The answer is: Athaliah

2 Chr 22:12 - Queen regnant (in her own right) as opposed to queen consort (because she is married to the king)

Athaliah holds a unique place in biblical history as one of the few women to rule as queen regnant—a ruler in her own right—over Israel and Judah. Her story is found primarily in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where we see her rise to power through a rather tumultuous lineage. As the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, Athaliah grew up in a politically charged environment that glorified manipulation and intrigue.

What’s particularly riveting about Athaliah’s reign is that it was marked by her fierce determination to consolidate power after the death of her son, King Ahaziah. Instead of letting the royal lineage continue with her descendants, she decimated the royal family, seeking to secure her position. This violent takeover resulted in a reign that was controversial, marked with tension and scandal.

Fun fact: The name Athaliah means "afflicted by Yahweh." You can't help but speculate that the circumstances of her rule brought severe trials upon her as she fought to maintain control and navigate the politically dangerous landscape. Her downfall came at the hands of a religious uprising led by the priest Jehoiada, highlighting that political maneuvers aren’t the only forces at play in biblical narratives; faith and community often vie for dominance, too.

Thus, Athaliah’s reign serves as a nuanced tale of power, ambition, and the intricate web of familial ties in Israel's history.