Queen Mirabelle's first day as ruler wasn't celebrated with parades. Instead, it began with cleaning.
The Palace servants, who had returned once they realized Revas wasn't going to eat them right away, were busy scrubbing the floors. They worked quickly around the new Queen and her Guardian, too scared to meet their eyes.
Mirabelle sat on the throne. She had been sitting there for six hours.
The crown still rested on her head, pressing into her temples as a constant, throbbing reminder of her victory.
Below the dais, a line of petitioners had formed. The same nobles who had snubbed her for years were now bowing so low their noses brushed the carpet.
"Your Majesty," the Duke of Highgarden stammered, sweating profusely. "About the... uh... tax exemptions for the vineyards. We were hoping..."
"Denied," Mirabelle said. She didn't even look at the scroll he offered.
"But... Your Majesty..."
Revas lounged on the steps of the dais, peeling an orange with a dagger. He looked up.
