The sun gradually dipped below the horizon, bleeding deep crimson hues across the palace spires before dusk completely surrendered to the velvet cloak of night. Throughout the grueling afternoon, Evangeline had remained buried under a mountain of state affairs, though her mind was continually pulled toward the shadows of her study.
By the time night fully settled over the royal sanctuary, she sat gracefully before her vanity mirror. She watched her own weary reflection as her maid silently unpinned her ornate hair, combing through the dark, cascading locks. With a soft wave of her slender hand, Evangeline dismissed the servant, leaving the vast chamber illuminated only by the fragile, flickering glow of candlelight.
On the far side of the dark room, Silver lay lounging upon the velvet chaise, his chin resting lightly on his knuckles. He was silent, observing her every movement through the glass with sharp, unblinking intensity.
