The carriage kept moving, the wheels turning slowly along the quiet roads. The sun was falling behind the hills, its warm glow fading. The sky had turned orange and soft pink. Night was coming.
The coachman turned and said, "Your Highnesses, I will stop at the next town. We can rest there for the night."
Ivan looked outside the window and said, "Alright."
Lydia didn't say anything. Her eyes were still on the book in her lap. Her expression didn't change.
After a while, the carriage stopped in front of a small inn. Ivan and Lydia were still inside. Lydia hadn't moved. Her book was still open in her hands.
A knock came at the door of the carriage. It was Katherine. She said gently, "Your Highnesses, the rooms are ready."
Lydia finally closed her book. The sound was loud in the quiet carriage. She opened the door and stepped down. Katherine helped her gently. Lydia didn't say a word. Her face looked calm, but it was cold. Like she was far away in her mind.
