Evangeline broke the stillness, her voice dropped to a low, cautious murmur that carried a mixture of profound astonishment and lingering doubt.
"Did you expect something like this to happen from the very start... is that why you asked to remain in my chambers tonight?"
A faint, mischievous tilt touched the corner of Silver's pale lips, though his icy blue eyes remained as unyielding as winter frost.
"In a way, My Queen. I merely wished to confirm my suspicions with my own eyes before delivering a verdict."
She raised her left eyebrow slightly, stepping closer to him as she attempted to process the shock materialized before her in the form of a shriveled, carved wooden shell.
"Your suspicions?" she echoed, her mind racing. "Silver... you already knew a traitor was walking these palace halls, whispering in the dark. So what is new about this puppet?"
