The rain was still pouring. Katherine wrapped her arms around Lydia and tried her best to guide her toward the church. Lydia's knees were weak, her sobs shaking her whole body. Katherine held her tightly, whispering, "Your highness, please, let us go inside. Please, you'll catch a fever."
The heavy wooden doors opened with a creak. The scent of old wood, stone, and candle wax filled the air as they stepped inside. The church was empty, silent, and dark except for a few lit candles near the altar. Katherine helped Lydia sit on one of the benches. The rain thundered on the roof above, echoing inside the holy walls.
Katherine knelt in front of her, her voice trembling. "Your highness, please tell me what is the matter. Why are you crying so much?"
But Lydia didn't answer. Her mind wasn't here. Her body was, but her soul had slipped away, far away.
Her eyes blurred with tears as memories forced their way back.
---
Summer. Three years ago.
A small town, not far from Svetlana.
