Chapter 39: Masterful Moves and Subtle Chaos
The Festival's Aftermath
The morning after the festival was abuzz with gossip. Though the rumor about Tiara and Chris being secretly engaged had already circulated, it had now grown legs, running through both noble circles and commoner markets with new embellishments.
Tiara, seated in her study, sighed as Lily brushed her hair.
"It's honestly absurd," Tiara muttered. "Chris and I share a dance, and suddenly people think we're planning a royal wedding."
Lily chuckled. "Well, my lady, people tend to see what they want to see. And if I may add, you two do look striking together."
Tiara shot her a look. "Not you too, Lily."
Before Lily could reply, Felix entered the room, his expression somewhere between amused and concerned. "You might want to step outside, Lady Tiara. A group of commoners has gathered outside the mansion. Again."
Tiara groaned but stood. "What now? Are they bringing wedding gifts this time?"
Felix's lips twitched. "I wouldn't rule it out."
At the Mansion Gates
Tiara approached the gates, Felix and Lily trailing behind her. As expected, a small crowd of commoners waited, holding flowers, handmade crafts, and even banners that read: Congratulations, Lady Tiara!
"Oh, for the love ofâ" Tiara pinched the bridge of her nose. "Good people, I appreciate your kindness, but let me clarify: there is no engagement. The crown prince and I are not betrothed."
An elderly woman stepped forward, her smile warm. "But, my lady, you danced with him so beautifully! Surely that means something?"
"It means that he asked, and I couldn't refuse without causing a scene," Tiara replied with a strained smile.
The crowd murmured, clearly unconvinced.
"I see this will take some time," Tiara muttered under her breath.
A Surprise Visit
As Tiara returned to the mansion, Felix caught up to her. "There's another visitor waiting for you in the drawing room. This one's... less cheerful."
"Who is it now?" Tiara asked, exasperated.
Felix smirked. "The crown prince himself."
Tiara froze. "Chris is here? Why?"
Felix shrugged. "Probably to add fuel to the fire."
When Tiara entered the drawing room, Chris was seated casually on the sofa, sipping tea as though he owned the place.
"Don't you have a kingdom to run?" Tiara asked, crossing her arms.
Chris looked up, his expression infuriatingly calm. "Good morning to you too, Lady Tiara. I thought I'd check in, considering the engagement rumors seem to be escalating."
Tiara groaned, flopping onto the seat opposite him. "Don't remind me. I just had to address a crowd of hopeful matchmakers at the gates."
Chris chuckled. "You're becoming quite the celebrity. Perhaps I should be jealous."
Tiara shot him a glare. "Don't start."
Chris leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "You know, we could always just let the rumors be. It wouldn't hurt my reputation, and yours would only shine brighter."
Tiara stared at him, aghast. "You're impossible."
"And yet, here I am," he replied smoothly.
Lilith's Plans Unfold
Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, Lilith paced her chamber.
"This is unacceptable!" she fumed. "How is Tiara stealing all the attention? And why is Chris humoring her?"
Alistair, lounging nearby, smirked. "Relax, Lilith. Tiara's rise will only make her fall more satisfying. Besides, I have a plan."
Lilith arched an eyebrow. "Another one? Because your last plan ended with us both humiliated."
"This time will be different," Alistair said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "We'll use her newfound popularity against her. If she's so beloved, it'll be all the more tragic when her reputation crumbles."
Lilith's eyes gleamed. "And how do you intend to achieve that?"
Alistair grinned. "By planting seeds of doubt. Let's see how her adoring public reacts to a scandal."
Family Matters
Back at the Everhart estate, Tiara joined her father and brother for dinner.
"I hear you've been quite busy," Duke Everhart said, his tone a mix of pride and concern.
"It's nothing I can't handle," Tiara replied.
Cedric chuckled. "That's what you always say before you bury yourself in more work. You're going to burn out, Tiara."
Tiara rolled her eyes. "I'm fine, Cedric. And besides, it's worth it if I can make a difference."
The duke smiled warmly. "You remind me of your mother. She always had a heart for the people."
Tiara's expression softened. "Thank you, Father."
"Just promise us you'll take care of yourself," Cedric added.
"I promise," Tiara said, though her mind was already racing with plans for the next day.
To Be Continued