In the quiet hush of late afternoon, Empress Dowager Victoria made her way to the private chambers of Grand Empress Augusta. The scent of lavender and old books lingered in the air, a reminder that the past still held its place firmly in the present.
"You asked to see me," Victoria said, settling into the seat opposite her mother-in-law as a maid poured tea into delicate porcelain cups.
"I did. Though I recall requesting your presence yesterday," Augusta replied, sipping with regal calm, though her tone carried a sharp undertone.
"As you know, I'm a busy woman. I came when my schedule allowed," Victoria said smoothly, her voice laced with subtle impatience. "And since I'll be busy again shortly, I suggest you make the best of this time."
Augusta's lips thinned. "I've been ill, Victoria. Unwell for days, yet not even a fleeting visit from you."
A quiet scoff escaped Victoria. "You didn't summon me here to complain about that. I hardly think concern for your health was the true motive."
"Still so blunt," Augusta muttered, setting her cup down with a soft clink. Her face hardened. "I'll speak plainly too, then. Stop this nonsense. You know Alexander does not love Adriana. Forcing him to marry her will only end in ruin."
Victoria's expression remained unchanged, serene as ice. "Love is not a requirement for leadership. Stability is. This match is what's best for the kingdom."
"And what of his happiness? Will you create a ruler with a hollow heart, one who merely performs for the court like a puppet?"
"Better a puppet who serves with duty than a reckless romantic who tears the realm apart," Victoria said, rising to her feet. "Take care of your health, Mother. Leave the ruling to those who still possess the strength for it."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned on her heel and left. Augusta stared after her with narrowed eyes.
"What a stubborn woman," she muttered to herself, lifting her teacup once more. "But she underestimates the strength of the heart."
Night fell over Aldovia like a velvet curtain, and the palace bloomed to life in candlelight and silk. The grand ballroom shimmered with golds and creams, alive with the soft rustle of gowns and the hum of whispered ambition.
Lords clustered in tight circles, some deep in political strategy, others in pursuit of temporary pleasure. The ladies mirrored them, some fluttering their fans and sharing scandalous gossip, others casting subtle glances in search of eligible titles. A few stood by the edges, too shy or proud to join the fray, watching the swirl of court with careful eyes.
In the midst of it all, Empress Dowager Victoria guided Lady Adriana from guest to guest, introducing her with strategic charm to respected elders of the court and influential lords.
At the far end of the ballroom, Lord Caspian stood by the wall, his hands folded behind his back, eyes quietly assessing the crowd. Sophia approached, holding two crystal glasses of wine, and offered one to him.
"Thank you," he said, accepting it.
Sophia sighed dramatically before taking a sip. "Bored already?" he asked, his lips quirking in amusement.
"You know it. I miss the drama," she replied, her gaze scanning the crowd. "Can't something spectacular happen already?"
"Patience, my dear," Caspian said, clinking his glass softly against hers.
Their conversation drifted toward politics and palace gossip but it was abruptly silenced when a sudden shift of movement stilled the room. The palace guards stepped forward.
A voice rang out in formal announcement from the top of the grand staircase.
"Presenting Lady Charlotte Cavendish."
Heads turned. Conversations halted. Glasses paused mid-air. Every gaze fixed on the top of the stairs.
And then she appeared.