MY LIFE,MY CHOICES

CHAPTER 18

The Third Day of the New Years Ceremony

Prince Heinley didn't had a partner this day so everyone was buzzing with gossip about him and his penpal

I wanted to walk up to him but I was surrounded by ladies so it would be suspicious if I were to approach him first.

Rashta is yet again by my side and she was socializing with the other guests.

They are probably sucking up to her to curry favor with me

Oh wow it's just like with that shitbag

Hey atleast my intentions are pure

Then, the music started to play. I was in no mood for dancing, so I settled myself on a couch by the wall.

There were a few noblemen asking Rashta to dance but she kept refusing them

The noblemen seemed to not take any offense with it with how innocent she looked

She was kept company by the other nobleladies who didn't have plans to dance

The other ladies surrounding me went ahead to the dancefloor so I was left alone by myself

That was until I noticed Prince Heinley walking up to me and he was all down

He sat next to me with a proper distance and sighed heavily

I get it...You're upset I'm not revealing myself as you're penpal.

I picked up a glass from a passing servant. I didn't check what drink it was, until my taste buds informed me it was strawberry juice. It was very sweet.

I took the liberty of asking another glass for Prince Heinley

"Prince Heinley,you've been down the entire time.Are you not enjoying the party?"

I offered the glass to him and he took it.

He then drank it all in one go

"How can I enjoy myself when my penpal has not come forward when I have wagered my identity to lose the bet?"

Heinley then covered his face with his hands

"My penpal is not even participating with our bet"

He's obviously exaggerating it to get to me

Should I just fess up?

But that might make things progress more fast.

Taking care of Rashta is already overwhelming

And that's not even supposed to happen in the first place

"Prince Heinley,why are you saying those things to me?Are you perhaps... indicating something?"

Prince Heinley perked up and smiled at me

"Well I don't really have anyone to open up to about this so I thought I should to a friend of mine."

"Well since you consider me as your friend,feel free to complain about your 'penpal' to me then"

I sarcastically said to him

"Oh,how I wish my penpal would reveal herself to me...oh wait,my penpal could be a man"

He knowingly glanced at me and I sighed

"Prince Heinley,you're really putting your penpal in a really tight spot here"

Heinley stared at me bewildered with my words

"What do you mean by that,my Queen?"

"Have you never thought what if your penpal wants to avoid being in the center of attention and unnecessary rumors?"

Heinley's expression fell and he glanced away from me

"You're right.They probably don't want to get involved in rumors about me.Seeing my reputation is trash as it is already"

I felt bad now with his reaction.

I unconsciously put my hands in his shoulder

He turned towards me and surprised with my gesture

"Prince Heinley...don't say that.You are the Crown Prince of the Western Kingdom so you must keep your head help up high no matter what other people say.You have a bright future ahead of you"

I offered him a reassuring smile and he too gave me a smile but it wasn't like his usual bright smile

I hope he doesn't get discouraged to send more letters

I know very well how fun it is for him and my Empress to exchange letters

I sighed

I took out my fan to cover my mouth and to hide my voice

"Prince Heinley,how am I supposed to act properly when you are like that?You know it's gonna be messy if the public finds out that the Eastern Empire's Empress has been exchanging letters with the Prince of the Western Kingdom"

"So you do admit to it!"

"Hush!Keep it down!I don't want any more attention!"

"Oops"

Prince Heinley covered his mouth cutely but smiled afterwards

"When we meet in person, it'll be the Empress of the Eastern Empire meeting the Prince of the Western Kingdom.I'd like to avoid adding fuel to the fire about us.Please understand "

"I understand.I am aware of that now.But I do hope we can remain close friends and I get to talk to you more.I mean,speaking face to face will prove to be even more enjoyable,my Queen"

"Well that is true.We can express ourselves more when talking personally"

I glanced around and I noticed that everyone was staring at me and Heinley and he seemed to have picked up on that too

Heinley stood up from the couch and bowed at me

"I will take my leave now,my Queen.Thank you for keeping me company and lifting up my mood.I look forward to the friendship of our countries"

Heinley left me behind probably to dissipate the stares of the guests

Rashta then came to my side and clinged to my arm

"Empress,are you that close to Prince Heinley?"

I gave her a faint smile and explained myself

"He is the Crown Prince of the Western Kingdom so I have to make sure he is doing well as our guest.Even if it means keeping him company for a short while"

"People are saying he's trying to swoon you over Empress.You're not the type to fall for that kind of man,are you Empress?"

Rashta looked up at me with her dark eyes and I smiled awkwardly

"Ofcourse not.I am merely entertaining him for the sake of peace between our countries "

Rashta beamed and hugged my arm even more

"Ofcourse!Empress would never fall for a scandalous man like him"

I then looked at Rashta surprised but she catched herself

"I-i mean it's not that Rashta is insulting the prince,it's just that there are so many rumors about him and Rashta is worried he'd affect your majesty's reputation"

I sighed and patted her head

"I understand Rashta.Do not worry,I am just making sure the Prince behaves and enjoys himself in the Empire.You don't need to worry about my reputation.I hope you are enjoying yourself in here though Rashta"

"Yes!Rashta loves attending parties! Everyone is so nice and they all compliment Rashta!"

"That's good.If anyone ever upsets you,just tell me about it and I will deal with it"

Rashta nodded and beamed a smile at me then that's when the other guests came over to us and we chatted with them the entire time till the end of the party