Unraveling Eris

An Uncivil Introduction

Eris winced. So much for a clean escape.

Turning around, Georgiana was already making her way to Eris, her expression bright with the kind of warmth that made it impossible to refuse her. And right beside her, William—watching her with an unsuspecting smile.

"You're coming to lunch with us, right?"

Georgiana looked at Eris with fervent anticipation as she weaved through the departing students with effortless grace, her golden curls bouncing as she approached. She wore the kind of radiant smile that made people instinctively step aside for her.

Eris had been avoiding lunch with any of them—the eligible three.

Sitting with them, laughing with them, engaging in casual conversation—it all felt too dangerous now. As if, at any moment, someone would glance at her and just know. Knowing that once upon a time, she had considered each of them as a prospect, had carefully measured their worth, had planned her future with logic and strategy rather than sentiment.

The thought made her stomach twist.

She wasn't ashamed of her reasoning. It had been practical. Necessary. She had spent her whole life understanding that love was a privilege not often afforded to women in her position. Securing a stable future wasn't about grand passion or reckless devotion—it was about choosing wisely.

But now? Now, things have changed.

Still, she forced a smile as Georgiana reached her, slipping effortlessly into the role of the composed and unbothered friend. "I thought you left. Did you miss me that much?"

Georgiana laughed, squeezing Eris' arm. "Always. But more importantly, you haven't met William's friends yet, have you?"

Before she could respond, she was already steering her toward a small gathering near the corridor—three well-dressed figures engaged in casual conversation, their voices carrying an air of quiet confidence.

Eris kept her expression composed, but inwardly, she was seething. Needing to bask in the presence of a bunch of men out of her league was nothing short of torture.

Georgiana, oblivious to her sudden tension, beamed. "Eris, this is Lord Cassian Hildegarde, and His Highness Theodore."

"Nice meeting you, Lord Cassian. May Grace be with you, Your Highness. I'm Eris Elhan."

Cassian inclined his head slightly, his gaze never wavering. "A pleasure, and please, it's Cassian."

Theo, on the other hand, didn't bother with formalities. He tilted his head, studying her with an expression that was entirely too amused for her liking.

Theo’s lips quirked into something that wasn't quite a smirk, but close enough to make her wary.

"You say that like you actually mean it," he mused.

Eris arched a brow, offering a perfectly practiced smile. "And you assume I don't?"

His amusement deepened. "I assume most people say what they're supposed to, rather than what they actually think."

William coughed—badly disguising a laugh—while Georgiana shot him a look. Cassian, ever composed, merely observed.

Eris met Theo's gaze evenly. "Then I suppose it's fortunate that I only say things I can back up."

"A bold statement. Though I can't decide if that makes you refreshingly honest or just reckless."

Eris shrugged, feigning indifference. "Why not both? Keeps things interesting."

William chuckled, shaking his head. "You're playing with fire, Theo."

Theo didn't look the least bit deterred. If anything, he seemed intrigued. "I do enjoy a challenge."

Eris arched a brow. "Good. Then you'll have plenty to enjoy."

Cassian, who had been observing in silence, finally sighed. "And here I thought we'd have a civilized introduction."

She shot him a saccharine smile. "Oh, we can still have one. Just depends on how easily ruffled His Highness gets."

Theo's smirk deepened. "Careful, Elhan. You might end up enjoying my company."

She scoffed. "Highly unlikely."

Georgiana clapped her hands together, beaming. "Well, now that you're all getting along so wonderfully, why don't we all head to lunch?"

William grinned. "Yes, before Eris and Theo decide to duel in the hallway."

She crossed her arms, glancing at Theo. "Wouldn't be much of a duel if he loses."

He chuckled. "That confident?"

Eris turned on her heel, walking ahead of them. "Like I said—I don't make claims I can't prove."

Cassian, looking thoroughly unimpressed, pinched the bridge of his nose. "If you two are done verbally sparring, can we move on? Some of us would like to eat without unnecessary dramatics."

As they walked toward the academy's grand dining hall, she felt Theo’s gaze linger on her longer than necessary. He was still smirking, no doubt finding amusement in whatever he was plotting next. Eris ignored him, choosing instead to focus on Georgiana's cheerful chatter.

Still, their presence—Theo, Cassian, William—wasn't lost on her. These weren't just any noblemen people. They were the noblemen.

The untouchables. The ones born into power, wealth, and legacy.

Eris glanced at Theo out of the corner of her eye.

He was trouble. Plain and simple.

A prince bound by duty. A man whose future was determined before he was even born. An alliance with him, no matter how amusing, would be a waste of time.

Areta’s laws on royal marriages were notoriously rigid—one had to be of noble lineage to even be considered as a candidate, but that alone was never enough. Bloodlines, alliances, and political weight all played a role in determining suitability.

Which meant she had to start looking elsewhere.