Rihaan knocked once, and the door opened imdiately. A servant stood before him, a thin veil hanging loosely over her head, draping down to partially cover her face. A few gold bangles circled her slender wrists.
She imdiately lowered her upper body in greeting.
"Where is Mother?" Rihaan demanded, his gaze already drifting past her and into the room.
"The Queen?" the maid asked, her voice low.
Rihaan nodded.
"She is currently having tea with her friends."
"Tell her I am here to see her," the young man said, folding his arms.
The maid bowed again before turning on her heels and hurrying back inside.
The room was vast—almost three tis the size of a servant’s quarters. It was divided into sections: a bed area, a large table prepared for the Queen’s tea gatherings, and a garden visible through wide doors, accessible only to mbers of the royal family.
She finally spotted the Queen seated at the edge of the table, engaged in conversation with her companions.
The maid hastened toward her.
Lowering herself, she whispered, "The Crown Prince has requested an audience with you."
The Queen turned, her hazel gaze settling on the maid as one perfectly shaped eyebrow lifted slightly. Her dark, curly hair fell loosely over her shoulders, partially braided. Golden hairpins were woven into it, making her appear even more elegant.
"Tell him to wait for ," she replied, her voice low.
The maid nodded, bowing to her before stepping outside.
The ladies seated around the table exchanged glances.
"Is sothing the matter, Your Majesty?" one of them asked.
Shaking her head, the Queen smiled brightly.
"Ha ha ha. What could be wrong?" she chuckled, carefully masking her unease.
She didn’t know why Rihaan had co to see her after so long. It could be good news—or bad.
Still, she couldn’t allow these nobles to glimpse what was truly happening within the royal household.
"By the way, I heard the crown prince was the one who broke off the engagent with the Crown Prince of Revhara. Is that true?" one lady said. It wasn’t truly a question—it was a fact already known.
Perhaps she simply wished to stir controversy, to corner the Queen into making a statent.
Of course, the Queen did no such thing.
She rose gracefully from her seat, smiling.
The other ladies imdiately stood as well, tension flickering across their faces.
"My, no need to be so tense," the Queen said lightly. "I have a visitor, so I am afraid I must end this gathering here."
Having said so, the Queen turned on her heels and walked away.
One of the maids standing at her side imdiately stepped forward, guiding the guests out through a separate door—as if a single glance from the Queen had been enough to tell her exactly which path to take.
Rihaan had been seated on the chair for quite so ti now. He didn’t lose his patience this ti, however. He remained calm, reading a book taken from the night table beside the Queen’s bed.
The maid had guided him here earlier, making it clear that his mother was hosting yet another gathering.
"What brings you here?" the Queen asked, taking a seat on the couch across from Rihaan.
The young man’s gaze flickered upward as he rose to his feet.
"Greetings, Mother," he said, inclining his upper body.
The Queen waved her hand dismissively.
The servants in the room understood at once, bowing before exiting one by one.
"You may take a seat."
Rihaan said nothing, obeying his mother’s instruction.
"What brings you here?" she demanded, folding her arms. The son who had not visited her since his return was now suddenly requesting an audience—he must have sothing on his mind.
"I..." the young man hesitated, lowering his gaze. "I wanted to apologize for—"
"For refusing the engagent with the First Prince of Revhara?" the Queen cut in, her voice laced with mockery. "Don’t you think it’s a little too late for that?"
Rihaan bit his lip. That wasn’t what he had intended to say. He wasn’t apologetic for that—not at all.
What he regretted was the trouble he had caused his mother and father because of his decision.
"No... I apologize for the trouble," he said instead.
The Queen scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief.
"I thought you were smarter than this."
"Mother," Rihaan frowned, his voice cracking as he struggled to suppress his anger.
"What else brings you here? Surely you haven’t co just to apologize for that today."
The young man lowered both his gaze and his head. How could his mother know him so well? They hadn’t spent much ti together when he was young, yet it was as if he were an open book—one she could read without effort.
"So I was right," his mother said, leaning back against the couch. "Go on. I’m listening."
Rihaan inhaled slowly, steadying himself. Even if reluctant, this was his only chance. Having a private audience with his mother was rare.
"There is... sothing I wish to ask of you."
The Queen tilted her head slightly, unimpressed.
"Oh?"
Of course, he wants sothing from .
She scoffed inwardly. Her son wouldn’t visit her otherwise.
"I want your diamond necklace."
"Huh?" Her brows shot up. "Why? And which one are you talking about?"
"The one you wore the day of my return," Rihaan answered without hesitation although his finger curled up against his hips.
The Queen’s expression sharpened.
"And why would you want that? Do you want to send it to the Crown Prince of Revhara as a token of apology?"
Rihaan hesitated for only a heartbeat, shaking his head.
"...Arav... He wants it."
Silence fell.
Then the Queen scoffed, her lips curling in open disdain.
"That oga? Again?"
She straightened in her seat, eyes reflecting evident fury.
"What a gold digger!" She snapped. "How dare he covet my jewelry?"
Her fingers tightened against the armrest. She could barely find the words to express her anger.
"So this is what he sends you here for," she continued coldly. "Not concerned for your future. Not out of love. But for status. Wealth."
She let out a sharp laugh, devoid of humour.
"And you," her gaze returned to Rihaan, "ca to for this?"
Her son kept his head lowered, silent.
"Mother, please... don’t call him that," he pleaded, defending his oga.
The Queen sprang to her feet, pointing sharply toward the door.
"You may leave, Your Royal Highness."
Rihaan stiffened, rising to his feet as well.
"M-Mother!"
"Leave. Now." Her voice was controlled, but the underlying tremor of anger betrayed her restraint.
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