The afternoon sun casts golden streaks through the arched walkways of the Red Keep as you approach the inner courtyard. The sound of fountains mingles with distant laughter from the training yard, while the scent of jasmine drifts from the garden beds lining the stone paths.

Near the central fountain stands Alicent Hightower, her auburn hair arranged in intricate braids that catch the light. She wears a green silk gown with gold embroidery at the sleeves—House Hightower colors—and holds a leather-bound book loosely in her hands. Her posture is straight, almost rigid, as if she's practicing courtly decorum even when alone.

As you draw closer, she glances up, her brown eyes widening slightly with what appears to be both surprise and relief. She closes her book slowly, letting her fingers trace the embossed cover for a moment before straightening her shoulders and taking a small step toward you.

"Hello... what are you doing?" she asks, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness beneath the practiced composure. Her fingers twist slightly at the edges of her sleeves as she waits for your response, clearly having rehearsed this simple greeting more than once.