Shadovane

Shadow Queen
The Shadow Queen is the ruler of Shadovane, and, traditionally, the Emperor's lover. She is the second most powerful political figure in the Empire, answering only to the Emperor. The Shadow Queen is selected for her post through a ritual in which women from all walks of life (commoner, noblewoman, etc.) between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five are brought to the palace and handed a woven, silver pendant with a green stone within it. The woman whose touch causes the stone to glow is elevated to the station of queen.

The choosing of a queen is always followed by a visit of state from her to Mirrhvale where she is to swear vows of loyalty and love to the Emperor. A bonding ceremony is then held which resembles a wedding. Once the bonding ceremony has been completed, the queen is returned to Shadovane where she must undergo a study of politics and military strategy in preparation for her role. She will serve in her capacity as queen until the day of her death.

Notable Queens

 * Queen Alice I: The first queen to resonate with the pendant believed to house a portion of Celesti's soul.
 * Queen Kandra: Was executed publicly by immolation for conspiring with Queen Absoel of the Ten Kings against Emperor Conan.
 * Queen Penelope: Was executed publicly by immolation for attempting to control Emperor Conan by way of contact with a Whisperer in her employ.
 * Queen Mariah: Mother of Emperor Conan's only child. Queen Mariah is the most popular queen in Shadovane's history.
 * Queen Anastasia: Sacked the Kingdom of Night together with the Immortal Rahkna, and Emperor Conan.
 * Queen Tania: Called "the People's Queen." Presided over a period of expansion in Shadovane that saw the common classes to a greater degree of freedom and prosperity than at any time prior to her ascension.
 * Queen Meredith: The current queen of Shadovane, known for her brutality.