Sophia practically danced into the resting room, her eyes glittering with mischief as her gown swayed in rhythm with her delight.
"And what, pray tell, has you beaming like the spring sun?" Liam asked from his seat near the fireplace, one brow raised in suspicion.
Sophia merely shrugged, unable to suppress her grin.
"Let me guess," Emily chimed in, her knitting momentarily forgotten. "This giddiness must concern a certain lord?"
Sophia giggled, plopping down onto the settee beside her. "You guessed right. I spent the evening with Lord Caspian and it was utterly magical."
Julian scoffed, tossing a cushion into the air and catching it. "And I suppose he proposed marriage by moonlight as well?"
Sophia narrowed her eyes at him. "Believe what you will. I know what happened."
The room fell into curious silence, all eyes now on her.
"So," Ava leaned forward with interest, "did he say he would see you again?"
Sophia smiled coyly. "He didn't even see me."
The confusion around her was palpable.
"What do you mean?" Ethan asked from the piano, pausing with his fingers resting on the keys.
Emily grabbed Sophia's arm with urgency. "Oh, do stop with the mystery, woman!"
With a proud smile, Sophia leaned in. "I wore a mask. Kept my identity hidden. I disappeared before he even knew my name and left my mask behind as a clue."
"You're a dramatic soul," Julian muttered, shaking his head.
"And how are you so certain he'll come looking?" Emily asked.
Sophia leaned back, her voice light but confident. "Because mystery is a powerful lure. And I know I intrigued him."
Ethan chuckled softly, turning back to the piano. "Then I suppose we shall see."
"But…" Sophia added, her tone dropping as she folded her hands. "He's engaged. To marry the moment he returns home."
The keys fell silent. Several heads snapped around to face her in shock.
"You still want him?" Julian asked, appalled.
Sophia gave a small shrug. "Just for the fun. I've no desire to keep him."
Emily muttered under her breath, returning to her knitting. This girl is trouble incarnate.
Across the palace, Lady Calantha sat upon her throne-like chair in the court's private salon, her chin resting on her hand, eyes distant and calculating. Around her, noblewomen whispered and stitched, casting wary glances her way, careful not to offend.
Then, a voice rang from the corridor: "Lady Cavendish, entering the room."
Calantha straightened instantly, amusement glittering in her eyes. So the girl has some nerve, after all.
Lola entered gracefully, her posture regal, her eyes calm and determined. The other ladies barely paused in their embroidery and chatter until Lola spoke.
"Leave us," she said firmly.
There was a moment of hesitation, and the women glanced at Calantha, who gave a silent nod. One by one, they stood and exited, some exchanging curious glances.
"You do realise you've no right to command my court," Calantha said, rising slowly. "And yet they obeyed. Curious, is it not?"
"I'm not here to test authority," Lola replied smoothly, folding her hands in front of her. "I've come to speak plainly."
Calantha smiled faintly. "Then do."
"I know you were behind the snake in my chambers," Lola said, voice unwavering. "And the gown the emperor gifted me, shredded. That was your doing."
Calantha blinked, amused. "Oh?"
"Save the theatrics, lady calantha. I have no intention of remaining in this palace long. Let me enjoy what time I have, and I shall leave quietly."
Lady calantha tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "So you've come to bargain."
"You could call it that."
Calantha studied her, then nodded slowly. "Then when your charade is over, you'll leave Aldovia. And never return."
Lola turned to leave, her stride composed. But at the threshold, she paused and glanced over her shoulder.
"One more thing, Lady Calantha."
The older woman raised a brow. "Yes?"
"I do not take kindly to threats."
And with that, she walked out, her head held high, leaving her to contemplate just how much of a threat the girl truly was.