Remarried Empress

!”

Rashta was the first person I saw when I entered the dining room.
She covered her mouth in surprise, then smiled and said, “Your Majesty!”

Advertisement

My smooth expression almost crumbled.
Was Rashta among the twenty special guests tomorrow? No, I had checked the list only a while ago.
Sovieshu must have brought her here.
While one could not attend the special banquet without an invitation, those who were not invited could still go to the dinner.

A moment later, Prince Heinley, Sovieshu and Princess Soju entered the dining room.
Princess Soju looked at me as if to say, ‘What’s wrong?’ but I shook my head and went towards my seat.
Prince Heinley said hello to me, and I only gave him a slight nod.
I could feel Princess Soju’s eyes in my direction, but I didn’t acknowledge it and took my seat with my head pounding.
It was only after a servant poured water into my glass that Princess Soju leaned over and whispered quietly to me.

“I thought it was a joke until a while ago.”

Her voice was so low that I could barely hear it.

“What was?”

She glanced over at the Prince.

“Prince Heinley.
I believe the rumor that he is a womanizer is true.
He acts so sweetly to Miss Rashta in front of His Majesty, I thought he was some kind of human custard.”

“Pub!”

Advertisement

Her expression sent me into a coughing fit as I drank from my glass, while the Princess smiled in amusement.
Prince Heinley’s, Rashta’s, and Sovieshu’s attention turned towards me at the same time, and I quickly schooled my expression and covered my mouth with a handkerchief.

Now that Princess Soju pointed it out, the atmosphere did seem strange.
Prince Heinley was aloof and mysterious as always, but Sovieshu seemed more on edge than usual.
From time to time he shot glances between Prince Heinley and Rashta.
And Rashta…she seemed to be enjoying the situation.
Her cheeks were more flushed than usual at the attention of both the Emperor and the Prince.

‘If it had been Rashta that Prince Heinley was with from the beginning, then what would have happened…?’

My heart throbbed at the sudden thought, but I soon shook it away.
Even if it wasn’t Rashta, Sovieshu would have still brought in a concubine one day.
Princess Soju leaned towards me again.

“Strange.
Prince Heinley was so openly sweet on Miss Rashta before.
Not now.”

I did not bother looking in their direction this time.
Soon after, the table filled up with all the guests, and the servants brought in the first course—mulled wine, fresh celery, salmon with potatoes, and chicken poached in wine.

It was well into the middle of a long meal when, suddenly, there was a sharp crash.
The dining room turned silent.
Sovieshu was staring at Prince Heinley, his golden goblet spilled over his plate.
Everyone watched them with bated breath.

“That’s rude, Prince Heinley.”

Advertisement

“What do you mean? What’s rude? Is it rude of me to point out that the one who claimed to exchange letters with me doesn’t know the contents of said letters? Is it rude for me to protest when I find out later she’s deceiving me?”

“Prince Heinley.
Watch your language.”

“Tell your concubine to be careful.”

“!”

“This is disgraceful.
First the maid, then her master Lady Rashta.
Are you scorning the Western Kingdom, scorning me, or scorning my promises?”

Rashta’s eyes were as wide as saucers, while Prince Heinley leaned back against his seat and stared at Sovieshu coldly.

“Oh, perhaps—Did His Majesty order Lady Rashta to do it? Use me?”

“Prince Heinley!”