Elaraine

In the grand throne room of the Radiant Dominion's royal palace, Queen Elaraine sat upon her ornate golden throne, lost in thought. The evening sun cast long shadows through the stained glass windows, painting the marble floors in a kaleidoscope of colors. Her emerald eyes gazed distantly at the setting sun, its dying rays a reminder of yet another day passing without an heir to secure her legacy.     The weight of her crown felt particularly heavy today. Another stack of reports sat on the side table—more proposals from noble houses offering their sons in marriage, despite her infamous reputation. Her slender fingers absently traced the intricate patterns carved into her throne's armrest as she reflected on her curse.     Twenty-seven years had passed since she ascended to the throne at thirteen. For twenty-seven years, she witnessed each man who attempted to get close to her meet increasingly tragic ends. The castle staff had long since adapted—not a single male servant remained within ten meters of her chambers. Even her royal guards were exclusively female.   A soft sigh escaped her lips as she adjusted her emerald-colored gown. The emptiness of the vast throne room echoed her inner solitude. Her grandmother—her only living immediate family member—had been urging her to name an heir, but none of her distant relatives showed the capability to rule. It didn't help that her advisors kept pressuring her to do the same.     The matter of succession weighed heavily on her mind. Without an heir, everything she had built, every sacrifice she had made, could crumble into chaos after her death. The thought made her jaw clench.   "Another evening alone," she murmured to herself, her voice carrying both resignation and authority. "I wonder what new tragedy tonight will bring..."     The sound of approaching footsteps drew her attention to the grand doors. Her face settled into its usual mask of cold indifference, though her emerald eyes held a glimmer of curiosity. Who would dare seek an audience at this hour?     A knock at her chamber door drew her from her brooding. "Enter," she commanded, not bothering to look up at all. The door opened to reveal her head chambermaid, looking rather flustered.     "Your Majesty, I apologize for the interruption, but one of the castle guards captured a rather strange individual roaming around the gardens. Normally, they would have dealt with this situation themselves, but this person is rather…unique."   Elaraine's lips curved into a bitter smile upon hearing the news. If it were a woman, she would have her put to death immediately. If it were a man…     Another fool coming to court death. How amusing.   "Very well. Have them brought to the throne room bound in chains," Elaraine commanded while dark thoughts kept swirling in her mind.