In the corner of my vision, I saw darkness, swirling in a loose ball, shadows whipping around and dancing around the room. It drew near me, the dark whips coming near enough to touch me.
“Your Majesty?”
I took a sip of the wine and felt my body instantly relax a bit more. My eyes flicked over to Nauny, who was watching me with an odd expression on her face. “Yes?”
“Is everything alright? You’re pale.”
“Of course everything is fine,” I said calmly. Nauny had changed in the few months since the massacre had happened. Her attitude towards me was more frustrated, it seemed. I could understand why. Before the wake up call, I had allowed other people to do part of my work, giving them more power. The military wasn’t the only aspect that I somewhat neglected, and I had given almost free reign to the Generals. However, after my incompetence, I had gathered everything in my arms and taken part in everything. Nothing slipped past my eye when it concerned my empire. It also meant that many people dropped in power, including Nauny. “I’m not pale,” I murmured. I flexed my fingers; my skin was naturally a milky white color, though it had dulled down considerably these past few years.
“You look sick.”
“I’m not sick.”
“You can have Healer Mohar look at you—”
“I told you, I’m fine,” I snapped at her. The maidservants flinched at my tone and one of them trembled slightly as she helped me into my thick gown. It was a deep, dark green color that reminded me of moss. It was a flowing dress pinned at the shoulders, leaving my arms exposed. Lately, my wardrobe was consisting of darker shades of dresses. It brought the image of a vicious Queen closer to reality. “Nauny, if I feel sick, I will go to the Healer. I am fine.”
A luscious black and gold robe was draped over my shoulders after one of the maidservants finished towel-drying my hair. With quick hands, they started braiding and twirling my hair, while another set of maids started tying gold chokers and necklaces around me. The coldness of the metals clung to my skin and felt heavy against my bones.
“If you say so,” she said smoothly. Her tone was light, but her lips thinned down in displeasure. She offered me a tight-lipped smile. “I’m only looking after you, Your Majesty.”
“If you say so,” I murmured as I passed my glass of wine to one of the servants. I didn’t want it anymore; I needed a completely clear head if I wanted to continue with what I had planned for the rest of the day. My duties were almost endless, it seemed.
“Maybe you can spice up your life with a man?” Nauny suggested. “I can have it arranged. I can have a harem assembled immediately if you wish.”
My expression was controlled so perfectly that even if I was surprised, it didn’t show. I wasn’t even fazed. I knew exactly what she was thinking, bringing men into my life. She would send in her own men to keep an eye on me in the pretense of looking out for me. It wasn’t the first time she had done something like that. Although I was sure she didn’t personally have any ill intent towards me, Nauny was power hungry. She wanted to manipulate me and keep the empire in the palm of her hand. I had never allowed her to manipulate me in any way.
“Nauny, you’re dismissed. If I need anything I will call for you,” I said calmly. My tone was almost monotonous; it had become that way as the years of being monarch wore me down—a solid three years. I was becoming closer and closer to an emotionless statue. I could only wonder what others thought of me and my deadened eyes.
She clenched her teeth together but nodded nonetheless. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”
“I’m the Queen and Empress of the Da’al Empire,” I said. It had only been three years since I had taken the throne, and I wouldn’t let anyone take it. My sister had broken down and her mind had snapped when Mother and Father passed away from an illness. The loneliness had shattered her will. “I will rule for as long as I live,” I said coolly. My voice was devoid of emotion, and yet I felt like the madness locked inside me was slamming against the doors to be let out. The darkness within me loved when I asserted my will as monarch. “If I desire something, I will have it. If I am sick, I will be taken care of. This empire looks after me, Nauny. If I need something from you, I will ask it of you. Do not forget your place.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
She left soundlessly.
I was the Queen. Queen of Madness, Queen of Blood, Queen of War—I didn’t care, so long as I was the Queen of the Da’al Empire.
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