Chapter 23: Chapter 22: Blossoming Bonds

Chapter 22: Blossoming Bonds

The Everhart estate was unusually lively that afternoon. Tiara had invited Mia to stay for tea, and Cedric, always eager to tease his sister, decided to join them. Meanwhile, Felix and Lily were busy supervising the household preparations, though their constant bickering seemed to be more entertaining than productive.

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The Garden Pavilion

Mia sat across from Tiara, sipping her tea delicately. Her silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her red eyes sparkled with curiosity as she watched Cedric fidget with a plate of sweets.

“Lady Mia,” Cedric began, offering her a plate of macarons, “do try these. They’re the finest in the kingdom.”

Mia smiled politely, taking one. “Thank you, Lord Cedric.”

Tiara, watching the interaction, smirked. “Cedric, since when do you care about sweets? Aren’t you always stealing mine instead?”

Cedric glared at her. “I’m being hospitable, Tiara. Something you might want to learn.”

“Oh, I’m plenty hospitable,” Tiara retorted, grinning. “I just don’t see the point in buttering up my best friend. She already likes me.”

Mia giggled, glancing between the siblings. “You two are quite the pair. Always bickering but clearly fond of each other.”

Cedric leaned back, a mock-solemn expression on his face. “Fond? Mia, she’s been tormenting me since the day she learned to talk.”

Tiara rolled her eyes. “And you’ve been stealing my desserts since the day you learned to walk.”

“Touché,” Cedric admitted with a laugh.

Mia, enjoying the banter, found herself relaxing in Cedric’s presence. He was charming in his own way, even if he loved teasing Tiara.

“So, Lady Mia,” Cedric said, leaning forward, “tell me—how do you manage to keep Tiara in check? It seems like a monumental task.”

Mia smiled sweetly. “Oh, it’s simple. I just remind her that I know all her secrets.”

Tiara gasped. “Mia!”

Cedric’s eyes widened. “Secrets, you say? Do tell.”

“Don’t you dare,” Tiara warned, narrowing her eyes at Mia.

Mia giggled, holding up her hands in mock surrender. “Relax, Tiara. Your secrets are safe with me.”

“For now,” Cedric added with a mischievous grin.

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The Servants’ Quarters

Felix and Lily were in the kitchen, supervising the preparation of desserts for the afternoon tea. Or rather, Felix was attempting to supervise while Lily criticized his every move.

“Felix,” Lily said, exasperated, “you can’t just pile the pastries onto the tray like that. They need to be arranged properly.”

“They’re going to be eaten, not displayed in a museum,” Felix replied, smirking.

Lily glared at him. “Presentation is important! Honestly, do you know nothing about refinement?”

Felix leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. “And here I thought your job was to serve tea, not lecture knights.”

Lily huffed, grabbing the tray from him. “If I don’t do it, who will? Certainly not you.”

Felix watched as she meticulously rearranged the pastries, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You know,” he said casually, “you’re surprisingly bossy for someone so small.”

Lily froze, turning to glare at him. “Small? I’ll have you know I’m perfectly average height!”

“For a mouse,” Felix teased.

Lily’s cheeks flushed with indignation. “I’ll show you a mouse,” she muttered, picking up a wooden spoon and pointing it at him.

Felix chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Careful, Lily. You don’t want to start a war you can’t win.”

Lily narrowed her eyes. “Oh, I’ll win, Felix. Mark my words.”

Despite her annoyance, Felix couldn’t help but admire her fiery spirit.

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Back in the Garden

As the sun began to set, Cedric stood to leave, offering Mia a charming smile. “Lady Mia, it’s been a pleasure. I hope you’ll visit more often.”

Mia returned the smile, her cheeks faintly pink. “Thank you, Lord Cedric. I’d love to.”

Tiara watched the exchange with a knowing smirk but said nothing.

As Cedric walked away, Tiara leaned closer to Mia. “You like him.”

Mia’s eyes widened. “What? No, I don’t!”

“You totally do,” Tiara teased, grinning.

Mia shook her head, trying to hide her blush. “You’re imagining things.”

“Am I?” Tiara said, her grin widening. “Well, I suppose time will tell.”

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