Chapter 17: Seduction Fails Miserably
The Everhart estate buzzed with activity as the Harvest Festival events continued. Tiara, now slightly worn out from the recent chaos Mia had dragged her into, decided to enjoy a moment of peace in the garden. The soft rustling of leaves and the gentle hum of birdsong were a welcome respite.
Unfortunately for her, Alistair had other plans.
The cheater prince strolled into the garden with an air of confidence that could only be described as nauseating. His golden locks gleamed in the sunlight, and his tailored suit screamed, I'm trying too hard.
Tiara, who had been peacefully enjoying tea, noticed his approach out of the corner of her eye and sighed heavily. Great. Just what I needed.
"Lady Tiara," Alistair began, his voice dripping with false charm, "may I have the honor of joining you this fine afternoon?"
Tiara glanced at him, her expression blank. "If I say no, will you leave?"
Alistair chuckled, taking her words as a playful jest. "Oh, you have such a sharp tongue, my lady. Truly, it's one of your many... intriguing qualities."
Tiara took a slow sip of her tea, not even bothering to look at him. "And what brings you here, Your Highness? Surely you must have more important things to do than loiter in my garden."
Alistair placed a hand dramatically over his heart. "How cruel! Is it so hard to believe that I came here just to see you?"
Tiara finally looked at him, her eyes narrowing. "Yes, actually. Very hard to believe."
Alistair leaned forward slightly, his smile widening. "You wound me, my lady. Have I not always held you in the highest regard?"
Tiara raised an eyebrow. "Highest regard? Is that what you call dumping me for another girl in my past life?" she muttered under her breath
Alistair blinked, confused. "What?"
"Nothing," Tiara said quickly, shaking her head. "Just talking to myself."
---
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the library, Lilith was in full scheming mode. Having decided that Chris was the more promising target, she'd spent the morning perfecting her most innocent and alluring expressions.
Now, dressed in a flowing white gown that sparkled like moonlight, she wandered into the library where Chris was reading. Her hair shimmered like spun silver, and her steps were soft and deliberate.
Chris, immersed in a thick tome about military strategy, barely noticed her entrance.
"Your Highness," Lilith began, her voice soft and melodic, "I didn't expect to find you here."
Chris glanced up briefly, his expression indifferent. "It's a library. People read here."
Lilith giggled, as if he'd just said the funniest thing in the world. "Oh, of course! How silly of me."
Chris returned to his book, clearly unimpressed.
Undeterred, Lilith floated closer. "You know, Your Highness, I've always admired your intellect. A man of both strength and wisdom is... truly rare."
Chris didn't look up. "Thanks."
Lilith blinked. "Oh, um... what are you reading?"
"Strategies for defending the empire's northern borders," Chris replied, still not looking at her.
Lilith's smile faltered slightly. "That sounds... fascinating."
Chris turned a page. "It is."
Lilith was beginning to lose patience. Deciding to switch tactics, she leaned slightly over the table, her gown shifting just enough to reveal her collarbone. "Perhaps you could... teach me about it sometime?"
Chris finally looked up, his expression blank. "Do you know how to read?"
Lilith froze. "Excuse me?"
"It's just that this book is fairly advanced," Chris explained, his tone utterly serious. "If you can't read military terminology, it might be difficult for you to understand."
Lilith's face turned redânot from embarrassment, but from sheer frustration. "Of course, I can read!"
Chris shrugged. "Good to know. Then feel free to borrow the book after I'm done."
And with that, he went back to reading, leaving Lilith standing there, fuming silently.
---
Back in the garden, Alistair was still attempting to charm Tiara.
"Tiara," he said, his tone low and (what he thought was) seductive, "you truly are the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on."
Tiara stared at him. "Have you considered getting your eyes checked?"
Alistair blinked. "What?"
"Well, either your vision is terrible, or you're lying," Tiara said matter-of-factly. "Neither of which is flattering."
Alistair laughed nervously. "You're so witty, my lady. It's one of the things I admire most about you."
"Oh, really?" Tiara tilted her head, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "And what else do you admire? My ability to see through your nonsense?"
Alistair's smile faltered, but he quickly recovered. "You're a challenging one, Tiara. But I like a good challenge."
"Good to know," Tiara replied, setting her teacup down. "Because winning me over would be the ultimate challenge."
With that, she stood and walked away, leaving Alistair standing there, his ego bruised but his determination intact.
---
Later that evening, Tiara, Chris, Mia, and Cedric gathered in the parlor to share their respective adventures from the day.
"So," Tiara began, smirking at Chris, "Lilith came for you today, huh?"
Chris raised an eyebrow. "How do you know?"
"Oh, I have my sources," Tiara replied, clearly enjoying herself. "What did she do? Bat her eyelashes and giggle like a schoolgirl?"
Chris shrugged. "Pretty much. I told her to read a book."
Mia burst out laughing. "You're my hero, Chris."
Tiara grinned. "You know, you could've given her a dictionary instead. Might've been more useful."
Chris smirked slightly. "Maybe next time."
"And what about you, Tiara?" Cedric asked. "I heard Alistair was sniffing around the garden again."
"Oh, please," Tiara said, rolling her eyes. "He's like a mosquito. Annoying, persistent, and completely useless."
The group erupted into laughter, their camaraderie cutting through the schemes and plots that swirled around them.
Lilith and Alistair might have been determined to play their games, but Tiara and Chris were more than ready to play backâand win.
---