Mikhail
I'm ready to leave for a meeting when I hear her door shut upstairs. From the corner of my eye, I watch and wait for Maria to come down to breakfast, but instead, Dominika descends the stairs. I tighten my tie, hiding my disappointment with a tolerant scowl. Dominika's orders have been to care for Maria and watch her like a hawk, so I assume she is doing her job.
"Where is she?" I ask. "Sulking in bed?"
Dominka straightens her back and tries to compose herself quickly. She quickly steps toward the hallway and makes sure she's nowhere near me.
I finish with my tie and glare at her. "Dominika," I demand. "I asked you a question."
"Who?" Her voice falters.
"Maria," I say.
Dominika stares out the window behind me, not daring to look me in the eyes. "She's staying at your sister'
