Chapter Seven-Where Jealousy Blooms

Lola huffed as she paced near the terrace. "That emperor is insufferable. Who in their right mind would crown such a pompous, unserious man? He'll ruin Aldovia with that smug grin alone."

Julian rolled his eyes. "Keep your voice down, woman. You've no idea who might be listening."

Emily nodded in agreement. "You should count your stars he didn't throw us in the dungeon. We were spared, and you call that insufferable?"

"I don't know about you, but I think the emperor seems rather kind," Sophia chimed in with a soft smile, tilting her head.

"Kind?" Lola scoffed. "Kind, my foot."

Before the debate could deepen, two maidservants approached, flanked by three royal guards. One curtsied gracefully.

"Good day, my lords and ladies. His Majesty requests that you be given a tour of the palace."

The group brightened at once, excited murmurs rippling among them, except for Ava, who rose silently.

"Where are you off to?" Liam asked.

Ava glanced back. "I should change. One doesn't tour a royal estate in sleepwear," she said before disappearing down the corridor.

Lola stood as well. "She's right. I refuse to be seen in a nightgown, even by nobles."

"We'll wait here," Julian called after them.

Ethan leaned against a pillar, shaking his head. "I truly cannot tell who's more vexing between those two."

"I, for one, plan to enjoy myself. Perhaps even catch the eye of a handsome lord," Sophia said with a coy shrug.

The others stared at her.

"What? There's no harm in being ambitious," she added nonchalantly.

Soon after, Ava and Lola returned, both dressed in light gowns suited for a casual promenade. They rejoined the group, following the attendants through marbled hallways adorned with oil paintings and golden sconces.

Lola grumbled under her breath, and Ethan noticed.

"What now?" he asked.

"I was just thinking of that arrogant emperor. Can you believe the nerve of him? Sleeping in the same bed as me like it's normal…"

"Not this again," Sophia interrupted, exasperated.

"Can we not enjoy the palace in peace?" Emily added.

"If you let him occupy your thoughts this much," Ava murmured, "you may as well fall in love with him."

Lola halted, turning to her sharply. "Fall in love with him? I'd sooner drown in the lake."

Liam chuckled. "Just let it be. We're in a palace. Try to act like it."

Reluctantly, Lola sighed and continued walking, muttering something about never falling for a man with dimples.

As they passed the royal gardens, the beauty of the sculpted hedges and blooming roses stole their breath until a tension swept over them. Several women in ornate dresses were having tea, yet their eyes were not on their cups.

They were locked on Lola.

A particular group didn't bother hiding their disdain, glaring as if she were an uninvited guest at their own wedding. Jealousy practically dripped from their gazes.

"What on earth is their problem?" Liam asked, eyebrows furrowing.

Sophia smiled knowingly. "The emperor kept a maiden in his chambers. A lovely maiden, no less. Of course they feel threatened."

"This is going to be delicious," she added, as if she were already sipping the gossip.

Lola groaned. "I'm going to speak to the emperor. I never agreed to be part of palace drama."

"Technically, you brought this upon yourself," Ava muttered innocently.

Lola narrowed her eyes at her friend, who merely shrugged and looked at the roses.

Before they could walk further, several of the women at the garden stood up, their movements graceful, but filled with intent.

"Uh-oh," Ethan said under his breath. "Let's keep moving. I've no desire to witness noblewomen fight over a man before breakfast."

As the group picked up their pace, the sharp tap of heeled slippers followed behind them.

Just as they turned the corridor, a voice rang out, calm but cold.

"Well, well. This is the girl?"

The group turned, and standing before them was a tall, elegant noblewoman, her presence commanding, her eyes fixed on Lola with silent challenge.