The Bride Of The Devil

The sun slowly rose in the sky, painting it with soft pink and gold colors. A new day had begun. But this was not just any day—it was the day of Ivan and Lydia’s wedding.

All the preparations for the big event were complete. The wedding would take place at the grand church in the center of town. Every important person in the kingdom was expected to attend. After the ceremony, everyone would go to the palace for a big celebration. Everything was ready.

But Lydia’s heart was not at peace. She woke up when it was still dark and sat by her window, looking at the sky as the first light appeared. Fear filled her chest like a heavy stone.

Daria, her servant, came into the room to wake her up. She was surprised to see Lydia already awake.

"My lady, you’re up early," Daria said softly.

"I couldn’t sleep," Lydia replied, her voice thin with worry.

Daria helped Lydia with her morning bath. As she brushed Lydia’s long hair, Lydia kept looking at her wedding dress hanging nearby. The dress was beautiful—made of the finest white silk with delicate silver details—but today, nothing felt beautiful to her.

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At the royal palace, Ivan sat on the edge of his bed, lost in thought. Suddenly, there was a knock at his door. An unexpected visitor entered—General Alexei Petrov, the leader of the Zolotaria army. The General was in his fifties, with thick hair that was turning from dark to silver. A small scar ran across his right cheek, a reminder of a long-ago battle. His face was weather-beaten but kind, with laugh lines around his eyes.

"So, the mighty Grand Duke sits alone on his wedding day!" General Petrov laughed loudly. "Why do you look so serious, Your Highness? This is supposed to be a happy day!"

The General walked around the room, shaking his head. "I never thought I’d see this day—you, getting married! And so suddenly, too. I hear your bride is very beautiful. That’s good news at least!"