Lord Caspian strolled leisurely along the marbled corridors of the palace, hands clasped behind his back, the soft rustle of his cloak echoing with every step. His expression was thoughtful, distant as though his body roamed the gardens, but his mind wandered far from Aldovia.
A cluster of noble ladies curtsied delicately as he passed. He responded with a courteous bow and a small, polished smile before continuing, seemingly uninterested in the attention he so easily commanded.
He hadn't gone far when two palace guards approached, their boots clicking in sync against the polished floors.
"Greetings, my lord," one said with a bow.
Caspian paused, lifting an amused brow. "I daresay I've done nothing criminal, yet. Am I under arrest for taking a walk in the royal gardens?"
The guards straightened in embarrassment, though a flicker of humour lit their eyes. "No, my lord. His Majesty requests your company at the Garnet Hall. A wrestling match is to commence shortly, and he thought you might enjoy the spectacle."
"A wrestling match?" Caspian murmured, more to himself than to them. "How very… Aldovian." He gave a charming smile. "Lead the way, gentlemen."
Meanwhile, in the Garnet Hall, the atmosphere was electric. Lanterns blazed from every arch, and the roaring crowd filled the vast space with excited chatter. Ava stood at the front row beside Ethan and Julian, her eyes scanning the crowd with curiosity.
"It's rather crowded," Emily remarked, clutching the lace edge of her shawl.
"Well, of course it is," Liam answered, his tone half bored, half amused. "These lords adore watching half-dressed men punch each other just so they can throw their money at a wager."
Ava scoffed softly. "And yet they call it an honorable sport. I think if they donated half of what they spend betting, we'd have no beggars at the palace gates."
"You don't tell the rich how to spend their coin," Ethan muttered.
"Perhaps they ought to be told," Ava replied dryly.
Just then, Sophia leaned toward them, beaming. "We must give thanks to His Majesty for our front-row seats. I daresay even the Duchess herself would envy this view."
Their conversation hushed as the emperor arrived, flanked by none other than Lord Caspian, dressed in sapphire brocade and a glinting silver chain across his chest. The ladies straightened in their seats as Caspian offered a bow.
"My thanks for the invitation, Your Majesty," Caspian said in his warm, melodic tone.
"It's nothing, Caspian," Xander replied casually. "Let us enjoy the sport. Ah, allow me to introduce Charlotte Cavendish, who insists on stirring trouble wherever she goes."
Lola, seated gracefully beside Xander, met Caspian's gaze without flinching. "Lord Caspian," she said, inclining her head. "I have heard quite a few things about you."
"And I you, Lady Charlotte," Caspian replied with a knowing smile. "None of which I will repeat… unless you ask nicely."
Behind them, Sophia gripped Emily's hand in excitement. "He's even more beautiful than I remembered."
Emily nodded, eyes wide. "The kind of beauty that writes poetry without saying a word."
As the noblewomen exchanged dreamy sighs, Gabriel arrived, scanning the faces in the front row. His gaze lingered on Ava, who chose not to look his way.
"I see everyone's already made themselves comfortable," Gabriel said with an easy grin.
"Come, Flynn," Xander called. "The match will begin soon. You wouldn't want to miss Kael's legendary entrance."
Gabriel bowed slightly, taking a seat as he casually leaned toward Ava. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"I go wherever the wind takes me," she replied without looking at him.
Gabriel's grin widened.
Far from the grandeur of the Garnet Hall, in a secluded chamber bathed in candlelight, a hush fell over a gathering of court ladies. Velvet gowns shimmered in the low light, and tension hung thick in the air.
A slender maid entered the room, bowing low to a woman seated at the head of the circle, her presence regal and eyes sharp.
"My lady," the maid whispered, "the woman you asked me to watch, she has been taken to the Garnet Hall by the emperor himself."
A silence fell, followed by the cold smile of the lady.
"She must think herself special," she murmured, rising from her seat with practiced grace. "But if she believes she can steal my place so easily… she's made a grave mistake."