Chapter 26: The Imperial Banquet Begins
The imperial palace was ablaze with light and music as the empress's birthday banquet commenced. Nobles from across the empire filled the grand hall, their lavish attire and glittering jewels a testament to their status. Servants moved gracefully among the crowd, offering wine and delicacies while the orchestra played a lively tune.
Tiara arrived alongside her father, Duke Everhart, and her brother, Cedric. The sight of the imperial palace was as grand as she'd imaginedâtowering marble pillars, intricate mosaics, and chandeliers that sparkled like stars.
"Tiara, behave yourself tonight," Duke Everhart said, his tone firm yet affectionate.
"Of course, Father," Tiara replied, curtsying with mock solemnity. "I wouldn't dream of embarrassing our family."
Cedric chuckled. "She says that now, but give her ten minutes."
"Don't tempt me, Cedric," Tiara quipped, earning a smirk from her brother.
Inside the Grand Hall
As Tiara entered, all eyes seemed to turn toward her. Whispers followed in her wakeârumors of her rumored engagement to Chris and her growing reputation as a formidable young lady. Tiara, however, paid no mind to the gossip.
Mia, who had arrived earlier with her parents, spotted Tiara and waved enthusiastically. "Tiara! Over here!"
"Mia," Tiara said warmly, joining her friend. "I see you're already stealing the spotlight."
Mia laughed. "Hardly. Everyone's talking about you and Prince Chris."
Tiara sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Let them talk. It's not like I can control what they say."
As if on cue, a hush fell over the room as Chris entered. The first prince was resplendent in his royal attire, his presence commanding and elegant. He moved through the crowd with ease, greeting nobles with polite smiles but never lingering too long.
When his eyes met Tiara's, he paused, his lips curving into a subtle smile.
"Lady Tiara," he greeted, approaching her. "You're looking particularly radiant tonight."
"Your Highness," Tiara replied with a small curtsy, her tone playful. "I see you've recovered from our last... sparring match."
Chris chuckled. "Barely. I'm still nursing the wounds to my pride."
Their exchange was cut short by a sudden burst of laughter from the other side of the hall.
Alistair and Selene's Entrance
Alistair and Lady Selene made their entrance, the latter dressed in a gown so elaborate it could rival the empress's own attire. Selene's every movement was calculated, her smile perfect and practiced as she greeted the gathered nobles.
Alistair, on the other hand, seemed focused on one personâTiara. His gaze lingered on her, a predatory smirk playing on his lips.
Chris noticed and immediately stepped closer to Tiara, his posture protective.
"Looks like trouble," he murmured.
"Trouble seems to follow me wherever I go," Tiara replied, her voice light but her eyes sharp as they met Alistair's.
The Banquet Unfolds
As the night progressed, the guests dined and danced, the atmosphere a mix of celebration and underlying tension. Tiara found herself pulled into a dance with Chris, his hand warm and steady on hers.
"Have you noticed the stares?" Chris asked as they moved across the floor.
Tiara smirked. "How could I not? Let me guessâmore rumors?"
Chris's expression softened. "It doesn't bother you?"
"Not in the slightest," Tiara replied, her tone teasing. "Although I am curiousâare you secretly planning to propose without telling me?"
Chris chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Would it be such a terrible fate?"
Tiara tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm... Ask me again when you can beat me in a duel."
Before Chris could respond, a loud crash interrupted the dance.
Lilith's Latest Antics
Lilith, in her usual over-the-top fashion, had "accidentally" spilled wine on another noblewoman, causing a scene.
"Oh dear!" Lilith exclaimed, her voice saccharine sweet. "I'm so terribly clumsy. Please forgive me, Lady Verona."
The noblewoman looked furious, but Lilith's doe-eyed expression seemed to placate her.
Tiara rolled her eyes. "And here I thought this evening would be dull."
Chris chuckled. "I'm almost afraid to ask what you're planning."
"Nothing at all," Tiara said innocently, though her mischievous smile said otherwise.