For a moment, Julian wondered whether she had already reached her own conclusion.
Perhaps she had noticed something unusual about him long ago. Perhaps this entire conversation had been nothing more than a way to confirm her suspicions.
He could not be certain.
But the next moment, the Queen Mother's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Who are you?"
".."
".."
Julian held her gaze for a moment longer before allowing a faint, almost puzzled smile to appear on his face.
"What do you mean, Queen Mother?" he asked. "I am Kraven."
He tilted his head slightly, as though he genuinely could not understand what she was suggesting.
"Is something wrong?"
It was a simple response, but Julian hoped it would be enough to put an end to the strange direction their conversation had taken.
However, the Queen Mother did not seem convinced.
Her eyes remained fixed on him. She did not even blink, and the expression on her face showed no sign of changing.
