The Heartless Treatment

Maria's POV

I watched my brother fall to his knee just before getting to him. He had been shot in his leg. I couldn't think properly. I just needed to get to him. When I dropped to my knees, blood was all over, and my brother writhed in pain. I screamed because it was the only thing I could do. 

I had never felt more powerless in my life. As I knelt beside my brother, I turned to look at Viola, who stood unashamed. Her head was held high in pride, and she did not look a bit phased. 

With tears streaming down my eyes, I turned to Vincenzo, but he wasn't present anymore. That settled it for me. I was alone in my pain. I gathered my brother close to me and wept.

Viola began to dismiss the servants around. I couldn't quite gather what she said in my grief, but I knew she warned all of them not to come to my aid.