The night came in slowly, painting the sky in shades of purple and gold as the sun set over Svetlana. The city was alive that evening. Every street seemed to glow with lights, laughter, and carriages rushing past, because today was the birthday of the Grand Duchess. The people loved her, even those who had once whispered against her, and on this night, the whole of Svetlana was awake and waiting.
Inside her chambers, Lydia stood in front of her mirror. Her reflection was breathtaking. She looked almost unreal, too beautiful to be human. Her gown sparkled like a delicate red rose touched with dew, shimmering with each small movement she made. Around her neck rested a red diamond, perfectly matched with the jewels that hung from her ears and circled her wrist. She looked like a painting brought to life. She looked more like an empress than a grand duchess.
