Chapter 18: The Return of the Tomato War
The morning sunlight streamed into the Everhart estate's dining hall as Tiara munched on a warm croissant. It was a peaceful dayâor so she thought. Her peace was shattered when her father entered the room with a letter in hand.
"Tiara," Duke Everhart began, his tone authoritative yet amused, "you've received a letter from the palace."
Tiara raised an eyebrow, setting her croissant down. "From the palace? What for?"
"It seems Prince Christopher Aurelion has invited you to the Harvest Ball at the imperial palace this weekend," the Duke said, handing her the letter.
Tiara stared at the elegant royal seal, her mind immediately flashing back to her "Tomato War" with Chris during their childhood. "Why would he invite me?" she muttered under her breath, her tone dripping with suspicion.
Her father chuckled. "I imagine it's because you're of noble birth, Tiara. And the ball is a grand event."
"Or he just wants another excuse to throw a tomato at my head," Tiara muttered.
"What was that?" her father asked.
"Nothing!" Tiara said quickly, plastering on a smile.
---
Three Days Later â Imperial Palace
The palace was buzzing with excitement as noble families from across the empire arrived for the ball. Tiara, dressed in a stunning sapphire-blue gown, entered the grand ballroom with her father and Cedric.
She scanned the room, her eyes narrowing when she spotted Chris standing near the throne, casually sipping wine. As if sensing her gaze, he turned and smirked.
"Why do I feel like he's plotting something?" Tiara muttered.
"You're just paranoid," Cedric said, already distracted by the buffet table.
As Tiara approached Chris, she plastered on her most polite smile. "Your Highness," she said with a curtsy.
"Lady Tiara," Chris replied, his tone teasing. "You look... less dangerous without a tomato in your hand."
Tiara's polite smile morphed into a deadpan expression. "And you look less annoying when you're not talking."
Chris chuckled. "Still as sharp-tongued as ever, I see."
"And you're still as insufferable as ever," Tiara shot back.
Before Chris could respond, Lilith appeared, gliding across the ballroom like a swan. Her silver hair shimmered under the chandelier's light, and her gown was a vision of delicate white lace.
"Your Highness," Lilith said sweetly, bowing her head to Chris. "It's such a pleasure to see you again."
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Have we met?"
Lilith's smile faltered for a brief moment before she quickly recovered. "Oh, yes. At the summer festival last year. I'm Lady Lilith Althea."
"Ah," Chris said, clearly uninterested. "Well, nice to meet you again, Lady Lilith."
Lilith beamed, turning her attention to Tiara. "Lady Tiara, it's lovely to see you as well. That gown is... so bold. Not many would dare wear such a color."
Tiara's smile turned icy. "Oh, thank you, Lady Lilith. I suppose it's a matter of confidence."
Lilith's eye twitched ever so slightly, but she maintained her composure. "Confidence is important, isn't it? After all, not everyone can pull off... daring choices."
Chris, sensing the tension, sipped his wine and leaned toward Tiara. "You've got competition," he whispered, amused.
"Oh, please," Tiara whispered back. "She couldn't compete with a brick wall."
Chris almost choked on his water, trying to stifle his laughter.
Lilith, oblivious to their exchange, continued to speak. "Your Highness, I heard you're quite skilled with the sword. Perhaps you could show me a few techniques someday?"
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how to hold a sword?"
Lilith faltered. "Well, not exactly, butâ"
"Then it would be a waste of time," Chris said bluntly, his tone polite but dismissive.
Tiara couldn't stop the laugh that escaped her. "Ah, Your Highness, ever the honest one."
Chris smirked. "Honesty is important, don't you think, Lady Tiara?"
"Absolutely," Tiara agreed, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Lilith, clearly flustered, decided to retreat. "Excuse me. I'll... fetch some refreshments." She curtsied and hurried away.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Tiara turned to Chris. "Did you have to be so brutal?"
Chris shrugged. "She asked for it."
Tiara chuckled. "I'll give you that one, Your Highness. But don't think this means I like you."
Chris grinned. "The feeling's mutual, Lady Tiara."
---
Across the ballroom, Alistair watched the interaction between Tiara and Chris with narrowed eyes.
So, she's grown close to my brother, he thought, his jealousy simmering. Well, I can fix that.
He approached Tiara with a confident smile, bowing deeply. "Lady Tiara, may I have this dance?"
Tiara blinked, startled by his sudden appearance. "Your Highness? Uh... sure?"
As they moved to the dance floor, Alistair leaned in slightly. "You've grown more beautiful than I remembered," he said softly.
Tiara raised an eyebrow. "Do you say that to every girl you dance with?"
"Only the ones who matter," Alistair replied, his tone smooth.
Tiara smirked. "Well, I suppose that's an improvement from the last time we danced. Oh wait, we've never danced before."
Alistair faltered. "What?"
"Never mind," Tiara said with a shrug. "Just making conversation."
As the music played, Tiara's sharp wit and Alistair's increasingly desperate attempts to flirt drew the attention of nearby guests.
By the end of the dance, Tiara curtsied with a polite but dismissive smile. "Thank you for the dance, Your Highness. It was... unforgettable."
As she walked away, Chris, watching from the sidelines, smirked. "Looks like Alistair's charm isn't what it used to be."
Tiara rolled her eyes. "Like it ever worked in the first place."
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