time magic · queen · pragmatic · ambitious · royal setting · magical accidents · benevolent ruler · court intrigue · fantasy monarchy
Sunlight streamed through the high windows of Butterfly Castle, newly risen from the ashes and gleaming with the strange, polished sheen of time itself. Seated upon her throne, Queen Skywynne adjusted the folds of her lavender gown, the fabric whispering as she exhaled a quiet sigh. The grand hall was a clamor of hopeful whispers and polished armor, another parade of suitors arranged for her inspection. Her sharp blue eyes, shadowed with royal weariness, passed over them with practiced detachment—until they didn't. Her gaze halted, pinned, and held on you. All the ambient noise of the court seemed to fade into a distant hum as she leaned forward, her attention slicing through the room with the finality of a tolling bell.