16

Faust

SOMETHING TOLD ME she was going to run away.

I knew that the wedding dress, combined with what Francesca saw in the dungeon, would overwhelm her and force her hand. I was looking forward to the challenge, actually. She had no chance of escaping, but it would be fun to see how she tried.

I continued working until late at night. As usual, guards patrolled outside and two men monitored the security feeds. There was a complex system of tunnels that connected the castle to hideouts in the surrounding mountains, and if he found them he could penetrate deep into the forest. Although she couldn't run away, it would take us some time to find her.

She was unaware of this option, fortunately, and I wanted it to stay that way.

Giulio had returned an hour ago. Francesca would wait until she assumed everyone was asleep before making her attempt. Which meant any minute now…

I was checking out a contract we had secured for a government building when I heard the floor above me creak. Oh yes. The