Anna secured the blade to her thigh, the cool steel pressing against her skin. She slipped on a skirt with a daring slit, granting her the freedom to move swiftly if needed. Fastening her hair with pins, she took one last glance at her reflection in the mirror. In this clothes she looked plain, unremarkable—a woman meant to be undesirable. Willing herself not to think about William, she walked out of the room.
She had spoken with lord Tony that morning, sharing her decision. 'This was for William,' she thought. Despite his coldness and rejection, she still loved him, a love that burned enough to risk her life. She was ready to do anything to protect him, even if it meant laying her life.
At the stables, lord Tony gave Anna a nod and mouthed, "Good luck."
