Cercei's POV “Are you wearing lipstick??” inquired Claire, her voice hemming on a shrill exclamation. Feeling a twinge of embarrassment, I remained silent, pondering the trifle of the question. After all, it seemed commonplace for everyone to wear lipstick, including Claire herself, albeit in a striking shade of red. Each day, she paraded around with an air of elegance reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe. “Yes,” I curtly replied, prompting an idiotic grin to spread across her face. The tinkling of bells resonated through the air, glorifying the arrival of a visitor. Lucian’s gaze met mine, and a smile appeared on his lips. In that instant, my heart quickened its pace as if inextricably bound to a familiar rhythm. “Aha, now I understand,” Claire playfully teased. “Pardon?” I questioned, tak

