Chapter 6: Allies in the Shadows
The morning sun bathed the Everhart estate in a warm glow as Tiara sat at her vanity, brushing her hair. A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in," she called, expecting Cedric.
The door opened, and a young woman stepped inside, her brown hair neatly tied into a bun. She curtsied gracefully, her light blue eyes filled with quiet determination.
"Good morning, Lady Tiara," she said, her voice soft but confident. "I am Lily, your new personal maid. It is a great honor to serve you."
Tiara blinked in surprise. She hadn't been informed of this change. "Lily? When were you appointed?"
"Just yesterday, my lady," Lily replied, straightening. "The Duke thought it was time you had someone to assist you exclusively."
Tiara tilted her head, studying the maid. Lily looked young, perhaps a year or two older than herself, but there was a calm professionalism in her demeanor.
"Well, Lily," Tiara said, offering a small smile, "welcome. I hope you're ready for the chaos that comes with this position."
Lily's lips curved into a slight smile. "I assure you, my lady, I am prepared for anything."
---
An hour later, Tiara made her way to the training courtyard, Lily trailing a few steps behind.
As she approached, a tall figure with striking red hair and piercing grey eyes stood waiting near the weapon rack. He wore polished armor, the crest of House Everhart etched onto his chest plate.
"Lady Tiara," he said, bowing respectfully. "I am Felix, your newly assigned knight. The Duke has entrusted me with your safety."
Tiara raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over him. Felix was clearly a seasoned warrior, his stance firm and his presence imposing.
"My father assigned you?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Felix nodded. "Yes, my lady. He expressed concerns about your safety, especially with recent events involving the royal family. I will be by your side at all times."
Tiara's eyes narrowed. "At all times? I hope that doesn't mean you'll be lurking outside my bedroom door."
Felix's expression didn't waver, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Only if necessary, my lady."
Lily, who had been silently observing, stifled a giggle.
Tiara sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Very well, Felix. If my father insists, I won't object. But I expect you to respect my privacy."
Felix bowed again. "Of course, my lady. I am here to serve, not to intrude."
---
Training began soon after, with Felix overseeing Tiara's swordsmanship practice.
"You're gripping the hilt too tightly," Felix said, stepping closer to adjust her stance. "Loosen your grip slightly. It'll give you better control."
Tiara frowned but followed his advice, swinging the practice sword with renewed precision.
"Better," Felix said, nodding in approval. "You have potential, my lady. With time, you'll rival even the finest knights."
Tiara smirked, wiping sweat from her brow. "I don't need to rival anyone. I just need to be strong enough to protect what matters."
Felix studied her for a moment, his grey eyes thoughtful. "A noble goal, my lady. But remember, strength isn't just about skill. It's about knowing when to fight-and when to trust others."
Tiara paused, his words striking a chord.
---
Later that day, Tiara sat in the garden with Lily, enjoying a rare moment of peace.
"Lily," Tiara began, glancing at the maid, "how did you come to work for my family?"
Lily hesitated, her hands folding neatly in her lap. "I've served in the Everhart household for several years, but only recently was I considered for this position. The Duke believed you needed someone you could rely on completely."
Tiara smiled faintly. "I see. And what do you think of me so far?"
Lily's cheeks flushed slightly. "You're... not what I expected, my lady. You're strong-willed, but there's kindness in you. It's an honor to serve someone like that."
Tiara felt a pang in her chest. "If only you'd known me in my past life," she thought.
"I'll do my best to live up to your expectations," she said aloud, her tone firm.
Lily's smile widened. "I believe you already have, my lady."
---
That evening, Tiara gathered her thoughts in her journal.
"Lily and Felix... they're different from the people I had in my past life. They're loyal, genuine, and seem to truly care about me. Perhaps I can trust them. But I can't let my guard down-not yet."
She set down her pen, her gaze drifting to the window.
"The game has already begun. Alistair and Lilith are moving their pieces, but I won't let them win this time. With allies like Lily and Felix-and maybe even Chris-I'll carve out a new future."
As the moonlight bathed her room in a soft glow, Tiara felt a flicker of hope.
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