Growing Strong ᯽~Ser Harwin Strong~᯽

Spring (Part 2/2)

It was not often that you found yourself alone with Queen Alicent.

She had called upon you once, shortly after your move to King's Landing, to request to share dinner together. Though it had been under the guise of welcoming you, you suspected it was so that she could determine whether she'd be able to trust you.

But things had changed significantly since then, and now, the Queen knew better than to think she could have any sort of hold over you that would outweigh your loyalty to Princess Rhaenyra. Though you would always respect her, as her position deserved, your friend from childhood was long gone, and there was no need to pretend the relationship was any more than it was- surface level at best.

True to his word, Harwin had escorted you through the halls of the Red Keep as you followed Lady Bethany to where the Queen was waiting. You had to hide your surprise when Lady Bethany led you directly to the Queen's personal chambers.

The thought of entering the room alone felt akin to wandering inside a lion's den.

Harwin, though frustratedly so, had resigned himself to waiting for you right by the door. You gave him a wary look as you followed the Queen's lady inside.

Lady Bethany announced, "Lady Y/N, Your Grace."

Your eyes widened in surprise as she then excused herself, slipping out of the door without another word. Though you knew you would be speaking with the Queen alone, you had half expected the Queen's ladies to be present at least. You did not anticipate being truly alone with the woman across the room.

Queen Alicent turned away from her balcony and back towards the room at the sound of her lady's voice. She was donned in her usual color, a gown made of the most luxurious green fabrics money could buy. Her hair was styled neatly, pristinely even. Though you had your doubts about the truthfulness of it, the Queen looked well-rested. Queen Alicent had always looked well put together, and you could never deny her that.

In fact, despite the small voice in your head chastising you as you did so, you couldn't help but feel uncomfortable under her inquisitive gaze. You were still dressed in the gown you wore the day before. Your hair was most likely greatly disheveled. You did not need a mirror; you could feel how red your eyes must have been.

Queen Alicent took a few steps closer, before properly taking you in. She politely hid her true feelings about your appearance, and gave you a tight-lipped smile instead. "Lady Y/N."

You curtseyed. "Your Grace."

"Come, sit with me. I had them bring us some tea."

Queen Alicent seated herself at the table positioned in the middle of the room. You were in no position to deny her, so you did as she requested without delay.

You watched with suspicion as Queen Alicent poured you both a cup of tea. That was a serving girl or boy's job- not one of the Queen. The fact that she had done so, combined with the fact that the two of you were truly alone, created a rather informal and yet intimate moment. It made you feel greatly uneasy. While the woman herself did not scare you, you feared her long reach.

Queen Alicent calmly took a sip of her own cup of tea, before giving you a somber look. "On behalf of the royal family, I want to give you our deepest condolences at this time. I know the King's friendship with your father, and by extension, your brother, went back many years. And I know how close you, and Ser Harwin, are to Princess Rhaenyra."

Your eyes narrowed involuntarily. You weren't exactly sure what the Queen meant by her last phrase, but you chose to ignore it. "Thank you, Your Grace."