The morning sun filtered softly through the silk curtains of Lady Charlotte's chamber, casting golden streaks upon the floor. A gentle knock preceded the familiar creak of the door as Beatrix and Emmeline entered with practiced grace.
"Good morning, my lady," Beatrix said cheerfully, moving to draw the curtains wide. The room was immediately bathed in warm light.
Lola stirred and sat upright with calm determination. The haze of yesterday had cleared. Today, she did not rise as a debutante or a guest. Today, she rose as a contender.
"Morning," Lola replied, her eyes finding Emmeline at once. "Were you able to manage what I asked?"
Emmeline's face lit up with pride. "Yes, my lady. I finished it just before dawn."
"She stayed up all night," Beatrix chimed in, crossing the room with a grin. "You should have seen her stitchwork, truly impeccable."
Lola turned her gaze toward Beatrix, one brow elegantly arched. "And where were you while she toiled?"
Caught off guard, Beatrix flushed. "Well... I was supervising," she said quickly, though her sheepish smile betrayed her.
Emmeline stifled a laugh as she laid out the fresh garments on the dressing chaise.
"Let's prepare for the day," Lola said, rising from bed with the grace of someone preparing for battle. "We've work to do, and I plan to be unforgettable."
Meanwhile, in the moonstone hall, the air carried a certain tension one only felt when someone of significance entered a room uninvited.
Lady Calantha reclined in her throne-like seat, her shoulders being gently massaged by her maid. Around her, the other ladies of court fluttered about in their usual gossip and embroidery. The sound of heeled footsteps cut through the murmur like a blade.
Lady Adriana entered, her steps measured, her smile knowing. Behind her trailed two maids, silent and obedient.
The chamber fell into an uneasy hush.
Calantha's eyes flickered open at the silence. She straightened immediately when her gaze found Adriana.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice low and sharp.
Adriana's smile only widened. "Good morning, Cally. Is that any way to greet an old friend?"
Calantha scoffed. "Old friend? Please. You're a viper, Adriana. I may be the only one who sees it, but I see it clearly."
Adriana's eyes swept the room, pausing briefly on the courtiers who watched with wide eyes. "Then send them away," she said smoothly. "We have private matters to discuss."
"And if I refuse?" Calantha's voice was challenging, her tone defiant.
Adriana stepped closer, leaned in, and whispered something that made Calantha's eyes narrow and her jaw tighten.
"Just as you said," Adriana murmured. "You're the only one who knows what I'm capable of. I'd hate for you to forget."
Calantha straightened with a clenched jaw. "Leave us," she said to the ladies.
One by one, they filed out, casting glances of curiosity and concern over their shoulders.
As the doors shut, Adriana turned to her with a satisfied smile. "Now," she purred, "that wasn't so difficult, was it?"