When Lola began to play, the room fell utterly still.
The delicate hum of the violin swept across the ballroom like a whispered confession, pulling every gaze toward the lone figure beneath the spotlight. In her white gown, seated with poise, the instrument cradled against her shoulder, she looked ethereal like a vision spun from moonlight and music.
Murmurs stilled. Glasses were forgotten. Even the servants paused at the threshold.
It was no longer a performance.
It was a revelation.
"She plays better than Adriana," someone whispered near the stairwell.
"Have you ever seen such elegance?" murmured another.
Victoria's fan slowed until it stopped entirely. Her eyes narrowed in fury as she registered the rapturous faces around her. She had meant to humiliate the girl, not offer her a stage to shine.
Foolish, she thought bitterly. I should never have pushed Elizabeth to speak.
Adriana stood frozen beside her, a smile still painted on her lips though her clenched fists trembled at her sides. The soft hiss of her breath was the only sign of her fury.
But Xander... Xander was bewitched.
He watched Lola as if no one else existed. The candlelight caught in her hair, the delicate curve of her bow arm, the vulnerability and strength mingled in her song. Her music struck something deeper than admiration, it was longing, memory, temptation.
He did not dare move. For if he did, he feared he would cross the floor and kiss her in front of everyone.
When at last the final note faded into silence, the ballroom erupted in applause.
Lola rose with graceful composure, her hands folded gently before her as she stepped down from the dais.
"I do hope I played well," she said softly, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Laughter rippled through the lords and ladies gathered nearby.
"Played well?" Lord Kesslin called out, delighted. "My dear, that was nothing short of a miracle. I didn't know you had it in you!"
"Astonishing," another lord added. "Lady Cavendish, you've outshone every expectation."
Lola gave a modest curtsy, but her gaze lifted toward the Emperor who offered her a single, deliberate nod of approval.
Victoria saw it. Her lips tightened.
Adriana's nails dug into her gloves, nearly tearing the silk.
"I daresay," Lola said with a pleasant tone, "I've learned a great many things in silence. Just because one does not boast of their accomplishments does not mean they lack them."
Her eyes drifted to Adriana and the Empress Dowager just briefly, just enough.
A murmur of intrigue spread like smoke.
"If that is so," Lord Percival spoke up, raising his glass, "then let Lady Cavendish join our circle tonight. Let's see who might shine brighter in discourse. A test of wit, perhaps?"
Adriana's smile faltered for only a second. "My lord," she said sweetly, "surely you jest. Lady Cavendish would hardly wish to be thrust into comparison."
"Speak for yourself," Lola said evenly, stepping forward. "I never run from a challenge. Come, gentlemen, let us speak of matters that truly move the empire. Or shall we let the evening drift into dull flattery?"
A round of laughter followed. Several lords eagerly turned toward her.
"Are you coming, Lady Valmont?" one of them asked with an expectant smile.
Adriana's jaw tightened, but she smiled nonetheless. "Of course. Why wouldn't I?"
As she passed Victoria's side, her voice dipped into a whisper, her smile never wavering.
"I'll kill that witch," she muttered. "She's driving me mad."
"In due time," Victoria replied coolly, lifting her wineglass to her lips. Then she turned to the woman beside her, her expression once again unreadable as they resumed their conversation.
And across the ballroom, Lola walked toward the lords with every step a declaration.
Every step… a promise.