[ of course alicent has had to navigate awful men and more awful politics. the chaos of the night has him a little frazzled, more worried for her wellbeing than anything. but at her faint smile he huffs a little breath. ]

Won't make such a quick getaway this time. No sense in losing any more shoes.

[ he carefully picks her up, cradles her in his strong arms against his chest and starts toward the stairs. ]

Wish you didn't have to play politics here. Had to myself, considering. Guess I don't have to anymore.

[ it's not sunk in fully the way that the whole manor knows they're vampires. part of that will shake out in time, but he's pushed it to the back of his mind for now as he grows closer to her room. ]