"Did you say she assembled all the ladies in the hall?" Duchess Aurelia's voice dripped with disdain as she raised an elegant eyebrow. Lady Calantha, ever eager to offer her insight, nodded, a wicked smile playing on her lips.
"Yes, Your Grace. That is precisely what I've heard. But worry not. Whatever little scheme she's concocted is bound to fail. I'm well acquainted with most of those women, and let me tell you, they do not suffer fools lightly. They are like sharks, and that poor Lola…" Lady Calantha shook her head with feigned sympathy. "She's about to be devoured."
The duchess's lips curved into a satisfied smile, her eyes glinting with cold amusement. "Oh, this should be entertaining," she mused, her fingers idly playing with the lace of her sleeve.
In the grand hall, Lola stood tall, her heart pounding but her expression unwavering as she clapped her hands once, sharply. Servants began to file in, bearing heavy trays of food, their presence only adding to the curious tension in the room.
"What is the meaning of this?" someone demanded, a hint of suspicion coloring her voice.
"Is this some sort of ambush?" another voice asked, barely above a whisper, the unease palpable.
Lola, however, did not flinch. She merely smiled, the soft curve of her lips almost teasing. "Do not be alarmed, ladies. I've merely arranged a small surprise for all of you."
The servants set to work, laying out tables heavy with exquisite delicacies, delicate pastries, spiced meats, and bowls brimming with fruits that seemed almost too beautiful to eat. The scent of roasted lamb and citrus filled the air, mixing with the subtle perfume of freshly bloomed roses. The women, though intrigued, exchanged wary glances, unsure of Lola's intentions.
Lola took a steadying breath, her eyes sweeping over the gathered women, each one more skeptical than the last. "I know that many of you might be confused. Perhaps even... displeased," she said, her voice rising just slightly, catching their attention. "But I assure you, I have not called you here for the usual reasons. No gossip about palace intrigues, no talks of marital disappointments. No. I've called you here to enjoy a bit of peace."
The room fell silent. A few women exchanged uncertain glances, others eyed Lola with thinly veiled suspicion. But Lola pressed on, her smile growing more confident. "We women, we often find ourselves trapped in our duties, in our roles. We are expected to stand by our husbands, to maintain the facade of perfection while our lives spin in circles of their making. But what about us? Where is our space?"
She gestured to the tables, where the food glistened invitingly. "Tonight, I offer you something different. A place where you can forget about your troubles, where you can laugh, eat, and, perhaps for once, simply enjoy being women. These dishes, they're from the finest kitchens of the palace. A small gift from me to you."
There was a pause, and then quietly, one by one, the women began to murmur. Some, hesitant, others intrigued. But when Lola's eyes landed on Emily, Sophia, and Ava, her heart swelled with gratitude. They stood by her, ready to help her carry this out. That, at least, was something she could count on.
Lola pressed her hands together, her voice softening. "This is not about politics or palace games. This is a chance for us to create something together. A sanctuary where we can laugh without restraint, without fear of judgment. To share in something we all deserve: a moment of peace."
A ripple of agreement started, slowly but surely, to spread across the room. It wasn't much, but it was something. A single hand rose, then another. Lola's breath caught in her throat as she smiled, a flicker of hope lighting her eyes.
"Who is with me?" she asked, her voice steady but filled with anticipation.