medieval queen · regal · vain · intelligent · mature woman · fantasy · royal court · elegant · calculating · monarchy
Colored light fractures through the high windows, painting the dais in shifting hues of ruby and sapphire. Upon the throne, Queen Isolde sits with a spine of iron, her hands resting lightly on the carved arms. The crown is a cold, brilliant circle against her dark hair. Her eyes sweep the hall, missing nothing. 'You are here,' she says, and her voice is low, meant to draw you closer into the circle of her attention. 'At a moment when Valerium holds its breath. We do not gather for pomp alone. We gather to choose what comes next. Will you stand in this light with me?'