The throne room of the royal palace was grand and silent. Sunlight streamed in through tall stained-glass windows, casting soft colours across the marble floor.
Gold pillars stretched toward the ceiling, and velvet banners bearing the royal crest hung high above. The room was filled with tension, heavy like storm clouds before a downpour.
At the far end, King Kaiden sat on his throne a large, ornate chair of black stone carved with vines and dragons. His expression was unreadable, but the silence of the hall showed the weight of the moment.
To his right sat Queen Eleanor on her throne, poised and regal in her dark blue gown, her chin slightly lifted. Her raven black hair and grey eyes always gave a cold beautiful appeal. Her grace was like a true queen which she was. Her mind wandered filled with thoughts.
