The Impending Storm of Bloodshed - II

Within the resplendent royal palace, a congregation of bureaucrats and nobles, absent for a considerable duration, were assembled. 

The throne, which had been vacant for some time, its back and armrests ablaze with roaring blood flames, finally welcomed its sovereign. 

Ephesande Flamefeast, after a month-long political hiatus, convened a long-awaited court meeting. 

This monarch, so parsimonious with her power that she was unwilling to squander it on maintaining her youthful appearance, was striving to drain every iota of ether to combat the chaos eroding her self and soul. From the commencement of the court meeting until now, she had remained silent, expressionless, perched high on her throne, overlooking the nobles and ministers below. 

Her countenance, no matter how aged, still exuded an irresistible air of supremacy.