Chapter 36: Tea Party and Subtle Wars
The day of the tea party arrived, and Tiara found herself standing in front of the imperial palace gates. Her carriage had been escorted by palace knights, an unusual but not unwelcome gesture. Lily, as always, accompanied her, a steadying presence.
"You seem...cheerful, my lady," Lily observed, noting Tiara's smirk.
"Cheerful isn't the word," Tiara replied, adjusting her lavender gown. "Curious is more like it. Let's see what His Highness is planning."
Inside the palace, Chris was already waiting in the garden, a selection of exotic teas laid out on a table surrounded by vibrant flowers. His posture was regal but casual, a dangerous mix of formality and charm.
"Welcome, Lady Tiara," Chris greeted, his voice smooth.
"Your Highness," Tiara replied with a graceful curtsy, her tone laced with playful skepticism. "A private tea party? Should I be flattered or suspicious?"
Chris chuckled. "Perhaps both. Sit, and you can decide by the end."
The Verbal Duel Begins
As they sipped tea, their conversation quickly turned into a battle of wits.
"You've been making quite the name for yourself among the commoners," Chris remarked. "A future duchess who dabbles in medicineâhow unconventional."
Tiara raised an eyebrow. "And a crown prince who invites a ducal lady for tea without warningâhow scandalous."
Chris smirked. "Perhaps I'm just curious about you."
"Curiosity killed the cat," Tiara shot back, taking a deliberate sip of her tea.
"Good thing I'm not a cat," Chris replied smoothly.
Lily, standing discreetly nearby, stifled a laugh. Felix, stationed a few steps behind Tiara, muttered under his breath, "They're impossible."
Elsewhere in the Palace
Lilith had been conveniently invited to a different section of the palace for a "separate gathering." She seethed inwardly, knowing full well that Chris had excluded her on purpose.
"Why would he invite Tiara and not me?" Lilith muttered to herself, her sweet smile barely concealing her frustration.
A servant whispered in her ear, "Prince Alistair is in the west wing. He has summoned you for an urgent matter."
Lilith's eyes sparkled with renewed mischief. "Perfect. Let's see how we can turn this to our advantage."
The Failed Interruption
Back at the tea party, Chris poured another cup of tea for Tiara.
"Tell me, Lady Tiara," he began, his tone turning serious, "what do you think of the current state of the empire?"
Tiara met his gaze, her expression calm. "I think it's a complicated question with no simple answer. But I do believe that true strength lies in unity, not division."
Chris nodded, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "Wise words."
Before their conversation could deepen, a commotion erupted near the garden entrance. Alistair strode in, his usual charming mask firmly in place.
"Brother," Alistair greeted, his voice dripping with feigned warmth. "I didn't know you were hosting such an intimate gathering. Lady Tiara, what a surprise to see you here."
Tiara's eyes narrowed slightly. "Prince Alistair. Always a pleasure."
Alistair's smile faltered for a split second before he turned back to Chris. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
Chris's tone was ice-cold. "You are."