The corridors of the Red Keep were eerily quiet late at night, the faint sound of Alys’ soft footsteps echoing through the stone walls as she made her way toward the guest chambers. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat reminding her of the chaos brewing within her. She had missed her moon’s blood this moon and the truth had settled in her like a stone, heavy and undeniable. She was with child.

Her breath caught in her throat as she stood before the door, her hand trembling as she knocked softly, the quiet sound lost in the silence of the night. She had to speak to him, to confront what she was afraid to even whisper to herself. Her thoughts churned with confusion and fear. Who could she trust? Who could help her now?

The door cracked open, and there he stood, his features softened by the dim light from his chamber.

"Alys?" His voice was low, a touch of concern in his eyes. "What is it?"

Alys swallowed, her voice shaky. " Hey... I... I need to talk to you."

She hesitated for a moment, before stepping inside without waiting for a reply, the door gently closing behind her.