"Do you truly believe your little schemes will succeed?" Lady Calantha asked with a raised brow, her tone edged in disbelief.
"I do not believe, dear Calantha, I know," Duchess Aurelia replied with a poised smile, her chin lifting with quiet defiance.
Just then, a maid approached and offered a graceful curtsy. "My lady, His Majesty has requested your presence for tea on the balcony of the south wing."
Aurelia hummed, unbothered. "Very well. Inform him I shall join them shortly."
With that, she rose, her steps measured and confident, as if summoned not by the Emperor but by destiny itself.
Later that evening, laughter spilled softly through the palace gardens as Lola and the noble ladies gathered beneath moonlight. Having grown restless within the palace walls, they had chosen fresh air and freedom instead, sharing stories, playing music, and dancing barefoot beneath the stars. Their mirth echoed up toward the south wing balcony, where the royal family had assembled for tea.
"What is that measly girl doing now?" the Empress Dowager asked, her voice laced with disapproval as she peered down into the garden.
"She gathers noble ladies and gives them a place to feel safe... to be themselves," Duchess Aurelia replied, her tone dry. "How noble. And entirely frivolous."
"That's a good thing," the Grand Empress Augusta interjected calmly, sipping her tea. She turned her gaze pointedly toward Aurelia. "You might consider joining them. You seem in desperate need of happiness."
The Emperor stifled a chuckle behind his cup, and the Empress Dowager pressed her lips together to hide a smile. Aurelia's fingers curled subtly against her skirts, the only sign of her rising temper.
Sensing the tension, the Duke shifted in his seat and quickly changed the subject. "Perhaps the gardens have never seen such lively company. It brings life back to the palace."
At that moment, Ryker stepped into the balcony, the light of the lanterns catching the gleam of his smile. "I do hope I'm not too late."
He swept in, wrapping his arms around the Grand Empress from behind and pressing a kiss to her cheek. "It's good to see you, Grandmama."
Augusta beamed, patting his hand. "My darling boy. Always just in time."
He straightened and nodded first at his mother. "Mother." Then toward the Duke with polite reserve. "Father."
Lastly, his eyes flicked to the Empress Dowager. "Aunt."
She gave him a cool look. "I've not seen you since my return. Are you avoiding me, Ryker?"
Ryker chuckled lightly, though a hint of unease flickered in his eyes. "Of course not. Merely preoccupied, I assure you."
He turned and bowed to the Emperor. "Your Majesty."
Xander's tone, however, was anything but cordial. "I have a bone to pick with you, Ryker. We shall speak soon."
The air grew taut for a moment. Ryker held his composure, though the slight tightening of his jaw betrayed him. Aurelia narrowed her eyes at her son, but he gave the faintest shake of his head. Not now.
Augusta, ever the gracious host, broke the silence. "Where is Kaelin?"
Her question floated into the quiet, unanswered, as all eyes turned briefly toward Ryker who smiled, but said nothing.