The carriage continued moving slowly through the thick snow. The sky was growing darker, and the wind was colder now. Snowflakes fell heavier and faster, covering the road like a white blanket. The horses were tired, and the guards and servants were wrapped tightly in their cloaks, trying to keep warm as they rode in front and behind the carriage. The wheels creaked softly under the weight, and the trees lining the road swayed gently in the wind, their bare branches coated with frost.
Inside the carriage, Ivan sat completely still. He hadn't moved in a while. His eyes stayed fixed on Lydia, who was still fast asleep beside him.
Her face was calm now. Peaceful. She had cried herself into that sleep, and even though he hated that she had cried at all, a part of him was relieved she could finally rest.
