Chapter 40: Bonds and Banquets
Morning at the Everhart Estate
The Everhart estate basked in the golden light of dawn. Tiara sat in the dining hall with her father, Duke Everhart, and her brother Cedric. The table was set with an elegant breakfast spread: fluffy buttered croissants, honey-glazed scones, fresh berry compote, delicate fruit tarts, and steaming cups of spiced herbal tea.
Cedric, seated across from her, was already engrossed in documents spread beside his plate. Despite being the heir to the duchy, he was seldom seen without some form of work in hand.
"You're going to get jam on those reports," Tiara teased, slicing into a tart.
Cedric gave her a weary smile. "I'm careful. Unlike someone who doesn't have estate finances to worry about."
Tiara gasped in mock offense. "I'm doing far more important work than paperwork, thank you very much. Saving lives at the hospital, for instance."
"True," the duke chimed in, smiling as he sipped his tea. "But that doesn't mean you should neglect yourself. Even you need rest, Tiara."
"Father, not you too!" she groaned. "I'm perfectly fine."
The duke's gaze softened as he looked at his daughter. "You're doing well, Tiara, but you must learn balance. You'll understand when you take on larger responsibilities."
Cedric nodded in agreement, though his expression carried a hint of teasing. "Or when you start worrying about marriage proposals."
Tiara nearly choked on her tea. "Oh no, not this again! I'm too busy dealing with the rumors about Chris."
The room fell into laughter, the warmth of family filling the air.
Chris at the Palace
Meanwhile, at the imperial palace, Chris sat in his office, a mountain of parchment before him. His desk, crafted from polished oak, was littered with royal decrees, trade proposals, and military updates.
A servant entered with a tray bearing a light meal: freshly baked bread rolls, creamy potato soup, and a side of pickled vegetables. Chris barely looked up.
"Set it there," he said, gesturing to the corner of the desk.
The servant hesitated. "Your Highness, you've barely eaten all day. Perhaps you should take a break?"
Chris finally looked up, his golden eyes sharp but not unkind. "I appreciate your concern, but there's too much to do. The festival brought with it new issues to address."
He paused, thinking of Tiara. Despite his workload, his mind kept drifting to herâher sharp tongue, her indignant glares, and the way she always seemed to find herself at the center of chaos.
With a sigh, Chris leaned back. "I'll take a break later."
A Tea Party Invitation
Back at the Everhart estate, Tiara received an ornate envelope sealed with wax.
"A tea party?" she murmured, reading the invitation. "Hosted by Lady Marianne... Oh, this should be interesting."
Felix, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Interesting how?"
Tiara smirked. "Marianne has a flair for drama. If there's one place to gather information or cause a stir, it's her tea parties."
Lily entered, carrying a selection of dresses. "If you're attending, my lady, we should choose something striking."
Tiara waved a hand. "Nothing too fancy. I'm going for understated elegance."
Lily exchanged a knowing look with Felix. "Understated elegance" in Tiara's terms often meant effortlessly outshining everyone else.
The Tea Party
The garden where Lady Marianne hosted her tea parties was a picturesque scene of blooming flowers and delicate tables set with fine china. Tiara arrived, dressed in a flowing lavender gown, her hair styled with pearls.
She greeted the other ladies with grace, her every move drawing admiration. As the ladies began discussing current events, Tiara sipped her tea and offered subtle insights, earning nods of approval.
"I heard you've been working with the commoners," one lady said. "How admirable, Lady Tiara."
Tiara smiled. "Thank you. I believe everyone deserves dignity and care, regardless of their status."
As the conversation flowed, Lilith arrived, her sugary smile in place. She made her way to Tiara, feigning warmth.
"Tiara, darling," Lilith began, "how wonderful to see you here. You've been so busy latelyâsurely it's tiring?"
Tiara returned her smile, though her tone was pointed. "Not at all. Hard work is fulfilling, after all. What about you, Lilith? Busy attending parties?"
Lilith's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she recovered. "Oh, you know me. Always lending a hand where I can."
Tiara tilted her head. "How noble of you. It must be so rewarding to contribute."
The other ladies stifled giggles, sensing the subtle tension.