Chapter 47: Ghost Of The Past
The three of them sat quietly around the dining table. The room was dim, lit by soft candlelight that made shadows dance on the walls. The air felt heavy but calm, filled with a strange silence that none of them knew how to break. Outside, the night was still, and the faint sound of the palace guards’ footsteps echoed in the distance.
Lydia glanced back and forth between Ivan and Tatiana. She felt a swirl of emotions inside her—confusion, embarrassment, and something like a little spark of jealousy. Why did Ivan look so different when he looked at Tatiana? She had never seen that side of him before. His face was unreadable now, as if he was lost deep in thought, and he didn’t say a word. Her heart beat a little faster, but she tried to keep calm.
Tatiana noticed Lydia’s curious eyes and smiled softly. "It must have been embarrassing," she said gently, her voice calm and kind. "Since I interrupted both of you."
Lydia’s cheeks flushed red. She didn’t know what to say. Ivan still didn’t move or speak. Tatiana stood up and walked over to Lydia. She reached out carefully and helped tighten the ties on Lydia’s dress, making sure it fit just right. The fabric felt soft beneath her fingers, but Lydia felt uneasy inside.
"Don’t worry," Tatiana said with a warm smile. "You can carry on. I will come to your chambers tomorrow morning, Your Highness." Her eyes shone with kindness as she spoke, and Lydia found herself wanting to believe her.
Lydia blinked, surprised by how softly Tatiana said her title. Tatiana yawned slightly, rubbing her eyes. "I’m feeling sleepy. I have been traveling for many days," she explained quietly, her voice tired but polite.
Then Tatiana turned to Ivan. "It’s good to see you again, Your Highness," she said politely.
Ivan nodded slightly but said nothing. His mind seemed far away. Lydia watched him, wishing she could reach inside his thoughts and find what he was really feeling.
Feeling overwhelmed, Lydia quietly excused herself and walked toward her chambers, her footsteps soft on the polished floor.