Sneak in silently

Stewart silently opens the door, praying the hinges do not creak. Closing it behind him, he quietly creeps forward toward his bedchamber, where a light is coming from the open door.

If the imposter is in here, he is making no noise, and Stewart wonders if he is too late and has missed him. After listening for sign of activity and hearing nothing, Stewart steps into the sleeping quarters and looks around. He blinks in astonishment at the sight. Laying on the floor is the imposter! He is ****, naked, and bound tightly with ropes around his wrists, ankles, and legs. He has a strip of cloth tied around his head holding it securely in his mouth. He is on his side, and Stewart can see from his rising and falling chest that he is alive.

He steps forward in amazement to get a better look. It is like looking in a mirror, the way the doppelgänger perfectly imitates his every feature — not just in the face, but all over his body, down to the very mole on his chest.

Stewart is so captivated by the spectacle that he does not notice the presence behind him until he feels the cold blade against his neck and a hand move over his mouth. He feels a warm breath in his ear as it hisses a command, “Say one word and I will cut your throat! Now, take your pants off or these will be the last words you ever hear!”