Chapter 7: Fateful Encounters
Tiara stood in the center of the training courtyard, sweat dripping down her brow as she caught her breath. Felix watched her from the sidelines, arms crossed, his expression a blend of pride and approval.
"You're improving quickly, my lady," he said, his voice steady. "Your strikes are sharper, and your stamina is commendable for someone of your age."
Tiara smirked, rolling her shoulders to ease the tension. "Are you trying to flatter me, Sir Felix?"
Felix raised an eyebrow. "I don't flatter. I state facts."
Lily approached with a pitcher of cool water and a towel. "You've worked hard today, Lady Tiara. Perhaps it's time for a break."
Tiara accepted the towel with a grateful smile. "I suppose you're right. A proper noblewoman should know when to rest."
Felix chuckled lightly. "A proper noblewoman who can outfight half the knights in the Duke's garrison."
Tiara shot him a playful glare as she wiped her face.
---
Later that afternoon,
The Everhart household received a surprise visit from the royal family. The servants bustled about, preparing for the unexpected arrival.
Tiara stood at the entrance, her father beside her, his imposing figure radiating authority.
"It seems we have a royal guest," Duke Everhart remarked, his tone neutral.
The grand carriage came to a halt, and the doors swung open to reveal Chris Aurelion. He stepped out, his presence commanding, his black hair catching the sunlight.
Tiara's breath caught. What is he doing here?
Chris's sharp eyes scanned the estate before landing on Tiara. His lips curled into a smirk. "Lady Tiara Everhart. It seems fate keeps throwing us together."
Tiara curtsied, her expression composed despite the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "Your Highness, what a surprise. To what do we owe the honor of your visit?"
Chris stepped forward, his tone teasing. "Am I not allowed to visit one of the most influential families in the empire?"
Duke Everhart cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Your Highness, it's always an honor to host you. Please, come inside."
Chris's gaze lingered on Tiara for a moment before he followed the Duke into the manor.
---
That evening, a formal dinner was held in honor of the prince's visit.
Tiara sat across from Chris at the long dining table, her posture perfect, her smile polite. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.
"Lady Tiara," Chris said, breaking the silence, "I heard you've been training in both swordsmanship and magic. Quite the ambitious endeavor for someone so young."
Tiara sipped her tea, her eyes never leaving his. "Ambition is necessary, Your Highness, especially in a world as unpredictable as ours."
Chris chuckled. "A wise answer. But tell me, what drives this ambition of yours? Is it duty, or something more personal?"
Tiara's grip on her glass tightened. She forced a smile. "A little of both, I suppose. And you, Your Highness? What drives you to visit unannounced?"
The room fell silent, all eyes on the two as their verbal sparring continued.
Chris leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening. "Curiosity, perhaps. Or the desire to understand someone who intrigues me."
Tiara's cheeks flushed, but she kept her composure. "Intrigue is a dangerous game, Your Highness. One must tread carefully."
Chris's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Danger makes life interesting, don't you think?"
Before Tiara could respond, the Duke cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation to less charged topics.
---
After dinner, Tiara found herself walking through the gardens, needing fresh air to clear her thoughts.
"You're an enigma, Lady Tiara."
She turned to see Chris standing a few paces behind her, his expression unreadable.
"You seem to have a knack for appearing out of nowhere, Your Highness," she said, her tone light but wary.
Chris approached, his hands clasped behind his back. "And you have a knack for evading questions."
Tiara raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps some questions aren't meant to be answered."
Chris chuckled, stepping closer until they were only a few feet apart. "You're not like anyone I've met before. You carry yourself like a noble, but there's a fire in you that's... different."
Tiara crossed her arms, meeting his gaze head-on. "And you think you can decipher me so easily?"
Chris shook his head, a rare softness in his expression. "No, but I'd like to try."
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the tension between them shifting from confrontation to something more uncertain.
"Good night, Your Highness," Tiara finally said, breaking the silence.
Chris watched her walk away, a thoughtful smile playing on his lips. "Good night, Lady Tiara."
---
As Tiara returned to her room, Lily was waiting with a cup of tea.
"You seem troubled, my lady," Lily said, setting the cup on the table.
Tiara sighed, sitting down. "It's nothing. Just... unexpected company."
Lily smiled knowingly. "The prince seems quite taken with you."
Tiara scoffed. "Taken with irritating me, perhaps."
Lily chuckled softly. "Sometimes, irritation is just another form of fascination."
Tiara didn't respond, but her thoughts lingered on Chris's words, her emotions a confusing swirl of frustration and curiosity.
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