Lydia sat on the edge of her bed, sobbing quietly. Her face was buried in her hands, her shoulders shaking gently with each breath. The room was quiet except for her soft cries. She tried to hold it in, but it was too much. Her chest ached. Her heart felt heavy. Everything had come crashing down, and now she was alone, left to drown in the pain.
The door creaked open slowly. A maid stepped inside, carrying a tray. As soon as she saw Lydia awake and sitting up, she gasped.
"Her Highness is awake!" she cried, and hurried out again.
Lydia quickly wiped her tears, trying to act like she hadn't been crying. But her swollen eyes and pale face told the truth.
In no time, the room filled with people. Katherine rushed in first, followed by Tatiana and some of the older maids. Katherine walked straight to her side and knelt down, her voice soft and full of concern.
"Are you alright?" she asked, her hand gently touching Lydia's arm.
Lydia gave a small nod, not saying a word.
