The first pale streaks of dawn filtered through the towering stained-glass windows, striking Evangeline's closed eyelids. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she immediately turned her head toward the other side of the bed. Her hand reached out, brushing against the silk sheets.
It was freezing cold.
Mmm... it seems he left, she thought, a faint trace of unexpected quietness settling in her chest.
"Who left, my Queen?"
Evangeline snapped her head toward the sound. Silver was standing near the shadows of the heavy velvet curtains, quietly watching her. The eerie white and crimson lines of his jester paint were fully back, completely sealing away the beautiful, raw face she had scanned the night before under the safety of his mocking mask.
