None of us will let her go again. No matter what.
“Maybe not,” Silas says finally. “But if Ella Cooper is lying about what happened, if Stasihasbeen sentenced unfairly, then we have something else to consider. Because she shouldn’t be here at all.”
We might lose her anyway. Even if we got on our knees and begged her forgiveness, it might not be enough. It wouldn’t beenough. Why would she choose us, when we didn’t believe in her?
For once, I opt against heading into the city, choosing to hole up in the study instead. Kit is already at his desk, but we both work in silence, lost in our own thoughts.
Both of us avoiding Stasi.
When it’s time to get ready, I don’t think I’ve done a single productive thing. My jaw is tight as I stalk downstairs, down to where Kit and Silas are already waiting.
“They’ve just pulled through the main gates.” Silas is stiff as a board, I nod, my eyes moving to the kitchen door. I can hear movement on the other side.
I want to check on her. But I doubt she’d welcome it.
So I focus on why we’re here. Plastering a smile across my face as Silas opens the door, and Crispin strolls in with a nod.
He turns and holds out his hand.
And in she sweeps. Ella Cooper is resplendent in her deep scarlet dress, layer upon layer of silk broken up only by the diamonds across her neck. Her blonde hair is swept up in an elegant bun, a matching tiara nestled in her hair. She takes Crispin’s hand, but her eyes are already on me as he leads her across the room.
“Introductions!” Crispin’s voice is jovial enough, even if I can hear the thread of concern underneath. Maybe he’s worried that we’ll spill his financial worries to his future bride. “Darling, meet Rafael Tate. Rafe, this is Ella – but you already know that!”
He laughs, and Silas steps forward to pull him into conversation as I sketch a light bow. “The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness.”
I let my eyes skate across her, examining her and not bothering to hide it. Ella is beautiful enough, but she carries herself with the air of someone who knows exactly how attractive they are and uses it.
I can’t help but compare her to Stasi. And she comes up… lacking.
Twin spots of color appear on her cheeks as she blushes, but her eyes are bright, examining me just as closely.
“The infamous Rafael Tate.” Ella takes a step closer. “I have heard so very much about you since our last meeting.”
“All good, I hope.” I keep my voice low, and she slides a look towards Crispin before turning back to me. She leans in a little closer, one elegant finger reaching up to brush across her bare collarbone.
“Perhaps,” she murmurs as her eyes move up to mine. “Perhaps not.”
My lips curl up into a slow, lazy smile as Kit appears at her elbow. Ella steps back and looks between us, her mouth opening. “Fascinating. You really are identical, but for your hair and eyes.”
She sounds scintillated, as Kit takes her hand and presses a kiss to the back of it. “A pleasure to meet you properly at last.”
She titters. “The pleasure would have to be mine, on this occasion.”
And as she watches us, I see it.
The greed. It flickers in her eyes, just for a second before she blinks it away with a soft smile, glancing to her fiancé. “Shall we go in? I confess that I’m rather…hungry.”
“Well, we can’t have that.” I offer her my arm, Kit doing the same on her other side. Ella slides her hands into the crook of our elbows, and we escort her towards the dining room. Behind us, Silas and Crispin follow, the murmur of their conversation floating over us as Ella’s fingers dig into the material of my shirt.
Kit and I exchange looks over the top of her head. A brief glance, but full of unspoken words.
I think we already have the measure of Ella Cooper. But the night is still young, and the worst is yet to come.
And Ella’s fingers tighten as we walk through the doors, her breath hitching as her eyes land on Stasi.
She stands quietly next to Ellen, both of them waiting for us next to the selection of steaming dishes. The room drops into silence as Ella inhales. “Anastasia.”
And her fingers… they shake. Stasi barely looks up before her eyes move back to the floor, but her brief glance takes in the sight of Ella between us.
