Lola brought her fingers to her throat, mimicking a pistol, and with exaggerated drama, pretended to shoot herself. Her head fell back as she gasped and faked a most theatrical death.
The emperor clutched his chest with a mock gasp. "You wound me, Lady Cavendish," he declared, staggering back a step as though her words had truly pierced his heart.
They both burst into laughter, their mirth echoing gently through the peaceful garden.
The air was light, the sun kissed the garden walls, and for a fleeting moment, all courtly burdens melted away.
Just then, a messenger approached, bowing low. "Good day, Your Highness. Lady Cavendish," he said, sparing Lola a polite nod before turning to Xander. "My lord, the council members have arrived and await you."
Xander turned to Lola, taking her hand into his and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "I'll see you later," he murmured.
Lola watched him go, her laughter still lingering as she clutched her chest dramatically. She glanced around to see if anyone had witnessed the tender moment, then grinned, placing both hands against her flushed cheeks.
"Get a grip on yourself, woman," she whispered to herself with a giggle, before turning and making her way out unaware that from a shadowed corridor, someone had been watching… and quietly turned away in the opposite direction.
Later that afternoon, Lord Caspian stood at the edge of the imperial gardens, his gloved fingers gently holding the mysterious mask left behind the night before. He surveyed the court ladies scattered across the lawn, each engaged in embroidery, light chatter, or casual strolls beneath the flowering arbors.
His gaze searched with quiet urgency.
He stepped forward with grace, moving through the gardens. Some of the ladies offered greetings with fluttering lashes and hopeful smiles, others whispered behind fans. Lord Caspian returned their salutations with polite nods but kept his stride purposeful.
At the tea table beneath the silk-draped pavilion, the young ladies were enjoying their afternoon refreshments when Emily caught sight of him.
She froze, her teacup hovering midair, a delicate saucer held beneath it. "Oh…" she breathed, setting both down quickly as she tapped Sophia's arm. "Look."
Sophia turned, and her eyes immediately lit up. "That's Lord Caspian," she said softly, smoothing her gown as she stood.
"But what is he doing here?" Lola asked, brow furrowed.
"I suppose we're about to find out," Ava replied with a hum, watching as Sophia stepped gracefully toward him.
"Where is she going?" Lola pressed, watching her friend stride away.
Ava merely shrugged, a mischievous smirk curling at her lips as she sipped her tea. Emily, now practically bouncing in her seat, leaned closer to Lola, barely containing her excitement.
"What have I missed?" Lola asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously at her giggling companions.
"I'll fill you in," Emily whispered conspiratorially, drawing even closer as Ava watched Sophia reach Caspian, and the mask in his hand.