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.
