Chapter 37: Even the Devil Feels Love
Night had fallen. The castle stood still and quiet under the dark sky, with only the soft glow of lanterns lighting its stone halls. Lydia stepped out of her bathing room, her long golden hair damp and loose around her shoulders. Her maids had dressed her in a beautiful peach-colored gown that made her look even more delicate than she already was. The fabric shimmered slightly under the candlelight, matching the small, flickering hope in her heart.
She walked down the hallway, her heart beating a little faster with each step, hoping she would see him again—just like the night before. She remembered how Ivan had joined her at the dining table unexpectedly. Just sitting near him, even in silence, had filled her with warmth.
She took her seat at the large dining table, her eyes nervously flicking toward the door every now and then. Servants brought her food—steaming soups, warm bread, and grilled meats—but she barely looked at them. Her attention was only on the door. Each time it creaked slightly, her heart jumped. But it was always a servant, never him.
Minutes turned into hours.
She sat there for almost three hours, silently waiting. Her shoulders drooped as time passed, and the hope in her eyes slowly faded. Her fingers played with the spoon, pushing food around her plate, but never lifting it to her mouth. Her smile had long disappeared.
Finally, when she could no longer pretend, she stood from the table, her heart heavy.
Just then, the door opened.
Her heart leapt again. She quickly sat back, fixing her hair and dress, her eyes wide with hope.
But it wasn’t Ivan.
It was Katherine.
The older woman looked at her gently. "Your Highness... you’ve stayed a long time."