The news reached the Capital like wildfire. People whispered in the streets, gossiped in taverns, and even the palace walls could not keep the rumors out. Everyone was talking about it—about the grand duke, about the village head, about the murder. Voices rose in shock, fear, and judgment.
In the royal palace, the tension was already boiling.
"Your Majesty," Olga said as she stormed into the Emperor's private chamber. Her face was flushed with frustration. "You have to do something about this."
Vladimir, seated behind a large wooden desk, looked up slowly from the documents he had been reading. His face was calm, but there was something dark in his eyes. "What is it now, Olga?"
She threw her arms up. "It's becoming a habit of the grand duke! He keeps acting out—hurting people, doing as he pleases!"
Vladimir set his pen down. "Ivan must have had a reason."
