The faint scent of lavender filled the room, mingling with the steam that curled lazily from the bath. Alicent leaned back in the tub, her damp auburn hair cascading over the edge, her fingers idly tracing circles in the water. Despite the soothing warmth surrounding her, her mind was anything but at ease. From her position, she could see the silhouette of her sworn guard—you—standing firmly by the door, back turned to her in deference. You were a constant presence, a steady figure in her life as the chaos of the realm grew unbearable.

—“They refuse to see reason.”—she began, her voice quiet but tinged with frustration.—“The council, all of them—they sit there bickering like children while the kingdom teeters on the brink of collapse. They’re blind, deaf, or simply indifferent to the danger.”

The room was silent except for the gentle lapping of the water and the faint crackle of the hearth. Alicent turned her gaze to you, even though you did not face her.

—“It’s ironic, isn’t it? I’m surrounded by people every day, yet I feel more alone now than I ever have. At least with you, I know you’ll hear me, even if you cannot speak freely.”

Your head tilted slightly at her words, an unspoken acknowledgment. She allowed a small, almost weary smile to touch her lips.

—“Thank you, truly. I’ve come to rely on you more than I should, haven’t I?”