Gasps fluttered through the room like startled birds as Emperor Xander took Lola's hand. A hush settled once again not from fear this time, but awe mingled with something electric, the kind of hush that lingers before a summer storm.
Her fingers fit within his with effortless grace, though her pulse betrayed her calm. Still, her expression remained unreadable, polished as porcelain, as they moved toward the dance floor. Around them, heads turned like sunflowers seeking light, every eye following them as though compelled.
"I didn't think you would want to dance with me," Lola said quietly, her lips barely parting. "Not with the Empress Dowager watching."
"I couldn't resist," Xander replied, his voice velvet-smooth.
The orchestra, attuned to the shift in atmosphere, began a slow, sweeping waltz. His hand found her waist; hers rested lightly in his. Together, they moved, he in imperial black and gold, she in that radiant white gown that shimmered like moonlight kissed with diamonds. They glided as though the ballroom belonged only to them, the rest of the world forgotten.
"I thought Lady Adriana was meant to have your first dance," Lola said, her tone soft yet distant.
"I'm more surprised you came at all," Xander said, avoiding her question as his gaze lingered on her face. "After everything that happened…"
"You mean after someone tried to humiliate me?" she replied lightly. "A lady must always be prepared. Fortunately, I had options."
He glanced down at her gown. "Diamond-stitched moonlight?" he murmured. "Not exactly a spare."
Her lips curved faintly. "Some battles aren't won with swords, Your Majesty. They're won with silence... and a spectacular entrance."
Xander's expression softened. "You've done more than win. You've silenced the court."
Across the ballroom, Sophia nudged Caspian with her elbow, her eyes gleaming.
"Look at them," she whispered. "Completely entranced."
"Not quite entranced," Caspian murmured, sipping his wine. "But dangerously close."
At the far end of the room, Adriana's smile strained as her fan trembled in her grip. The painted silk fluttered, then cracked slightly beneath the pressure of her hand.
"He's humiliating me," she hissed.
"Let them dance," Victoria murmured beside her, her gaze never wavering from the swirling couple. "Let them feel untouchable. It makes the fall so much sweeter."
As the music swelled to its final chords, Xander drew Lola closer, his voice low at her ear.
"I stayed by your side last night," he said. "I didn't leave until morning."
She stiffened, just barely. "You shouldn't have."
"I couldn't help it," he admitted. "I was… afraid."
"For me?" she asked, lifting a brow. "Or for your throne?"
His jaw tightened. "You know the answer."
She held his gaze. "And yet, you'll still marry her."
"I must," he said. "Do you think I have a choice?"
"No," she said quietly. "And that's the tragedy."
The music faded into silence. Yet still, he held her hand, reluctant to let go.
Before either could speak again, a sudden burst of laughter disrupted the spell. Lord Sistus, rotund and red-faced with wine, strode toward them, accompanied by the Empress Dowager and Lady Adriana, whose smile was stretched so tightly it might have cracked.
"Oh, Your Majesty, Lady Cavendish," Lord Sistus declared boisterously. "What a dazzling performance! For a moment, I thought you were already betrothed!"
Adriana's fan snapped shut with an audible snap. Lola caught it and smiled.
Victoria let out a soft, calculated chuckle. "Oh, come now, Lord Sistus. You are far too amusing for your age."
Her gaze shifted sharply to Lola, laced with something colder than mirth.
Lord Sistus turned to Lola, offering a bow. "If it pleases you, Lady Cavendish, might I claim your next dance?"
Xander's jaw clenched. Lola, ever composed, offered a graceful smile and curtsied.
"Later, my lord. For now, His Majesty has rendered me quite breathless."
Lord Sistus laughed heartily. "Ah, then I shall hold you to that, dear lady."