Sebastian was already moving. He vaulted from his horse before it stopped, boots slamming into the frozen ground.
Rotheworth was at his heels, yanking open the chapel’s doors without a word. And this time, it wasn’t silence that greeted them, but the low, clipped tone of Prince Alexander von Hohenzollern.
“…you really know how to try a man’s patience, Paisley.”
Sebastian shoved past the threshold, eyes scanning.
There. At the altar.
Maddie.
Pale. Furious. A few curls falling from their pins, her arm caught in Paisley’s grimy grip.
“Maddie,” Sebastian breathed.
For a moment, dread swamped him. Was he too late? Had he failed her? But her eyes met his, and in that instant, the rigid mask on her face broke. Her body slumped with visible relief.
The vicar flinched as Thomas appeared beside him, likely glaring daggers, while the cloaked woman beside him gasped.
But all Sebastian saw was her.
And the man touching her.
She didn’t speak, but she didn’t need to.
“Let her go,” Sebastian growled, advancing down the aisle, fists already clenching. He was ready to break Paisley in two.
Maddie’s voice rose above the tension. “Sebastian… I knew you would come.” Turning to the duke, she snapped and yanked on her arm, “Let me go! How many times must this be asked of you? I said no. I’ve said it a hundred times. I’ll say it a thousand more. Even if you drag me to a thousand bloody altars, it will be no!”
That’s my girl.
Paisley sneered. “You’re being hysterical.”
Sebastian laughed, low and dangerous. “You’ve clearly never seen hertrulyhysterical. But please. Continue. Let’s see how far your arrogance gets you.”
“She’s mine by right—”
“She isherselfby right,” Sebastian snapped. “You think dragging her in here like some prize filly to auction proves your worth? It proves you’re a coward.”
“Agreed,” Thomas said, arms folded.
Maddie twisted again. This time, her elbow slammed into Paisley’s ribs. He gasped, and she tore herself free.
And ran.
Straight into Sebastian’s arms.
He caught her, hands firm at her waist, holding her like a man reattachinga part of his own heart.
“I’ve got you,” he whispered, voice rough. “I’ve got you.”
But Maddie didn’t sob. She didn’t cling.
She turned, chin lifted, voice clear.
“I told you they would come,” she said, staring down Paisley. “That you would not win.”
She turned to Sebastian. “I knewyouwould come.”
