Chapter 9: The Harvest Ball and the Hidden Thorns
2 years later
The grand ballroom glittered with golden chandeliers and ornate decorations, each detail meticulously arranged to celebrate the Harvest Festival. Nobles in vibrant autumn hues mingled and exchanged pleasantries, the air filled with the lively notes of a string quartet.
Tiara stepped into the ballroom, her sapphire gown flowing like liquid starlight, its intricate embroidery shimmering under the light. Lily had outdone herself with the stylingâher hair was pinned up elegantly, a few loose strands framing her face.
"Lady Tiara," Felix said from behind her, his red hair catching the light as he adjusted his formal attire. "You're drawing quite a few gazes."
Tiara smirked, glancing around. "Good. Let them look. But don't let your guard down, Felix. I doubt tonight will be as peaceful as it seems."
---
As the evening unfolded, Tiara managed to evade most of the vapid small talk, finding refuge near the refreshment table. She sipped her drink, scanning the crowd. Her eyes narrowed as she spotted Lilith Althea, draped in an angelic white gown, her silver hair falling in perfect waves.
Lilith floated through the room, her soft voice and saccharine smile drawing people to her like moths to a flame. She was laughing with a group of young nobles when her gaze landed on Tiara.
"Lady Tiara!" Lilith's voice carried across the room as she approached with a radiant smile. "How wonderful to see you here."
Tiara forced a polite smile. "Lady Lilith. You seem to be enjoying yourself."
"Oh, I am," Lilith gushed, her voice sweet enough to cause cavities. "But seeing you here makes the evening even more delightful. You look lovely tonightâso... understated."
Tiara raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a sharp smile. "Why, thank you, Lady Lilith. And you look... predictable, as always. White and gold, how unique."
A faint flicker of irritation crossed Lilith's face, but she quickly recovered, her laughter light and airy. "You're so witty, Lady Tiara. I admire that about you."
Tiara leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Oh, I'm sure you admire many things about me, Lady Lilith. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Lilith's eyes flashed, but she masked it with a bright smile. "Such a sense of humor. Truly, you make every event more entertaining."
Tiara's smile didn't falter. "And you make them more tolerableâfor those who enjoy theatrics, of course."
---
The orchestra struck up a lively tune, signaling the start of the evening's dances. Chris appeared out of the crowd, his black hair glinting in the candlelight. He approached Tiara, his smirk firmly in place.
"Lady Tiara," he said, extending his hand, "may I have this dance?"
Tiara hesitated but placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor.
"Still making friends, I see," Chris remarked as they began to waltz.
"If by 'friends,' you mean Lady Lilith, then no," Tiara replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "She's as sweet as sugarâand just as sticky."
Chris chuckled, his gaze briefly flicking to Lilith, who was now surrounded by admirers. "She certainly has a way of drawing people in."
Tiara rolled her eyes. "A way that involves endless flattery and strategic crocodile tears. Honestly, I don't know how anyone falls for it."
Chris's smirk widened. "Not everyone has your sharp eye, Tiara. You see through people like her because you've learned to look beyond the surface."
Tiara's expression softened slightly. "Perhaps. But sometimes, I wish others would open their eyes too."
---
As the dance ended, Lilith approached the pair, her smile bright and her voice as syrupy as ever. "Your Highness, you dance so gracefully. Lady Tiara is lucky to have your attention tonight."
Chris inclined his head politely. "Lady Lilith, you flatter me."
"And you, Lady Tiara," Lilith continued, turning her gaze to Tiara, "you move with such... enthusiasm. It's refreshing to see someone so unrestrained."
Tiara arched an eyebrow, her smile as sharp as a blade. "And you, Lady Lilith, have mastered the art of moving without purpose. It's almost poetic."
Lilith's smile faltered for a split second before she laughed. "Oh, Tiara, you always know how to liven up a conversation."
Chris stifled a chuckle, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
---
As the evening wore on, Tiara excused herself to step out onto the balcony for some fresh air. The cool breeze was a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere inside.
"You're sharp-tongued tonight," Felix said, appearing at her side.
Tiara glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Lilith brings it out of me. She's hiding something, Felix. I can feel it."
Felix nodded. "I've seen people like her before. They wear a mask, but their true face always slips eventually."
Tiara's grip tightened on the balcony railing. "I just need to make sure I'm ready when it does."
---
Inside the ballroom, Lilith watched Tiara from a distance, her saccharine smile replaced by a cold, calculating expression.
"She's more perceptive than I anticipated," Lilith muttered under her breath.
A shadowed figure stepped closer, whispering something in her ear. Lilith's lips curled into a smirk, her golden eyes gleaming with malice.
"Then we'll have to act sooner than planned," she said, her voice dripping with venom.
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