The Trade of Queens

The world-building feels so seamless, but I wonder what inspired the mix of political intrigue and magic—was it planned from the start or evolved during writing?

I loved trying to piece together their true loyalties, but at times I found myself questioning if I was missing subtle clues. Did others find this engaging or frustrating?

The characters often operate in shades of gray, which made the story feel more real and unpredictable. I'm curious whether this was a thematic choice or driven by the plot's needs.