The golden light of afternoon draped itself over the imperial gardens, gilding each leaf and blossom in warmth. Lola walked slowly beneath the rose-covered arches, her steps thoughtful, her breath steady until she heard it.
Laughter. Rich and unguarded.
It was the Emperor.
Curiosity slowed her pace as she followed the sound around a hedge. But when she turned the corner, her steps halted entirely. There he was, Emperor Xander seated at a tea table, not alone, but accompanied by a woman whose presence caught the light as easily as the flowers.
She was striking, raven-dark hair that shimmered like silk, lips curled in a knowing smile, and a gown in soft sage that complemented her fair skin. Her elegance was effortless, her poise unmistakable. Her jewels sparkled, but none outshone her confidence.
Lola's chest tightened.
She turned to retreat, but the woman's gaze found her first. A whisper passed between the two, and then Xander's voice followed.
"Lola," he called, warm and unsuspecting. "Come join us."
She summoned a smile and stepped forward with measured grace.
"Your Majesty," she said, offering a courteous bow before turning to the woman. "Miss."
The lady inclined her head graciously.
"I was merely taking a walk to enjoy the air," Lola said, voice smooth despite the tension in her shoulders. "I had no wish to interrupt."
"Nonsense," Xander replied, waving a hand. "The gardens are for all. Ana, this is Lady Charlotte Cavendish. And Lola, this is Lady Adriana Valmont, my dearest childhood companion. She deserted me in pursuit of knowledge and now, at last, she has returned."
"You make it sound like betrayal," Adriana said with a gentle laugh.
"It was betrayal," Xander teased. "You abandoned me to boredom."
"Childish," she said, arching a brow. "Truly, you haven't changed."
Lola watched their banter, light and familiar, like threads woven tightly over years of shared stories. Something unspoken twisted inside her.
Was I not good company? Did he ever laugh like this when he was with me?
"Come now, Xanny," Adriana said with a smile. "Don't forget your manners."
She turned to Lola. "Lady Charlotte. It is lovely to finally put a name to the face."
Lola's lips curved faintly. "I take it you've heard of me?"
"Here and there," Adriana replied with a coy shrug.
"I only heard of you yesterday," Lola said.
"Oh?" Adriana blinked, casting a glance at Xander. He merely shrugged with a smirk.
"Join us for tea?" he offered.
Lola opened her mouth to decline, but Adriana cut in smoothly. "Please, do. I insist."
Left with no escape, Lola took the empty seat beside them. Instantly, regret settled in her bones.
The conversation drifted past her like wind through a closed window. They laughed about childhood pranks, recalled old tutors, named horses and treehouses and places that no longer existed.
And Adriana, she wasn't only beautiful. She was brilliant. She spoke of languages and science, of diplomatic customs in Everia, of philosophies she'd studied by candlelight. She was, Lola thought bitterly, everything an emperor could ever want.
A tremor ran through her hand. She didn't notice the teacup tilting until warm liquid spilled across her fingers and onto her gown.
"Lola!" Xander stood instantly, reaching for her.
She flinched, setting the cup down too quickly. "I'm fine," she said, voice brittle. "I didn't mean to interrupt."
"You're shaking," he said, concern clouding his eyes.
Adriana rose to her feet as well. "Shall I call someone?"
Xander didn't wait. "Fetch the royal physician," he commanded a nearby guard. Then he turned back to Lola, gently cupping her wrist. "Sit. You're pale."
Lola sank into the seat, but her gaze was far away.
Because it wasn't the tea. It wasn't the laughter. It was the truth, clear and painful as glass.
Adriana had returned.
And Lola… she was already fading.