Jealousy

The warm afternoon sun bathed the Eryndor estate in a golden glow, casting long shadows across the gardens where Basil strolled, seeking a rare moment of peace. However, peace was not to be his companion today. Unbeknownst to him, a quiet battle was brewing between the two women closest to his heart: Lira and Celeste.

Lira, dressed in a modest yet elegant gown, stood near the fountain, her hands clasped nervously as she watched Basil from a distance. Her emerald eyes softened whenever they landed on him, filled with admiration and a longing to spend just a moment alone with him.

Celeste, however, had other plans. Standing under the shade of a nearby tree, she observed Lira with a sharp, calculating gaze. The faintest hint of a smirk played on her lips as she adjusted her flowing blue dress and gracefully approached Basil, intercepting him before Lira could muster the courage to move.

"Basil," Celeste greeted, her tone effortlessly warm yet possessive. She looped her arm through his, leaning slightly closer. "I was hoping we could spend some time together. It feels like ages since we've had a moment to ourselves."

Basil glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It has been busy lately, hasn't it?" he agreed, though his tone was distracted. His gaze flickered toward the fountain, where Lira stood frozen, her expression a mixture of disappointment and resolve.

Summoning her courage, Lira stepped forward, her voice steady despite the tightness in her chest. "My lord," she called, her formality a subtle jab at Celeste's casual intimacy. "I prepared some tea in the pavilion. I thought you might enjoy a quiet moment to relax."

Celeste's eyes narrowed slightly, though her smile remained polite. "How thoughtful, Lira. But I'm afraid Basil and I already have plans."

Basil, sensing the tension, sighed inwardly. He looked between the two women, both of whom now awaited his decision with bated breath. "Perhaps we can all enjoy the tea together?" he suggested, attempting to diffuse the situation.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude," Celeste said, her tone light but with an unmistakable edge. "I'm sure Lira had something specific in mind."

"Not at all," Lira countered, her voice calm but firm. "The pavilion has plenty of space for all of us."

Basil pinched the bridge of his nose, realizing there would be no easy escape. "Alright," he said, forcing a smile. "Let's go to the pavilion. Together."

As they walked, Celeste subtly tightened her grip on Basil's arm, while Lira maintained a respectful distance, her hands clasped in front of her. The atmosphere crackled with unspoken rivalry, each woman vying for his attention in her own way.

Once seated in the pavilion, Lira poured the tea with practiced grace, her movements precise and elegant. She handed the first cup to Basil, her fingers brushing against his briefly. "I hope it's to your liking, my lord," she said softly.

Celeste, not to be outdone, leaned closer to Basil, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Do you remember the tea we had at the summer festival?" she asked, her voice dripping with nostalgia. "That was a truly memorable day."

Basil chuckled awkwardly, sipping his tea. "It was," he agreed, though his focus remained on avoiding the growing tension.

The conversation continued in this vein, each woman finding subtle ways to assert her presence. Lira spoke of her recent efforts to improve the estate's gardens, while Celeste recounted a humorous tale from one of their travels. Basil, caught in the crossfire, nodded and smiled, his patience stretched thin but his affection for both women preventing him from showing frustration.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting the pavilion in warm hues, Basil finally stood, a wry smile on his face. "Thank you both for the tea and company," he said diplomatically. "But I think it's time for me to check on Freya. She's been asking to show me her latest drawing."

Both women rose, their expressions shifting to polite disappointment. "Of course," Celeste said smoothly, though her eyes lingered on Lira with a silent challenge.

"Please let us know if you need anything, my lord," Lira added, her gaze steady and resolute.

As Basil walked away, leaving the two women behind, he sighed in relief. "What a handful," he muttered to himself, though the fond smile on his lips betrayed his true feelings. Meanwhile, back in the pavilion, Celeste and Lira exchanged a look—not one of hostility, but of mutual understanding.

"He really does have a way of keeping us on our toes, doesn't he?" Celeste said with a faint laugh.

Lira nodded, a small smile breaking through her usual reserve. "That's just who he is."

And with that, the two women parted ways, their unspoken truce signaling the end of one battle—but perhaps the beginning of another.