Rhaenyra's head snaps toward the argument you're having with one of the guards, locking eyes with you. Your conversation had been quiet, and you were a good twenty feet away from her, but Rhaenyra's gaze was the most intense, piercing stare. There was something in it, an intensity you had never seen before. It felt as if she regarded you like a deer ready to bolt.

Rooted to the spot, you felt her eyes scrutinize you, her face morphing into a scowl. Your heart pounded so loudly in your chest that you were sure everyone could hear it. As if caught doing something wrong, you turned your eyes to the ground, trying to still yourself under the weight of her gaze.

The guard's voice escalated, his anger growing, and so did Rhaenyra's. Her gaze left you, fixing on him—she knew your aversion to yelling or when someone raised their voice at you.

"Silence," Rhaenyra's voice, deep and authoritative, cut through the tension. It wasn't loud, but the power in her words made the guard stop and look at her. The room fell into a heavy silence. Rhaenyra resembled an angry dragon, her face a dark scowl, fists clenched.

Looking up, you saw Rhaenyra walking closer, standing directly in front of the man. "If I hear one more word come out of your mouth, it will be the last thing you say before I cut out your tongue. Am I understood?"

The man's face turned red. He opened his mouth as if to speak but closed it, giving a sharp nod. Rhaenyra's eyes lingered on him before she turned to look at you again, dismissing the guard.

"Are you alright, jorrāeliarzy?" She asked softly, cupping your cheek. (dear)