The Rose Bargain

The queen’s throne room is open every Sunday from noon until midnight, and anyone who wishes to bargain with her may do so at this time. All who raised a hand or sword against her found themselves suddenly unable to move, as if the act itself was forbidden. When she took the throne at Eltham, she made an announcement—anyone who wished to make a bargain with her should come and kneel before her throne. That’s not the same thing as a memory.” Maybe she truly has lost it—whatever fragile thing was holding her together has finally snapped.