All heads turned toward her. The back of her pure white gown was stained red fresh blood slowly trickling down, spreading across the marble floor as silence fell over the hall.
"Call the doctor!" Crown Prince Julian's voice thundered through the chapel.
Panic erupted instantly. Servants rushed out, guests stood from their seats, and Isabel collapsed to the marble floor, her body limp as bright red stained her wedding gown.
Andrey, feigning panic, rushed forward and lifted her in his arms.
"Isabel!" he called, pretending to care.
Barely conscious, Isabel looked up at him with a faint smile.
"Finally… I've become your wife, Andrey."
He said nothing, his expression unreadable and cold. Without another word, he carried her quickly out of the ceremonial hall and toward their chamber.
"We'll be happy… forever," Isabel whispered weakly before her eyes fluttered shut and she lost consciousness completely.
