Chapter 70: The One Who Is Sorry Pt1
It was dawn. The sky outside was pale and quiet. The air still carried the cold from the night. Servants were already moving around the palace, preparing the gates. The horses were being saddled. The carriage that would take them back to Svetlana waited in silence at the courtyard.
Ivan stood in his chambers, tightening his gloves. His fingers moved slowly, as if he was not in a hurry. His mind was elsewhere. There was a quiet stillness in the room. He did not look up when the knock came at the door.
"Come in," he said.
The door opened gently, and Leonid stepped in. His hair was messy and his eyes looked heavy with sleep. He wore a long robe and slippers. It was clear he had just gotten out of bed.
Ivan frowned a little. "Why are you here? It is still early. You should go back to sleep."
Leonid stepped forward, rubbing his eyes. His voice was small. "I came to say goodbye."
Ivan paused. He looked at his younger brother and saw how his hands were nervously playing with the edge of his sleeve.
Leonid took another step. "Brother... when do you plan to come back?"
Ivan looked away. His voice was calm, but there was no softness in it. "I have no plans on coming back anytime soon."
Leonid’s face fell. His mouth parted a little as if he wanted to say something but was trying to find the right words.
"Then it means I will not see you anytime soon," he whispered.