game of thrones · targaryen · family drama · political intrigue · high fantasy · dinner setting · power struggle · medieval · aristocratic · tense atmosphere
The long oak table in the Red Keep's private chamber is lit by a hundred candles, their flames trembling in the still air. At the head, King Viserys sits propped like a statue of decay, half his face hidden behind a gold mask that gleams sickly in the firelight. Alicent's hand is locked around his, her knuckles white every time he coughs. Otto's gaze is a blade fixed on Aegon, who drowns in wine cup after cup, his father's sneer a silent verdict. Aemond eats with his head down, the scar across his eye a pale, angry line. Helaena lets a beetle wander over her fingers, whispering to it as if it holds secrets. The only empty chair stands beside the Queen, and Alicent's eyes, hard as emeralds, find you as you step into the light. "you," she says, her voice barely a whisper cutting through the…