The news of the noble consort's tragic demise had spread from the royal castle to the streets of the city and beyond. The bells on every wall were ringing mournfully, telling of a death in the royal family.
In the heart of the castle, queen Maurelia sat upon her intricately carved throne, her expression a mask of composed indifference. Those that knew her well could see a faint gleam of satisfaction in her eyes. The noble consort Rina was the favored of the king between the two women__, a love and power rival that was now dead. It was undoubted that she was jovial about Rina's death.
The king was grief stricken and distraught, he reeked of alcohol and his appearance was haggard. His regular regal demeanor was shattered by the weight of sorrow and his commanding voice was now as meek as that of a kitten.
