The Bride Of The Devil-Chapter 66: Loneliness At Dawn

Lydia woke up at dawn. Her eyes opened slowly to the cold light of morning. She hadn’t slept much through the night. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Ivan’s face—his broken expression, the way his voice cracked with pain, the tears he tried so hard to hide. Her chest felt heavy, and no matter how much she tossed and turned, the ache in her heart wouldn’t go away.

She sat up in bed and pulled the thick blanket around her shoulders. The palace was quiet at this hour. She walked slowly to the window and sat down, resting her cheek against the cold glass. Outside, the snow glowed softly under the early light. The sun was rising behind the trees, casting a golden hue over the icy ground. It was beautiful. So still, so peaceful. But somehow, it only made her cry.

Tears slid down her cheeks as she looked at the gentle sky. She wondered where Ivan was. Had he slept at all? Was he hurting alone somewhere, like she was?

---

In the royal library, Ivan stood by the large window. The same sunrise touched his skin, but it brought him no comfort. His eyes were open, but he wasn’t really looking at the view. His mind had drifted far into a memory he tried hard to forget.

He was only four years old again.

In the memory, their small home was quiet. The walls were cold, and outside the window, winter had covered everything in white. He had just woken up and walked to the front room, rubbing his sleepy eyes. His mother, Marina, was standing by the window, wrapped in a thin shawl, watching the sun rise just like he was now. Her face was pale. She looked scared... and very sad.

He had walked up to her and hugged her leg, looking up with innocent eyes.

"Mama, are you okay?"

She quickly wiped her eyes and forced a smile. "Nothing, my love. Mama’s just a little sick. I’m okay."

She bent down and hugged him tightly. He remembered how her hands had trembled.

Then she whispered, "Today, we’re going on a trip. There’s someone I want you to meet."

"Who?" he had asked in his tiny voice.

"Your father," she said, trying to keep her voice calm.

Ivan had blinked. "Father?"

She nodded. "Yes... your father. He’s very excited to meet you."

She sat down on the floor and pulled him into her lap. "Do you want me to tell you about him?"

Little Ivan had nodded slowly.

Marina’s voice had shaken as she spoke. "He’s handsome. Brave. Strong... and..." She had paused, her eyes full of emotion. "He’s a good man. A really good man. He’s kind, and sweet. When he was with me, I always felt safe. Like nothing could ever hurt me."

Her eyes had turned glassy. She had tried to smile, but her lips had trembled. He didn’t know it then, but she was holding back tears.

---

Back in the present, Ivan let out a dry laugh.

"What a fool," he muttered to himself.

He clenched his jaw, his hands balling into fists.

"He never loved you," he whispered, his voice full of bitterness. "He lied to you. Used you. And then threw you away."

His heart felt heavy in his chest. His mother had loved the king with all her heart, but the love was never returned. And now, the pain had passed to him. He looked at the sun again, but it didn’t bring warmth. Only memories.

---

The day had become brighter. Lydia was still in her chambers, lost in thought. Her heart ached for Ivan. And the things Olga had said the night before kept replaying in her mind.

Could it really be true? Was Ivan dangerous? Was Olga really trying to protect him? Or was it something else?

Her mind was made up. She needed to see her godmother, Irina. Maybe Irina could help her think clearly.

Just then, a knock came at the door. A few servants entered quietly to help her get ready for the day. They dressed her in soft clothes and brushed her hair. After they were done, one of them said, "Breakfast is ready in the royal dining hall, Your Highness."

Lydia gave a small nod. The servants bowed and left.

She took a deep breath, smoothed her dress, and walked to the dining hall.

---

Inside, only Leonid was sitting at the long table. When he saw her, he stood up and bowed politely. Lydia returned the gesture and sat across from him.

Leonid kept looking at the door, sighing softly. His small fingers tapped the table nervously. His eyes were full of quiet disappointment.

Lydia looked at him and asked gently, "Are you waiting for someone?"

He nodded, not looking at her.

"Is it your mother?" she asked kindly.

He shook his head. "No... Mother and Father never come to breakfast. I always eat alone."

He paused, then added with a small voice, "I’m waiting for my brother. He promised to come today. But... he broke his promise." freёnovelkiss.com

Lydia’s heart ached. She knew how it felt to be left alone. She wanted to say something comforting, but her throat felt tight. So instead, she just sat with him. The two of them ate quietly. The food tasted like nothing. Just warm bites going down empty throats.

Two lonely people, sitting in silence.

---

After breakfast, Lydia asked one of the palace servants for directions to the Queen’s chamber. The servant bowed and showed her the way.

She reached the door and knocked gently.

"Enter," Olga’s voice called from inside.

Lydia opened the door and stepped in. Olga was sitting by the window with a painting board in front of her. A servant was beside her, helping mix paints. Olga looked up, smiling lightly.

"How was your night? Did you sleep well?" she asked.

Lydia shook her head. "No," she said softly.

Olga raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why not?"

"I was just... thinking."

Olga put her paintbrush down and asked, "Why did you come? I didn’t call for you."

Lydia cleared her throat nervously. "I just wanted to ask for permission. I haven’t heard from my godmother since I left the capital. I’m a little worried. I wanted to visit her. Just to make sure she’s alright."

Olga chuckled, waving her hand. "You’re the Grand Duchess now, my dear. You don’t need my permission to do anything."

Then, with a small smile, she added, "Go visit her. And do send my regards to my cousin."

Lydia bowed politely. "Thank you. I’ll take my leave."

As she walked toward the door, Olga looked at the painting again and murmured to herself, "She’s just like you, Marina..."

The painting was of two girls, one with black hair, the other blonde, running through a field of flowers. Their faces were full of joy. A memory from long ago.

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