Published at 12th of July 2019 12:50:06 PM
Chapter 21: 21
Chapter 21 – A False Rumor (2)
“No . ”
My voice was adamant, but was clear that the rumor was going to spread like wildfire . I clenched the champagne glass and gave my legs strength . My vision swam in front of me . I just wanted to go back to the western palace and scream and rage, but I could not reveal even a tremor .
“Miss Rashta must have misunderstood something . ”
I spoke calmly and the other ladies chuckled and said, “Is that so?” I didn’t know whether they believed me or not . People tended to dismiss the excuses of those hurt by the gossip . I didn’t want to get involved as much as possible, but now that it came to this, there was nothing to be done . I would call Rashta myself later and ask . After taking a deep sigh, I handed over the half-full glass to a servant .
“Oh, I think the dance is about to start . ”
Duchess Tuania gave an exaggerated laugh . As she had observed, the musicians had stopped, flicking through their sheet music and speaking lowly to each other .
There was one rule at the ballroom dance–one could not dance with the same partner twice in a row . The rule allowed one to dance with multiple partners, but the partner for the first dance was considered the most meaningful .
The groups began to split up and search for their partners before going to the center . Those who did not want to dance moved to the periphery .
‘Sovieshu will have his first dance with Rashta . ’
Since our marriage, Sovieshu always had his first dance with me . This year, however, I had a good inkling who his partner would be this time . I pretended to look away, but I could see Sovieshu taking Rashta’s hand and saying something to her . Rashta, happy, glanced at me . The look in her eyes turned to an apology, and Sovieshu’s head turned this way as well . I looked away before our eyes met, and I kept my chin high as I strode away .
The only person who could ask the Empress for the first dance was the Emperor . No one else would ask me to dance anyway, so I thought it better to leave the area altogether to protect my pride .
Duchess Tuania, the most popular woman in high society, already had a number of suitors on their knees . I couldn’t help myself, but my eyes turned to Rashta and Sovieshu again . Sovieshu was talking to a nearby prime minister . Fortunately, Rashta was now looking closely at Duchess Tuania .
‘I’m glad our eyes didn’t meet . ’
I didn’t want them to notice my gaze . I stuck closer to the wall, hoping that my eyes wouldn’t run into them again . However, a buzzing of voices broke out around me before I could reach my intended destination .
I looked around . The eyes of the crowd were glued onto the wandering figure out Prince Heinley . Two young ladies burst into giggles, their cheeks flushed in embarrassment . Many seemed to wonder who the Prince would ask for his first dance, and he seemed to bask in the attention . I was still upset by Sovieshu and Rashta, and I didn’t have time to give my focus to this Prince and his rumors . It didn’t matter to me who he danced with–
“Oh . You were here?”
–until he came to me . The crowd murmured even more . I took out my fan and looked at him . When our gazes met, Prince Heinley lowered his eyes and smiled .
“I went halfway around this room to find you . ”
Prince Heinley took out a rose tucked across his chest . With the rose in his palm, he fell down on one knee and looked up at me . For a moment I was puzzled by his behavior .
“I think he’s going to ask the Empress to dance!”
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Only after hearing someone’s startled voice did I realize what was happening . Someone wanted to ask the Empress for the first dance? And that someone was Prince Heinley? My lips parted in surprise .
“Are you good at dancing, Your Majesty?”
Although he knelt like a typical knight, Prince Heinley’s voice was playful . I hesitated for a moment .
I was already tangled up in various bad rumors about Rashta and Sovieshu . Perhaps more misunderstandings would sprout if I danced with this womanizer . However, turning down an offer could only be done after several people asked to dance or after there were already several dances . The only one who asked for the first dance is Prince Heinley . In this situation, if I refused, I would insult him–at least, such a situation was considered an insult in high society . There was no other choice .
“Very well . Can you follow me?”
I accepted the rose he was holding, and Prince Heinley straightened up and smiled broadly .
“How confident! If you tread on my foot a few times, I’ll ignore it . ”
“It won’t happen . ”
“Don’t worry . I’ll stay quiet . ”
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He chuckled mischievously, then extended his arm . I placed my hand on it, then walked to the center of the dance floor . Sovieshu and Rashta were there as well . Sovieshu raised his eyebrow at Prince Heinley’s presence . In this situation Sovieshu couldn’t ask Rashta, “Do you often dance?”
“Good . ”
“…What do you mean?”
“The way you’re looking at me . You didn’t pay much attention to me yesterday . I dressed more nicely today . ”
His words were sly .
“Well, you don’t seem to believe it . ”
Did he want me to say that yesterday he was dressed wonderfully enough to make my mouth open?
Before I could find my words, the minuet began to flow from the musicians . We dipped briefly and we put our palms together . As we started spinning around to the sound of the violins, the surroundings whirled into view . Duchess Tuania, who was acclaimed as the butterfly of society, chose the young and handsome Viscount Landre over numerous other suitors . Duke Lilteang danced with his wife, and Laura danced with her best friend, Miss Alischute, instead of a man . And Sovieshu danced with…
I didn’t like this spinning dance . I had to see what I didn’t want to see . The moment I sighed, Prince Heinley swung back close to me, close enough that his lips were near my ear .
“I know better than anyone else that unnecessary rumors spread easily . ”
I felt like my body was falling again . I looked at him in surprise, and an arrogant smile broadened his face .
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“Do you mean the story of me sending Miss Rashta gifts?”
He nodded as he approached again . It was surprising for one to talk about the rumors and console me .
The sweet music finally came to an end . I stared at him hard for a moment to see if he was making fun of me, but it didn’t seem that way .
“… Thank you . ”
I felt ashamed that I believed he was a womanizer, and I was grateful that Prince Heinley didn’t believe the rumors about me at all .
“I don’t believe it either . ”
“What?”
“The rumor that you’re a womanizer . ”
He unexpectedly burst into laughter, and I turned flustered . Was he saying the rumors were real? I had a blush on my face, and I turned around to hide it . Now that the first dance was over, I wanted to finally go to the edge of the room .
“Empress, this time with me . ”
Sovieshu wouldn’t stay away this time . I placed my hand in his with a small sigh . I knew he was only asking because the rules dictated he couldn’t dance with Rashta again, and I was upset to have to accept . However, as I told Sovieshu, we had to set an example with our relationship .
Next to him, Rashta was asking Prince Heinley to dance .