Episode 12

"**The Queen and Her Pawn (1)**" is the twelfth released episode of *Your Throne* by SAM. In a continuing flashback, Psyche became fascinated by the reputable Medea Solon and began approaching her in secret. Though initially suspicious of Psyche's intentions, Medea began opening up her heart. In the present, Psyche and Helio hurriedly returns to the crown prince's birthday banquet.

## Synopsis

On a sunny afternoon, several young socialites enjoy the warmth of the sun as they converse over tea in the rose garden gazebo. One of these women, Psyche Callista, looked up as Medea Solon walked through the roses. A fellow socialite expressed her anticipation for Medea's contribution to the Vasilios Empire as the future crown princess. Despite her intimidating aura, Medea's rise to power was expected to greatly strengthen the imperial family. Psyche marveled at how beautiful and strong the reputable Lady Medea was. Unable to help herself, she began following Medea for the next few days, keeping a short distance to avoid being discovered. Unbeknownst to Psyche, Medea immediately detected her hovering presence.

On a particular night at the duke's manor, Helio visited Medea's chambers in secret. Sitting on the window ledge, he patiently listened as Medea confided with him her discomfort at having the young Lady of Count Callista's house trailing her. Unable to discern what Psyche's intentions were, Medea stated in irritation that it was preferable for Psyche to directly approach her instead. Helio leaned over and helped Medea button up the gown that she was changing into, mentioning how suspicious Psyche's behavior was. Ever since Medea's engagement to the crown prince became public knowledge, many people have been attempting to win her favor. Sighing, she explained that such foolish attempts would cease once Psyche heard of the rumors that surrounded her.

The next day, Medea coincidentally caught glimpse of several noblemen approaching Psyche. Unaware that Medea was in the vicinity, the two men loudly expressed their admiration for Psyche. In contrast to Medea's reputation as an intimidating and savage demon, Psyche was perceived as an angel. They continued to compliment Psyche's beauty, inviting her to accompany them to an upcoming concert the next week. Assuming that Psyche would lose interest after hearing such unflattering rumors, Medea began to walk away. To her surprise, Psyche demanded an apology from the noblemen. She insisted that they were too audacious for insulting Lady Medea behind her back without properly acquainting themselves with her. Taken aback by the sudden outburst, one of the men stepped forward and struck Psyche hard across the face. His demeanor suddenly menacing, the noble sneered that Psyche must have learned such poor manners from being raised in a sheltered environment. As he raised his arm to slap her again, Medea caught his wrist. In one swift movement, she wrenched him aside and, using her free hand, grabbed the back of his neck and slammed his face into a window. The window pane broke upon impact, sending glass shards flying as blood gushed out of the gaping gash of the nobleman's forehead. Rendered completely unconscious, the noble slumped to the ground as his acquaintance, screaming in terror, sprinted away.

As Medea grabbed ahold of her wrist, Psyche flinched in pain. Sighing, Medea stated that she had assumed from the way Psyche confidently faced the noble that she was harboring some sort of hidden power. Since the man was known to have violent tendencies toward women, Psyche would have suffered from a broken arm, if not worse, had Medea not intervened. Medea explained that since no one would have overheard the conversation, it would have been better if Psyche mindlessly agreed with his opinions to avoid further conflict. To Medea's shock, tears began pouring down Psyche's face. Horrified that Medea was speaking so nonchalantly about the man's insults, Psyche asked if it was common for Medea to hear such negative rumors about herself. Medea could not comprehend why Psyche, despite being injured, was shedding tears for someone else. It was because of this empathetic and kind side of Psyche, however, that moved Medea's guarded heart.

As time passed, their friendship began to grow. One day, Medea stood still as Nana wrapped a warm, fur-lined cloak around her delicate shoulders. Dressed in a black gown, Medea pulled the cloak tighter around her frame as Nana cheerfully asked if she was going out to once again meet with Psyche. Medea nonchalantly claimed that she was only doing so to appease Psyche. As she remarked on how similar Psyche and Nana's personalities were, Nana chuckled at how mature the young Lady Solon had become.

Outside of the manor, Medea and Psyche strolled through the vast gardens of the duke's estate. In sharp contrast to Medea's dark attire, Psyche was dressed in flowing fabrics of bright yellow. Timidly, Psyche informed Medea that onlookers have recently begun to refer to the two of them as a queen and a pawn. She admitted that since they were always seen in public together, it was only reasonable for people to compare the two of them. Psyche sighed, commenting on how conspicuous it was that she had so much to learn before achieving equal footing with the reputable Medea. Slightly taken aback, Medea asked if Psyche knew how to play chess. Psyche shook her head, confessing that she only knew that the pawn was the most common piece.

To properly illustrate her point, Medea decided to lead Psyche back inside the manor. They settled themselves down in the parlor, where a chess set was immediately brought forth. With all the pieces set up, Medea took a white pawn and moved it across the chessboard. Patiently, she explained that as the most common piece in the game, a pawn could earn its freedom by successfully infiltrating enemy territory. Whether it be a knight, a rook, or even a queen, the pawn could become anything it desired. Understanding Medea's words, Psyche was moved to tears. Medea gently comforted her, noting how easily swayed Psyche was. During such peaceful days, it was as if the inexplicable anxiety in Medea's heart portended the impending turmoil.

One night, Medea entered the foyer of the duke's manor to discover Duke Solon in fit of hysteria. As Duchess Solon attempted to assuage his temper, Duke Solon cried out in horror at the crown prince's sudden decision to cancel his engagement to Medea. Instead, Eros Orna Vasilios announced that he was going to hold a competition to hand-select the future crown princess himself. It was at that moment that everything that had been falling into place took a turn for the worse.

In present time, Psyche quietly reenters the ballroom with Helio. In Medea's body, she glances around the room as the festivities for the crown prince's birthday banquet continue. Various crowds of nobles cheerfully converse with one another, many holding drinks in their hands. She notes in relief that nothing major has occurred during the time she stepped out. As long as she stays by Helio's side, the rest of the festivities should proceed smoothly without a hitch. As Helio glances up, his expression suddenly twists in horror as he catches sight of Eros at the top of the grand staircase. Psyche grabs ahold of his elbow, steadying his balance as he stumbles from shock. In a low voice, he wonders aloud why Eros is at the banquet instead of meeting Medea in the gardens. Recalling Medea's request to question Psyche about Eros, Helio realizes that Medea already noticed that the crown prince is devising a scheme.

## Characters

*Characters are listed in order of appearance. Character first appearances are **bolded**.*

* Psyche Callista
* Medea Solon (flashback)
* Helio Niccolo
* Nana (flashback)
* Duke Solon (flashback)
* Duchess Solon (flashback)
* Emperor Vasilios (flashback; mentioned)
* Eros Orna Vasilios

## Gallery

Psyche spied on Medea from a distance.Helio helped button up Medea's gown.Medea attacked a noble for assaulting Psyche.Psyche shed tears for Medea's sake.After befriending one another, Medea and Psyche took a walk together.Medea demonstrated the power of a pawn in chess.Helio and Psyche realize in horror that Eros is still at the banquet.