The ballroom glittered beneath a thousand candle lit chandeliers, the music soaring through silk-draped arches as laughter and footsteps filled the space. The ball was in full flourish, its guests lost in drink, music, and murmured gossip.
Near the dais, Lola stood beside Emperor Xander and Lady Adriana, who were caught in pleasant conversation with the Empress Dowager. Though she wore her usual calm, Lola's eyes flicked now and then toward the crowd, ever watchful, ever calculating.
A woman stepped forward from the throng, a lady of delicate poise and a voice as crisp as chilled wine.
"Lady Adriana," she said with a smile, offering a bow first to Victoria, "I've heard so many delightful things about you."
Adriana turned, her laughter still lingering from a private jest, and gave a cordial nod. "I hope they were good things, my lady?"
"Why, of course," the woman replied brightly. "After all, can the Empress Dowager say anything but glowing things about her future daughter-in-law?"
Victoria chuckled, lifting her fan with mock exasperation. "Do not drag me into your schemes, Elizabeth."
"As you wish, Your Grace," Lady Elizabeth replied, with a sly dip of her head. She returned her attention to Adriana. "They say you studied in Everia… and that you've mastered more instruments than most orchestras can carry."
Adriana gave a light, modest laugh. "You flatter me, Lady Elizabeth."
"Please, do not be coy. A woman should take pride in her accomplishments," Elizabeth said, her voice now just loud enough to draw the attention of the surrounding lords and ladies. "I dare say we would all love to hear you play."
A few heads turned. Murmurs rippled. Suddenly, the focus of the evening had shifted.
"Oh, no, truly, I couldn't possibly," Adriana demurred, placing a hand delicately to her chest. "I fear I'm quite out of practice. I'd only embarrass myself."
"Nonsense!" declared Lord Kesslin, a portly man with flushed cheeks and a generous goblet. "The Empress Dowager wouldn't choose an unqualified bride for her son. You're far too humble."
"Indeed, we insist!" called another lady nearby. "Play something for us!"
Adriana turned to Xander with a pleading look, her smile just shy of panicked.
He only shrugged with a grin. "You know you want to. Go on. Show them what you're capable of. I have every faith in you."
Adriana blushed prettily. "Well then," she said with a delicate sigh, "if the Emperor insists, who am I to refuse?"
Cheers followed her as she stepped away, escorted toward the grand harpsichord stationed beneath the orchestra's alcove. A few ladies clapped gently, while the men nodded approvingly. The air hummed with expectation.
Lola's smile had vanished.
She watched in silence, her hands folded neatly before her, but her knuckles were white beneath her gloves. Her gaze slid to Xander, who looked entirely too pleased with the display. She exhaled slowly and turned away, though not before he caught the flicker of disappointment in her eyes.