Elena
It had been a while since I'd seen the Don. In fact, since we got to the island, he had no use for me. But today was the day we had to keep up appearances.
My stomach twisted into a thousand knots, and my hands trembled as I sat silently on my bed—already dressed, already ready. Just waiting.
The dreaded knock came, just once. I hurriedly got to my feet, adjusting the peach-colored dress I wore. I held my purse tightly and opened the door.
The Don was outside my door, his face as straight as ever, holding out his arm to me. I slowly stepped out, closed the door behind me, and linked my arm with his stiff one.
As we stepped out of the hotel, a small open carriage stood at the exit, a horse tied to it. The rope, made of white vines and adorned with flowers, held the horse in place
