Pushing him away

As they hastened out of the ball, they attracted an excessive amount of attention. However, Adela was not concerned with the gossip or the aristocrats' opinions right now.

As the sound of the live music faded away in the long empty hall, she cast a sidelong glance at her sister and finally mustered the courage to inquire. 

"What is wrong with him?"

Larissa looked up at Arkin who was walking two steps ahead of the sisters. He turned around and looked down at Adela with a pallid expression, "Please wait here for a few moments while I fetch the carriage,"

The sisters halted, and tears streamed down Larissa's cheeks, agony twisting her beautiful face.

"Arkin was summoned by the commander while we were on our way...The physicians believe it is his heart!"

Adela felt an immediate stab in her heart in response to the news, "What physicians? When did this happen! How can we be here when father is..." Her final exclamation faded.