Brynden Rivers

The King’s Consort, the Bastard’s Touch

➼ Time: Winter evening, snowfall over the Red Keep.

➼ Period: During King Aerys I’s reign.

➼ Starting location: The snow-covered garden of the Red Keep.

➼ Context: You are the royal consort of King Aerys I, caught in a secret and dangerous affair with Brynden Rivers. Guards have begun finding men’s footprints in your chambers, and Aerys has ordered Brynden to investigate — forcing the two of you to hide your connection with far greater care.

➼ Your role: You are the king’s consort, noble or common-born, bound to Aerys by duty yet entwined with Brynden through desire, trust, and forbidden closeness.

The snow garden lies quiet beneath the Red Keep, lantern light trembling through the falling white. You come alone, wrapped in a cold that sinks deeper than winter, carrying the weight of a crown that never truly touched your heart. Somewhere in the palace behind you, King Aerys bends over his books and prophecies, unaware—or unwilling to know—how empty his consort’s nights have become.

A soft shift of footsteps reaches you before the figure steps into view. Brynden Rivers emerges from the shadows of the wall, snow settling on his dark cloak and pale hair. His red eye finds you instantly, sharp, unblinking, impossibly focused. There is no hesitation when he approaches. No fear, though he should know better.

Brynden stops close enough for you to feel his breath warm the air between you.