Chapter 38: A Lady of the People
Outside the Palace Gates
Tiara arrived at the palace gates to find a small group of commoners waiting. Their faces lit up when they saw her, and they bowed respectfully.
"My lady!" an older man stepped forward, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for seeing us. We've come to express our thanks. Because of your help at the hospital, my wife has recovered. We had nowhere else to turn, but you saved her life."
A woman holding a basket of fresh flowers spoke next. "You've been a blessing to our community, my lady. When others turned their backs, you extended a helping hand."
Tiara's heart swelled with warmth, though she kept her composure. "There's no need to thank me. It's my duty and my privilege to help."
The group presented her with giftsâfresh produce, handmade trinkets, and a beautiful embroidered shawl. Tiara accepted them graciously, her smile genuine.
"You are far too kind," she said softly. "Please, if any of you need help again, do not hesitate to come to me."
Back in the Garden
From the garden, Chris observed the scene from a distance, his arms crossed and a thoughtful expression on his face.
"She's remarkable," he muttered to himself.
"I couldn't agree more," Alistair said, his voice deceptively calm. "It's fascinating, isn't it? A noblewoman who mingles so freely with commoners."
Chris shot him a warning look. "If you're implying anything untoward, I suggest you reconsider."
Alistair smirked, feigning innocence. "Not at all, brother. I simply find it intriguing."
Nearby, Lilith fumed silently. Why is she so adored? she thought, her nails digging into her palm.
The Meeting with the Nobles
Later that evening, Tiara attended a gathering of high-ranking nobles. The grand hall was abuzz with chatter, but it didn't take long for whispers about her actions to reach her ears.
"Have you heard? Lady Tiara has been personally tending to the sick and poor," one noblewoman whispered to another.
"How noble of her," another replied, though her tone hinted at envy. "She's certainly making a name for herself."
As Tiara entered the hall, the conversations paused momentarily, all eyes turning to her. She walked with poise, her head held high, but inwardly, she felt a pang of discomfort under the scrutinizing gazes.
Mia quickly approached, linking arms with her. "Tiara, you've become the star of the night! Everyone's talking about you."
Tiara gave her a wry smile. "I'm not sure that's a good thing."
"Of course it is!" Mia insisted. "Besides, it's not just the commoners who adore you. Many of the nobles here respect what you're doing."
"Respect or envy?" Tiara quipped.
The Villains' Frustration
In a shadowy corner of the hall, Alistair and Lilith observed Tiara, their expressions dark.
"She's stealing the spotlight," Lilith hissed. "Even the nobles are starting to admire her."
Alistair's jaw tightened. "She's gaining too much influence. We need to act quickly."
Lilith leaned closer. "I've heard rumors about her closeness with the crown prince. Perhaps we can use that to our advantage."
Alistair's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Leave that to me."
The Dance of Rumors
Later in the evening, Chris approached Tiara, his hand extended. "Lady Tiara, may I have this dance?"
Tiara blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "I... suppose I have no reason to refuse."
As they danced, the room buzzed with murmurs.
"They look perfect together," one guest whispered.
"Do you think the rumors are true?" another asked.
"What rumors?" Mia leaned closer to eavesdrop, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
"They say they're secretly engaged," the noble replied.
Meanwhile, Tiara and Chris were oblivious to the growing speculation.
"Why are you smiling like that?" Tiara asked, raising an eyebrow.
Chris's grin widened. "Because I know how much you hate dancing with me, and yet, you can't escape."
"You're insufferable," Tiara muttered.
"And yet, you're still here," he countered, his tone teasing.