Cercei’s POV

“Shut up!” I retorted, rolling my eyes. Kneeling beside Maria, I gently brushed the hair strands away from her face.

I untied one of the bracelets we had made together back at the mansion, a string of beads carrying memories. I placed it in her hand and whispered softly, “I hope for understanding, but not at the cost of hatred.” I lingered, my stares fixed on her peaceful form, before reluctantly turning away, with Vienna trailing behind me.

The ...