Chapter 19: The Devil’s Domain
The carriage came to a slow halt before the towering gates of the Grand Duke’s estate. As soon as it did, Ivan reached for his silver mask without a word and fastened it over his face. Lydia’s chest tightened at the sight. That mask—it was like watching a wall slam shut between them.
She said nothing, simply stepped down and walked beside him. Despite being his wife now, she felt no closer to him than a stranger on the street.
As the heavy doors opened and they entered the main hall, Lydia’s eyes darted around. Servants who had been bustling about suddenly froze, then scattered like frightened birds. Those who stayed behind bowed deeply, keeping their eyes low—so low they seemed afraid to breathe in his presence.
One of them, a woman in her fifties, remained standing stiffly near the stairway.
"This is the new Grand Duchess," Ivan said coldly, not even sparing Lydia a glance. "Inform her of her duties."
The woman bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."
Lydia instinctively took a step to follow him, but he stopped her with a sharp glance.
"You’ll be taken to your quarters. Do not follow me."
And just like that, he was gone.
The hall fell into a tense silence. Only after his footsteps disappeared down the corridor did the servants breathe again.
The older woman turned to her. "I am Katherine, Your Highness," she said with a composed tone. "Please follow me."