@theilikepie
These are just my speculations. I’m just trying to look for potential routes this story may take.
Her killing some people is not a reflection of her ability to be an efficient ruler. Not yet at least. At this moment I won’t hold it against her because her motives in my opinion are not quite clear. It’s clear she wants power, but the reason behind this hasn’t been made clear as of yet.
Also, I was reading On the Emperor’s Lap recently. Though, he does horrible things his motives are clear. He has the people interests at heart, but he will make sacrifices that some would find unreasonable and downright cruel. He murdered a maid because he simply could and out of anger, but what he believes in when it comes to his subjects isn’t wrong. There are other story lines where there are good kings even if what they’ve done beforehand hasn’t always been right.
Potential Reasons:
1. She may want power because she’s been groomed to be a queen.
2. To protect her household.
3. Specifically her mother. I don’t believe her mother was mentioned in the previous version.
4. May be she thinks she has the peoples best interest.
5. May be it’s pure vengeance for embarrassing her or/and her household.
6. She could be a part of some faction.
7. Or know something about the prince that we don’t.
Looking at the time period and her reputation which could be reflective of her household. The first killing is going to be perceived as unethical to some, but I’ve also considered that she has to protect whatever negative reputation her house has. The other killings though not justifiable because it is simply wrong. But was necessary to remove barriers to Psyche and get rid of another individual who would be in the way. I wouldn’t say she kills be without thought.
When the prince’s opinion of Psyche was revealed in the previous version. I got excited because that could potentially mean that this story would have layers. Overall, I’m just open-minded and hope this story won’t be too predictable or move in an manner that I guess would be somewhat cliche.