The morning sun cast a warm golden glow across the palace grounds as Lady Lola Cavendish stepped out, her heels clicking softly against the marble steps. Emmeline and Beatrix followed closely behind, skirts fluttering in the breeze, while Silas trailed with a quiet sigh, already regretting whatever new storm of emotion his lady might stir.
Lola dusted invisible specks from her gown with unnecessary fervor, a deep scowl set on her face.
"I cannot believe how utterly rotten-minded he is," she muttered, more to herself than to anyone in particular.
Emmeline suppressed a giggle. Beatrix's lips twitched.
"Here she goes again," Silas murmured under his breath.
Lola's eyes blazed with indignation as she continued her tirade. "He's handsome, devastatingly so, but that doesn't mean he should walk about half-naked, leaving a woman flustered beyond measure! What does he think he's doing, prancing around like some Greek god? Honestly!"
Beatrix bit her lip to contain her laughter.
"He could have at least had the decency to knock on his own bath door! I was clearly there! And now…now I'm plagued with confusion. Utter confusion."
A pause. Then, her voice softened into something nearly wistful.
"But he truly is a fine man…" she murmured, blush creeping onto her cheeks.
Silas rolled his eyes skyward. "It was far simpler when we worked in the kitchens," he grumbled.
Just then, a voice called out. "Sister-in-law!"
Lola turned, startled. A young man bounded toward her, waving with the enthusiasm of someone far too cheerful for such an early hour.
"You!" she exclaimed, recognizing him as the boy she had sung with at the ball. "What are you doing here?"
"I was looking for you," he said brightly, his grin wide and boyish.
"You were?" Lola blinked. "Did I… commit some unknown crime?"
He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not at all. I only wanted to ask a small favor."
She tilted her head. "I'm listening."
He hesitated a moment before speaking. "I heard you created a space for women, something like a circle of support. I was wondering if... well, if I might be allowed to visit?"
"To a women's gathering?" Lola arched her brow.
"Not like that!" he said quickly. "I mean just to sing. For the ladies. I sing quite well, and I think they'd enjoy it."
Lola studied him for a moment before softening into a smile. "You may come."
His face lit up. "Truly?"
"But I can't invite a stranger, now can I?" she added. "What's your name?"
"Kaelin," he replied. "Just Kaelin."
"Well then, Kaelin," she said warmly, "you're welcome."
"Thank you!" he beamed, then dashed off, his energy trailing behind like a ribbon in the wind.
"What a sweet little fella," Lola murmured, still smiling.
Silas, watching Kaelin disappear, muttered under his breath, "I would stay away from that one, if I were you, my lady. He smells like trouble."
Lola gave him a sidelong glance. "Must you always be so grumpy, Silas? Come along now."
And with a playful huff, she swept forward with her maids in tow. Silas shook his head, sighing once more.
But as they walked on, Lola cast a glance over her shoulder, something about Kaelin's sudden appearance still tugging at her curiosity.