Chapter 36: The Devil Can Also Love
The next morning,
Lydia woke up with swollen eyes. Her lashes felt heavy, her cheeks stiff from dried tears. She stayed quiet for a while, just lying still in bed, trying to process everything that had happened the night before. Shame and sadness sat heavy in her chest. The memory of her loneliness, of touching herself while thinking of Ivan, rushed back to her and made her heart twist painfully.
She slowly sat up and moved to the edge of her bed. The sun had already risen, casting golden light through the window and bathing her in its gentle warmth. She looked outside and spotted a small nest on the tree just outside her window. Two little birds were cuddled together in it, and beneath them, she saw tiny eggs. They looked so peaceful. So complete. So... loved.
She didn’t know why, but her eyes filled with tears again. She tried to hold them back, but they spilled down her cheeks silently. Her chest ached. She wanted that warmth, that feeling of being protected and cared for.
A soft knock on her door pulled her back.
"Your Highness," one of her maids called from behind the door. "May we come in? We brought fresh clothes and warm water for your bath."
Lydia quickly wiped her tears and sat up straight. "Come in," she said, trying her best to sound calm.
The maids came in, smiling softly, pretending not to notice her red eyes. They laid out a soft lilac dress and prepared the bath. Lydia let them help her wash and dress. Her hair was pulled into a neat chignon. She looked beautiful, but she didn’t feel it.
Just as they were finishing, Katherine stepped into the room.
"Your Highness," she said gently, "a messenger has arrived from the palace. He is waiting in the dining hall. Also, breakfast is ready."
Lydia gave a small nod, still feeling drained. Katherine bowed and left.