriage and heading home earlier than planned. She leaned against the carriage wall. She had no strength left.
Mrs. Cessley, who had quietly tried to find a moment to speak, open her mouth with precise caution, “My Queen, I apologize for my impudence, but shall we have your body checked after returning to the palace?”
“Mrs. Cessley, the issue isn’t because I’m in pain. It’s not that… there’s no need to worry.”
“That’s not what I meant… It’s about—”
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