It was dawn. The sky outside was pale and quiet. The air still carried the cold from the night. Servants were already moving around the palace, preparing the gates. The horses were being saddled. The carriage that would take them back to Svetlana waited in silence at the courtyard.
Ivan stood in his chambers, tightening his gloves. His fingers moved slowly, as if he was not in a hurry. His mind was elsewhere. There was a quiet stillness in the room. He did not look up when the knock came at the door.
"Come in," he said.
The door opened gently, and Leonid stepped in. His hair was messy and his eyes looked heavy with sleep. He wore a long robe and slippers. It was clear he had just gotten out of bed.
Ivan frowned a little. "Why are you here? It is still early. You should go back to sleep."
Leonid stepped forward, rubbing his eyes. His voice was small. "I came to say goodbye."
