Somnaria was indeed found in Theodore's chamber.
Now, Donovan stood before both mother and son. Theodore narrowed his eyes at Stephen, clearly unsettled.
How had they gotten in? He had removed every trace of the substance. No one else knew the locking spell—unless…
His eyes shifted to Aurora. Could she be one of them? A witch?
"My lord," Theodore said steadily, "I swear, this is a scheme against me and my mother."
"Is that so?" Sapphire stepped forward, arms crossed.
"And who's truly weaving schemes here? You'll still deny it, even with the evidence staring us in the face?"
Before he could answer, a guard entered and leaned close to whisper into Stephen's ear.
A small, knowing smile pulled at Stephen's lips as he turned to Donovan.
"Remember the maid I mentioned—the only one who had access to my chamber? She's just been caught.
And she's going to speak now, in front of everyone."
The girl was pushed forward. Her head was bowed, shoulders hunched with shame.
