The moon sat high in the sky when Queen Candy finally took leave from the nights discussions with The Council. The air felt crisp and the sound of chefs shuffling back and forth filled the chambers of the Throne Room with a quiet murmur. It seemed like any other night on Sugar Mountain.

Moving to a window, the queen pulled back a heavy velvet curtain to survey her lands. Sugar Mountain towered over its surroundings. From the farmers in Shortbread Fields tending to their crops to foremen stoking furnaces in Melted Mines, the lands buzzed with vibrant activity, even at this late hour.

But for Queen Candy, it wasn’t all happy days. Now into its third generation of fortune, tensions were growing amongst the populace of Sugar Mountain. The cause? The competition for its sweet, sweet resources. Growing factionalism between the tribes was undermining the lands promise of fairness and prosperity.

“Freya!”, a voice burst in. The queen turned to see a disheveled figured gently sauntering into the Throne Room. Suited in a shabby green overall and comically small propeller hat, it was a face she knew all too well. So well, in fact, that he often forgot to refer to her by royal titles.

“Really? At this time of night? Come on, Thuck.” She laughed gently as the court jester perched on an arm of the throne.

“I’ve heard rumours, miss. Rumours? Yes. But there can be truth in these things, methinks.

Thuck eyed her warily. “It’s the Donut Gang. Down at the Sweet Bay of Cartel.”

His voiced quivered and accelerated as he continued. “There’s tales of plots to rise up. Tales of claiming more than what’s theirs. Tales of more booty than they can get their greasy little mitts on.”

The Queen chuckled.

“Come on, Thuck. Do we really need to be sounding the drums of war at every muttering in the lands? If anything, I’m sure their plans are full of holes”

She winked at him.

“Very well, miss”. Thuck conceded. “But those Donuts, hmmm those Donuts, I think we keep an eye on them.” His voice trailed off as he turned to leave the queen in peace, not waiting for a response.

The Queen sighed, turning back to the moon shining over her lands.

What would King Candy do at times like this? She wondered.

Ever since the king had left on The Great Expedition 11 moons ago she had been tasked with overseeing the lands in his name.

No, now wasn’t the time for such contemplations. She had a duty to Sugar Mountain. While the tribes might disagree, they had to be managed to maintain the prosperity of the lands.

Stepping back inside and pulling the curtains to a close, moonlight vanished from the Throne Room and darkness surrounded The Queen.

A 12th moon would be coming soon. A height of hysteria on Sugar Mountain. Time was ticking and of what was to come, she was not prepared.

Just Desserts is an upcoming collection of creative, playful NFTs. Each NFT will play a part in the community-driven story behind the collection. From 3D cinematics to long-form scripts, the interactive narrative is soon to play out.

Image Credit: upklyak