Chapter 4: Bonds and Boundaries
The Everhart estate was quiet the following morning, the stillness interrupted only by the chirping of birds. Tiara sat in the family library, a spellbook open in front of her, but her mind was elsewhere.
The royal garden party had been an unexpected turn of events. Meeting Chris Aurelion had left her feeling unsettled yet intrigued. He was nothing like Alistair-observant, calculating, and far more difficult to read.
She closed the book with a sigh. "What's his game?"
"You've been sighing for the past ten minutes," Cedric said, strolling into the library. He plopped down on the armchair across from her, stretching out like a lazy cat. "Did someone at the party insult you? Should I challenge them to a duel?"
Tiara chuckled. "No, Cedric. No duels are necessary."
Her brother studied her for a moment, then smirked. "You're thinking about someone, aren't you?"
Tiara's eyes widened. "What? No!"
Cedric laughed, his voice echoing in the room. "You're so easy to read, Tiara. Let me guess-it's one of the princes."
Tiara's cheeks flushed, but she quickly masked her embarrassment. "You're imagining things. I was just thinking about my studies."
"Sure you were," Cedric teased, leaning back in his chair. "Just don't forget that some people aren't worth your thoughts."
Tiara's smile faded slightly as her mind drifted to Alistair. "You don't have to remind me."
---
Later that afternoon, Tiara returned to the training courtyard.
The sun was high, and the air buzzed with energy. Cedric had promised to train with her, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Instead, she found a familiar figure standing by the weapon rack.
"Chris?" Tiara blurted, her voice tinged with surprise.
The first prince turned, his dark hair catching the sunlight. He held a practice sword in one hand, casually inspecting it. "Lady Everhart. I didn't expect to see you here."
"This is my home," she said, crossing her arms. "I could say the same about you."
Chris smirked, twirling the sword expertly. "Your brother invited me. He said you've been training and suggested I come to see for myself."
Tiara made a mental note to strangle Cedric later.
"I'm not sure why my training is any of your concern, Your Highness," she said, trying to sound unimpressed.
Chris shrugged, his smirk deepening. "Call it curiosity. Do you mind if I join you?"
Tiara hesitated. She didn't trust Chris yet, but this could be an opportunity to learn more about him.
"Fine," she said, picking up her own practice sword. "But don't go easy on me."
Chris chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it."
---
The sparring session began with a clash of steel.
Tiara gritted her teeth as Chris's strikes came fast and precise. Despite his laid-back demeanor, he was an exceptional swordsman. She blocked his attacks, her movements fueled by weeks of practice with Cedric.
"You're better than I expected," Chris said, his tone light but laced with genuine respect.
"Thanks," Tiara replied, sidestepping his next move. "You're not so bad yourself."
Chris laughed, the sound surprisingly warm. "Not so bad? That's high praise coming from you."
They continued sparring, their movements fluid and almost playful. Tiara found herself enjoying the challenge, her initial wariness fading as she focused on the fight.
Eventually, Chris stepped back, lowering his sword. "You've got talent, Lady Everhart. With more training, you might even surpass me someday."
Tiara raised an eyebrow, lowering her weapon as well. "Someday? Don't underestimate me, Your Highness."
Chris grinned. "I'll look forward to the day you prove me wrong."
---
After the sparring session, they sat under the shade of a tree to catch their breath.
Chris leaned against the trunk, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "You're different from most nobles I've met."
Tiara glanced at him, surprised by the sudden shift in tone. "How so?"
"You're not afraid to get your hands dirty," he said. "Most people in your position wouldn't bother with swordsmanship or magic. They'd rely on others to protect them."
Tiara's grip tightened on the hilt of her practice sword. "I learned the hard way that relying on others isn't enough. If you want to survive, you have to be strong yourself."
Chris studied her, his blue eyes searching. "You've been through more than you let on, haven't you?"
Tiara looked away, her heart skipping a beat. He was far too perceptive.
"I just know what I want," she said softly.
Chris didn't press further, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he stood. "You're an interesting one, Lady Everhart. I'm glad I met you."
Tiara watched him walk away, her thoughts a whirlwind. Chris Aurelion was proving to be more than just an ally or a rival-he was a puzzle she couldn't quite piece together.
But one thing was certain: this time, she wouldn't let him fall victim to Alistair's schemes.
---
That evening, as Tiara prepared for bed, Cedric barged into her room with his usual lack of decorum.
"So? How was sparring with the prince?" he asked, flopping onto her chaise lounge.
Tiara glared at him. "Next time, warn me before you invite royalty into our home."
Cedric grinned. "Where's the fun in that? Besides, he seemed impressed. That's a good thing, right?"
Tiara sighed, her annoyance melting into a small smile. "Maybe."
Cedric's grin widened. "See? I told you this training thing would pay off."
As Cedric rambled on about her potential, Tiara's thoughts drifted back to Chris.
"Step by step," she thought. "I'll rewrite my fate-and protect the people who matter this time."
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