The drum roll rumbled around the tent, echoing her heartbeat. A single light stretched up through the darkness, hiding the audience below. She couldn’t see them, but she knew they were there. She’d heard the collective gasp when the ringmaster ordered the removal of the safety net.

The drum roll ended and the audience erupted in a chorus of applause and wolf whistles. Cersei smiled broadly, trying not to look down. Her nerves would bite if she did, and she couldn’t get the jitters now.

A hush fell on the crowd once more. She straightened her back, raising her arms for balance. Years of ballet training flooded back into her tired muscles, teasing the perfect posture out of her body. She looked straight ahead, focusing on the platform opposite. She felt for the tightrope with her right foot, willing her left foot to follow.

Moments later, she felt hard wood beneath her feet once more. Shaking with relief, she smiled and waved at the audience.

“A fine line indeed”, she whispered.

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