Unraveling Eris

Trapped by Tea and Theo

Eris stretched as she blinked against the morning light filtering through the elegant curtains. For the first time in what felt like weeks, she had slept deeply, undisturbed by worries or obligations. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, the sheets impossibly soft, and the quiet of the palace had lulled her into a rare, dreamless slumber.

Next to her, Georgiana let out a pleased sigh, burying her face into the pillow before dramatically throwing her arms out. "That was without a doubt the best bed I've ever slept on," she declared, her voice still heavy with sleep.

Eris smirked. "You say that about every luxurious bed you encounter."

"Yes, but this time I mean it." Georgiana rolled onto her side, her curls spilling across the pillow. "If I disappear later, you'll know I've found a way to smuggle this mattress out of the palace."

Eris chuckled, sitting up. "You'd be caught before you even made it down the hall."

A soft knock on the door interrupted their morning musings, followed by the entrance of a young maid, who curtsied respectfully. "Good morning, my ladies. His Highness requests that you join him for breakfast in an hour. Would you like assistance in preparing?"

Georgiana sat up eagerly. "Breakfast in the palace? I knew staying the night was a good idea."

Eris, meanwhile, sighed inwardly. An hour wasn't a long time, but it was enough to prepare herself for another round of dealing with Theo's presence—and whatever cryptic remarks he might make today.

She turned to the maid and nodded. "Thank you. We'll be ready."

The maid curtsied again before retreating, leaving the two of them alone once more.

Georgiana clapped her hands. "Right. Time to find something suitable to wear." She practically leapt out of bed and made her way toward the wardrobe, throwing open its doors with enthusiasm.

Eris followed more slowly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. As much as she enjoyed luxury, she wasn't accustomed to waking up in a palace.

Georgiana hummed thoughtfully as she flipped through the selection of dresses. "Whoever stocked this wardrobe has excellent taste. Look at this one—oh, and this!" She held up a soft lavender gown. "Eris, this would look stunning on you."

Eris took the dress from her, running her fingers over the fine fabric. It was elegant yet practical, not too ostentatious for a simple breakfast but refined enough to remind anyone who doubted her presence that she belonged.

After last night's encounters, that might be necessary.

She exchanged a glance with Georgiana, who smirked knowingly. "You are putting thought into your outfit. You do care."

Eris huffed, stepping behind the screen to change. "I care about making a good impression."

"Right," Georgiana teased.

Eris and Georgiana made their way through the palace halls, guided by a maid who led them toward the breakfast parlor. The morning sun streamed through the tall windows, casting golden light over the polished floors and intricate tapestries. The palace was quiet at this hour, save for the occasional murmurs of staff moving about their duties.

Georgiana, ever the enthusiast for luxury, spun in place as they walked, taking in every detail. "If I lived here, I don't think I'd ever leave," she mused. "Look at this decor. The artwork. The sheer decadence of it all."

Eris shot her a wry look. "You'd be bored in a week."

"But what a splendid week it would be," Georgiana sighed dramatically.

Before Eris could reply, the maid stopped before a set of double doors and pushed them open, revealing a sunlit dining room. A long, polished table sat in the center, though only a few seats were set for use. The scent of fresh bread, honeyed fruits, and rich coffee filled the air.

At the head of the table sat Theo, already dressed immaculately in a tailored dark blue shirt with gold embroidery. His gaze lifted from his coffee cup as they entered, his expression unreadable.

"Good morning," Theo greeted, his tone effortlessly smooth.

Georgiana, never one to be intimidated, smiled brightly. "Good morning, Your Highness. You look well-rested."

Theo raised a brow, glancing at Eris as she took her seat. "And you?" he asked her directly. "Did the palace meet your standards of comfort?"

Eris picked up her cup and took a sip before answering. "It was adequate."

Theo smirked. "Just adequate?"

Eris set her cup down and gave him a cool look. "I try not to let luxury make me complacent."

"Ah," Theo mused. "A scholar's discipline."

Georgiana sighed dramatically as she buttered a piece of bread. "I wish I had that kind of resolve."

Eris ignored her, reaching for the fresh fruit instead. The breakfast selection was lavish—flaky pastries, delicate cheeses, roasted meats—but she stuck to her usual choices.

Theo, however, seemed less interested in his food and more in studying her. "You dressed modestly this morning," he commented.

Eris narrowed her eyes. "I was not aware my attire was under scrutiny."

Theo took a slow sip of his coffee before replying. "Last night, you stood out. I merely assumed you would prefer less attention this morning."

Eris set down her fork with deliberate care. "I don't dress for attention."

Theo tilted his head slightly. "No, you don't. And yet—" He didn't finish the sentence, but the implication hung between them.

Georgiana, sensing the shift in atmosphere, cleared her throat. "This breakfast is divine," she said pointedly. "You should invite us over more often, Theo."

Theo finally looked away from Eris, his expression amused. "Perhaps I will."

Eris sighed inwardly. This was going to be a long morning.

As they made their way through the palace halls, a familiar voice called out.

"Oh, you're leaving already?"

Eris turned to see the Queen standing gracefully near the entrance, her expression warm yet mildly disappointed. Dressed in an elegant morning gown, she looked as composed as ever, but there was a glint of curiosity in her eyes as she regarded them.

Theo inclined his head in greeting. "Mother."

Georgiana, ever the social butterfly, immediately curtsied. "Your Majesty, good morning! We were just about to take our leave."

The Queen hummed thoughtfully. "That's a shame. I had hoped to invite you both for tea in the royal gardens."

Eris stiffened slightly. An invitation from the Queen was not something one simply refused.

Georgiana, on the other hand, practically lit up. "That sounds lovely, Your Majesty."

Eris shot her a look, but Georgiana ignored it entirely, already looking forward to the experience.

Theo smirked slightly, glancing at Eris. "Well, it seems you're staying a little longer after all."

Eris exhaled, knowing she had no choice but to accept. She turned back to the Queen and offered a polite nod. "We would be honored, Your Majesty."

The Queen smiled. "Wonderful. Come along, then."

As they followed the Queen toward the royal gardens, Theo walked beside Eris, his voice low so only she could hear.

"See? Not so easy to leave after all."

Eris shot him a sharp glance but said nothing. He was enjoying this far too much.