Chapter 29: Festivities and Rivalries
The palace grounds were alive with excitement for the annual Spring Equinox Festival. Nobles from across the empire gathered to celebrate, indulging in fine foods, performances, and, most importantly, a grand ball.
Tiara, standing near a fountain with Mia, tried to keep her face neutral as the endless chatter around her kept circling back to her and Chris. The rumors about their "secret engagement" had spread like wildfire, and no amount of denial seemed to quell them.
"Do they ever stop?" Tiara muttered, adjusting her gloves with unnecessary force.
Mia giggled. "I think it's sweet! You and Prince Chris do look good together."
"Traitor," Tiara shot back, glaring playfully at her best friend.
"Just think," Mia teased. "If it were true, we'd both be marrying princes someday!"
Tiara sighed dramatically. "How about we marry books instead? Less gossip, more peace."
Before Mia could respond, a loud voice interrupted.
"Lady Tiara!"
Both girls turned to see Chris striding toward them, looking as regal as ever but with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Tiara instantly braced herself.
"What do you want?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Chris smirked. "I thought I'd save you from standing around like a wallflower all evening. Shall we dance?"
Tiara stared at him, incredulous. "Are you asking me or commanding me?"
"A bit of both," Chris replied, holding out his hand.
Mia nudged Tiara. "You should go! Everyone's watching."
Tiara groaned but took his hand. "Fine. But if you step on my feet, I'll claim self-defense."
The Dance Floor: A Battlefield
As the orchestra struck up a lively waltz, Chris and Tiara began their dance. For a moment, everything seemed perfectâthe music, the movements, the elegant swirl of Tiara's gown. Then the bickering started.
"You're leading too fast," Tiara hissed.
"Maybe you're just slow," Chris countered, his lips twitching with amusement.
She glared at him. "I'm the picture of grace, thank you very much."
"Grace? Is that what you call almost tripping over your own feet just now?"
Tiara's foot "accidentally" stepped on his. Chris winced but quickly recovered, a smirk plastered on his face.
"Is this your idea of revenge?" he asked.
"Consider it a warning," Tiara shot back.
Nearby nobles watched the exchange with curiosity, their smiles suggesting they found the pair more entertaining than the dance itself.
Meanwhile, at the Refreshment Table
Mia had been quietly enjoying the spectacle when Cedric approached, holding a plate of desserts.
"You're not dancing?" he asked, offering her a pastry.
Mia shook her head. "I'm happy just watching for now. Besides, Tiara and Prince Chris are providing plenty of entertainment."
Cedric chuckled. "They're like fire and ice, aren't they? Always clashing but somehow complementing each other."
Mia smiled softly. "It's nice, though. To have someone who balances you out."
Cedric glanced at her, his usual teasing demeanor replaced by something more thoughtful. "Yeah... it is."
The moment lingered, but before Mia could respond, Lily and Felix appeared, seemingly mid-argument.
"I told you, you don't have to follow me everywhere!" Lily exclaimed, her cheeks flushed.
Felix, ever the picture of calm, replied, "you are milady's personal maid and its It's my duty as her knight."
"It's a festival, Felix!" Lily said, throwing up her hands. "Relax for once!"
Cedric leaned toward Mia, whispering, "They argue more than Tiara and Chris."
Mia stifled a laugh as Lily stomped off, leaving Felix to trail after her, muttering about "protocols" and "security."
Lilith and Alistair's Plot of the Night
In a shadowy corner of the ballroom, Lilith and Alistair stood together, their expressions a mix of frustration and determination.
"I can't believe she's dancing with him," Lilith hissed, watching Tiara and Chris with barely concealed jealousy.
"It's nothing," Alistair said, his tone dismissive. "Chris is playing the long game, but so are we."
"And what about you?" Lilith snapped. "You were supposed to charm her by now!"
Alistair smirked. "Patience, Lilith. Tiara's resistance makes the game more interesting."
Lilith rolled her eyes. "Meanwhile, I'll focus on Chris. He can't ignore me forever."
"Just don't make a fool of yourself," Alistair warned.
Lilith's smile turned venomous. "Speak for yourself, darling."
Back on the Dance Floor
As the waltz ended, Chris leaned closer to Tiara, his voice low. "See? That wasn't so bad."
Tiara raised an eyebrow. "Are you fishing for compliments now?"
"Not at all," he replied smoothly. "But you're welcome to give me one."
Tiara laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Keep dreaming, Your Highness."
As they parted ways, Chris couldn't help but smile. He had won this roundâor so he thought.
Tiara, however, had her own plans for payback, and she wasn't one to lose easily.