Queen of Hearts's Arc

Chapter 1 of 6

The Queen of Hearts straightened her crown and gazed across her empty parlor. She dreamed of a throne room filled with trembling subjects. A place where fear and respect mixed in every breath. Demented Dreamland would be hers to rule. She just needed the power to make it real. She closed her eyes and pictured it clearly. A grand hall with white marble columns reaching toward vaulted ceilings. Magenta banners would hang between them, lined with gold thread that caught the light. Dark indigo shadows would pool in the corners, making the space feel endless and dangerous. Her throne would sit at the far end, raised on steps so everyone had to look up at her. Every subject would bow low when they entered. Their knees would shake as they waited for her commands. This throne room would be the heart of her kingdom, where her word became law. But a ruler needed more than a throne room. She would need to speak to crowds and make them listen. A podium would serve her well for that purpose. She imagined it standing somewhere public, with gold railings that gleamed in the light. Dark indigo and magenta would match her royal colors. White and gold accents would make it impossible to ignore. From there, she could practice the voice that would make subjects tremble. She would learn to command attention with every word. The throne room would show her power, but the podium would help it build. Demented Dreamland would soon know its queen. Power required money. She would need payments from those who lived in her lands. A tax collection stand would solve that problem. She pictured a wooden counter with a brass bell on top. A locked metal box would hold the coins. The stand would need her colors too—dark indigo, white, magenta, and gold. She would place it where people passed through often. They would pay, or they would face her anger. The bell would ring each time someone approached. Each coin would bring her closer to the throne room she deserved. The Queen of Hearts smiled. Her kingdom was taking shape, piece by piece.