In the emperor's private study, Xander listened intently, his fingers tracing the rim of his wine glass. He could hear the soft hum of the evening outside, but his thoughts were entirely on the young woman who was, unbeknownst to most, holding the weight of the kingdom on her delicate shoulders.
"Do you think she can truly do anything good?" Gabriel asked, leaning back in his chair with a slight smirk. His tone was skeptical, his eyes narrowed in quiet amusement.
Xander's response was immediate, a sharp nod. "I do. She's far more capable than you give her credit for."
Gabriel raised a brow, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. "You really have faith in her, don't you? You're practically besotted."
The emperor's smile remained unchanged, though his eyes softened with something resembling affection. "It's not about that," Xander said, his voice steady. "It's about what she can bring to this court. What she's capable of, far beyond anyone's expectations."
Gabriel scoffed lightly, his tone teasing. "You're already so blinded by her charm. We just lost a brother, and you're here waxing poetic over her."
Xander's gaze hardened, though the slight amusement remained. "Nothing will change my mind, Gabriel. She has the potential to do far more than anyone realizes."
Gabriel shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "And still you think the future is safe in her hands?"
Xander stood, his expression unreadable. "I do."
Gabriel hesitated, then rose from his seat. "Well then, I suppose I'll leave for Colatia now."
Xander nodded, his gaze lingering on Gabriel for a moment longer than necessary. "Safe travels, my friend."
But as Gabriel walked to the door, Xander's thoughts remained heavy, his mind racing with an unsettling sense of anticipation. Something was changing in the air, and it was not something he could quite grasp.
The weeks passed, and Lola's gathering grew in both size and significance. What had once seemed like a fleeting attempt to create something for the women of the court had turned into a movement. Rumors began to spread faster than she could have ever imagined. At first, she had doubted they would return. But she was wrong. The women came back, each time, more eagerly than the last.
Lola smiled as she stood in the corner of the lavish hall, watching the women in animated conversation. They were laughing, reminiscing about childhood games, sharing old stories over tea. For the first time in a long while, they were not burdened by their titles or the men in their lives. They were simply… women, free to be themselves. It warmed her heart to see them this way.
One of the women, her face glowing with gratitude, approached Lola. "My lady," she said, her voice soft but filled with emotion, "may I have a moment of your time?"
Lola looked up, surprised but smiling warmly. She set her tea cup down gently on the table. "Of course. You have my full attention."
The woman hesitated for a moment, then spoke, her voice low but earnest. "There is no problem, my lady. I simply wanted to say on behalf of all the ladies here that we are truly grateful. You cannot imagine what you've done for us. What this space has given us."
Lola's smile deepened as she glanced around at the women, their faces alight with joy. "I can see it," she replied, her tone reflecting both surprise and pleasure. "It's as though they've forgotten what it's like to laugh freely, to talk without worry. Sometimes, it seems they've almost forgotten what it was like before marriage, before children…"
The woman nodded, her smile growing warmer. "It's exactly that, my lady. A chance to be free, even if only for a short while."
Lola's heart swelled at the woman's words. "And for that, I am glad," she said softly, almost to herself. "What is your name?"
But before the woman could reply, the double doors swung open with a sharp creak, a gust of cold air sweeping into the room. All conversation stopped abruptly.