Adriana retired to her chambers shortly after dinner. The East Wing of the palace, adorned with soft golden lamps and the scent of night jasmine, now housed three distinct hearts; hers, the emperor's, and that of Lady Charlotte Cavendish. When she discovered that Lady Charlotte resided in His Majesty's chambers, a flicker of displeasure shadowed her composed expression.
As her maids bustled about, unpinning her hair and undoing the clasps of her gown, Adriana studied her reflection with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"What's your name?" she asked the maid brushing her hair, her voice soft yet commanding.
"Mary, my lady," the maid replied, giving a modest curtsy.
"Mary," Adriana said, her gaze fixed on the mirror. "Would you be so kind as to tell me who Lady Charlotte is… in the emperor's heart?"
Mary blinked, hesitating for a moment before answering. "She's held in very high regard, my lady. Everyone says His Majesty treats her with... affection. They spend quite a bit of time together. Some even believe she may be more than a mere guest."
"I see," Adriana said coolly, her smile sharpening as she lowered her gaze. "That will be all."
Mary curtsied and left the room, entirely unaware of the gleam that had crept into her mistress's eyes, an icy, calculating light that spoke of intent.
Elsewhere, across the palace, Lady Calantha stood frozen in her chamber, her expression torn between shock and indignation.
"The Empress Dowager did what?" she asked, her voice rising as her maid bowed deeply before her.
"She welcomed Lady Adriana Valmont into the palace, my lady. They say she will be wed to the emperor soon."
Calantha's lips curled in disbelief. "And not a word to me?" she hissed, pacing. "That arrogant girl back in court as if her time abroad gives her the right to rule over us all?"
"My lady…" the maid began, but Calantha raised a hand, silencing her.
"No. I will not allow her to destroy everything I've worked for. If I do nothing, I shall be forgotten… replaced. And I did not climb this far to be cast aside."
Down the quiet corridor, Lord Caspian walked alongside Lady Sophia, their laughter echoing gently as their conversation drifted through the candlelit halls.
"Well, here we are," he said with a smile as they reached her chamber door.
"I hardly noticed we'd arrived. Your stories are quite the distraction," Sophia teased.
Caspian chuckled. "And you, my lady, are quite skilled at charming me with your wit."
Sophia laughed lightly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you for today. But I must take my leave… beauty sleep and all."
"Indeed," he said, leaning forward and pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "Sleep well."
Sophia smiled, slipping into her chamber with a heart unexpectedly light.
But as the palace quieted and the moon rose higher, shadows stirred behind closed doors, and secrets whispered through silk-lined halls some born of jealousy, some of ambition, and others still, of love… or vengeance.