The ballroom pulsed with life. Laughter echoed, gowns shimmered, and the air was thick with anticipation when the announcer stepped onto the small stage near the orchestra.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the court," he declared, his voice silencing the crowd, "please welcome our radiant Empress, Lady Charlotte Cavendish, who shall now delight us with a song."
Polite applause followed, and all eyes turned as Lola stepped gracefully onto the platform. Draped in soft blue silk that caught the light with every movement, she appeared a vision of poise and confidence.
As the instrumentalists began to play, her voice soared. The melody, sweet and stirring, caught the hearts of every listener. Couples resumed dancing, drawn to the rhythm as if under a spell. But then, the tune shifted into something more playful and upbeat, drawing laughter and clapping from the crowd.
A young man, no older than seventeen, with the same chestnut curls as Lola bounded onto the stage, joining her in a perfectly timed harmony. There was a moment's pause, all eyes darting to the emperor.
Would he frown? Command the boy off stage?
But Emperor Xander simply watched with a wry smile, arms folded loosely as if amused. The guests, seeing no sign of disapproval, returned to their dancing.
When the performance ended, Lola curtsied to the applauding crowd and turned to the boy.
"That was lovely," she said, her smile soft and familiar.
"You were better," he said shyly, scratching the back of his neck. "You sing real nice."
She chuckled, patting his arm. "You're just being kind."
But as she turned to step down, fate or perhaps envy intervened.
She bumped directly into Lady Calantha. A sharp gasp echoed as red wine splashed across Lola's gown. The room fell silent once again.
"Oh, I am terribly sorry," Lady Calantha said, her eyes feigning concern. "I didn't see you there."
Lola took a shallow breath. "It's quite alright."
But before she could move, a second splash followed, this time on Lady Calantha's own gown.
"Oops," Ava said with mock surprise. "Didn't see you there either."
A hand covered her lips in mock horror, though the smirk in her eyes said otherwise. Lady Calantha's friends looked scandalized, but she couldn't protest, not when she had just committed the same offense.
She spun on her heels and stormed out of the ballroom, her gown dripping crimson and shame.
From across the hall, Sophia raised her glass. "That's my girl. I'm proud of her."
Lord Caspian chuckled beside her. "Remind me never to cross Lady Ava."
Ava turned to Lola, concern softening her usually fierce expression. "Are you alright?"
"I'll live," Lola said with a sigh. "I think I'll retire for the evening. A change of dress, then some quiet. The night's been… eventful."
Ava gave a small shrug. "If you say so."
"Thank you," Lola said sincerely.
Ava smiled faintly. "I've no idea what you're talking about," she replied, sauntering off into the crowd.
Lola watched her go, shaking her head with a tired but amused smile, unaware that someone else had been watching the entire exchange from the shadows… someone with darker intentions still to unfold.