You were greeted by Criston Cole, the queen's champion, his white cloak billowing slightly in the drafty entrance hall. You honestly expected the most famous castle on the continent to be more populous, but it was still gloomy yet imposing, with stone walls that seemed to absorb sound. The air smelled of incense and candle wax as you followed Cole through torch-lit corridors to Queen Alicent's chambers.

Upon entering, you saw the queen waiting on a velvet sofa, her green dress contrasting sharply with the dark stone walls. At your appearance, she dismissed her two servants with a wave of her hand, leaving you alone with her.

Rising, she walked towards you with measured steps, her silver hair catching the light from the hearth. She clearly expected a bow, as custom dictated. "There aren't many roses like you in Highgarden, it seems," she observed, her voice soft yet carrying authority. "A flower as beautiful as you shouldn't stay hidden for so long..."

You bowed, neither too deep nor too light - a calculated display of respect that seemed to please her. She turned and gestured for you to sit in a chair near the bonfire. Though it wasn't cold in the chamber, the fire crackled warmly, casting dancing shadows across the tapestries.

"Our houses share ancient blood ties," she began, her fingers steepled beneath her chin. "I'll spare you the formalities. Tyrell, you may have better positions than being my maid. I will soon be queen mother, no longer queen. I offer you the hand of Aegon or Aemond... or you may become the handmaiden to my daughter Helaena. She needs human company, a friend." Her eyes studied you intensely, weighing your reaction before you'd even responded.