The room fell into a fragile, crackling silence, the kind that lingers when words have yet to strike, but the weight of them presses heavy in the air. Between Lola and Adriana stood tension as taut as a violin string, ready to sing or snap.
Adriana's lips curled into a slow, practiced smile, but the rigid tilt of her shoulders betrayed her surprise. Lola stepped into the chamber with the poise of someone no longer seeking approval. No, she had come for something far more dangerous: recognition.
Her gown, a cascade of garnet silk and shadows, shimmered like a flame starved of air, dangerous, restrained, and impossible to ignore.
"Well, well," Adriana drawled, folding her hands with mock amusement. "Have you come to steal the air from the room, or simply to eavesdrop?"
Lola closed the door with a soft click. "You speak as if the two are so different."
Calantha shifted on her seat, suddenly uncomfortable. "Perhaps I should…"
"Stay," Adriana interjected, not turning to look. "You might find this entertaining."
"How bold of you," Lola said smoothly, "to conduct such private affairs in a public court. If you're going to scheme, do us the courtesy of keeping your voice down."
Adriana's smile thinned like stretched lace. "Careful, darling. You're dancing on marble floors you weren't born to walk."
"And you," Lola replied coolly, "are standing on a pedestal you built with threats and pretty lies."
Calantha stood abruptly. "Enough. This is not the place…"
"It never is," Adriana hissed, eyes fixed on Lola. "But our Lady Charlotte seems to think this palace is her personal stage."
Lola met her gaze without flinching. "And you've mistaken cruelty for command. But let me share something you've yet to learn, true power doesn't need applause. It enters a room like a storm you didn't see coming."
Adriana blinked, only once.
"I will not be your pawn," Lola said softly, but her voice struck like tempered steel. "And I certainly will not be your prey."
Adriana took a measured step forward until only inches separated them. Her voice dropped to a silken whisper.
"Then be ready, darling. Because the game has already begun."
Lola's lips curved into something faint and dangerous. "Good. I've always loved winning."
Before either could say more, a sharp knock disrupted the tension. Both women turned as a palace guard entered.
"Lady Adriana," he announced with a respectful bow, "the Empress Dowager requests your presence."
Adriana turned, a smug smile tugging at her mouth. "Of course. Duty calls as it should, for the future Empress of Aldovia."
She brushed past Lola, her shoulder grazing hers with deliberate force, and swept from the room without another word.
Lola watched her go in silence, then turned to Calantha, who had sunk back into her high-backed chair with a dramatic sigh.
"Please," Calantha muttered, waving a hand. "You've both thoroughly ruined my morning. Get out."
Without a word, Lola turned and left.
As the door clicked shut behind her, Calantha stared at the empty space Adriana had left behind.
"This Adriana girl," she murmured under her breath, rubbing her temple, "is going to get me into trouble... sooner than I thought."