Olga stood up slowly and wiped her tears away with her hands. Her hands trembled a little, but she took a deep breath and tried to steady herself. Her face, just moments ago full of sadness, now carried a different expression—a careful, calculating calm. Her lips twitched slightly, almost forming a smile, but she quickly pushed it away. Just then, footsteps echoed from outside the hall.
Lydia walked in.
She looked completely lost. Her eyes were wide and sad, her steps slow. She kept turning her head, looking around the room as though searching for something—or someone.
Someone who wasn't there.
Ivan.
The moment Olga saw her, she smirked. Her eyes glimmered for a second with something unreadable. But when Lydia looked in her direction, Olga quickly changed her face, pretending to be sad and worried.
"Lydia," she called out gently.
Lydia bowed politely. "Your Majesty," she whispered. Her voice cracked.
