Chapter 187: Chapter 187

It was none other than Anna.

For a moment Lydia just stared, unsure if her eyes were playing tricks on her. Anna looked different. She looked almost like another woman, though still herself. Her usual sad expression, the constant heaviness that seemed to follow her, wasn’t there. Instead there was something lighter in her face. Not joy, but something close to peace.

And her clothes—Lydia had never seen her . Anna wore a brown dress that fit her so well, as if it had been sewn just for her. The fabric looked soft, flowing gently as she moved. Around her neck and ears were pieces of amber jewelry that glowed warmly under the light. Her brown hair had been brushed smooth, falling neatly against her shoulders.

She looked beautiful.

Lydia couldn’t hide her surprise. "You look different," she said softly.

Anna’s cheeks colored. Her hands folded in front of her dress, and she looked almost nervous, like a girl being complimented for the first time.

"I... I went to my parents’ home," Anna said, her voice unsteady. "I found one of my mother’s dresses there, and it still fit. So I thought... maybe I could wear it. It has been such a long time since I dressed for myself. I didn’t want to overdo it, but..." She trailed off, her eyes flickering to Lydia’s face for reassurance.

Lydia’s lips softened into a smile. "No, it’s perfect. You look beautiful. I like it."

Anna’s breath caught. For a second she looked like she might cry, but instead she lowered her head and whispered, "Thank you, your Highness."

Her words trembled with gratitude. Lydia could tell how much it meant to her. Anna had lived for so long in the shadow of being cast aside by her husband, forgotten, ignored, left to feel unwanted. For someone to notice her, to tell her she was beautiful—it was like giving water to someone who had been thirsty for years.

But Lydia’s smile slowly faded as Anna’s eyes shifted, studying her closely. Anna noticed the dryness of her lips, the pale color of her skin, the weariness in her expression.

"Your Highness," Anna said softly, "are you well?"

Lydia nodded quickly, though the movement made her head feel heavier. "Yes. It’s just a slight fever. It will pass soon. Nothing to worry about."

But Anna’s face showed she wasn’t convinced. Still, she did not press further.

Before another word could be spoken, there was a knock at the door. Lydia turned her head. Latest content published on N0veI.Fiɾe.net

Her voice came clear and calm. "Your room is ready, Your Highness."

Lydia nodded slowly. She rose to her feet with effort. "Thank you." She hesitated for a moment, her eyes softening as she thought of Tatiana’s chamber. Then she asked, "And the room? Tatiana’s..."

Katherine’s lips pressed thin. "I am sorry, Your Highness. They will move out soon."

Lydia shook her head gently. Her voice was quiet but firm. "Do not bother. Let her stay. Anna will stay in my chambers."

Anna blinked, startled. "I will?"

"Yes," Lydia said with a tired smile. "There are several rooms in my chambers. You can stay in one of them."

Anna’s eyes widened, and for a second she looked as though she couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Slowly she nodded. "If that is your wish, Your Highness, then I will."

Katherine bowed her head. "Yes, Your Highness."

Lydia gave a small nod. "I am going to my room now. I would like to have my bath."

She walked with slow, steady steps toward her new chambers. When she entered, she stopped.

The room was breathtaking. Velvet in deep maroon covered the walls, rich and warm. Golden details shone along the edges of the furniture. The curtains were heavy and grand, flowing to the floor. Every corner of the room looked as though it had been prepared to welcome royalty, to show wealth, to impress.

It was beautiful. But to Lydia, it did not feel like hers.

She stepped further inside, her eyes glassy. She opened the door leading to the new balcony and walked out. The air was cool, brushing against her face. She looked over the grounds, but her heart ached.

The beauty of the room could not touch the emptiness inside her. It had been renovated, yes. It looked stunning, yes. But it did not feel like home. It felt like a place for someone else, not her.

Her eyes grew wet, but when another knock came at the door, she quickly wiped them and straightened, pretending to be fine.

She entered quietly, bowing her head. She came to help Lydia with her bath.

Lydia followed her, allowing Xenia to lead her to the bath chamber. The warm water welcomed her as she sank slowly into it. Her body relaxed almost instantly, the heat easing her fevered skin. For the first time that day, she felt a little better.

Xenia stayed close, adding soap into the water, pouring more hot water when needed. She moved gently, careful not to disturb Lydia too much.

Then the door opened again. Katherine stepped in.

Her voice was calm, as always. "About what you asked me, Your Highness. About Tatiana. I have not been able to find anything yet. But I will keep trying."

Lydia shook her head faintly. "No problem."

The room grew quiet again, except for the soft sound of water moving.

Then, unexpectedly, Xenia’s voice broke the silence. She spoke so low it was almost a whisper. "I... I saw something."

Lydia turned her head. "What?"

Xenia’s eyes lowered quickly. She shook her head. "It’s nothing."

But Lydia’s voice was firm, though gentle. "Speak up."

Xenia hesitated. Her hands trembled slightly as she poured water over Lydia’s shoulder. Finally, she said, "I don’t know what it was. Earlier... I saw Yelena, Lady Orlova’s handmaid. She burned something."

Lydia’s brows drew together. "Burned something?"

"Yes," Xenia whispered. "It looked like a piece of cloth. I am not certain. But she was hiding it. She made sure no one could see."

Lydia’s eyes sharpened. Her voice, though soft, carried weight. "Find out what it was."

Xenia lowered her head. "Yes, Your Highness."

The bath continued in silence after that, but Lydia’s mind was no longer quiet.

Far away, in another chamber, Ivan sat alone.

His eyes were still red, heavy from crying. He had not slept. His hands trembled as he reached into the box before him. Slowly, carefully, he placed Lydia’s shawl back inside and closed the lid. For a moment he stared at it, his chest aching as though the box itself held his heart.

Then he stood and walked to his chest. He opened it with shaking hands. Inside was a smaller box. He lifted it out and set it down.

When he opened it, his face changed instantly. His expression turned from weary sorrow to sudden alarm. His hands froze.

His lips parted as he muttered, "Where is it? It’s not here..."

The words were soft, but they carried his panic. His chest tightened as he searched the box again, his hands moving faster, desperate. But the item he was looking for was gone.