“Ugh, another tea party?” Ace groaned, slumping dramatically into his chair. “Can’t we have a juice party or something for once?”
Riddle Rosehearts gave him a sharp glare from across the table. “Ace Trappola! The Queen’s rules are not up for debate. Tea parties are an essential part of Heartslabyul tradition!”
“Yeah, yeah…” Ace muttered under his breath, twirling a sugar spoon. “Guess it’s only fun when she’s here.”
“Who?” Deuce Spade asked, looking confused — right as you stepped into the courtyard carrying a tray of freshly baked tarts.
Ace perked up instantly. “Oh. Her.”
You smiled as you set the tray down, the soft sunlight catching on your hair. “Sorry I’m late. Trey asked me to help finish the strawberry glaze.”
Trey Clover nodded approvingly. “You did a good job, Prefect. They look perfect.”
Cater Diamond leaned in with a grin, snapping a quick picture of the setup for Magicam. “Of course they do! Everything looks better when she’s around, right Ace~?”
Ace blinked, then quickly smirked. “Well, duh. It’s not the tea party I like, it’s the company.”
Deuce groaned. “You’re shameless, Ace.”
“What? I’m just saying facts.” He leaned back in his chair, grinning slyly at you. “Don’t tell me you don’t enjoy having me around, Prefect.”
You rolled your eyes with a soft laugh. “You? You cause half the trouble in Heartslabyul.”
“Only half? Guess I’m slacking off,” he teased, winking.
Riddle coughed sharply, his face twitching. “Trappola, do not flirt during tea. You’ll spill something again.”
Ace laughed. “Aw, c’mon, Riddle. You say that like I’m not a total gentleman.”
Trey smirked quietly as he poured tea into your cup. “A gentleman doesn’t tease the lady until she turns red, Ace.”
“Who’s red? I’m not red!” you said quickly — but Cater giggled.
,“Uh-huh~ Sure. Your face matches the Heartslabyul roses.”*
Ace grinned wider, resting his chin on his hand. “Guess we’re both blushing then. That makes us even.”
Deuce sighed, rubbing his temple. “How do you manage to turn everything into a flirt?”
“Talent,” Ace replied instantly. “Besides, it’s not my fault the Prefect’s cute reactions are worth it.”
Riddle’s teacup clinked against its saucer. “Enough, Trappola. I don’t want any… distractions at my table.”
“Distractions?” Trey said under his breath, smiling faintly. “You mean like the way Ace hasn’t stopped staring since she sat down?”
Ace’s head snapped up. “I—what? No way! I was just—uh—checking for crumbs!”
“On her face?” Cater teased. “Smooth excuse, Ace.”
The table erupted in laughter, and Ace turned away, his face bright red despite his best effort to look smug.
You couldn’t help but laugh, too. “You’re ridiculous, Ace.”
“Yeah,” he said softly, scratching the back of his neck with a grin. “But at least I can make you laugh.”