The morning light streamed softly into the drawing room, but the air was far from tranquil. Emily perched on the edge of the settee, wringing her hands as her eyes darted toward the window, as if danger might slip in through the curtains.
"I'm truly scared," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Liam glanced up from his tea, concern shadowing his features. "Why are you frightened?"
Emily looked around at the others before she spoke. "What if they come after Lola next? If Lady Adriana's maid could sneak into her chambers and destroy her gown… what's stopping her from doing worse?"
"That thought crossed my mind too," Ethan admitted grimly, folding his arms.
Julian, ever the realist, exhaled sharply. "This place is beginning to feel like a gilded trap. We need to leave before it devours us whole."
Sophia, lounging beside the pianoforte, arched a brow with her usual composure. "There's nothing to be frightened of."
Emily turned to her, aghast. "How can you say that? Can't you see what's happening? This palace is a battlefield masked by lace and civility."
"That's precisely why Lola has us," Ava said, sitting beside Sophia with calm assurance. "We're not idle, Emily. Plans are already in motion."
Emily's eyes narrowed. "What plans? What are you two hiding?"
Sophia shared a glance with Ava, her lips curving into a mysterious smirk. "Don't tire yourself with speculation. You'll see soon enough."
Lola stirred from slumber, her eyes fluttering open only to halt in confusion at the figure seated by the window. Emperor Xander Rykhard sat upright in the armchair, arms crossed, his head tilted back in exhausted sleep. The gentle rise and fall of his chest betrayed a rare vulnerability.
She blinked, startled to see him there, yet quickly composed herself.
As if sensing her gaze, he stirred. His eyes opened slowly and met hers.
"You're awake," he said, his voice rough with sleep.
She slid out of bed, the silk of her nightdress whispering against her skin. "I am. But why are you here?"
He stood, running a hand over his face. "I feared someone might attempt to harm you… I wanted to be near, just in case."
"You could have stationed guards," she replied coolly. "There was no need for you to inconvenience yourself so personally, Your Majesty."
"Lola…" he began, but before he could continue, a knock interrupted the fragile silence.
"My lady, we are here to prepare you for the day," came Beatrix's voice from the other side.
Lola glanced toward the door, then back at him.
"They do have impeccable timing," she muttered, smoothing a hand over her hair. Raising her voice, she called, "You may enter."
The door opened and both Beatrix and Emmeline entered, only to falter at the sight of the emperor.
"Your Imperial Majesty," they said in unison, bowing low.
Xander offered a brief nod. But when he turned to Lola again, she was already moving with graceful command.
"His Highness was just taking his leave," she said sweetly, dipping into a respectful curtsy.
He hesitated, searching her face for something, perhaps softness, perhaps understanding but found only polite resolve. With a quiet sigh, he turned and walked out.
As the doors closed behind him, Beatrix and Emmeline exchanged looks but said nothing.
Lola, meanwhile, stood before the mirror, her expression unreadable.
This game was far from over.