Chapter 37: Tea Party Turmoil
The Garden Showdown
Chris's cold reply did nothing to deter Alistair. He walked further into the garden, his confident gait making it clear he had no intention of leaving.
"Ah, brother," Alistair said smoothly, "I thought perhaps this gathering could use a bit more spice. Don't you think, Lady Tiara?"
Tiara placed her teacup down with deliberate grace, her smile polite but her eyes sharp. "Oh, I don't know, Your Highness. I've always preferred my tea without unnecessary additives."
Lily, standing to the side, coughed into her hand to cover her laugh. Felix muttered under his breath, "She's savage."
Chris didn't bother hiding his smirk. "What exactly do you want, Alistair? Surely you didn't leave your wing just to grace us with your presence."
Alistair's golden eyes glinted as he leaned slightly closer to Tiara. "Can't a prince take an interest in a lady's well-being? I hear you've been working tirelessly for the commoners, Lady Tiara. It's admirable, though I hope you're not overexerting yourself."
Tiara tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Oh, Your Highness, how kind of you to worry. Though I must say, it's surprising to hear you're keeping tabs on me. I wasn't aware I was of such interest to you."
Alistair's smile tightened as Chris bit back a laugh.
Lilith's Attempt at Subtlety
Meanwhile, Lilith stood in a shaded corner of the garden, watching the scene unfold. Her plan to approach Chris had been derailed by Alistair's unannounced intrusion, but she wasn't about to let this opportunity go to waste.
Adjusting her posture, she stepped gracefully into the sunlight, her white gown shimmering. "Your Highnesses," she called sweetly, her voice like honey.
Tiara resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Here we go.
"Lady Tiara," Lilith continued, clasping her hands together, "how wonderful to see you again! I was just thinking how inspiring it is to see someone so dedicated to the commoners."
Tiara smiled, her expression unreadable. "Thank you, Lady Lilith. And how are your own efforts? I hear you've been quite busy...attending parties."
Lilith's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she quickly recovered. "Oh, I do what I can to support the empire in my own way."
Chris leaned back in his chair, clearly amused. "Yes, Lilith, your dedication to the empire is...legendary."
Chaos Ensues
Just as the tension seemed to reach its peak, the sound of a servant rushing toward them interrupted the moment. The poor man looked flustered, bowing quickly before speaking.
"Your Highnesses, Lady Tiara," he began, "a group of commoners has gathered outside the palace gates. They're requesting an audience with Lady Tiara."
Tiara blinked, genuinely surprised. "With me?"
Chris chuckled. "It seems your popularity knows no bounds."
Alistair's expression darkened, but he quickly masked it. "How...peculiar. Why would commoners come to the palace for a noblewoman?"
Tiara stood, smoothing her gown. "Perhaps because they know I'll listen. If you'll excuse me, Your Highnesses."
Chris rose as well. "I'll come with you."
"No need, Your Highness," Tiara said, her tone firm but polite. "This is my responsibility."
Chris raised an eyebrow, clearly debating whether to argue, but ultimately nodded.
As Tiara left the garden, Lily and Felix close behind her, she couldn't help but smirk. She had a feeling this was only the beginning of the chaos her growing reputation would bring.