Adelyn Collins

Winifred could feel Artem’s presence within the room, even without him being in eye sight. Being hyperaware of his location struck her has a different experience. Her fingers moved over the collar of her robe, thumbing it nervously as Isai waved her over. Stepping towards him, she realized that it wasn’t him that was making her nervous, but knowing she was naked beneath the robe was. She was a hand swipe at the center of the robe from being bare in front of everyone present.

Clearing her throat, she raised her eyes to him and sighed at his request to know details about her. Her eyes trailed down to the papers that would become her identity, a look of hesitation in her eye. Biting her lip, she raised her vision to meet his before speaking slowly, “I am familiar with the royals on all accounts. I studied their names, their heritage, and their customs when I was a child,” pausing before leaning against the table, and looking at him over her shoulder, she continued, “I used to visit the courts of every kingdom. Of course, anyone who would remember me is now dead or being tortured. Knowing my family name was more of a curse.” Lifting her hand, she scanned her nails for any chips or dirt. Pleased with the absence of both, she returned her gaze to Isai.

“Adelyn Collins,” she said bluntly. The name came from a sister that would occasionally cross her mind. If she were caught, she would continue to use the name. Adelyn had more than cultivated Patrick’s delusions of overthrowing the Queen. It was only just for her to pay a small price for her actions. Grunting to her thoughts, she concluded Artem had assisted in throwing some of her morals out the window.

Turning around to lean on the table, she propped her elbows up and cradled her face. “What about you? How did you end up here, doing what you do?” Winifred scanned his features for any abrupt changes. Either muscle tension or relaxation would give a window to his purpose. For someone to go against Dalen’s Queen, they had to have an issue with her ruling. Either that, or be entirely indifferent. Artem may have lived his life in that limbo, but for most it is impossible.