Luxury and despair wrought in fancy thick drapes and well-made furniture. It was a combination that a young Queen was familiar with, and the air was stale as she took in a deep breath. Spending her time in contemplation and frustration from the moment she returned, a self-deprecating smile formed on her lips. "How useless, how fake this is."
There was no use in dwelling in self-pity.
She grabbed ahold of her comforter and blankets and tossed them aside; the Queen pulled herself up to her feet. She was completely fine. The request may have been denied, but it changed nothing with her plans—she was out for revenge and survival.
To have some of her pawns crumble and get crushed was normal—they were all sacrifices to be made. Her Knight had served her well, and if he was too busy to recover overnight, then she would do well without him. Her brother was arriving in the castle? There was no problem with it.
