Chapter 3: The Royal Garden Party
The Everhart carriage rattled down the cobbled path leading to the palace gates. Tiara sat inside, her hands resting delicately on her lap. She wore a pastel blue dress adorned with intricate embroidery, her golden hair neatly braided and tied with ribbons. To anyone watching, she appeared calm and poised, the picture of a perfect noble lady.
But inside, her heart pounded like a war drum.
"This is the first step," she reminded herself. "The first chance to rewrite everything."
Across from her, Cedric lounged with his usual nonchalance, his sharp gray eyes scanning her. "You're awfully quiet. Nervous?"
Tiara shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Not nervous. Just... thinking."
Her brother snorted. "You? Thinking so much your head might explode? Now that's new."
She rolled her eyes, her playful retort dying on her lips as the towering palace came into view. Its marble spires glittered in the sunlight, a symbol of the empire's strength and grandeur.
Memories of her previous life surged to the forefront of her mind-of how this place had been the setting for her downfall. She clenched her fists.
"This time, I'll control the narrative," she thought.
---
The palace gardens were alive with music and laughter.
Nobles milled about in elaborate attire, their conversations a buzz of pleasantries and subtle gossip. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming flowers, and a soft melody played by a string quartet filled the background.
Tiara descended from the carriage, her chin held high. Cedric offered her his arm, and they walked into the throng of guests together.
"Stay close," he muttered. "You know how these vultures can be."
Tiara smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I can handle myself."
Her eyes swept over the crowd, searching. She caught sight of a familiar figure-Prince Alistair Aurelion.
Dressed in regal crimson and gold, Alistair stood at the center of a small group of nobles, his charming smile drawing laughter and admiration. Beside him was Lilith Althea, her silver hair shimmering like moonlight, her wide, innocent eyes scanning the crowd as though she were overwhelmed by the attention.
Tiara's stomach churned, but she kept her composure. "There they are," she thought.
She turned away before they could notice her, focusing instead on the buffet table. "I don't need to confront them yet. I have time."
"Lady Everhart?"
The unfamiliar voice startled her. She turned to see a boy around her age-tall and striking, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He was dressed simply compared to the others, but his presence radiated authority.
Tiara blinked, caught off guard. She didn't recognize him from her previous life. "Yes, I am Tiara Everhart," she said politely. "And you are?"
The boy smirked. "Chris Aurelion. First prince of the empire."
Her breath caught. So this was him-the older brother of Alistair, the man who had died too early in her first life. She hadn't expected to meet him so soon.
"Forgive me for not recognizing you, Your Highness," she said, curtsying.
Chris waved off her formality. "Don't bother with all that. I prefer people who are straightforward."
Tiara straightened, her heart still racing. "Then what can I do for you, Your Highness?"
Chris studied her for a moment, his gaze sharp. "You looked like you were plotting something. I thought I'd see if you needed an accomplice."
Tiara froze, her eyes widening. Was he testing her?
She forced a laugh. "You must be mistaken, Your Highness. I was simply admiring the gardens."
Chris's smirk widened, as though he didn't believe her but didn't intend to press further. "If you say so. But be careful, Lady Everhart. In a place like this, the wrong move can make you a target."
Tiara felt a flicker of unease. Did he know more than he let on?
Before she could respond, a servant approached Chris and whispered something in his ear. He nodded and turned back to Tiara.
"Enjoy the party, Lady Everhart," he said, his tone lighter now. "Perhaps we'll meet again."
As he walked away, Tiara let out a slow breath. Chris Aurelion was nothing like his younger brother. He was sharp, observant, and unpredictable.
"This changes things," she thought.
---
The evening wore on, and the party reached its peak.
Tiara navigated the social maze with practiced ease, smiling and exchanging pleasantries while keeping her true thoughts hidden. She kept her distance from Alistair and Lilith, choosing to observe them from afar.
At one point, she caught Lilith glancing in her direction, her expression unreadable. Tiara held her gaze, refusing to look away first. After a moment, Lilith smiled sweetly and turned back to Alistair, her laughter tinkling like bells.
Tiara's lips curved into a small, cold smile. "Enjoy your time in the spotlight, Lilith. It won't last forever."
---
As the party wound down and the guests began to leave, Tiara found herself alone in a quiet corner of the garden. The stars glittered above, their light casting a soft glow on the flowers around her.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"You don't seem like the typical noble lady."
Tiara turned to see Chris leaning casually against a tree, his arms crossed.
"Do you always sneak up on people, Your Highness?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Chris shrugged, his smirk returning. "Only when they seem interesting."
Tiara rolled her eyes. "And what makes you think I'm interesting?"
"You're not fawning over my brother like the rest of them," Chris said simply. "That's interesting enough."
Tiara's heart skipped a beat. He was sharper than she had anticipated.
"Well, Your Highness, maybe I just have better things to do," she replied, her tone light but firm.
Chris chuckled, pushing off the tree. "Fair enough. I'll be keeping an eye on you, Lady Everhart."
As he walked away, Tiara couldn't help but smile.
"The first prince," she thought. "This time, I'll make sure you survive."
---