As the sun dipped below the palace roofs, casting long shadows across the marble floors, the three of them, Xander, Ana, and Lola stepped back into the grand corridor. Their steps were light, their laughter still lingering in the air, until a familiar figure appeared at the top of the staircase.
The Empress Dowager.
Her smile brightened upon seeing Adriana, but the moment her eyes fell on Lola, her expression soured.
"What is she doing here?" she asked, her voice clipped, gaze narrowing at Lola like a hawk spotting prey.
Xander's jaw tensed, but before he could reply, Ana stepped in, linking her arm with his casually.
"Come now, Aunt," Ana said, her tone light but pointed. "I invited her. I wanted to get to know Lady Charlotte better, and I must say, she's quite charming."
The simple gesture Ana clinging to Xander's arm sank like a stone into Lola's heart. She masked the pain with a tight smile.
"Don't get too fond of peasants, dear. They tend to latch on," the Empress Dowager said, lips curling into a sneer.
"Aunty, you truly haven't changed at all," Ana replied with a soft shake of her head, the attempt at lightness failing to erase the tension in the air.
"That's beside the point," the Empress Dowager said, turning with an exaggerated flourish. "Come. Dinner is ready. I instructed the chef to prepare your favorite dishes, Adriana."
"You always go to such lengths for me," Ana replied sweetly, laughing as she walked ahead. The Empress smiled at Ana but the moment her eyes flicked back to Lola, that smile disappeared once more.
"I shall take my leave," Lola said calmly, her voice steady despite the tremor in her chest.
"Yes, go," Victoria said at once, waving a dismissive hand. "You are not needed."
"Mother!" Xander snapped, shooting his mother a dark glare.
"I'm simply stating the obvious," the Empress Dowager replied, unbothered.
"Are you certain you don't want to join us for dinner?" Ana asked, turning slightly to face Lola.
"Don't patronize her, Ana," the Empress Dowager interjected sharply. "Let her be."
"Mother!" Xander barked again, then turned to Lola. "Are you sure, Lola?"
"Quite sure, Your Majesty," she replied, offering a small curtsy. "There's something rather important I must attend to."
Before anyone could protest, she turned and walked away with quiet dignity.
As the trio disappeared down the hallway, Xander glanced back one final time but Lola did not look up.
Once she was out of sight, Lola stopped by a pillar and rested her hand against the cold stone for support. Her breath came shallow, her heart heavy. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to contain the ache.
It hurt. It hurt more than she had imagined.
But then she heard the soft shuffling of footsteps; maids approaching. She straightened at once, composing her features with practiced elegance.
"My lady," they greeted in passing.
She gave them a warm, hollow smile.
"I'm fine," she whispered to herself. "I am fine."
Yet the question echoed in her heart.
How much more could she endure?