Tea party

"My lady," Called her handsome knight Titus by the door the next day. His silver hair and tanned skin stood out, and the gentle look on his face calmed her. "Princess Avelina sent you a letter.”

Handing her an envelope with the sun and lion seal, indicating that it came from the palace. Inside it was an envelope with beautiful handwriting.

“How are you, Lady Vienna? I enjoyed the ball last night, I hope you did too. I am hosting a tea party today and would like to invite you to it. If you have time, I would be very pleased if you attend. I’d like to be friends with you.”

Sincerely yours,

Princess Avelina Ophelia de Solerr

This is a letter from the female lead herself. Sighing, Lady Vienna placed it on her table. Her past self would have already thrown that letter and stolen away the Princess’s position to be the Crown Prince’s fiancé. But she’s tired of that, knowing her fate.

Taking her morning bath, Roxy helped her put on her beautiful red-colored dress, the puffy style of it makes her stand out. This style is trendy around the empire these past few days. The red ribbon in the center completed the look. Roxy helped her braid her hair resting to her right as she put on her most beloved pieces of jewelry.

"you're really going to the tea party, my lady?" Roxy started a conversation, brushing her hair.

"Yes, is it bad?" She said, spraying some rose-scented perfume all over her. She admired her look at the mirror.

Of course, she looks good. As always.

"I just thought that you hated her.."

She stopped at what she said. Roxy is actually not wrong. She hated the crown princess...

It's a good thing that her father loved her so much that he did not marry her off somewhere. "Not anymore. We’ll see today.”

"You are really strong, my lady," Roxy commented, wiping a fake tear on her eyes. She chuckled. She always knew that Roxy is the melodramatic type but she's cute looking like that.

Patting her head, she stood up, now fully prepared. “Come on, let’s go and give them a show.”

Everyone gasped as they saw her carriage. Halting to the palace, Lady Vienna showed up looking all glammed up with her knight, Titus escorting her and her maid Roxy by her side.

She stopped at Countess Tumaini, the wife of Count Tumaini, her once enemy who always tried to mock her, and smirked at her, leaving her speechless.

“I’m glad you came to my tea party, Lady Vienna.” Greeted Princess Avelina as soon as she saw her.

She nodded, bowing graciously as etiquette. “Of course, I wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity to talk with you, your highness.” She replied. The princess just smiled and went to greet the others.

A huge table fitting 20 people was situated in the middle of the garden, with teapots and cups in front and the beautiful scenery of the flowers. The sky was clear so it was the perfect day for a tea party. In front of her, Princess Avelina’s smile lightened up the room. Lady Vienna grimaced at the sight. She’s not seeing her as a threat now, but having to talk to her now feels weird. Psh, perks of being the female lead. She thought to herself.

The palace maids guided her to her seat, just beside the princess. There were already ladies and wives of the counts and earls seated at the table. Once she was seated, the air around them changed, and she could notice their gazes at her.

Of course, everyone hated her. Not that she cares.

It was Marchioness Toivo, wife of Marquess Toivo that broke the silence, “Good morning, Lady Vienna. You look beautiful today.”

She smiled at her. At age 40, she still looks beautiful. “Not as beautiful as you, Marchioness Toivo. How do you look so young till this day?”

The woman blushed at her compliment. “You’re flattering me, Lady Vienna.”

From the other side of the table, she could hear Countess Tumaini’s comment. “Wow, she really arrived, the nerve of that lady.”

The other noble ladies nodded their heads in agreement, glancing at her and whispering to themselves.

Lady Vienna rolled her eyes, she knew this would happen. But she came prepared for that.

Beside her, Princess Avelina spoke up.“I invited her, is there something wrong?”

There was panic in Countess Tumaini’s eyes but faked a smile. “Oh...nothing, your highness. I’m glad you invited us today.”

Princess Avelina beamed at everyone, “Yes, I invited all of the nobles' wives and ladies today. I wanted to make friends with all of you.”

They all nodded their heads, sharing their greetings with the princess.

When they finally calmed down, the princess signaled the maids to serve them tea and they started to sip on their cups. The ladies then talked to each other, and the atmosphere changed.

The princess faced her. "I didn’t know that your name was Lady Vienna...if it wasn't from the royal ball yesterday.” Princess Avelina asked, her face lightening up with her smile.

"I apologize for that, your highness." She replied.

Princess Avelina chuckled, “Oh, it's fine.”

She stopped, then said, “You shouldn’t have invited me to your tea party, your highness. And most importantly, I advise you to rethink about asking to be my friend.” She said.

That was one of the reasons why she came here. She shouldn’t get involved with her.

The princess looked confused as she tilted her head. “Why?”

She sighed. “Didn’t you know that I was stalking the crown prince?

The princess nodded, “Yes, and so? That was from the past, right? Or do you still like him?”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t like him anymore.”

The Princess then chuckled. “Then good.”

From across her, Baroness Nakia then butted in. “I’d like to congratulate you, your highness for your engagement with the crown prince. Are you enjoying your stay here in the empire?”

Princess Avelina stopped at the last sentence but regained herself quickly, “Thank you, I’m enjoying my stay in the empire.”

Baroness Nakia turned to face Lady Vienna too. “Congratulations too, Lady Vienna. I saw how you danced with Duke Raziel last night. It was magnificent.”

Lady Vienna smiled, “Thank you.”

Countess Tumaini then interjected. “Oh for all we know, she only did it to outshine the princess and crown prince’s announcement.”

Something inside her snapped at that. This is it. This is the last straw. Lady Vienna couldn’t stay silent with this.