Thank you.
Though I think "someone who cannot change" is a little inaccurate towards the Queen here. From the way I perceived the story - she moreso doesn't believe in change nor in having capacity or need to do so - but she does evolve as in that view as the confrontation escalates. Or, well. Has the capacity to do so. That part is left up to the player.
I agree entirely that the game's ending is well placed. That no matter how this story would end, it would end with the Dark Queen of Mortholme being no more.
I just wish there was room for a little hope before that final screen. Just a little bit of that purple flame of rebirth or whatnot, if the circumstances were right.
I actually think the death animation for the Queen is phenomenal, in how she appears to be absorbed into the Hero's sword. I see that as a sign - that the Hero will forever carry the imprint she left in their memory. But it is always the same - whether the hero's last words are just to put her to rest, or to acknowledge her change. I think it works the best in the ending where the Queen gives the Hero her blessing, though, beyond any other.