Lilian stood in the grand foyer of her family’s mansion, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. The announcement of a visit from the second Dukedom had come as a surprise, and she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in her stomach. She had already encountered Sylvia, their daughter, and the memory of their passive-aggressive argument still lingered in her mind.

Her father, Duke Alister, stood beside her, looking every bit the imposing figure of authority and power. He had instructed Lilian to be on her best behavior, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good relations with the second Dukedom. Lilian hadn’t mentioned her previous encounter with Sylvia, unsure of how her father would react. She had only confided in her dragon, Celeste, who was currently curled up in his favorite spot on her shoulder in his cat form.

“Remember, Lilian,” Duke Alister said, his voice low and serious, “this meeting is important for our family’s standing. We must be courteous and respectful.”

Lilian nodded, though her mind was already racing with thoughts of how to handle Sylvia’s inevitable provocations. Just then, the grand doors opened, and the visitors were announced.

“Presenting Duke Frederic of the Second Dukedom and his daughter, Lady Sylvia.”

Lilian watched as Duke Frederic, a tall man with a stern expression, entered the foyer. Beside him walked Sylvia, her icy blue eyes scanning the room with a calculating gaze. She wore a dress of deep purple, which only served to enhance her air of authority. Lilian forced a smile and curtsied politely as they approached.

“Welcome, Duke Frederic,” Duke Alister greeted warmly, extending his hand. “And Lady Sylvia, it’s a pleasure to have you both here.”

Sylvia curtsied with a perfect display of etiquette, but Lilian could see the flicker of disdain in her eyes. “Thank you for having us, Duke Alister,” Sylvia replied, her voice smooth and polite. She turned to Lilian, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. “Lady Lilian, it’s wonderful to see you again.”

Lilian forced herself to maintain her composure. “The pleasure is mine, Lady Sylvia,” she replied, her tone equally courteous. As she spoke, Celeste let out a soft growl, barely audible, but enough for Lilian to hear.

“Shall we proceed to the drawing room?” Duke Alister suggested, oblivious to the underlying tension between the girls. He led the way, and Lilian followed, casting a quick glance at Sylvia, who met her gaze with a knowing smirk.

Once they were seated in the elegant drawing room, refreshments were served, and polite conversation ensued. Lilian remained quiet, her thoughts preoccupied with how to handle Sylvia. She felt a gentle nudge against her cheek and looked down to see Celeste staring up at her, his green eyes filled with concern.

“Should I eat her?” Celeste whispered, his voice barely more than a breath.

Lilian stifled a giggle and shook her head subtly. “No, Celeste. That won’t be necessary,” she whispered back.

Sylvia’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Lady Lilian, I’ve heard so much about your talents. I would love to see them for myself.”

Lilian met her gaze evenly. “Perhaps another time, Lady Sylvia. Today, let’s enjoy our time together without any formalities.”

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Sylvia’s smile tightened, but she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she turned her attention to Duke Alister. “Duke Alister, my father and I have been discussing the possibility of closer ties between our families. We believe it would be beneficial for both of our Dukedoms.”

Duke Alister nodded thoughtfully. “Indeed, such ties could strengthen our positions. What do you propose?”

Sylvia’s eyes flicked to Lilian, and for a moment, the room seemed to grow colder. “A marriage alliance, perhaps. Between our families.”

Lilian’s heart skipped a beat. The idea of being tied to Sylvia’s family was far from appealing. She glanced at her father, whose expression remained neutral.

“A marriage alliance is a serious matter,” Duke Alister said carefully. “It’s something that requires careful consideration from all parties involved.”

Lilian felt a surge of relief at her father’s diplomatic response. She took a deep breath and decided to change the subject. “Lady Sylvia, would you care for a tour of our gardens? They are quite lovely this time of year.”

Sylvia’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she smiled. “That sounds delightful, Lady Lilian.”

The two girls stood, and Lilian led Sylvia out of the drawing room and into the sprawling gardens. As they walked, Sylvia’s demeanor shifted, her polite facade slipping away.

“You think you’re so clever, don’t you?” Sylvia hissed once they were out of earshot of the others.

Lilian turned to face her, her expression calm. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Sylvia.”

Sylvia’s eyes flashed with anger. “You may have your family fooled, but I see right through you. You’re nothing but a spoiled little girl playing at being a lady.”

Lilian’s temper flared, but she kept her voice steady. “And you’re nothing but a bitter, jealous girl who can’t stand to see someone else happy.”

Sylvia took a step closer, her voice low and menacing. “Enjoy your little victory, Lilian. It won’t last.”

Lilian met her gaze without flinching. “We’ll see about that.”

Before Sylvia could respond, Celeste, who had been quietly observing from Lilian’s shoulder, let out a low growl. Sylvia glanced at the small dragon in cat form and took a step back, her bravado faltering for a moment.

Lilian seized the opportunity. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to. Enjoy the rest of your visit, Sylvia.”

She turned and walked away, feeling a mix of triumph and anxiety. The battle lines had been drawn, and she knew that this was only the beginning of her conflict with Sylvia. As she made her way back to the mansion, Celeste purred reassuringly in her ear.

“You handled that well, Lilian,” he murmured.

Lilian smiled, though her mind was already racing with thoughts of what Sylvia might do next. “Thanks, Celeste. I’ll need all the help I can get.”

Together, they reentered the mansion, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Later that evening, after their guests had left, Lilian sat in her room, still thinking about the encounter with Sylvia. Celeste lay sprawled across her lap, purring contentedly. She absentmindedly scratched behind his ears, her mind drifting to the implications of Sylvia’s visit.

“Do you think Father suspects anything?” Lilian wondered aloud.

Celeste lifted his head and gave her a quizzical look. “About your little spat with Sylvia? Doubtful. He’s too focused on the political benefits of the alliance.”

Lilian sighed. “I just hope this doesn’t get more complicated. Sylvia won’t stop until she gets what she wants.”

Celeste stretched and settled back down. “And you won’t stop until you protect what’s yours. Just remember, you have allies too.”

A knock on her door interrupted their conversation. “Come in,” Lilian called.

Dorian, her third brother, entered with a curious expression. “Hey, Lilian. Father wanted to know what you thought of our guests today.”

Lilian shrugged. “They were… interesting.”

Dorian chuckled. “Interesting is one way to put it. Sylvia didn’t cause any trouble, did she?”

Lilian hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. “No, nothing I couldn’t handle.”

Dorian gave her a reassuring smile. “Good. If she gives you any more trouble, just let us know. We’ve got your back.”

Lilian felt a surge of gratitude. “Thanks, Dorian. I appreciate it.”

As her brother left, Lilian leaned back and closed her eyes. The challenges she faced were daunting, but she wasn’t alone. With her family and Celeste by her side, she felt ready to take on whatever came her way.