Lydia and Ivan arrived at the palace. The carriage wheels rolled to a stop, and they stepped out together. Ivan's face was unreadable as he helped Lydia down, but she could feel the tension in his touch.
They entered the palace, and immediately the atmosphere changed. It was like stepping into a different world - one filled with fear and nervous energy. All around them, servants and staff became tense the moment they saw Ivan walk through the doors.
A maid carrying linens froze in place. A footman polishing silver nearly dropped his cloth. Everyone bowed quickly, their eyes cast down, not daring to look directly at the Grand Duke. Whispered greetings of "Your Highness" followed them as they walked.
Ivan said nothing, walking with his back straight and his expression cold as stone. Lydia stayed close beside him, feeling the weight of everyone's stares and the fear that seemed to fill the air around them.
