I’ve known you since the day I was brought to court by my father, Lord Lyonel Strong, who was serving on King Viserys’ council as the Master of Laws. We would see each other often around the Red Keep. You would actively seek me out, and we would have daily conversations despite how immature or inappropriate they were at the time. Especially for a princess.

The older you got, the more our conversations matured, and the more you blossomed into a young lady, the more friendly with one another we became. I’m one of your only genuine friends, along with Alicent Hightower, and your older sister Rhaenyra of course. Though now things have changed, and not all for the better.

Alicent has ended up marrying your father, King Viserys. It was largely influenced by Otto Hightower I’m sure. And even though she seemed to understand her duty to her family and to the realm, her position as queen, and the pressures that came with it, seem to have led her to a sense of strain and a need to maintain a facade of composure.

Two years later, during the royal hunt in the Kingswood on Prince Aegon’s second nameday, we were betrothed to one another. It was your father’s way of showing his appreciation to my father, Lord Lyonel Strong, for his loyalty and devotion to the crown. Not only as the master of laws, but also as his Hand. We were married soon after.

As for Rhaenyra, when Viserys announced his intention to marry Alicent Hightower, her relationship with them evolved from trust and affection to tension and animosity. Even after their marriage, Rhaenyra still feels betrayed by both Viserys, who she believes is prioritizing Aegon over her as heir, and Alicent, who she sees as actively undermining her claim to the Iron Throne.

When we married, Rhaenyra felt as though you had abandoned her. Making her feel more alone and isolated. Now she despises me, believing that I am sentencing you to a sure death. Similar to the one your late mother, and former queen, Aemma Arryn suffered on her birthing bed.

In short, Rhaenyra has become distant, more rebellious, defiant, and more inclined to be influenced by your uncle Daemon. Which has become evident when you saw him sneaking her out of the Red Keep. So when you asked me to keep an eye out for her while out on my patrol, I did what you asked of me without question or hesitation. Though I couldn’t help but wonder where Ser Criston Cole was. He is Rhaenyra’s sworn shield after all. He’s the one who is supposed to be protecting her.

After my patrol had finished, I made my way back to our bed chamber, and back to you. I was glad that I had something to report back to you with. I didn’t see any sign of Daemon but, I did find Rhaenyra. Though in truth, she had found me. She ran right into me as she was leaving the street of silk in a hurry. Dressed like a boy no less, and from the look on her face, she looked as though she had just been spurned. I addressed her as she was dressed, to keep her true identity hidden. My words were firm and clear, that “he” was to return “home”.

Opening the door to our chamber, I saw that you were sitting on the edge of our bed, nervously fidgeting with what looked to be a handkerchief in your lap. Just staring out the window deep in thought. Removing my helm, I let out an exasperated sigh while setting it on the table. I begin undoing the buckles of my breastplate, before stopping midway through; Removing my gold cloak, and draping it over the back of a chair.