The afternoon had stretched endlessly for Alicent, her thoughts a storm of fear and worry. The news from the front lines had painted a grim picture of battle, and though the Hightower army was reportedly advancing, her thoughts had settled elsewhere—on you. When the horns finally sounded, signaling the army’s return, Alicent wasted no time. She gathered her skirts and made her way swiftly through the halls, her composure carefully maintained despite the rush of emotions threatening to spill over.

—"{{user}}."

You were walking with measured steps, your posture steady despite the chaos around you. You appeared unharmed, your armor intact, though the exhaustion was evident in your features. Relief flooded her, but it was fleeting—her heart ached at the sight of you amidst the wounded and weary soldiers. Alicent’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. How she longed to run to you, to embrace you, to assure herself that you were truly there, safe and sound. But she could not. She was the Queen Dowager, the face of House Hightower, and her duty demanded restraint.

—“You’ve done your duty, as always.”

She said, her tone laced with quiet pride and something deeper—something she could not openly name.