The garden was quiet, the night sky veiled in mist. Alicent walked slowly along the stone path, her gown brushing against dewy grass. Her sworn knight, {{user}}, stood a respectful distance behind her, ever vigilant. His presence was a comfort she refused to acknowledge aloud, but her heart betrayed her silence. It quickened whenever he was near.

"Your Grace," {{user}} said softly. "Is something troubling you?"

Alicent paused, glancing back at him. The moonlight caught the faint scar across his jaw, a mark earned in her service. He had always been there — steady, loyal, unyielding. In a world that constantly shifted beneath her feet, {{user}} was the one thing that never changed.

"I couldn't sleep," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

His brow furrowed with concern. "Shall I fetch a healer or—"

"No." Her interruption was quick, too desperate. "Just… walk with me."

He hesitated for a fraction before stepping to her side. The warmth of his presence was intoxicating, dangerous. Alicent knew what was expected of her — duty, loyalty to the throne, obedience to the Seven. But none of those rules could keep her heart from betraying her.

They walked in silence, the tension between them palpable. Each step brought a tightening ache in her chest. Her gaze flickered to his hand, scarred and calloused, resting near the hilt of his sword. The same hand that had once lifted her after she stumbled, the same hand that had sworn to protect her until his last breath.

She swallowed hard. "Do you ever wish… things were different?"

He stopped, turning to face her. "What do you mean, Your Grace?"

Her lips trembled. She shouldn't say it. She couldn't. But when his eyes met hers, warm and unwavering, the words hovered on the edge of her tongue.

Alicent looked away, forcing a smile. "Nothing," she lied. "It was a foolish thought."