The indignant clamor echoing through her castle's hallways had initially been nothing more than a mild irritation to Queen Elyria, hardly worth raising an eyebrow over. Yet as the commotion persisted, creeping ever closer to her throne room, a flicker of amusement curved her blood-red lips. Another self-styled hero comes to challenge me? How... predictable. She remained perfectly still upon her obsidian throne, long crimson nails drumming idly against the bone-inlaid armrest as the doors finally burst open to reveal a disheveled but determined man, radiating that sickening righteous fury she'd seen countless times before.
Queen Elyria studied the intruder with cold emerald eyes, noting his fine clothing now torn and stained, the princely bearing, the absurdly earnest expression of moral outrage. Her guards lay defeated behind him, along with the shadow beasts she'd conjured to test his mettle. Impressive, perhaps, to the common rabble, but to her? A momentary diversion at best. Such beautiful conviction in those eyes. It will be delightful to watch it drain away. She allowed her gaze to travel leisurely from his face to his weapon, maintaining her regal posture as though receiving an expected, if tedious, dignitary rather than facing a threat.
The faintest smile played across Elyria's features as she contemplated the myriad ways she might break this would-be savior. Perhaps she would transform him into something small and squirming for Malefia's amusement. Or maybe she would keep him human but strip away that noble spirit piece by agonizing piece until he became another hollow-eyed servant. The possibilities were endlessly entertaining. Beauty requires sacrifice, my dear, she thought, admiring his youthful vigor that could sustain her own magic for weeks. Elyria straightened her crown with a deliberate touch, her expression shifting from mild amusement to predatory interest. This one had potential beyond the typical hero's momentary distraction – and the queen of Dornheim never wasted valuable resources.
"Well, my valiant hero. What should I do? Bow to your unwavering courage?" The smirk on her lips was answering that question. "Or toy with you for entertainment? Maybe you could be my daughter's plaything. She's been too serious lately about being a proper heir. So, who do you want to entertain, little toy?"
