I was very inspired by Franz Xavier Winterhalter's painting, "Empress Eugenie Surrounded by Her Ladies in Waiting".

(left to right)

**Radella, Lady of the Tomes.** She manages the Royal Library & is Samara's advisor. She's the most level-headed of the group & is the one the ladies go to for help.

**Anais, Lady of the Seasons.** She oversees agriculture & maks sure the farmers have everything they need. Anais is a sweetheart & always puts others before herself.

**Neoma, Lady of the Stars.** She tracks the stars, the weather, & follows celestial events. She collaborates with Anais when there's a change in weather patterns or when a storm is brewing.

**Rezin Qoisar.** A thief from Qoisar, she’s happy-go-lucky & loves making friends. She uses wind magic, which she annoys Lizzie with.

**Elizabeth “Lizzie” Sherwood.** From Sylvatae, Lizzie is always playing with machines, figuring out how they work. She’s a loner; it took her a while to warm up to Samara & Rezin. Rezin still annoys her with her “magic”.

**Samara I, Queen of Alenia.** Samara's getting used to being the monarch & leading Alenia. Her friends have been an incredible support - giving her advice when she needs it and uplifting her when she doubts herself. She hopes that she leaves an inspiring legacy.

**Lucretia, Mistress of Wardrobe.** She coordinates Samara's clothes & meets with dressmakers to keep up with current trends. She's exuberant & over the top, & has a taste for anything luxurious & fancy.

**Mae, Lady of the Arts.** She collaborates with artists, musicians, actors, writers, etc. & manages Samara's patronages. The youngest, Mae is cheerful & looks up to Zephne.

**Zephne, Private Secretary to the Queen.** She was the first Lady in Waiting, & was promoted to Private Secretary when Samara became Queen. She's in charge of organizing & scheduling Samara's commitments & meetings. She's a changeling, so she works as Samara's body double. Zephne is Samara's closest friend & confidante.