Page 118 of Betrayal and Vows

Mikhail had eyes everywhere.

Was Anton already dead? No. No, Mikhail wouldn’t taunt me if he was. He wants me to squirm.

I glance toward my mother. She’s watching me, her chin trembling. She knows something.

No one gets a happy ending.

Not here.

“I’ll do it,” I whisper to Mikhail.

His eyes gleam. “Yes. You will.”

The ceremony ends with forced kisses and stale congratulations. I don’t remember walking out. I don’tremember being handed a bouquet. I just remember the way Mikhail touches my lower back as we exited.

It’s revolting.

I’ve changed my mind.

I need to see Anton.

I have to tell him I love him one last time.

I stumble out of the ceremonial room, my dress catching on the doorframe. The heavy fabric threatens to trip me with every step, but I don't care. I need to find him. I need to see Anton before?—

"Lena." My mother's voice cuts through my panic. "Where are you going?"

"My room. I need a moment."

"The photographer is waiting?—"

"Five minutes." I'm already moving down the hall. "Please, Mom. Five minutes."

She reaches for my arm, but I pull away. Her face crumples with something that looks like grief.

"Lena, don't?—"

But I'm already running.

The corseted bodice makes it impossible to breathe fully. My lungs burn as I race up the stairs. Staff members press themselves against the walls as I pass, their eyes wide. A woman in a server's uniform nearly drops her tray of champagne flutes.

I don't care. Let them stare. Let them whisper about the bride who's lost her mind.

I reach the second floor and head straight for Anton's room. My hands shake as I pound on the door.

"Anton!" I call out, not caring who hears. "Anton, please!"

Nothing.

I try the handle. Locked.

"Anton!" I hit the door harder, my knuckles splitting against the wood. "I know you're in there!"

Still nothing. But there's something wrong. I can feel it.

I gather my skirts and run down the hall, checking every room. The library. Empty. The sitting room. Empty. My panic builds with each door I throw open.

There are guards everywhere, but not mine.