Outside, Ivan, Lydia, and Tatiana stood near the carriages. The morning was quiet, but there was tension in the air so thick it could be felt.
Katherine walked over, her voice calm but a little apologetic. "My apologies," she said, looking at Lydia. "Since we left with only two carriages, you would have to share a carriage with His Highness."
Lydia didn't say anything. Her face didn't change. She just walked toward the carriage.
Ivan instinctively stepped forward and reached out his hand to help her in, but she didn't take it. Without even looking at him, she climbed inside by herself. Ivan lowered his hand slowly, then followed her in, quietly taking his seat.
Tatiana stood behind, watching the whole thing. Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress tightly. Yelena stood beside her and whispered, "My lady, please calm down."
She even offered to help her into the second carriage, but Tatiana jerked away and climbed in on her own, her face stiff with anger.
