Just in time, a cheerful voice echoed from the gardens.
"Lady Charlotte!"
All heads turned as Kaelin ran toward the women, his face alight with excitement. He halted beside Lola, slightly breathless.
"You're here," Lola said, her smile warm as she extended her hand.
Kaelin took it without hesitation, his joy unmistakable. From the balcony, however, Aurelia's expression darkened.
"It seems you ought to take better care of your son, lest he grow too comfortable wining and dining with peasants," the Empress Dowager said, her voice laced with icy disdain.
Xander's jaw tensed, his fists tightening by his sides, but he remained silent.
Aurelia muttered something beneath her breath and stood abruptly, the movement sharp and agitated. Instinctively, the royal family began to rise as well but Augusta lifted a single hand.
"Let the boy have his fun," the Grand Empress said, eyes fixed on Aurelia. "He is still young. Surely you don't intend to squeeze the joy from him as you did from Ryker."
The words struck like a whip. Aurelia paused, lips pressed into a line as the faint sound of music drifted up from below.
They turned toward the gardens, where Kaelin stood at the center of the gathering, singing with pure, effortless grace.
"Good Lord," the Empress Dowager whispered, stunned despite herself. "This child is gifted."
Duke Marcello stood beside her, his hands clasped behind his back, watching in silence.
Aurelia's breath caught. She stared at her son as if seeing him for the first time. Never had she noticed his voice. Never had she cared to.
Below, the women danced and laughed, carried away by Kaelin's melody. His voice, light yet rich, carried the charm of a born performer.
"You sing even more beautifully than last time, Kaelin," a noblewoman called out, smiling.
Kaelin beamed and turned toward Lola, who offered him a proud nod. His heart lifted at her approval.
"All the children in House Rykhard are so very talented," Augusta said, her voice soft with pride.
Suddenly, the duchess turned and descended from the balcony, her steps swift and measured. The garden's joy quieted as the women noticed her approaching. Their laughter faded. Bodies stiffened. Lola turned instinctively, her heart faltering when she saw the Duchess making her way through the grass like a shadow.
Kaelin's smile faltered as well. When he realized his mother was approaching, his small frame trembled.
"Your Majesty," the women murmured in unison, bowing low.
But Aurelia paid them no mind. Her gaze was fixed solely on her son. He looked down, avoiding her eyes.
"And yet," she said coolly, "you have never once sung for your mother, boy."
Kaelin's eyes widened, his lips parting in shock. His hands trembled as silence fell over the garden once more.