“The Doge has asked to pay his respects and awaits you in the next room. Ladies, if you will excuse us?” Teodoro didn’t stop but inclined his head toward the group of stunned courtiers as he led Sophia from their company and out of the chamber.
Sophia fumed, her piercing stare volleying from her escort to the women they’d left in their wake and back again.
“Where are you taking me?” Sophia whispered, her emotions in a jumble, so thrilled to see him yet so ashamed he had witnessed her rude behavior. Her feet skittered to keep pace with his long-legged stride, the click of her delicate evening slippers double-timed to the drum of his heavy-heeled shoes.
“I thought you could use some fresh air,” Teodoro said without looking down at her. He ticked his chin and brows at a nobleman as they pa
