Chapter 14: Chapter 13: Of Pranks and Payback

Chapter 13: Of Pranks and Payback

The morning after the ball and Lilith’s “thoughtful” gesture, Tiara found herself in an unusually good mood. It wasn’t often that she got to roast Lilith to her heart’s content. Unfortunately, her mood didn’t last long.

“My lady,” Felix said, stepping into the drawing room, holding what looked like a letter. His expression was calm, but there was a slight twitch in his brow. “It seems... you’ve been challenged.”

Tiara blinked. “Challenged? What nonsense are you talking about?”

Felix handed her the letter. Tiara opened it, her confusion deepening as she read:

To the illustrious Lady Tiara Everhart,

I formally challenge you to a test of elegance and poise to determine who is most deserving of society’s admiration.

Sincerely, Lilith Althea.

Tiara burst out laughing, nearly doubling over. “Elegance and poise? What does she think this is, a tea party?”

Felix cleared his throat. “She’s hosting a small gathering this afternoon, my lady. It seems she intends to embarrass you in front of her guests.”

Lily, who had just entered carrying Tiara’s tea, gasped. “How dare she! This is clearly a trap!”

Tiara smirked, folding the letter neatly. “Oh, I know it’s a trap. But what Lilith doesn’t realize is that I’m bringing explosives.”

Felix blinked. “Explosives?”

“Figuratively,” Tiara clarified with a wink. “Unless you have some lying around.”

---

That afternoon, Tiara arrived at Lilith’s estate dressed to perfection. Her gown was a deep blue that shimmered in the sunlight, and her hair was styled elegantly, courtesy of Lily.

Chris, who had somehow invited himself along, leaned over and whispered, “You look... almost tolerable today.”

Tiara didn’t miss a beat. “And you look exactly like someone who got dressed in the dark.”

“Touché,” Chris replied, amused.

As they entered the garden, Lilith greeted them with her signature sweet smile. “Lady Tiara, Your Highness, how lovely to see you.”

“Lilith,” Tiara said, her voice dripping with faux warmth. “What an... ambitious event you’ve organized.”

Lilith’s smile tightened. “I do try my best. Please, have a seat.”

The tables were set with delicate porcelain teacups and an assortment of pastries. Ladies from prominent families whispered behind their fans, clearly eager to witness whatever drama Lilith had planned.

---

As the event began, Lilith wasted no time in laying the groundwork for her scheme.

“Let us begin with a simple demonstration,” Lilith said, her voice syrupy sweet. “Each lady will pour tea for her guest and demonstrate her grace and refinement.”

Tiara leaned toward Chris. “If she spills the tea herself, do I win automatically?”

Chris snorted, earning a glare from Lilith.

Tiara watched as the other ladies took their turns. Some were graceful, others were... less so. When it was her turn, she picked up the teapot with practiced ease, pouring the tea perfectly without so much as a ripple.

Lilith’s smile didn’t falter, but her fingers tightened around her teacup.

“Impressive,” Lilith said, though her tone lacked enthusiasm. “But let us see how you fare in the next task.”

---

The next “task” involved arranging flowers into bouquets, a transparent attempt to highlight Lilith’s own talents.

Tiara, who had no patience for flower arranging, decided to take a more... creative approach.

By the time the task was over, the ladies had produced a variety of traditional bouquets—except for Tiara, whose arrangement included a single, massive sunflower in the center.

Chris clapped slowly. “Bold choice.”

“Thank you,” Tiara said, bowing slightly. “I call it The Sunflower of Victory.”

The other ladies stifled laughter, and Lilith’s expression was a study in forced politeness.

“How... unique,” Lilith said through clenched teeth. “Shall we move on?”

---

The final “test” involved dancing. Lilith had arranged for music to be played and partners to be chosen randomly.

Of course, Tiara wasn’t surprised when her partner turned out to be Chris.

“You planned this, didn’t you?” Tiara muttered as they took their places.

Chris grinned. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Now try not to step on my feet.”

The music began, and Tiara found herself caught between trying to follow the steps and resisting the urge to trip Chris on purpose.

“You’re surprisingly decent at this,” Chris admitted.

“And you’re surprisingly not insufferable,” Tiara replied. “For now.”

Their dance ended without incident, much to Lilith’s annoyance.

---

By the end of the event, it was clear that Lilith’s plan had backfired spectacularly.

“Thank you for hosting such a... memorable gathering,” Tiara said as she prepared to leave.

Lilith’s smile was brittle. “It was my pleasure.”

As Tiara walked away, Chris leaned toward her. “That was... entertaining.”

“It always is,” Tiara replied with a smirk. “When you’re me.”

From the corner of the garden, Lilith watched them leave, her nails digging into her palms.

“You won’t always have the last laugh, Tiara,” she muttered under her breath.

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