The night Ivan had searched for the missing necklace, three days ago, Tatiana sat in her chamber. A book lay open in her hands, but the words blurred on the page. She could not concentrate. From the distance, the faint sound of music drifted from the ballroom, the melody pressing against her ears. It was laughter and cheer that mocked her silence. She slammed the book shut and groaned in frustration.
"Too loud," she hissed, pressing the pillow against her ears. Her eyes stung with tears of fury. "That bitch. That cursed woman."
The thought of Lydia basking in the glow of Ivan's attention sent her blood boiling. She tossed the pillow aside and stood abruptly, pacing across her chamber. "Ivan… he must still be outside. At the lake. I need to see him. I have to check on him."
