Chapter 28: A Night With The Devil pt1
Lydia walked away from the village, her heart heavy and sore. She didn’t know what hurt more—what she heard or how easily she believed it. Her feet carried her without direction, until she reached the market square. She sat on a stone bench, her hands in her lap, trying to gather herself. People passed, but she didn’t notice any of them.
After about an hour, Katherine showed up, her voice light and curious. "Was your visit okay?"
Lydia forced a small smile. "Yes, it was fine."
Katherine didn’t push further. They walked back to the palace together.
Meanwhile, Ivan stood by the window in his chambers, his brows furrowed. He had waited for her. He told himself it didn’t matter—but it did. She hadn’t shown up, and he didn’t know why.
"Why do I even care?" he muttered to himself.
He tried to distract his mind and walked to the library, hoping a book would do the trick. But no matter what he read, his thoughts drifted back to her. Again and again.
Back at the palace, Lydia was quiet. The entire walk had felt like a blur, and even the sight of the palace didn’t shake her from her thoughts. When they stepped inside, something about the air felt different, but she was too tired to think much of it.
"I’m exhausted," she said softly. "I just want a bath."
Katherine nodded. "I’ll tell your maids to prepare one."
Lydia walked straight to her chambers and sat at the edge of her bed. A few minutes later, the maids arrived with warm water and a fresh nightgown. They helped her undress carefully, speaking softly as they prepared her bath.