"Beast. Tyrant. Merciless. They whisper these names behind my back. But when I say, I love you, it is not out of desire, nor out of denial. It is not for my sake at all. I love you for what you are, for what you do, for how you fight. I have witness...
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Charlotte stepped out of her chambers, the last blush of torches casting golden light over her gown of pale green silk.
The fabric shimmered like moonlight on water, clinging gently to her frame, dignified yet alluring. She looked every inch the maiden of the realm, youthful, graceful, and composed.
Her brown ringlet hair was pinned in an elegant twist, exposing the delicate line of her neck. In the hallway, she looked like something carved from sunlight and ambition, as striking as her late mother in the bloom of her youth.
She shut her chamber door behind her only to find her sisters waiting. Naiomi stood tall with her usual calm, and Alicent fidgeted slightly, unreadable. Charlotte let out a sigh and strode past them, heels clicking softly.
"I wish you good luck, sister," Naiomi called out behind her.
Charlotte paused. Her fingers curled slightly at her sides. She turned back to face them, eyes narrowing, but only at Naiomi. Alicent was invisible in that moment.
"Are you trying to mock me? Or laugh in my face after securing Storm's End?" Her voice was cool, almost indifferent.
Naiomi stepped forward with the poise of someone who knew her words would wound. "I'm not a bitter fellow, sister. You may think I snatched your man, but Orys was never yours to begin with."
Charlotte exhaled deeply and turned away, about to walk off, but Naiomi’s voice called her again.
"But I know King Maegor is the man for you."
Charlotte halted.
Alicent blinked, taken aback. She glanced sideways at Naiomi, disoriented by her sudden pivot. This wasn’t what she expected. Naiomi was supposed to be the voice of warning, not the architect of their father's scheme.
Naiomi stepped closer. "I think you're the only one among us who understands court politics. You've served the royal family for ten years. If anyone understands the King, it’s you, Charlotte. So if Father chose you to enchant him, to elevate House Hightower, then you have my support."
Her tone was firm, almost reverent.
Alicent remained speechless, thunderstruck.
"And Alicent and I support you. Family above all," Naiomi added, her gaze flicking to Alicent then back to Charlotte. "We are sisters hewn from the same cloth, and if fate warrants you're better suited to be Queen. And I wish you well."
Something in Alicent shattered. Her lips parted, but no words came.
Charlotte gave a slow, sly smile. "Good speech... sister."
Without another glance, she turned and walked down the corridor. Her figure disappeared into the distance, carried by duty, pride, and manipulation.
The moment she was gone, Alicent spun to Naiomi, voice raised and trembling. "How could you? You’re engineering her downfall!"
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