Lord Caspian stood beside the wide mahogany table, his fingers trailing the edges of a well-inked map. He glanced toward Sophia, who stood poised, her expression as focused as his.
"This is excellent thinking, Sophia. A perfectly layered defense strategy," he said, rounding the table with purpose.
Sophia offered a modest smile. "Thank you, my lord."
His eyes gleamed with something beyond admiration. "Are you certain you don't want to marry? I find it difficult to believe such beauty and brilliance should remain unattached." He lifted his hand in half jest, gesturing toward her with the quill.
She let out a soft chuckle, rolling her eyes. "I'm quite certain. Though, perhaps... you could have me if you ask nicely," she teased, voice silken.
Caspian laughed, the sound deep and easy. "I shall take that under consideration, Lady Sophia."
He turned back to the map. "I'll send this to my advisors and then speak with His Majesty regarding the alliance. After that, I'll prepare to return to my kingdom."
Sophia gave a nod, a hint of regret flickering behind her eyes. "That sounds reasonable. In that case, I'll rejoin my friends. I fear I've spent far too many afternoons attending to your every word."
"You wound me," he said with a smirk. "But shall we meet for tea later?"
Sophia paused at the door and cast him a mischievous glance. "When have I ever refused you, my lord?"
He watched her leave, a faint smile lingering on his lips though the map now held little of his interest.
Sophia entered the parlour where the others were gathered. Before she could so much as greet them, Liam turned to her with a spark in his eyes.
"Sophia, you won't believe it, the emperor is releasing us at the end of next month!"
She blinked. "He is? Goodness. That's wonderful news. I imagine Lola is ecstatic."
The silence that followed was louder than any response.
She glanced between their hesitant expressions. "What is it?"
Emily cleared her throat, voice gentle. "She cried."
Sophia's brow furrowed. "Tears of joy?"
"No," Ethan said, exchanging a glance with Julian. "She's heartbroken."
Julian leaned back, arms crossed. "She's fallen in love with the emperor."
Sophia paused, then let out a slow exhale. "Ah. As she should. And I believe the emperor loves her in return."
"You really think so?" Emily asked softly.
Sophia nodded, calm and certain. "Yes. And if love is truly between them, they will find a way. They must."
Outside the parlour window, the skies had begun to darken. An omen of change, or perhaps a sign that something was about to begin.