Chapter 8: Echoes of the Past
The next morning, Tiara woke early, determined to shake off the unsettling mix of emotions from the previous evening. The lingering tension from her verbal sparring with Chris left her restless, and she needed to focus on her training.
Felix was already waiting for her in the courtyard, sharpening his sword.
"Ready for another round, my lady?" he asked, not looking up from his task.
Tiara nodded, picking up a practice sword from the rack. "More than ready. Let's begin."
Felix smiled faintly, standing and taking his position. "Remember, my lady, precision over strength. Let your opponent's movements guide yours."
As they began sparring, Tiara's strikes were swift and controlled, her determination shining through. Yet, no matter how focused she was, her mind kept drifting to Chris's words.
"You're distracted," Felix observed, deflecting a blow with ease. "Your form is solid, but your mind is elsewhere."
Tiara frowned, stepping back to catch her breath. "Just... thinking about things."
Felix lowered his sword, his grey eyes scanning her face. "If it's about the prince, I'd advise caution. He's not someone to underestimate."
Tiara's eyes widened slightly. "How do you know it's about him?"
Felix smirked. "It doesn't take a genius to notice. The tension between you two last night was hard to miss."
Tiara sighed, lowering her sword. "He's infuriating, Felix. Always smirking, always probing. It's like he's trying to get under my skin."
Felix chuckled. "Perhaps that's his way of understanding you. People like him rarely meet anyone who challenges them."
Tiara rolled her eyes but couldn't deny the truth in Felix's words.
---
Meanwhile, in another part of the Everhart estate...
Chris wandered through the halls, his sharp eyes taking in the decor. His visit wasn't entirely without purpose. Though he genuinely found Tiara fascinating, his brother Alistair's growing influence was a shadow he couldn't ignore.
As he approached the study, he overheard Duke Everhart speaking in a low voice to one of his advisors.
"Alistair is becoming bolder," the Duke said, his tone grim. "If the rumors of his dealings with forbidden magic are true, the empire could be in grave danger."
Chris's jaw tightened, his suspicions confirmed. Alistair... what are you planning?
---
Later that day, Tiara found herself in the library, searching for a book on advanced magic techniques. Lily accompanied her, carrying a stack of tomes.
"You've been studying magic more intensely than usual, my lady," Lily remarked, setting the books on a nearby table.
Tiara nodded, flipping through the pages of a thick grimoire. "I have to. If I'm going to change my fate, I need to be strongerâsmarter. Magic and swordsmanship are just tools, but they're tools I can use to protect myself and the people I care about."
Lily hesitated before speaking. "Do you ever feel like your past is weighing you down, my lady?"
Tiara froze, her fingers hovering over the pages. "Every day," she admitted quietly. "But I won't let it define me."
Before Lily could respond, the door to the library creaked open. Chris stepped inside, his black hair catching the afternoon light.
"Lady Tiara," he said, his tone teasing, "hiding away in a library? I expected you to be in the courtyard, sparring with your knight."
Tiara narrowed her eyes, closing the book with a snap. "And I expected you to be bothering someone else by now, Your Highness."
Chris chuckled, walking over to the table. "I find your company more intriguing than most."
Lily excused herself, sensing the tension between them.
"What do you want?" Tiara asked, crossing her arms.
Chris leaned against the table, his gaze steady. "I overheard your father speaking about Alistair. Tell me, do you trust your brother?"
Tiara stiffened, her heart racing. Does he know?
"I trust my father's judgment," she said cautiously. "Why do you ask?"
Chris's smirk faded, replaced by a serious expression. "Because Alistair isn't just my brother. He's a threatâto me, to you, and to the empire. I think you know that."
Tiara's breath hitched, but she quickly masked her reaction. "What are you trying to say, Your Highness?"
Chris studied her for a long moment before replying. "I'm saying that if you know somethingâanythingâabout what he's planning, you need to tell me. We're on the same side, Tiara."
Her name on his lips felt strange, too familiar.
"I'll consider it," she said, her voice even.
Chris's eyes softened slightly. "I'm not your enemy, Tiara. Remember that."
With that, he turned and left the library, leaving her alone with her racing thoughts.
---
That night, Tiara sat by her window, staring at the stars.
"Alistair... your ambition destroyed everything in my past life. I won't let it happen again. But Chris... can I really trust him? Or is he just another piece in this dangerous game?"
As the cool night air brushed against her face, Tiara made a silent vow.
"No matter what happens, I'll protect the people I care about. Even if it means defying fate itself."
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