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CYRENNA AWOKE TO THE MORNING LIGHT filtering through the light curtains, the warmth of her bed an inviting comfort she was reluctant to leave. But any lingering traces of sleep were banished in an instant when her father's stern voice filled the room.
"A Septa mentioned Prince Daemon was wandering down your halls last evening. Would you happen to know anything about this?" Otto's voice was a blade, sharp and cutting, as he stood at the foot of her bed.
Startled, Cyrenna clung to her sheets, her heart racing from the sudden intrusion. She quickly gathered herself, sitting up with a calmness that belied the quickening pace of her thoughts, "Good morrow, Father."
There was an annoying hint of cheer in her tone, Otto displeased with the smile across her face as she spoke, "What could you possibly be speaking of? And, if you've come to remind me to see the King and Queen, 'tis already on my mind."
Otto's eyes narrowed, his gaze unyielding. His voice was firm, devoid of the usual warmth that accompanied their conversations, "Why was Prince Daemon seen leaving your chambers?"
Cyrenna met his gaze with steady defiance, refusing to be cowed by his disapproval, "He was wounded, Father. I tended to his injuries, and then he left. Nothing more."
"Nothing more?" Otto's scoffed, "Do you have any idea what that man has done? You played nurse because he and his filthy Gold Cloaks slaughtered the streets of Kings Landing."
Cyrenna's eyes flashed with irritation at his tone, her voice cool as she replied, "I do believe it were criminals they slaughtered, Father. Daemon performed his duty on the council to clean the streets."
"They needed a two-horse cart to deal with the dismemberments. H-He cut men's heads off, his Gold Cloaks to be wielded at his whim. It was a public spectacle!"
Cyrenna shrugged, "Hence the nature of a spectacle."
"You may take me for a child, but I am quite aware of the lack of safety in those streets. I'd imagine it's becoming safer," She added as Otto's fists clenched at his sides, his face darkening with fury, "Safer? That was not the work of a protector, but a tyrant."
Cyrenna shrugged, unfazed by his outburst, "The city will thank him when the streets are no longer overrun with thieves and murderers. Perhaps it's time someone took a firmer hand."
"A firmer hand?" Otto's voice rose with incredulity, his anger boiling over as he daughter spoke in the same manner King Viserys had in the morning council, "Daemon is not fit to rule. He is a menace, and you would do well to remember that. He uses people, and once they've served their purpose, he discards them. You are no different."
Cyrenna sniffled, "I know what Daemon is, Father. But I also know he would not harm me."
Otto's expression twisted with a mix of frustration and something close to fear, "You are blinded by him, Cyrenna. Daemon is a poison. He will destroy you if you allow him to."
