The Bride Of The Devil-Chapter 67: Past Ties

Ivan was still by the window of the library. He had been standing there for a while, just staring into the cold, snowy distance. The sky was pale and grey, and his thoughts were heavy. He didn’t even realize how much time had passed until he heard the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. His eyes widened slightly as he remembered—he had promised Leonid they would have breakfast together.

He turned and walked quickly out of the library, his footsteps echoing through the silent hallway. When he reached the dining room, it was already empty. The servants were clearing the table and collecting the plates. A few of them bowed when they saw him, but Ivan only sighed quietly. He turned around to leave, guilt beginning to press into his chest.

Just as he reached the door, Leonid walked in, holding a book in his hands. He paused when he saw Ivan and smiled gently.

"You came," Leonid said.

Ivan looked down. "I’m sorry I’m late."

Leonid stepped closer, his voice warm and forgiving. "It’s okay, brother. I’m not angry at you. You came, even if it was late. That’s enough for me."

Ivan looked at him with quiet eyes. There was so much he wanted to say, but the words felt stuck in his throat.

Leonid continued, trying to lighten the moment. "Don’t worry. I had breakfast with the Grand Duchess."

At the mention of her name, Ivan’s eyes softened. "Lydia?"

Leonid nodded. "Yes. I don’t know... she seems really sad. Lonely, too."

Ivan stayed quiet. Of course she was sad. Of course she was lonely. And it was all because of him.

He clenched his jaw slightly. He had been keeping his distance for her sake. He told himself again and again that getting too close would only hurt her more. But now, hearing from Leonid that she was hurting regardless, it twisted something inside his chest.

"She’s in her chambers, right?" Ivan asked.

Leonid shook his head. "No, she left not long ago. I heard she went to visit her godmother."

Meanwhile, Lydia’s carriage arrived in front of the Dobrovolsk Manor. The place stood tall and quiet under the snowy sky. It once belonged to the late Baron, Lord Maxim Dobrovolsky—Irina’s husband.

As the coachman helped her down, the cold wind blew softly through her cloak. She held it tighter around herself and walked forward. The gates opened for her, and the servants at the entrance immediately recognized her.

"My lady," one of them said with a bow. Then quickly added, "Forgive me—Your Highness. Her Grace is in her study."

Lydia nodded and made her way in.

Inside the study, Irina was seated at her desk, reading a scroll. The moment she saw Lydia walk in, her stern expression softened.

"My sweet child," Irina said warmly as she stood up and wrapped her arms around Lydia. Lydia didn’t say a word. She just melted into her godmother’s embrace, holding her tightly as if she had finally found safety.

Later, they were seated in the lounge near the fireplace. The fire crackled gently, casting soft shadows on the walls. Irina looked at Lydia with a serious expression.

"Why did you come here, Lydia?"

Lydia hesitated. "I haven’t heard anything from you since I got married... so I was worried."

Irina narrowed her eyes slightly. "Don’t lie to me, Lydia. I know you. I can tell when you’re hiding something. What is it? What’s troubling you?"

Lydia’s lips trembled. She opened her mouth but no words came. Instead, tears rolled down her cheeks, silent and helpless.

Irina leaned forward, her voice more concerned now. "Is it the Grand Duke? I heard... I heard he killed a man. And that you were there. You must be terrified."

She reached out and took Lydia’s hand gently. "This is why I never wanted you to marry him. I truly hoped there was a way to break that deal with the queen and free you."

Lydia wiped her face. "That’s not why I’m here."

Irina blinked. "Then why?"

Lydia looked down at her hands, then back up. Her eyes were red. "I just wanted to know the truth. What really happened between the queen and Ivan’s mother?"

Irina froze. "Why do you want to know that?"

"Because... because I want to understand him. I want to know why he looks so heartbroken whenever he mentions her."

"Him?" Irina asked, almost cautiously. "You mean the Grand Duke?"

Lydia didn’t respond. She didn’t need to.

Irina stood up sharply. "No... don’t tell me—"

Lydia’s voice broke. "Yes. I love him. I love him so much... and I don’t know what to do."

Irina gasped. "You fool. You were sent there to spy on him!"

Lydia only cried more.

"What are you going to do now?" Irina asked, pacing. "What about your agreement with the queen? What are they going to do if they find out?"

"Her Majesty said she wouldn’t hurt him."

Irina stopped and turned. "And you believe her?"

"I... I don’t know," Lydia whispered. "She sounded sincere."

Irina scoffed and sat down again. "Sincere? Oh Lydia, why are you so naive? Can’t you see? She’s using you. This has never been about helping him. She wants revenge."

Lydia’s hands tightened into fists. "Revenge for what?"

"Isn’t it obvious? Who would welcome the son of your husband’s mistress with open arms? Especially if that mistress was your friend. She’s bitter, Lydia. Bitter and full of resentment."

Lydia swallowed. Her voice trembled. "Then... then it’s true? Did Ivan’s mother really seduce the Czar?"

Irina went quiet. Her eyes softened with memory.

"I don’t know. Honestly, I find it hard to believe. Marina was loyal. She and Olga were so close—it was like watching sisters. I had never seen a friendship like that. To think Marina could betray Olga like that... it still doesn’t make sense."

"But how?" Lydia asked. freёnovelkiss.com

Irina looked into the fire. "Because everything happened so fast. The last time I saw her, everything was fine. Olga and the Czar had just married. Then a month later Marina disappeared. No word, no trace. Five years later, she returned with a four-year-old boy."

Lydia’s heart sank. "Ivan."

Irina nodded slowly. "Yes. And the strange part? No one ever saw her near the Czar’s chambers before she disappeared. They barely spoke. He was always away."

Lydia frowned. "So then... Ivan may have been..."

"Conceived before any of that," Irina finished for her. "Before Olga even married the Czar. It’s the only explanation that makes sense to me."

Lydia sat in silence. Her heart was racing, her thoughts scattered. She felt like the ground beneath her was slowly shifting.

Visit freewe𝑏(n)ovel.co(m) for the b𝘦st novel reading experience