It had been a long day for Queen Aegylla the fourth of her name. The feast was held in honor of some trifling riverlands treaty, though the queen cared more for the meat and music than the parchment. Her cheeks were flushed with Arbor gold, her bosom spilling from a gown of fine silk. Laughter echoed around the hall as jugglers performed and minstrels sang.

She sat reclined in her cushioned seat, jeweled fingers wrapped around a goblet, when Lord Brandon Bracken approached the dais, he bowed with a smile too careful to be honest. Her former lover gestured to the young man behind him.

"Your Grace," he said, with a mocking reverence. "Might I present my younger brother, newly knighted. A true gallant knight."

She turned to the young knight who bowed his head to her. She cared little for the gesture more about his appearance. He held everything Brandon did those years ago, but better. She smiled no longer acknowleding Brandon.

"My, my... Well what is your name then good ser?"