The night had deepened, cloaking the palace in velvet silence. A single candle flickered in Charlotte Cavendish's chambers, casting golden light against the walls. Lola, as her closest confidantes called her, sat upright on her bed, her arms wrapped around her knees as she listened to the hush of the palace beyond her door.
Beatrix stood at the edge of the room, arms crossed and a sly smile tugging at her lips.
"You were right, my lady," she said with a low chuckle. "Lady Adriana had a plan tucked neatly under her corset."
"And thank the stars you saw it coming," Emmeline added, her voice still touched with disbelief. "To think, her maid sneaking into your chamber like that."
Lola gave a small, knowing smile. "Lady Adriana doesn't surprise me anymore. She's as predictable as a cat before rain, elegant, but always up to mischief."
Beatrix leaned in, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "But how did you know she'd go after the dress?"
"I know my enemies well." Lola shifted beneath her blanket, voice cool and composed. "She'd do anything to stop me from appearing at that ball especially if she thinks I might capture the emperor's gaze." Her eyes gleamed. "What she doesn't know is that I'm already ten steps ahead."
Beatrix gave a low whistle. "Truly, you should've been a general, not a noblewoman."
Lola smirked. "Sometimes, the battlefield is simply the ballroom."
Emmeline clasped her hands, her voice eager. "So what now, my lady? What's the next step?"
"We wait," Lola replied, her tone resolute. "An opportunity always comes to those who are patient. And when it does, we strike." She turned to Emmeline. "How is the new dress coming along?"
"It will be ready," Emmeline assured her, bowing slightly. "Just as you envisioned it."
"Good," Lola murmured, settling back against her pillows. "Now go. Both of you. I'd like to rest."
Beatrix curtsied with a mischievous smile. "Don't worry, I won't fall asleep on the job."
"You better not," Lola called softly as they slipped out the door.
By morning, scandal had already bloomed in every corridor of the palace. Whispers echoed through silk-lined halls, and servants exchanged wide-eyed glances behind doors. But in a quieter corner of the imperial residence, Lady Adriana was being escorted into the sun-dappled garden where the Empress Dowager, Victoria, awaited with her tea.
"You summoned me, Your Highness," Adriana said with a graceful bow, though her heart thudded uneasily beneath her bodice.
The Empress Dowager didn't glance up at once. She sipped from a delicate china cup, her gloved fingers poised.
"Yes. Sit, Adriana. The morning is far too fine to waste on formalities."
Adriana lowered herself into the chair, accepting her own teacup as the maids poured with quiet precision.
"I'll speak plainly," Victoria said, setting her cup down with a soft clink. "You know I have no patience for games without purpose."
Adriana lowered her eyes. "Of course, Your Highness."
Victoria leaned back, inspecting her with a gaze that was equal parts regal and razor-sharp. "I've heard the rumors, my dear. About your little servant's escapade. And while I do admire a woman with ambition…" She sighed. "Sending a maid to destroy a rival's dress? That was child's play."
Adriana's fingers tightened around the porcelain.
"You were clever enough to save face, I'll give you that," Victoria went on. "But remember, a future empress must rise above petty sabotage. You wouldn't want the emperor thinking less of you."
"No, Your Highness. I would never risk that."
"Good," Victoria said, standing smoothly. "Then don't disappoint me. I've placed my hopes in you, Adriana. You may leave."
Adriana rose with a bow, her heart thundering beneath her ribcage. As soon as the Empress Dowager disappeared into the corridor, her composure cracked. Her jaw tightened. Her nails dug into her palm.
She turned her gaze toward the distant east wing where Lola's chambers lay.
"Charlotte Cavendish," she whispered through gritted teeth, "this is only the beginning."