"Save your dramatic speeches, Silver," she said coldly, refusing to look him in the eye. "I need to prepare for the court."
Without waiting for his reply, she reached out and pulled the golden summon cord near her vanity. Within seconds, a faint chime echoed, and her head maid stepped silently into the bedchambers.
The maid's eyes widened for a fraction of a second as her gaze fell upon the torn silk dress on the floor, the disheveled bed, and the blatant crimson bites scattered across the Queen's neck and chest. Yet, as a trained servant of the royal household, she quickly lowered her head, acting as though she had seen nothing.
Silently, the maid assisted Evangeline, selecting a heavy, high-collared gown of deep crimson velvet—a dress specifically designed to conceal every trace of skin from her chest up to her chin.
