Lord Caspian stepped into his study, only to find Sophia already there, seated at the grand oak desk. Her head was bowed, curls tucked behind her ears, her hand moving swiftly across parchment. So engrossed was she in her sketching that she didn't even glance up.
He leaned against the doorway with a dramatic sigh.
"Should I be offended that your roster sheets have so thoroughly stolen your affection? It appears I've been usurped by ink and poultry."
Sophia let out a soft giggle, her eyes still on the parchment.
"You know that could never happen. You'll always come first."
He gave her a skeptical look. "Such flattery, Miss Patel, will get you nowhere."
She looked up, eyes twinkling. "Was I that obvious?"
He held up two fingers, pinched closely. "Just a little."
She grinned and returned to her notes. "There's a big match tonight."
"I assumed as much. The energy in Garnet Hall has been palpable. Even the grooms are wagering, and they haven't a coin to their names."
Sophia chuckled as she carefully folded the parchment.
"Kael asked me to show him the ropes, he wants everything running smoothly in my absence. With the success of the last three fights, he managed to purchase the land beside the hall. He plans to expand it."
Caspian blinked, genuinely impressed. "You are quite the businesswoman."
"Of course I am," she replied airily. "If you're ever in need of a business partner, Lord Caspian, I assure you, I'm equal to the task."
He laughed, settling into the chair across from her. "I'll keep that in mind, Miss Patel."
Just then, the door creaked open, and a small boy with bright eyes and a slightly oversized jacket entered.
"Good day, Lord Caspian. Miss Sophia," he said with a practiced bow, making himself comfortable in one of the armchairs like he belonged there.
Caspian raised an eyebrow, clearly baffled. "And who might this young gentleman be?"
Sophia smiled without looking up. "That's Thomas. He's my partner."
"Partner?" Caspian echoed, even more bewildered.
"He's an orphan," she said simply. "I found him pickpocketing in the market square."
"I wasn't very good at it," Thomas added proudly. "Miss Patel said I'm too cute to be stealing."
"Aren't you just?" Sophia murmured affectionately as she scribbled another note.
Thomas's eyes lit up as he remembered his errand. "Oh! Master Kael asked me to tell you the new roosters have arrived. They look fierce, real fighters."
Sophia nodded, pleased. "And the wagering?"
"More lords are betting than ever," he reported. "Miss Lily says to thank you. She said if you ever need help, she'd be happy to assist."
Caspian looked between the two of them, utterly lost.
"I beg your pardon," he said finally. "But what exactly is going on here?"
Sophia gave him a sly smile, her fingers brushing away a curl from her cheek.
"You're not the only one running an empire, my lord."