CHAPTER 195: THE UNEXPECTED CALL PT1

Lydia caressed the necklace softly, her fingers trembling as if she were afraid it might shatter in her hand. The frozen flower glistened faintly under the candlelight, almost mocking her. It was beautiful, delicate, and full of meaning. Her chest tightened as she held it, because it reminded her of him. It reminded her of everything she had once believed in, everything she had once dreamed of. For a moment, she felt warmth. For a moment, she remembered love.

But then her face hardened. She shook her head, as if scolding herself, and quickly put the necklace back inside the tiny box. She shut the lid and shoved it deep into her chest of drawers, as though hiding it away could also hide the feelings burning inside her.

She lifted her eyes slowly toward the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her, pale and fragile. Her lips were still swollen, still red, from Ivan’s kiss. The sight made her chest twist with confusion. She touched her mouth with trembling fingers. She could still feel his warmth there, still feel the way his lips moved against hers like he needed her to live.

The knock at the door startled her. She quickly straightened her posture, forcing her emotions deep inside her.

"Come in," she said, her voice faint but steady.

The door opened and Katherine entered. Her steps were careful, her eyes sharp with concern. She walked toward Lydia and said quietly, "Anna told me you weren’t yourself at the ball. Is everything okay?"

"Yes," Lydia replied quickly. Too quickly. She rose to her feet as if standing could prove her strength. "Please... help me out of this dress."

Katherine hesitated but obeyed. She came behind Lydia and began to untie the corset, her hands gentle. For a while there was silence, just the sound of fabric loosening. But Katherine’s voice finally broke it.

"I am worried, Your Highness," she whispered. "I fear that everything you have been doing is a wrong decision."

Lydia froze. Her eyes hardened, her voice sharp. "What?"

Katherine’s hands paused at her back. "I am afraid something bad may happen. Maybe we should... maybe we should—"

"Why are you doing this, Katherine?" Lydia cut her off, turning her head slightly. Her eyes burned with sudden fire. "You promised me you would help me. Did you forget? Why now? Why do you want to ruin everything?" Her voice trembled, but anger filled the cracks. "If you will not help me, then look away. Stop pretending you care."

"I care," Katherine answered softly, but firmly. "I care more than you know. That is why I am worried. I do not want to see you destroyed, Your Highness."

Lydia’s lips pressed tightly together. She could not respond. She did not want to respond. Katherine’s words were too heavy, too close to the truth she was trying to escape.

Katherine finished her task, untied the last knot, and stepped back. She looked at Lydia with sorrow but said no more.

Lydia turned away, silent. She removed her jewelry piece by piece, laying them down with shaky fingers. Then she slipped into her robe and went straight to bed.

Katherine lingered for a breath, but then she lowered her gaze and quietly left.

The moment the door shut, Lydia turned on her side, her thoughts spinning. Katherine’s words echoed inside her head, whispering like ghosts. Her chest ached.

"I cannot ruin everything now," she muttered into the silence. "I do not care what happens."

She shut her eyes, forcing sleep to come, though her mind burned with fear and longing.

---

The morning came faster than she expected. Pale sunlight slipped through the curtains, painting her room with cold light. Lydia slowly opened her eyes. She felt drained, her body heavy, her heart still restless. She sat at the edge of the bed, pressing her hands together tightly.

Another knock came at the door.

"Come in," she said, her voice tired.

Xenia entered, holding a basket in her hands. She bowed slightly and spoke softly. "Good morning, Your Highness."

She placed the basket down on a table and glanced at Lydia with nervous eyes. "Your Highness... about what you asked me to do."

Lydia, who was barely listening, turned her head lazily. "What?"

Xenia straightened her back, her voice firmer now. "You were right. Lady Orlova is not pregnant. And I have found evidence."

Lydia’s eyes sharpened. "Evidence?"

"Yes." Xenia bent down and lifted something from the basket. She held it carefully in both hands, then placed it on the table. It was a small bundle, singed at the edges.

"This is what I saw Yelena burning last night," Xenia explained quickly. "It is Lady Orlova’s underwear. She is on her period. She is hiding it to make it appear as if she is pregnant. But this proves she is lying."

Her voice trembled with excitement, as though she had brought Lydia the key to victory. "We should show this to His Highness," she said eagerly. "Once he sees it, he will cast her out for sure."

But Lydia’s reply froze her.

"Dispose of it," Lydia said quietly.

Xenia blinked, stunned. "What?"

"Burn it," Lydia repeated, her voice firmer now. She turned away, her face unreadable. "Do not tell His Highness about it."

Xenia stared at her, confused. "But... Your Highness, why? This is what we needed. This is the proof you asked for—"

"Just do what I say," Lydia interrupted sharply, her eyes dark and heavy. "You do not need to worry. I know what I am doing."

Xenia’s mouth opened but no words came out. She looked at the bundle, then at Lydia. But the command in Lydia’s tone was clear. Finally, she nodded slowly, even though she did not understand.

Before another word could be spoken, the door burst open.

Anna hurried inside, holding a folded parchment in her hand. Her face was pale, her eyes filled with fear.

"Your Highness," Anna said, her voice shaking. "There is a serious problem."

Lydia’s chest tightened. "What is it? What is that message?"

Anna handed her the parchment, her hands trembling. Her voice broke as she spoke. "I think you may be in trouble. The czar’s Senate members... they have agreed that you should be disposed as Grand Duchess."

Lydia’s eyes widened, the words hitting her like knives. "What?"

Anna nodded miserably. "Your presence is demanded in two days at the capital."

Lydia’s breath caught. Her hands gripped the bed sheet so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her heart raced, her body shook. She felt the ground beneath her slip away, as though everything she had built was collapsing.

She sat frozen, clutching the fabric in her fists, unable to breathe, unable to think. The walls of her chamber felt like they were closing in on her.