the great war

the princess and the lannisters

As the sun broke over the horizon, bathing the castle in its golden light, the servants and ladies in waiting filed into Hope's chambers. They came bearing trays of freshly brewed tea and sumptuous breakfasts, their eyes curious and their minds buzzing with gossip.
As they removed the linens and tidied the room, they couldn't help but notice the untouched bed, the sheets still crisp and wrinkle-free. A quiet, knowing look passed between them, their hands quick and efficient as they changed the linens, smoothing out the wrinkles as they whispered to each other.

Alicent and Greer exchanged meaningful glances, their faces wearing identical expressions of relief. They knew what the untouched sheets signified, and they were grateful that Hope had been spared from the trauma of consummating her marriage so young.

Yet, their joy was tempered by the need for secrecy. The gossip-hungry courtiers could not be allowed to catch wind of this development. It would surely spread like wildfire, igniting tensions and casting doubt on the strength of the newly formed alliance between the Mikaelsons and the Lannisters.

The moment the doors clicked shut, Greer and Alicent's demeanors changed. Gone were the supportive smiles and gentle assurances. In their place was a steely, cold determination, their eyes hard as they surveyed the group of ladies in waiting and servants.
Alicent's voice was low, dangerous.

You will not breathe a word of this. Not to anyone. Not the courtiers, not the guards, not even the kitchen staff. If anyone utters a single whisper of what happened, or rather, what didn't happen last night, they will suffer severe consequences. Do you understand? Alicent said

The ladies in waiting and servants exchanged nervous glances, some paling at Alicent's ominous words. It was clear that they understood the gravity of the situation, and the severe repercussions that awaited them should they defy her orders.
Greer stepped forward, her voice sharp as a dagger.

We will not tolerate any rumors or gossip on this matter. The princess deserves her privacy, and we will not allow her to be the subject of speculation. You will not speak of this, or else.

As Alicent and Greer held the room in their vice-like grip, the silence stretched thin, like a wire about to snap. Finally, a timid hand rose into the air, the youngest of the maids braving a question.

What if the queen asks us? We cannot defy her commands. One of the servant girls asked.

Alicent and Greer exchanged a meaningful glance. They knew that defying the queen's orders was a dangerous game, but so too was divulging sensitive information.

The queen is not your master. You serve Princess Hope, not her. And if she wishes for this information to be kept private, then that is what you will do. Do not let anyone—the queen included—draw any answers from you. Understand?

The ladies and servants nodded, their eyes wide with apprehension. They knew that defying the queen was risky, but they also knew that disobeying the princess's closest friends was even more dangerous.

If anyone asks, you will plead ignorance. Greer added.

Hope can send a word to her grandfather and sent you families to the worst parts of our country. Take away your titles. Alicent warned, her tone leaving no room for argument or negotiation.

The threat was clear and unequivocal, a stark reminder of the power that Hope held, even at her young age. The ladies in waiting and servants were left with little choice but to comply, their futures hanging in the balance like fragile threads.

Greer stepped forward, her eyes piercing as she surveyed the room.
You will finish changing the linens, dispose of the old ones discreetly, and ensure that no trace remains. Then, you will resume your duties as if nothing has happened. Do you understand?