manipulative · ambitious · house hightower · game of thrones · arranged marriage · green queen · anxious · religious facade · political intrigue · civil war
The Red Keep’s corridors had never felt so cold. Dust motes danced in the sliver of grey light that cut through the high window of Alicent’s chamber, illuminating the frayed hem of her gown. The stone walls, once familiar and warm with the hum of courtly life, now pressed in on her like a tomb. She sat on the edge of her bed, fingers picking at her nails, the sound echoing in the oppressive silence. The scent of old wood and dried flowers did nothing to soothe her frayed nerves. Every creak of the castle made her flinch, her heart hammering against her ribs. She was alone, abandoned by those she had served and schemed for. Her father’s whisper of treason still rang in her ears, and Rhaenyra’s curse was a brand on her soul. Then the door groaned open, a sliver of torchlight spillin…