CHAPTER 192: THE CRUEL HEART

The sun had set over Svetlana. The night sky stretched wide and heavy, covering everything in darkness. Stars tried to break through but even they looked faint, like they too had lost their strength. Ivan sat by the lake still, his body stiff and weary. His clothes were still damp though the spring breeze and the last warmth of the sun had dried them a little. But the cold in him was not from the water. It was from his heart.

He just sat there staring at the water as if the lake had swallowed everything he ever loved. His hands rested on his knees, his eyes glassy and swollen. He could hear the faint sound of instruments floating from the palace. Violins, flutes, laughter, clinking glasses. The world was moving on without him. Yet nothing mattered.

His chest rose and fell slowly, each breath heavy, like it hurt to breathe. He rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand and lowered his head. All he could see in his mind was Lydia’s face. The way she had looked at him, as if he had destroyed everything inside her. The memory stabbed him sharper than any sword.

Meanwhile, in her room, Lydia stood before her mirror. The candles lit her face softly. She looked like a dream, breathtaking in her grass green gown. The fabric hugged her delicately, her neck shining with emeralds. She looked like a queen of spring itself. Yet inside her chest there was nothing. No joy. No pride. Not even anger. Just emptiness.

Xenia gasped softly. "You look beautiful, Your Highness. Like the forest came alive just to follow you."

Lydia gave her a faint smile, though her eyes stayed flat. Katherine came forward, folding her hands gently. "Everything is ready, Your Highness. The ball has already begun. The guests are waiting."

Lydia nodded slowly. Then her eyes shifted to Xenia. "Do not forget what I told you. Everyone will be busy tonight. That means we can finally find out what she’s hiding."

Xenia nodded firmly. "Yes, Your Highness. I understand."

Lydia turned back to the mirror. For a moment her reflection seemed strange, as though she was staring at someone else, a woman who no longer felt alive. She forced herself to blink away the thought and lifted her chin. If she could not feel, then she would act.

In Tatiana’s chambers, the night was quieter. Tatiana sat at her vanity table, her damp hair falling over her shoulders. Yelena stood behind her brushing the strands slowly while humming a soft tune.

Tatiana’s voice was low. "I believe you delivered my letter?"

Yelena nodded, still humming. "Yes, My Lady."

Then suddenly Tatiana lifted her hand, silencing her. "Shh. Do you hear that?"

Yelena tilted her head. "Music," she said, her tone turning sharp with gossip. "Ah, it must be because Her Highness is having another ball tonight. Something about an Evergreen Ball. Another excuse to waste money, I suppose."

Her lips curled mockingly. "Imagine, my lady. Her husband almost drowned because of her, and she is busy hosting a ball with his own money. What a cruel woman. I remember years ago how she played innocent. Soft voice, sweet smiles, pretending to be gentle when she was truly a snake." Yelena lowered her voice even further, almost whispering, "If you ask me, my lady, you would have been a far better Grand Duchess than her."

Tatiana forced a thin smile though her fingers twitched in her lap.

Yelena packed her basket with Tatiana’s clothes and underthings. "I’ll bring your dinner soon." She bowed slightly and left the chamber.

The moment the door shut, Tatiana’s smile collapsed. She brought her hands to her mouth and began biting her fingernails nervously, her foot tapping against the floor. Her chest rose quickly with restless breath.

Yelena meanwhile walked through the corridor. She headed straight to the washroom. A servant woman was there, hunched and weary, washing linens.

"You look tired," Yelena said softly. "Let me help you. Dinner is being served already. Go eat. I’ll finish this for you."

The woman’s eyes lit up with relief. "You are very kind. Thank you." She wiped her wet hands on her apron and left.

The moment she was gone, Yelena pulled out a small wrapped cloth from her basket. Inside were Tatiana’s soiled undergarments. She looked around quickly then tossed the bundle into the fire. The cloth hissed as flames caught it. She watched closely, waiting for it to vanish.

But just then Xenia appeared at the doorway. Her voice was calm, almost casual. "Yelena, right? Madam Katherine is looking for you. It seems urgent."

Yelena froze, unsure. "Now? But..."

"It sounded very urgent," Xenia pressed.

Yelena hesitated, then had no choice but to leave.

The moment she did, Xenia stepped in quickly. She looked at the fire and frowned. Something white still stuck out. She grabbed a rod and dragged the bundle out. It was not fully burnt. Her eyes narrowed as she bent closer.

Her heart gave a hard beat. "This is... her undergarment." She tucked it quickly into her basket and left without a sound.

The palace was alive that night. The Evergreen Ball glowed with light and color. Walls were covered in garlands of green, with lanterns swaying softly like tiny stars. The tables overflowed with fruits, breads, and wine, while the music lifted through the hall like an enchantment.

Yet the moment Lydia entered, the air shifted. Heads turned, conversations stilled, and all eyes fell upon her. Her gown shimmered like living emerald, her jewels catching the light as though the forest itself had crowned her.

She was breathtaking. Regal. Every inch a Grand Duchess.

But inside, Lydia felt nothing. The music was only noise. The laughter was hollow. The hall was beautiful, but to her it was nothing but a cage.

Her heart was still at the lake. Still broken. Still aching.

She smiled faintly, graceful as ever, but in her chest there was only emptiness.