Lola moved briskly through the grand hall, her heart fluttering with excitement. Tonight was to be her first official ball, and she intended to make it a night to remember. The emperor's recent kindness, their leisurely horse ride, the freedom he had granted her to choose her ladies-in-waiting had filled her with a new sense of purpose. But for now, there was still much to be done.
"Your Highness, where shall I place these flowers?" Beatrix asked, struggling to balance a large bouquet.
Lola turned to inspect them and wrinkled her nose.
"Change them," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "Those are terribly dreary, they reek of melancholy."
Leaving Beatrix scrambling, she made her way across the hall where the royal chef awaited her with a hopeful smile.
"Your Grace, I would be honoured if you could taste the dishes I have prepared. Your preference will guide tonight's feast," said Chef Edwin Marchmont, bowing low.
Lola offered him a warm smile.
"I trust you, Edwin. You know best. Do as you see fit," she replied, her voice light.
The chef's face lit up with pride.
"Thank you, Your Grace. You shall not be disappointed," he said before scurrying back to the kitchens.
Lola barely had time to exhale when Sophia appeared, cradling a delicate vase.
"Lola, where should this be kept?" she asked.
Lola studied it for a moment, overwhelmed.
"I shall handle it," said Emily, stepping in with a calm assurance.
"Thank heavens you're here, Emily. Your eye for decoration is unmatched," Lola said, smiling in relief.
"And Ava?" she asked, glancing around.
"She is overseeing the delivery of the invitations and cross-checking the guest list with Silas," Emily answered, just as Emmeline approached, curtsying respectfully.
"Your Grace, your presence is required," she said.
Lola nodded and followed her, leaving Sophia and Emily behind.
"She's truly coming into her own," Emily mused.
Sophia grinned mischievously. "Indeed. But tell me, will you now confess the details about your certain lord?"
Emily's eyes danced with curiosity as Sophia giggled.
"In due time," Sophia teased. "Just know that I shall be his escort at the ball tonight."
Emily gasped, clapping her hands to her mouth, and the two dissolved into laughter.
Throughout Aldovia, the excitement was palpable. Dress shops overflowed with customers as ladies jostled for the finest gowns, mothers dragged their daughters from tailor to tailor, and rivalries sparked over silks and ribbons. Whispers of upcoming scandals buzzed in the air, almost as eagerly anticipated as the ball itself.
Meanwhile, Lola and Emmeline entered the hall where Lady Alethea was arranging the table settings with meticulous care.
"Ah, Lady Alethea," Lola said warmly. "Your zeal to assist me today does not go unnoticed. I shall not forget your kindness."
Lady Alethea bowed low.
"It is my pleasure to serve, Your Highness," she said.
Lola studied her for a moment, her head tilting slightly.
"Tell me, Lady Alethea," she asked, lowering her voice, "what is it your husband finds lacking in you?"
Lady Alethea cast an uneasy glance at Emmeline, but Lola waved a hand.
"Fear not. My maid's loyalty is beyond question."
After a brief hesitation, Lady Alethea whispered, "He claims I dress like a pauper's widow. He says no man would find me desirable dressed so plainly."
Lola gave her a slow, assessing look from head to toe.
"Well," she said with a smirk, "he is not entirely wrong."
Lady Alethea gasped in horror, and even Emmeline had to turn away to hide a smile.
"Your Grace!" Alethea cried.
"Do not fret," Lola said, laughing lightly. "I intend to repay your kindness, not scorn you."
She turned to Emmeline, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"You know what must be done."
Emmeline's face lit with excitement.
"Indeed, Your Grace."
She turned to Lady Alethea and curtsied.
"My lady, if you would kindly come with me."
Lady Alethea hesitated, glancing at Lola.
"Set aside your worries," Lola urged, smiling. "Trust me. You shall thank me before the night is through."
With a mix of nerves and curiosity, Lady Alethea followed Emmeline from the hall, unaware that her life and perhaps her husband's opinion was about to be forever changed.