Guards lined the walls of the throne room as they silently observed the proceedings unfolding before them.
At that moment, a man stepped forward from the gathered petitioners. There was a hint of trepidation in the way he approached the dais.
When he reached the foot of the dais, he bowed deeply before Nheera, who sat upon her throne.
Two thrones stood atop the dais, identical in grandeur, adorned with intricate gold filigree. Yet only one was occupied. The king's throne remained empty and it had not gone unnoticed either.
More than a few curious glances had been cast toward it. It was, after all, the king's duty to preside over such matters, not the queen's.
But in his absence, Nheera had instantly claimed the authority of regent, stepping into the role as though she had always been hers by right. With the future of the kingdom still uncertain, she ruled now in all but name.
