Ivan walked quickly through the palace hallways, his footsteps sharp and hurried. The air felt heavy around him, almost pressing down on his shoulders. His mind was racing but focused on one thing only. The necklace.
He didn't notice the tapestries hanging along the walls or the servants bowing as he passed. He didn't hear the echoes of his own boots striking the marble floors. His chest was tight, his breath short, and his eyes were fixed forward. To him, nothing else existed.
Boris was walking toward him from the opposite direction. The moment he saw Ivan's face, his heart clenched. Something was wrong. His Highness looked pale, restless, and almost broken.
"Your Highness," Boris called, stepping closer. "Is everything okay?"
