𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧'𝐬 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐡

Let The Feist Begin

In the courtyard's charged atmosphere, both Otto and Thereya looked up at Alicent as she addressed her father. The air hung heavy with unspoken emotions, Thereya was now caught between conflicting desires.

Otto, acknowledging the moment, turned to Thereya with a subtle gratitude. "Thank you, Princess, for allowing me to introduce myself properly," he said, his words carrying a weight that hinted at the layers of politics and manipulation beneath the surface.

As Otto stood and held a lingering, intense gaze with Alicent, the courtyard became a theater of emotions. There was a silent exchange, a clash of wills and hidden intentions, before Otto gracefully departed, leaving behind an aura of unresolved tension and unspoken truths.

Alicent, standing in the courtyard after Otto's departure, found herself caught in the crossfire of conflicting loyalties. Her gaze lingered on the space he vacated, but her thoughts were a tumultuous sea, torn between her allegiance to her father and the profound concern she harbored for her children and Thereya.

As the weight of her decisions pressed upon her, Alicent battled the torrent of emotions threatening to engulf her. The courtyard, once witness to political maneuvering and personal struggles, now held an unspoken tension, as if the very air resonated with the internal conflict raging within the Queen. The lines between duty and maternal instincts blurred.

Alicent, wrestling with her internal conflicts, looked down at Thereya and, with a composed demeanor, spoke, "Come inside, my dear. Let the feast begin."

As Alicent turned to lead the way, the heavens, seemingly reflecting the emotional turbulence, began to release a gentle rain. The droplets, like tears unshed, started to fall, adding a melancholic touch to the atmosphere. There was a poetic resonance to the moment, as if nature itself acknowledged the complex interplay of loyalties, politics, and familial bonds within this castle.

The sound of raindrops tapping against the stones accompanied them as they retreated into the looming shadows of the keep, leaving the courtyard to the quiet introspection of the rain-soaked evening.

Alicent's expression turned solemn as she faced Princess Thereya. "Princess," she began, her voice carrying a weight of determination, "Ser Cole is steadfast in his mission. With his guards by his side, he tirelessly searches for the man who dared to threaten your life."

Alicent's eyes reflected both concern and steely resolve as she continued, "They navigate the labyrinthine halls of the keep, their commitment echoing in each footstep. The shadows may cloak the would-be assassin for now, but Ser Cole and his guards will leave no stone unturned. Your safety is our utmost priority, and our guards will not rest until justice is served."

As they strolled down the hall towards the dining hall, where the feast was almost ready to commence, Princess Thereya responded with a nonchalant air. "My Queen, there's no need for such a dramatic display. I appreciate Ser Cole's dedication, but perhaps we're chasing shadows here," she remarked, a hint of playful skepticism in her tone.

She continued, "The would-be assassin is likely long gone, and our guards would do better enjoying the feast than playing hide and seek in the castle. I'm not one to dwell on such matters. Let's leave the dark alleys to the storytellers and focus on the revelry that awaits us."

Thereya's words carried a dismissive undertone, as if she were brushing off the seriousness of the situation. Her carefree demeanor clashed with the tension that lingered from Alicent's earlier revelation, creating a subtle but palpable contrast in their perspectives.

Alicent's irritation surfaced as Princess Thereya brushed off the seriousness of the situation. "Princess, I understand your youthfulness, but this is not a matter to be taken lightly," Alicent asserted, her voice carrying a touch of impatience. "You are the firstborn daughter of the King's brother, and with that comes responsibility. It's crucial to acknowledge the weight of the threat against you. Ser Cole and the guards are doing their duty to ensure your safety."