Chapter 213: The Hidden Wound
Everyone was leaving the courtroom in a haze of whispers and low murmurs. The echo of Lydia’s words still lingered in the air like smoke after a fire. No one seemed to walk out with certainty. They shook their heads, muttered under their breaths, and exchanged doubtful glances. It felt as if the ground beneath the palace had shifted and no one knew where to step.
The senate members grouped themselves as they walked out, their heads bent close together, voices sharp yet hushed.
"This is unbelievable," one said.
"Never in all my years have I seen such boldness," another muttered.
"Surely this cannot stand," someone else whispered, but his voice trembled with hesitation rather than conviction.
They had entered the trial expecting Lydia to be dismissed, disgraced, and thrown away like a broken piece of glass. But now, after all that was said and revealed, she remained. Not only remained—but untouchable for the moment. They did not know what to do with her anymore. Their judgment, so clear at the beginning, had melted into uncertainty.
Olga’s loud scoff cut through the air, sharp enough to make some turn their heads. "What a trial," she sneered. Her voice dripped with scorn, her eyes blazing. "This was beyond even my expectations." She flicked her hand as though brushing away dirt, her lips curled with disdain.
Vladimir, however, was silent. He walked with heavy steps, his mind clouded with confusion and guilt. His face betrayed no clear emotion, but inside he was torn apart. He did not even know what to feel anymore—anger, shame, regret—it all mixed into something that made his chest tighten.
Just then, a maid ran hurriedly to Vladimir. Her voice shook as she called, "Your Majesty!"
Vladimir stopped and turned sharply. "What is it?"
"It is the Grand Duchess," the servant said, panting from the rush.
Vladimir’s heart skipped. His voice rose. "What happened?"
The servant’s eyes lowered. "She collapsed, Your Majesty."
"What?" Vladimir’s face drained of color.
Elena, Alexander, and Anya, who had overheard, rushed immediately to the servant. Elena grabbed the girl’s arm. "Where is she? Is she alright? Tell me quickly!"
"She is in her quarters, Your Highness," the maid replied, trembling under Elena’s fierce stare.
Without another word, Elena rushed off, her gown sweeping the floor behind her. Anya and Alexander followed swiftly.
Meanwhile, Katherine was already moving, her steps quick as she descended the palace stairs. She muttered breathlessly to herself, "No one must know. I must get there before it is too late. Please, let me not be too late." Her hands gripped her skirts tightly as she hurried, her heart hammering with dread.
In Lydia’s chambers, the door burst open, pushed by Elena. Her face was pale and her eyes wide with fear. She was followed by Anya, Alexander, Vladimir, and finally Olga, who entered with her usual air of indifference.
Inside, the physician bowed deeply at the sight of Vladimir and Olga. "Your Majesties," he greeted with respect.
Lydia lay unconscious on the bed, her face pale as snow, her body still. Xenia and Anna stood beside her, both holding her hands, their eyes red from tears.
Elena rushed to Lydia’s side at once. "Lydia!" Her voice broke as she touched her niece’s arm, shaking it gently. "Please, wake up."
Alexander’s voice cracked with worry. "What is wrong with her? Why is she unconscious?"
Vladimir’s voice rose, sharp and desperate. "What happened to her?" His eyes darted between the physician and Lydia, his chest rising and falling heavily.
Katherine suddenly appeared at the door, breathless, her face filled with dread. Her heart sank as she whispered to herself, "Oh no, I am too late." She clutched her chest as though to hold back the weight pressing down on her.
The physician cleared his throat and bowed again. "Your Majesties, it is nothing serious," he said. "It must have been fatigue and stress. She only collapsed because of it."
Katherine froze. Confusion clouded her face.
Anna spoke softly, her hand stroking Lydia’s hair. "Her Highness was severely stressed and anxious because of the trial. That must be the reason."
Vladimir exhaled deeply, pressing his hand over his mouth. "Thank goodness," he murmured. Relief swept over him, though the tightness in his chest did not fully leave.
The physician nodded. "She just needs a little rest. That is all."
Olga muttered under her breath, her lips curling. "All that drama for nothing." Her voice carried bitterness, sharp enough to cut the air.
The physician looked around, his tone firm. "She needs rest now. It would be better if you all gave her space."
Vladimir straightened. His voice was calm but commanding. "Alright. Everyone should leave her to rest."
Olga was the first to leave, her heels clicking loudly on the floor as she muttered, "Tsk, tsk."
Vladimir lingered a moment, his eyes fixed on Lydia. He turned then to Katherine. "Where is the Grand Duke?" he asked.
Katherine lowered her head. "I do not know, Your Majesty. He is not in the palace."
Vladimir sighed heavily. "Please, take care of her." His voice softened, almost pleading.
Katherine bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Alexander placed a gentle hand on Elena’s shoulder. "Let her rest," he said softly. "We will come back when she wakes."
Elena nodded reluctantly, tears still in her eyes. She allowed Anya and Alexander to lead her out.
Soon, only Anna, Xenia, Katherine, and Lydia remained. The door closed behind the others, and the room fell into silence.
Then, slowly, Lydia’s eyes opened. Her lashes fluttered before her gaze sharpened with clarity. She turned her head toward the physician, her voice steady despite her pale face. "I will keep my end of the bargain, as promised," she said coldly. "But if anyone else learns the truth, I will not hesitate to ruin your life."
The physician lowered his head immediately. "I understand, Your Highness." Without another word, he gathered his tools quickly and left the chamber.
The moment the door shut behind him, Katherine rushed forward. Her voice shook. "I am sorry, Your Highness. I... I came too late."
Lydia’s eyes softened just a little. She gave a faint smile. "It’s alright," she said quietly.
But Anna shook her head. Her voice was small but firm. "No, it is not alright, Your Highness."
Before she could say more, Lydia cut her off sharply. "I am fine." She turned her gaze on Xenia and Anna, her voice firm and commanding. "I expect both of you to keep your lips sealed. No one must know about this. Not a word."
The two maids bowed their heads, their faces pale. "Yes, Your Highness," they murmured.
Katherine’s eyes filled with worry. Her voice trembled. "But, Your Highness... they will eventually learn about your condition. You cannot hide it forever."
Lydia said nothing. She only turned her face away, her eyes fixed on the canopy above her bed. Silence fell over the room, heavy and suffocating.
The truth hung in the air like a secret flame, ready to burn everything once revealed. Yet Lydia held it close, determined, even if it cost her everything.