The next morning, Galina woke Lydia very early—just as the sun was barely rising behind the hills. The world was still quiet, covered in a soft blue mist. Lydia was still half asleep when another young maid, Daria, stepped into the room carrying fresh clothes and a warm towel. She smiled shyly at Lydia. "Good morning, My Lady," she said softly.
The two women helped Lydia into her bath, then brushed her long golden hair and tied it into a simple braid. They dressed her in a plain blue gown, and Galina placed a dark hood over her head.
"We'll leave quietly. Before anyone wakes up," Galina whispered.
They moved silently through the long hallway, their footsteps light. But just as they turned the corner, Lydia stopped in her tracks. A dim light flickered in the hall, and Lord Alexander was already there, sitting at a desk, writing something under a small oil lamp.
He looked up and raised an eyebrow. "Where are you all headed this early?" His voice was calm, but his presence made Lydia's heart race.
Galina quickly stepped forward. "My lord, the young lady needs new clothes. Since she is to meet her groom soon, it's best she looks her best."
Alexander stared at Lydia for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. You're smart, Galina. Always thinking ahead."
Just as they turned to leave, he called again, "Lydia."
She froze.
He walked toward her and handed her a small pouch of gold coins. "Make sure you buy beautiful clothes. And jewelry too. You'll be meeting your future husband tomorrow."
Lydia said nothing. She took the pouch with shaking hands, bowed slightly, and turned away.
Once they stepped outside the gates of the Andreyevna estate, Lydia let out a deep breath. For the first time in days, she smiled. The fresh air kissed her face gently. She felt a small wave of relief.
The streets slowly came to life. The morning sun rose higher, shining gently on the stone roads and the wooden stalls. People were setting up goods—fruits, fabrics, spices. Galina led the way as they moved through the market, stopping at different stalls.
Daria chatted as they walked, her arms full of vegetables. "Aren't you even curious, my lady? About who you're getting married to?"
Lydia sighed and looked away. "No. I already know it'll be someone horrible. That's how my uncle does things."
Daria blinked. "Well, that's sad."
Annoyed, Lydia walked ahead quickly, leaving the two servants behind as they argued over the price of some spices.
Just then, a man came rushing through the crowd, shouting. "The devil is here! Make way! Out of the way!"
Panic spread fast.
Stall owners grabbed what they could. Some flipped their tables and ran. Others dropped everything and knelt on the ground.
Lydia stood frozen. She had never seen anything like this before. She had never been outside alone. And now, people around her were bowing with their faces to the ground.
Then came the sound of horses.
A group of soldiers rode in, their silver armor shining under the sun. At the front was a tall man on a white horse. His face was hidden behind a cold, silver metal mask that glinted sharply in the light.
The horse galloped straight toward Lydia. She couldn't move. Just as the horse neared her, it stopped sharply, its hooves nearly brushing her dress. She fell back onto the stone path, her hood slipping off.
The masked man turned his head slowly toward her.
Lydia looked at him, her heart pounding so fast she thought it might stop.
Then he rode off.
Only when he was far gone did Galina and Daria rush over to help her up. "My lady! Are you alright?" Daria cried, brushing dirt off Lydia's gown.
Lydia clung to Galina's arm, still shaking. "Wh-who was that man?"
Galina looked serious. "That was Ivan Romanov. The Grand Duke. The Czar's First Son."
Daria nodded quickly, eyes wide. "You're lucky to be alive, my lady. They say he kills people for offending him. He killed his first man at nine. Fought in his first war at thirteen. He's been on the battlefield for eleven years. They say he even killed a wolf with his bare hands. A bear too when he was just sixteen!"
Lydia's eyes widened.
Galina chuckled softly. "Well, whoever your groom is, just pray it's not Ivan Romanov. He's a monster. The devil in fact."
Daria added with a grin, "If it is… may the gods help you, my lady."
Lydia didn't laugh.
Her heart was still trembling.