The emperor sat alone in his study, the golden sunlight filtering through stained-glass windows and casting a warm glow across his desk. Scrolls of parchment and heavy-bound ledgers were strewn before him, each stamped with the seal of Aldovia. His quill moved swiftly, an extension of his thoughts.
A knock sounded at the door, firm but hesitant.
"Who is it?" Xander asked without glancing up.
The door creaked open, revealing the aged steward with his ever-nervous smile. "Pardon the interruption, Your Majesty," Silas began with a cautious bow. "The young lady you detained in the east wing, Lady Cavendish has requested an audience. I've done my best to dissuade her, but she appears... determined."
Xander paused mid-signature, the corners of his lips twitching.
"Persistent, is she?" he murmured, placing the quill aside. "Very well. Send her in. Let's hear what tempest she brings today."
Silas bowed and exited swiftly, leaving the emperor to his thoughts.
Elsewhere, Ava stood silently at the edge of the training grounds, her eyes fixed on the men sparring with swift precision and brute strength. The clash of swords and the bark of commands echoed through the crisp morning air. She watched not with fear but curiosity.
A presence joined her, tall and warm like the sun. She didn't need to look to know who it was.
"It is rare to see a lady so captivated by the art of war," Gabriel remarked, folding his arms with an amused smile. "Most prefer embroidery hoops and scandalous tea-time gossip."
Ava said nothing. Her gaze remained on the warriors.
Gabriel tilted his head, intrigued. "Not much of a talker, are you?"
She turned at last, eyes cool and expression unreadable. "Is there something you need of me, Lord Flynn?"
He chuckled. "That depends. What might you offer me, Lady Moreno?"
"Nothing at all," she said simply. "If it's assistance you require, the servants are capable. If not, then I shall take my leave."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away, her back straight, her footsteps quiet.
Gabriel watched her go with a lopsided grin. "This shall be… entertaining."
Lola flung open the emperor's study doors without so much as a knock. She was ready to launch into her complaint when a cool voice stopped her.
"I was under the impression that proper etiquette was taught to young noblewomen," Xander said without looking up from his papers. "Do not let such fine teachings go to waste."
Her ears flushed red with embarrassment. She lowered her gaze and gave a reluctant bow.
"Good day, Your Majesty."
"Hm," he hummed, still reading. "Proceed."
"I do not wish to remain in the east wing… or in your chambers," she stated firmly.
That caught his attention. He raised his head slowly, eyes sharp with amusement.
"I believe we've had this conversation, Lady Charlotte. Must we repeat it so soon?"
"During the palace tour you ordered, I was glared at, scorned by several court ladies. I do not wish to become a target of their gossip or malice."
Xander leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "And?"
"And… I would prefer to be removed from such attention," she pressed.
The emperor sighed, clearly unmoved. "Jealousy, my dear, is the currency of court. Surely you didn't expect me to involve myself in a squabble among ladies? Perhaps you should learn to fend for yourself."
"You mean to do nothing?"
He gave her a pointed look. "I believe I spoke clearly. Or did you imagine I'd leap to your defense with a sword in hand?"
Lola's eyes flared in frustration. "You are impossible!" she huffed, spinning on her heels.
"Such an uncultured child," he murmured once she'd gone, though a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "But she's rather amusing."
He returned to his parchments, yet for a fleeting second, his mind wandered from war strategy to the fire in a certain young lady's eyes.
And far down the corridor, unseen by both, a shadow lingered. A court lady, face twisted in silent hatred, watched Lola retreat. Her fingers clutched a silver fan until her knuckles turned white.
The games had only just begun.