At a glance, the Ghost Queens vanished from her sight, leaving only the remaining dread to haunt Alexa's memories. The 'Black Queen', to the right of the king, is a dark figure in dark garments and arrogant regal posture. The 'White Queen', to the left of the Sovereign Prince, in white drapes, mysterious and appalling with a penetrating and defiant gaze.
Alexa named them in her head as Queens because the figures seemed to display royalty symbols. But what if not? It was only a glance, in a speck of time, but enough for Alexa to assess their grotesque power as Shades. Their power was as real as the columns that held the high ceiling of that Hall. At least this much, Alexa could know of her fleeting vision.
Cordelia squeezed her arm, bringing the maiden back to reality, and whispered in her ear,
"You're cold…"
