The sword came down. It struck Bella instead. Blood sprayed hot across Livia's face and gown. Bella's body jerked.
The blade had torn across her back, opening flesh.
"No!" Livia screamed.
Bella sagged against her. Livia caught her. They fell together onto the filthy road. Lionel roared. Before the rider could get away, Lionel used the carriage step as a springboard and launched himself upward. He caught the attacker from behind, one arm locking hard around the man's throat, the other wrenching his head to the side with brutal force.
The rider fell like a cut rope. The horse reared, nearly trampling them both, then bolted down the street with an empty saddle.
"Bella," Livia breathed.
Bella's hands gripped at her gown, fingers slipping in blood. Her mouth opened, but no words came at first. Only a wet, terrible sound. Blood bubbled at her lips and poured through Livia's hands as she tried to press the wound closed.
There was too much of it.
