47

ROSALINE

"Where are you heading to, ma'am?" one of the guards asked when I got to the gate. I couldn't believe the gate was so far from the mansion. But I guess it was for safety reasons.

Swallow the lump I felt in my throat, I faked the most realistic smile I could muster. "Well, the weather seems nice for a walk. Don't you think?" I asked him. The other guards looked at each other with confused looks.

"We can get a car and escort you," the man in front of me said. I shook my head and waved him off, "There's no need for that. I will be back in nothing more than an hour. So, please open the gate."

They gave me a hesitant look but I widened my smile to convinced them. It worked, thankfully.

I thanked them as they opened the gate and I walked out.

There were no buildings in this area. Only trees and a road path.

I exhaled, running my hand through my hair and began to walk down the road. I hoped Alexei and Vlad were still alive.

When I got to the main street, I hailed a taxi to take me