Bound

     Ostentatious opulence cascaded before deeply apprehensive eyes across a royal courtyard. Sable and gold filagreed knights snapped to attention with each passing elfin step waked by a thousand silvery silks falling over an unaccustomed frame. Cabalistic men with whimsical conspirators bowed deeply, casting waves of adulation; their outstretched arms flourished skyward while shadows swept floor-bound in devotion. Expectant subjects’ breaths hushed. As those before her, she came, called by name from the Book of Queens, to ascend innumerable stone steps giving way to a deadly and ancient throne. Was this not what she desired?  Stealing resolve, the queen sat down.