After a brisk bath and careful attention to her appearance, Lola selected a gown of soft blush satin that whispered elegance with every step. White gloves adorned her hands, and delicate jewels sparkled against her skin. With her head held high and a small, secret smile on her lips, she made her way to the South Wing, where she knew he would be waiting.
Her heart gave a foolish leap when she spotted him from afar. Xander stood tall and composed, his attire crisp and regal. A dusting of beard shadowed his jawline, giving him an air of ruggedness that made her breath catch. He looked tired, certainly, but that only seemed to enhance the gravity he carried.
Lola smoothed her skirts and began walking toward him with deliberate grace.
Xander heard her soft footsteps before he turned. And when he did, he found himself momentarily robbed of speech. She looked breathtaking, an ethereal vision framed by the golden light slanting through the windows.
"Why are you walking as if you are not the least bit eager to see me?" he teased, watching her glide past him to take a seat.
"I am sorry," she said airily, arranging herself elegantly on the settee. "I hardly noticed you were gone."
Xander raised a brow, feigning offense. "Meaning?"
"It means exactly what I said," she replied, lifting her chin, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
A smile tugged at his lips as he signaled to the waiting staff to bring the meal. "Very well. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
He settled across from her, his voice lowering into something softer. "As for me, I missed you terribly, Lola. I took the first opportunity I had to see you."
She turned her face away, hiding the faint blush that rose to her cheeks. "Took you long enough," she muttered.
Xander chuckled warmly. "How have you been, truly?"
"I have been well," she said, reaching for her cutlery with studied nonchalance.
He leaned forward slightly. "Did you miss me?"
She opened her mouth, prepared to deny it, but he captured her hands gently in his, halting her.
"I am serious, Lola. Did you miss me?" His voice was tender, his eyes searching hers.
For a moment, she faltered, lost in the unexpected vulnerability of the question. Gently withdrawing her hands, she placed them primly in her lap.
"Your Highness," she said lightly, "you sound like a man about to ride into battle who already knows he will not return. Are you dying soon?"
Xander barked a laugh, shaking his head. "You are one hell of a woman, Lola Cavendish."
She smiled faintly, stirring the food on her plate.
"If it offers any comfort," she said, not looking at him, "I missed your company… somewhat. But don't let it swell your head."
He laughed again, a sound rich and full. "Too late."
A pause lingered between them, thick with unspoken affection.
"You look beautiful, by the way," he said after a beat.
"Of course I do," Lola said, tossing her head with mock arrogance. "But don't think I dressed for you."
Xander grinned. "Understood."
They ate and spoke easily, the hours melting away as they caught up on the days lost between them, their words a balm to the ache of separation.
At one point, Lola glanced up thoughtfully. "Did you know your uncle and the duchess have arrived?"
Xander's expression tightened. "I take it you have met them?"
She nodded, poking idly at her food. "I would not call it a pleasant encounter."
His jaw hardened slightly. "If the Duchess troubles you, you must tell me at once."
Lola scoffed. "I can fight my own battles, Your Majesty."
"I know you can," he said, voice low. "But it is my right to protect you. I would not see any harm come to you."
A softness entered her gaze, her heart giving a tiny, inconvenient flutter.
"And I suppose," she said quietly, "you are quite busy these days?"
He nodded. "Always. But even so, you should not feel abandoned. There is much you can do."
She tilted her head curiously. "Such as?"
Xander's lips curved into a knowing smile. "You are acting Queen of Aldovia now, Lady Cavendish. Use your power wisely. I stand fully behind you."
Lola sat back, stunned. She stared at him, the full weight of his words sinking in.
Acting Queen...
Fully behind her...
For the first time, the future did not seem quite so lonely, or quite so certain.