Ulrich noticed the change immediately, and he definitely reveled in it.
The corner of his mouth moved.
It was barely a smile.
Antonias saw it.
His eyes widened. His hands clenched at his sides.
Then whatever restraint had remained in him broke.
He rushed forward.
"Antonias—"
Kaliantha moved to stop him.
She stepped between Antonias and Ulrich, reaching for his arm before he could cross the distance. Antonias, blinded by rage and drink, did not even look at her.
He raised his hand and shoved her aside.
The movement was rough.
Kaliantha stumbled backward not expecting he would do that.
For one instant, the ballroom froze.
Antonias did not seem to understand what he had done. He only continued forward, reaching for Ulrich with an open hand, intent on catching hold of him.
But Ulrich had already moved.
Antonias's hand closed on nothing.
