Blood splattered the floor and my attacker dropped dread, his head thudding on the cold stone of the dark throne room, his weapon skidding across the ground. I glared at the rest of the commoners huddled in front of me.

"Any one else want to question my judgement?" I hissed, my eyes cold. The crowd was silent. I turned around and walked back to my throne. I plopped down in the seat. "When I say we are going to give food to our troops, that means that my decision is final." I snapped. There was silence. I sighed and got to my feet again. I began walking in front of those gathered.

"People of Alston, four years ago, your princess was cursed by a witch. The witch had offered her services in exchange for safe harbor in Hestol, Alston's fiercest enemy. Did you turn away your princess then? No! So why should you turn her away now? Why should you turn me away? You didn't deny me as your princess, so why deny me now, as your queen?" I questioned. I let my words sink in and could see regret grow on the faces before me.

"I understand how hard the war is on you all, but I ask you to stay strong. We will come out on top!" I declared. A few voices called out in agreement. "Hestol will pay for what is has done to us!" More voices joined in. "We will embrace this curse and use it to our advantage!" Nearly everyone had joined in the cry. "The world will know of Alston's strength! And they will never forget it!" I shouted, my voice strong. The people of my kingdom shouted in agreement.

"All hail Queen Mnemosne!" Some cried above the rest. Soon it became a competition.

"Ruler of Alston!"

"Leader of Victory!"

"Bringer of Justice!"

"ALL HAIL MNESMOSNE!"