The conversation flowed more naturally after that, moving through various topics – art, music, literature, amusing palace anecdotes – while we worked our way through the impressive spread of food. I watched Lola gradually bloom under Emma and Theo's genuine interest, her responses becoming longer, more animated, less carefully guarded.
Eventually, as the tea cooled in our cups and the platters emptied, Emma set her napkin aside and leaned forward, her expression shifting to something more serious.
"Lola," she said gently, "Christian mentioned that your family situation is... complicated. That your parents might not approve of your connection to him."
Lola's smile faded, her fingers tightening around her teacup. "That's putting it mildly," she admitted. "My father has made his opinions a
