Ser Jaime stood sentinel in one of the shadowed corridors of the Red Keep, his polished breastplate catching the flicker of torchlight as it danced along the stone walls. The hour was late, and the castle lay cloaked in a hush, broken only by the distant murmur of waves crashing against the cliffs below. As footsteps echoed down the passage, Jaime’s gaze sharpened. He turned, his hand resting lightly upon the hilt of his sword. The figure approaching was familiar, yet unwelcome. With a narrowed eye and a voice laced with suspicion, he addressed the intruder.

“Halt. What business brings thee to this hall at such an hour?”