Jinwoo left me at the ballroom to attend a serious business. I stopped a waiter and took a drink from him.
I turned around and saw Ruena wearing the same dress, jewellery and shoes as I was. That made my eyes widen.
Ruena was the third prince's past fiancé. As soon I saw her I realised that I am only a person appointed by the emperor. Jinwoo's heart belonged to Ruena. All the sweet words he spoke were all an act. He purposely brought me the dress, he purposely got late and he purposely left me here so that I have to deal with the situation alone. Even though he knew this is the first time I have attended a ball.
At the back of my ears I could hear others whisper.
"Oh my, isn't that outfit the same that lady Ruena is wearing?"
"That's true, doesn't princess have shame."
"Wait what if she didn't know?"
"Even if she didn't, shouldn't she just go back and change..... I mean she was the one who came later."
"Yes that's true, she should."
While I was lost in my thoughts, someone pushed me and the drink in my hand fell on Ruena's dress.
Suddenly I became the centre of attention.
"I-I m so sorry." said the waiter who pushed me.
"Can't you see? Now you have ruined Lady Ruena's dress." I furious said.
"It's fine." said Ruena "it's not your fault."
"Thank you my lady. You are very kind." said the waiter and went back to continue his work.
"Lady Ruena, I m so sorry. Your dress got ruined because I wasn't careful." I said.
"It's fine princess, anyone can be jealous." she replied.
"No, that's no-"
"Anyway come with me princess. My mother wants to talk to you personally. You two can talk till I change my clothes."
"Okay..."
I started following her out of the ball room when I heard some ladies and gents gossip.
"Oh my, the princess got jealous."
"Yes that's true.... I saw it from eyes as I was near the scene, the waiter didn't pushed her that hard."
"She was faking it?"
"Yes, she was very jealous."
"But look at Lady Ruena. She forgave her despite being the prince's ex fiancé. As expected, she is an angel."
I ignored those remarks and continued to follow lady Ruena. We entered the guest lobby where she was supposed to rest.
She went to change with her maids. I sat down on the couch.
After a while the door of the lobby opened and Countess Gara entered.
"Greetings to her future consort princess Anathe." she greeted.
"Greetings Countess Gara. I heard from Lady Ruena that you wanted to talk to me."
"Yes that is correct."
She sat down opposite of me and continued.
"You see princess, my daughter is the ex fiancé of your future husband."
"Yes that is true."
"My daughter still dreams to be his wife but because of you her dreams have been crushed, so I want you to take responsibility."
"You see Countess, I myself was forced in this position. I wanted to live a peaceful and quiet life but the emperor had ordered this."
"I m quite aware of that so because of which I have a deal. All you have to do is fake your death and leave the palace in disguise. As for the money I will provide you."
I was impressed by deal.
"When will I leave the palace?"
Countess Gara smirked and said "You made a good decision.... I will tell you the date later."
"Yes also I will take my leave as I m feeling tired. Please give lady Ruena my regards." I said and left back for rest at the palace.