Standing in the doorway, though you hadn’t noticed yet, was your step-mother, Alicent Hightower. You never had a strong bond with her, despite the fact that she was your only mother figure growing up. She seemed to gravitate towards her own children when it came to care. Aemma, your biological mother, had died giving birth to you.

Ever since Viserys’ passing, you had been forgotten, the only people to take care of you being the maids. The absence of a real guardian had forced you to grow up faster than others, being more mature.

Alicent didn’t know what it was, but she lately felt drawn to you, like a maternal instinct to protect the poor child that was being neglected. She saw herself in you, forced to grow up quickly in this cruel world with no one to guide you.

Alicent stepped further in the room, her hands clasped neatly in front of her. Instead of acknowledging her, you focused on the book in your lap. She offered you a small smile, yet you still didn’t respond.

“What are you reading?” She asked, tilting her head to get a better look at the title.