Chapter 13: A Hopeless Hope
Lydia’s face turned pale, like she had just seen a ghost. She couldn’t say anything. Her lips trembled, but no sound came out.
Irina was the first to speak.
"This is too much, Your Majesty," she said, turning to Olga with anger flashing in her eyes. "She came to you for help, to escape a terrible marriage. And this is what you offer her? An even more terrible one. Are you trying to kill her? Of all people for her to marry... him..."
Olga didn’t even flinch. She sat there, cold and calm, like she was watching something beneath her.
"I am not a matchmaker, Irina," she said. "If you think my decision is too much, then leave. I’m handing everything to her on a silver platter, and all I ask is a small price."
Irina turned to Lydia and said sharply, "We’re leaving."
Lydia could barely move. She just followed, her mind blank.
As they were about to step out, Olga’s voice rang out behind them.
"Think about it, Lydia. You have three days."
The carriage ride back was silent. Irina stared out the window, fuming.
"I should have known better than to trust that witch," she muttered.