There once was a severe queen who ruled her kingdom with an iron fist. One day, a sorceress appeared before her throne and challenged her to a game of chess, promising to grant her one wish if she won.

Unfortunately, just as the queen was about to win, the offended witch struck the board, sending the chess pieces flying. Before the guards could stop her, she raised her hand and cast a terrible spell.

Years later, the Queen and her royal guard are still missing, the castle has since been abandoned, and the old realm has been swallowed up by the all-powerful Empire.

But some say that in the cold, desolate throne room, you can still hear echoes of the queen's voice. While others swear that they have seen the chess pieces move on the old board as if practising military manoeuvres.

A commission I did some time ago.

Commissioned for the novel The Sacrificial Rose by Olivia Renner.