Makhi Kir-Taban is the former queen of Shu Han, the eldest daughter of the previous queen Keyen Kir-Taban, and Princess Ehri Kir-Taban's older sister. She lost her right to rule after her grandmother Leyti Kir-Taban found out about her plans for war and the khergud program. She currently serves as regent with her sister, Ehri, until a new heir is chosen from the next generation.
Biography[]
Along with her family's advisor and physician, Yerwei, Makhi helped create the khergud program in secret.
Rule of Wolves[]
Makhi has been Queen of Shu Han for only a few months when Rule of Wolves begins. She assumed the position after her mother, Keyen Kir-Taban, died. Makhi ignored her mother's dying wishes to make her sister, Ehri Kir-Taban, heir, and took the throne instead, with the only other person privy to her secret being Minister Yerwei, the family's physician.
The idea for the khergud program was Makhi's, as was forming a tentative alliance with the Fjerdans to both take over Ravka and establish a mutual border. Additionally, the plan to send Mayu Kir-Kaat to Ravka disguised as Ehri Kir-Taban to assassinate Nikolai Lantsov was her idea, as was commanding the Tavgharad to light on fire and burn themselves and Ehri to death after the initial assassination attempt failed.
After interference by Mayu Kir-Kaat, Ehri Kir-Taban, and Tamar Kir-Bataar that exposed her as running the khergud program and making plans for war with Ravka, Makhi is stripped from her throne. However, her consequences are minor, being made regent with Ehri until an heir can be chosen from the next generation by their grandmother, Leyti Kir-Taban. Minister Yerwei gives up their secret, telling Leyti of Keyen's true will for her heir, and Leyti promises that if Makhi steps out of line again, she will use that information and have her tried for treason, as even a Queen can be in Shu Han.
Personality and traits[]
Makhi holds herself with the regal dignity of a queen. She is self-described as cunning and clever, as demonstrated in her formation of the khergud program, and the plot against Nikolai Lantsov. She also believes strongly in that she is meant to be queen. Unlike her ministers, she does not long for peace, as she is actively attempting to invade Ravka and claim their land for Shu Han.
Skills and abilities[]
- Skilled horsewoman and fighter, "as strong as a member of the Tavgharad."
- A talented strategist.
Relationships[]
Ehri Kir-Taban[]
Ehri is Makhi's younger sister, and second in line to the throne. The two are shown to have a contentious relationship, with Makhi looking down on her younger sister. She views Ehri as weak and simpering, firmly believing that she is not wise, beautiful, or interesting. She does not understand why Ehri is the favorite of the people - and the favorite of their mother - and her jealousy and anger is born out of that. She actively plans to murder Ehri, unknown to her sister. Additionally, she has become queen when it should have gone to Ehri. Their mother, Keyen Kir-Taban, named Ehri her heir on her deathbed, but Makhi, along with the family's physician and advisor, Yerwei, refused to tell Ehri of their mother's wish, and Makhi took the throne instead.
During Rule of Wolves, their relationship becomes even more strained, with the two sisters actively working against one another, even to the point of violence. Makhi attempts to have Ehri killed multiple times, and Ehri goes behind her back to expose Makhi for the khergud, attempting to kill her, and the war against Ravka.
Currently, Ehri and Makhi serve together ruling Shu Han as regents.
Appearances[]
- King of Scars (mentioned only)
- Rule of Wolves
Trivia[]
- Makhi's concept of being "meant to be queen" due to her "heart of the Han" and spirit of the original Taban queens is evocative of the old Chinese tradition of the Mandate of Heaven, which was divine right to the throne. This is especially seen in her willingness to take the throne from her sister, as the Mandate of Heaven justifies rebellion against someone who is unjust, or who is seen to not have the divine right.