Ruler 11

As Gryn's words fell, the lavishly decorated small hall immediately fell silent.

Seeing that Alleras had yet to respond while Gryn's gaze remained fixed on him, Samwell was utterly baffled, but he had no choice but to brace himself and answer for him. "Yes, Your Highness, this is an ancient tradition of the Citadel."

Leaning back in his chair, Gryn scrutinized Alleras. "Clearly, someone has broken that tradition of the Citadel."

Alleras bit down on her lower lip. Her eyelids fluttered as she met the Lord Regent's imposing gaze. "I am very sorry. I meant no harm... Prince Gryn, I did not deliberately conceal it. The Citadel does not know about this either."

Gryn's gaze shifted slightly. Brienne, the captain of the guard standing nearby, understood his meaning at once. Then, with a sweep of her hand, four tall, burly Blue Cloaks immediately strode forward.

"Th-this..." Samwell looked frantically from side to side.

Then he hurriedly dropped to his knees in Gryn's direction. "My prince, has Alleras committed some—"

Before Samwell could finish, Gryn cut him off with a wave of his hand.

The Blue Cloaks seized Alleras and roughly forced her to her knees. Gryn looked down at her, his lips parting slightly. "Tell me your purpose, female maester from the Citadel."

After a stretch of silence, Samwell turned toward her in shock. "Alleras, you... you're a woman?"

Alleras first cast an apologetic glance at the incredulous Samwell. Then she raised her head, paused, and spoke. "I disguised myself as a man so that I could enter the Citadel and study."

"Your name."

The Lord Regent's voice carried no hint of emotion. Alleras opened her mouth, hesitated, then slowly said, "My name is... Sarella, the daughter of a captain."

Gryn's eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at her. "A