She stood there with a frosty expression, smacking her hand fan on her palm. "Aster... What is it with these rumors I've been hearing?"
I shuddered. I only remember thinking 'I should have taken Luis' offer to take me home. At least that way I could have avoided this...'
I nervously laughed. "W- What rumors have you heard, Mother?"
My dear mother smiled brilliantly, causing a chill to run up my back. "I heard.... that you abused the First Prince? And on top of that, the Second Prince visited our mansion? And now, that you are the Second Prince's lover?! Have you perchance decided to participate in politics?! Have you lost your mind?!" With each word, her pitch went up and by the end, she sounded incredulous.
I shook in my boots. "Moth- Respected Mother, please calm- calm down. Am I the kind of person who would do such things? P- Please listen to my explanation about what really happened... Let's first step inside and take a seat."
At those words, Mother seemed to have calmed down a bit. "Let us."
We went to my study and shooed away all the maids before taking a seat peacefully. On the inside, though, I was running around and banging my head on the wall, screaming.
"So? What really happened?" Mother asked.
Anyway, I decided to start at the beginning. "Um, in a tea party Mother hosted four years ago, do you remember that the first prince was attending? He... he came across me speaking with another girl and she claimed that I was bullying her... He scolded me and um, described my physical appearance to be vile. So... I had a bet with Father and after I won I asked for permission to verbally offend a high ranking noble... and retold what happened in the party with a rather amiable expression and bright smile in front of everyone at the ball.... "
Mother's expression constantly changed from surprise to anger and then finally a happy and proud expression but she let me finish the whole story before speaking.
"I-Is that why you suddenly thinned down, dear? Was it that traumatic, child? Good Lord, that hateful brat! You did the right thing! If he dares to do anything about it, leave it to Mama to take care of! How dare he bully my child!"
That was what I love about Mother. Although she was a bit strict sometimes, she also pampered me a lot.
"And that is the reason for the first rumor... As for the second... I met the second prince in the same ball... I only spoke to him for less than a minute but within that short minute, I realized that he wasn't the rude brat he portrayed for others to see. He seemed... much more intelligent than the average person. He is a bit annoying, though." I wrinkled my nose when I thought of Luis' satisfied smirk. "He asked to be my friend and said that he would visit our mansion... except I couldn't hear him clearly. The next day, he came to visit and pestered to be my friend again... That is the reason for the second rumor..."
Mother went blank for a little while before she thoughtfully nodded.
"The third rumor is NOT true! I am not Luis' lover! I haven't even agreed to be his friend. I feel like being his friend will bring a lot of attention and with lots of strings attached to that role. I... do not want to be in a role where I would be under everyone's scrutiny... I DO think that he would be a good friend and he also insists that he would let me be free to do as I like... I just can't be under everyone's gazes and still act as I want. I can't be like Mother who does as she pleases even in front of the Emperor..."
Mother smiled. "You are so negative, dear... I trust your judgement and if that second prince is really as you say, I don't see a reason why you mustn't be his friend... I am very sure you can do it. Have you seen yourself act in front of the other nobles? You are a very intelligent child, and yet you are so stupid sometimes... But I won't force you. You'll figure it out, I'm sure. Do what you think is best for yourself. Don't think of anyone else."
"Mother..." I was very moved by her trust in me and her belief that I could be the magnificent person she is.
"Alright, it is getting late. Go to sleep. I will see you at breakfast tomorrow. Good night, dear." Mother said, getting up from her seat.
"Yes, Mother. Good night."