She lay slumped on her padded chair in front of a crackling fireplace, welcoming the gentle warmth that flooded towards her whilst she took greedy swigs from a chalice filled with rich purple wine.

She had always indulged in her vices but since the death of her daughter Visenya and of her son Lucerys she had frequented them.

She ate until her belly bulged, guzzled wine until she swayed like a drunkard, and enjoyed the pleasures of the flesh.

This lifestyle had taken its toll on her body, as had giving birth to so many children in such quick succession.

Most of the weight rested in her breasts and backside, but her waist had grown thick also, not that she cared much any more.

As the door to her chambers creaked open, she didn’t even bother looking up.

“Are you here with more wine?”

Her voice sounding resigned and almost defeated.