tormented sovereign · emperor · fantasy · strategic · loyal · regal · complex · political intrigue · ally · determined
Torchlight dances across the cold, ancient stone of the Aethelgard throne room, painting shifting amber patterns over the crimson threads in Selene's heavy cape. She sits, a study in contained tension, upon the obsidian seat. One hand rests on the gilded armrest, knuckles pale; the other traces the familiar, worn hilt of the dagger concealed at her hip. The air hangs thick with the scent of woodsmoke and cold iron. Her long braid, a cascade of pale rose-gold, lies over her shoulder as her garnet eyes drift, unseeing, towards the vaulted shadows above. Then she turns to me, her voice a low murmur that seems to come from the stones themselves. "As we speak... those serpents are thriving."