Weeks passed, and the palace moved in a steady rhythm. Peace reigned, its stillness almost suspicious. But such quiet never lasts in Aldovia.
The Empress Dowager sat poised in her private salon, a porcelain teacup balanced between her fingers. Her expression remained unreadable until the door creaked open and her trusted maid, Martha, entered with a bow.
"Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty."
Victoria glanced over her shoulder, her tone clipped. "And the matter I entrusted to you?"
Without a word, Martha stepped forward and presented a sealed letter. The Empress Dowager took it with an impatient gleam in her eye, drew a blade from the letter opener tray, and sliced through the seal. Her eyes danced as she read.
"Well then," she whispered, a smile curling at her lips. "This is indeed excellent news. Everything is falling perfectly into place."
She turned sharply to her second maid. "Lilian, fetch Percival. We have much to prepare."
"At once, Your Majesty," Lilian said with a curtsy and hurried off.
"Martha, come with me," Victoria ordered, rising with purpose. "There is much to do before she arrives."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Martha said, trailing closely behind.
That same morning, Lola strolled through the palace gardens with Sophia, Emily, and Ava. The spring air was fragrant, but their attention was quickly drawn to the servants flitting about like nervous birds, clutching floral arrangements and setting out silks.
"Is there to be a ball?" Sophia asked, frowning.
"Or perhaps a royal guest?" Ava added.
Lola's brow furrowed. "I wasn't told of anything."
Just then, a maid passed by with a bouquet in hand. Lola gently stopped her.
"Pardon me, miss. What's happening?"
The maid curtsied, her face glowing with excitement. "Lady Ana is returning, my lady. We are to prepare the east wing in anticipation of her arrival."
"Lady Ana?" Lola echoed.
"Lady Adriana Valmont," the maid explained with enthusiasm. "His Imperial Majesty's childhood companion. His closest friend since boyhood. She left for Everia to study but now she returns. The Empress Dowager is overjoyed and already preparing for their wedding."
Lola stood frozen, her smile faltering. "Their... wedding?"
The maid gave a cheerful nod before bustling away.
Sophia's expression darkened. "That was not a coincidence. The Empress Dowager is making her move."
"Are you all right?" Emily asked, concern etched across her face.
"I'll be fine," Lola replied, though her voice wavered. "I only need to endure the rest of my time here... until I leave."
The group resumed their walk, though the silence between them was heavy until they found themselves face to face with the Empress Dowager herself.
They dipped into respectful bows. "Your Imperial Majesty," they chorused.
Victoria's smile was cold as glass. Her gaze lingered on Lola. "I assume you've heard the delightful news, my future daughter-in-law arrives shortly. Be wise, dear girl, and keep yourself from becoming... a nuisance. I'd hate for her to be made uncomfortable." Her voice dropped an octave. "And I assure you, you do not want to see what I am capable of when I am displeased."
Before Lola could utter a word, the Empress Dowager swept past them like a winter storm.
Emily crossed her arms. "I can't believe how ruthless she is. She's nothing like the Grand Empress or the Emperor himself."
Sophia shook her head. "Is she truly his mother?"
Lola forced a smile, though her heart ached. "I'm fine," she whispered.
But as her friends exchanged worried glances, it became all too clear.
Things were no longer fine. And Lady Ana had not yet arrived.