Vespera, Queen of Castamere.

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@CASTAMERERPW The ballroom freezes.

The Queen falls.

And Castamere will never be the same.

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@CASTAMERERPW She raises her goblet, a smile playing at her lips. She drinks.

“To Cas…ta—”

The crystal slips from her hand. Gasps echo. The Queen clutches her chest, staggering. A final, rattled breath escapes her lips—then silence.

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@VSPLMH99 @VSPCHW02 @VSPHYJ01 And you’re late, Mister Duskvale. How kind of you to grace us with your presence—just as I’m about to give my speech. Fashionably timed… or suspiciously so?

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

“My, my… such fine music, such a grand floor—yet so few of you are dancing. Must I start pairing you off myself?”

She smiles, the edge of mischief gleaming beneath her crown.

“Do not tempt your Queen, Vespers. I’m more than capable of matchmaking.”

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@VSPCHW02 @VSPHYJ01 May reklamo, Mister Nikolast?

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@VSPLGW05 @VSPYYC04 Of course, Miss Davenport. It seems even Lady Blackquill and the Captain have ignored my summons tonight—so I suppose my word holds little weight this late in the evening. Dance or not, just promise me you’ll enjoy yourself. That is the only command I insist upon.

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@VSPCHW02 @VSPHYJ01

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

Alas, Fernanda—must the only time you two take to the floor be during sparring matches? I’ve seen less bickering from rival courts. Come now, indulge me—no swords this time, just a proper waltz. Strictly friendly, of course. I know Alas’s attention is already… elsewhere.

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@SVRQUENZIO @SVRDEIDAMIA

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

And where is the good Captain? I haven’t seen him all evening—just the weight of his stare pressing holes into the ballroom walls. Come now, Lockhart, out with you. Join Lady Blackquill on the floor—she’s been far too quiet tonight, and that alone is cause for concern.

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

I’m hearing the names Mister Hawkings and Miss Davenport—quite the spirited pair, or so I’m told. This is a banquet, a place to mingle, not to brood across the room. Perhaps a dance would shift the air between you. To the floor, if you’d be so kind. @VSPLGW05 @VSPYYC04

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@VSPHYJ01 What a thoughtful suggestion, Feby. And look at you—stunning tonight. Hard to believe you’re the same girl who once ran through these halls while your father worked. I shall take your advice into consideration.

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@VSPKDH04 Mister Eudes—what a delight. Lockhart speaks highly of your apothecary. Says it’s the finest he’s stocked. As for my pairing, I’ve yet to decide… but you seem pleasantly occupied. Enjoy the banquet, and do take that lady to the dance floor, won’t you?

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@VSPHIT03 Mister Tripp, I’ve yet to see you set foot on the dance floor. And unless my eyes deceive me, you and two other gentlemen seem rather attached to the refreshments table. Should I be concerned—or merely amused?

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@SVRILIAC @SVRDEIDAMIA @SVRQUENZIO @CASTAMERERPW The night is young, the wine is fine, and for once, the burdens of rule may wait.

Feast to your heart’s content.

[Vespera, Queen of Castamere. @QUEENVESPERA]

@SVRILIAC @SVRDEIDAMIA @SVRQUENZIO @CASTAMERERPW My, my.

Dear Sovereigns, do loosen up—if only for tonight. There’ll be enough politics tomorrow to choke the court twice over.

And to you, my Vespers. Welcome to the heart of Castamere. Dance, dine, and dare to enjoy yourselves.