"I have the most delightful gossip for you all," Sophia sing-sang as she swept into the parlour with exaggerated flair. Ethan, seated at the piano, didn't even glance up as his fingers danced over the keys.
"Let me guess. A new Lord has caught your wandering eye," he said dryly.
Sophia rolled her eyes. "Please, let us indulge in a little joy. Life in the palace is too dull without the occasional thrill."
Emily, who had been quietly knitting by the window, set aside her work and turned with interest. "What is it? Do tell. I am in desperate need of something exciting."
"I believe," Sophia began, dramatically lowering herself beside Ava and resting her head in the latter's lap, "that a grand ball is on the horizon. A visiting Lord has graced the palace today. And not just any Lord, a vision of nobility, draped in the finest silks and riding the most majestic steed. I swear, my breath caught when I laid eyes on him."
Julian, sprawled lazily in the corner, let out a bark of laughter. "And you think he would even notice you?"
Sophia sat up straight. "And what, pray tell, is wrong with me?"
"She's more worthy than some of the peacocks parading the halls," Ava cut in, her tone cool and elegant.
Julian merely shrugged. "Sophia lives too much in her fantasies. I still say she's destined to marry the old baker's son."
The boys erupted into laughter while Sophia's face turned crimson.
"That was brutal, Liam," Ethan said, barely containing his amusement.
"Don't listen to them, Sophia," Lola interjected. "If I recall correctly, Liam, you were turned away by a girl because you had nothing but empty promises and a broken shoe."
Liam's face fell. "That was uncalled for."
Ava rested her chin on her palm and added nonchalantly, "It seems even the poor struggle to find love. What a pity."
Liam stood abruptly. "Say that again. I dare you."
But the girls, unfazed, simply resumed their discussion as if he weren't even there.
"So, tell us, how do you intend to capture this mysterious Lord's attention?" Emily asked with a grin.
Sophia smiled slyly. "Leave that to me. I always get what I want."
"But even if you manage that, how will you convince a visiting Lord to stay? Or to take you with him?" Ava asked, raising an inquisitive brow.
Sophia waved her hand. "Oh, I don't need him to stay or take me anywhere. A little flirtation is more than enough to pass the time."
Julian cleared his throat, crossing his arms. "Forgive my intrusion, but aren't you meant to save yourself for the man who will marry you?"
Sophia gave him a long look. "Marriage?" she repeated. "I do not plan on marrying."
The room fell silent, her words dropping like a stone in a still lake.
"What?!" everyone exclaimed at once.
"That is preposterous!" Ethan gasped.
"What on earth are you saying?" Emily asked, visibly stunned.
"That's not a good idea," Lola murmured, concern flashing in her eyes.
Sophia rose from the couch with quiet defiance. "I have seen the way men treat their wives. I have no intention of spending my life shrinking into someone else's shadow. I refuse to be bound to a man who sees me as an ornament. I would rather live free... than be accused of murder."
Her words echoed through the hall, heavy and sharp. The group sat in stunned silence, while Lola's thoughts drifted against her will to a certain infuriating emperor who had been taking up far too much space in her mind.
Later that afternoon, after a lavish lunch, Emperor Xander rose from his seat.
"Caspian, there's no need for formalities," he said, smiling at his guest. "Rest. I've duties to tend to, but I'll see you again shortly."
Caspian inclined his head in gratitude. "Of course, Your Majesty."
As the emperor departed, Caspian lingered in the dining hall, lost in quiet thought. What neither man had noticed, however, were the many eyes watching from behind silken fans and behind marble pillars. Ladies of court who observed the visiting Lord like predators assessing prey.