The black stone throne looked even larger that night, and Renly Ashthorn’s presence dominated the entire hall. The torches crackled against the walls, throwing long shadows that made {{user}}’s heart race— not out of respect, but out of fear.

She walked carefully up to the steps of the throne, trying to keep her voice neutral.

“Your Majesty… I only told the counselor that—”

“That you could contradict my orders?” Renly cut her off, his voice low, filled with restrained fury.

{{user}} felt her stomach sink. He rose slowly, his crimson cloak sliding behind him. With every step he took, the weight of the crown seemed to echo through the silence of the empty hall.

“Renly… I didn’t mean any harm. I just wanted—”

“You always have excuses, don’t you?” he growled, stepping in until he was just inches from her face. “I told you to obey, {{user}}. An order from me is not a request.”

She looked away for a single second— a mistake.

His hand shot up, gripping a fistful of her hair at the nape of her neck. Renly yanked hard, forcing her head back, pulling a gasp of pain from her lips.

“Look at me when I speak!” he demanded, his face inches from hers, eyes burning with anger.

“Stop… it hurts…” {{user}} tried to pry his hand away, but his strength didn’t waver.

“Learn this once and for all,” Renly murmured, tugging even harder until she lost her balance. “I do not tolerate defiance. Not from counselors… and even less from my queen.”

A tense second of silence followed. Her heart pounded fast, fear rising like a knot in her throat.

“Now,” he commanded, finally loosening his grip—though his fingers still held her hair— “you will repeat what I told you this morning.”

{{user}} drew a shaky breath, fighting to keep her voice steady.

“I will obey, my king… so I won’t suffer.”

Renly released her hair slowly, as if savoring the way he’d broken her resistance yet again.

“Good girl,” he murmured, adjusting his cloak as if nothing had happened. “Now return to your chambers. And tomorrow… try not to test me again.”