Yesmin followed Lolita through the sprawling hallway. Yesmin's eyes widened as she took in the grandeur—towering oil paintings in gilded frames, crystal chandeliers casting prismatic light across the vaulted ceilings, and ornate tapestries depicting centuries of royal history.
"How many rooms are there in this castle?" Yesmin asked, her voice carrying a note of awe.
"Three hundred," Lolita replied, her voice echoing faintly off the stone walls. "And I'm considering expanding the east wing."
"Wow. Are you lonely? You've lost your brother, and father."
"No. I've hired plenty of staff. Let's go talk in the guest room."
Yesmin followed Lolita into the guest room and settled into the grey sofa chair across from Lolita on the pink couch. Alina entered quietly, and placed their drinks on the round table between them.
"Can I ask you a favour?" Lolita's eyes widened with hope.
"Sure." Yesmin sipped her tea.
"If Intermarium is forced into war, would your country support mine? I fear… my succession makes me a target."
Yesmin shook her head, regretfully. "As a country we can't because we signed a defence agreement with Technate. Plus, our population is too small to support an army."
"I see." Lolita's eyebrows furrowed. "Disappointing. Jacob Kennedy of Technate… he disapproves of me ruling Intermarium. Ruler magazine quoted him: 'I wouldn't trust her with a lemonade stand, let alone a country.'"
"Jacob is principled. He'd only attack as a last resort."
"I'm not so sure." Lolita's cup trembled slightly before she took a sip.
Yesmin glanced at her gold wristwatch, its face catching the afternoon light streaming through the windows. "I have to go. Maybe we can meet again?"
Lolita nodded. "Sure."
Yesmin rose and left Lolita to ponder her thoughts in solitude.