"Hmm... then let us wait and see, you old hag," Rivina murmured, her crimson lips curling into a cold, calculative smile.
But the truth did not wait for the morning.
The very moment the elderly lady-in-waiting disappeared around the dark corridor, a shadow detached itself from the balcony's pillars, kneeling swiftly before the Empress. It was her personal spy.
"What is it, my shadow?" Rivina asked without turning around, her voice dropping into a low, sharp whisper. "Is there any fresh news on this freezing night?"
"Indeed, Your Imperial Majesty," the spy replied from beneath his dark cowl. "A great deal has unfolded within the inner palace."
"Speak."
"Queen Evangeline had a violent altercation with Prince Lucian earlier today."
