Rogue | Daemon&Rhaenyra

15

Daemon's betrayal leaves a mark on Saerra's heart, one that is not easily removed. She wants so desperately to have him and hold him and love him... but not if she's a prize to be one. Not if she's an agreed-upon amount.

Perhaps with Rhaenyra, things will be different. Yes, she is married, but Laenor's tastes are quite known to the realm, it's a secret not very hidden. Perhaps now, Saerra will have her happiness.

The weeks that follow the wedding are dark and grim in the Red Keep. The air is thick and protruding as Rhaenyra and Laenor find themselves unable to conceive. Multiple failed attempts have lead them to forget about it entirely. They've pushed it off for a later date as to not worry about it presently.

And once more, Rhaenyra seeks comfort in the dead of night, comfort she intends to find in Saerra's chambers as she sneaks inside with a mischievous grin.

" How'd it go?" Saerra asks as she sets down her book to give the princess her full attention.

" It didn't," Rhaenyra brushes off, then quickly grabs Saerra to kiss her.

The bastard girl doesn't complain as they share the bed together. She doesn't complain as their bodies writhe against the covers in pure bliss. She doesn't even complain as she rests her head on Rhaenyra's chest and listens to her little heartbeat whilst their naked bodies tangled together.

" You're the first woman I've ever been with," Rhaenyra notes as she fiddles with Saerra's braids, " Did you know?"

" I did not, Princess," Saerra replies.

" Am I the first woman you've been with?" Rhaenyra asks.

" No, Princess," Saerra sighs heavily.

The Princess smiles wildly as her curiosity gets the best of her.

" Who was it?"

" A lady on the Street of Silk. Her name was Nyla."

With time, Saerra feels herself opening up to the Princess. Feeling not so small and meek as she once did, but beginning to feel at home. She's cautious, for she experienced a similar feeling with Prince Daemon. But with Rhaenyra, everything is so... different.

Saerra's heart still longs for the Rogue Prince, and though it feels content with the Realm's Delight, it doesn't quite feel full. As if a piece is missing from her heart, entirely. It's been at least a year, yet her heart has not healed.

But when the news comes of Prince Daemon and Lady Laena's wedding, something inside Saerra snaps. Her heart seems to shatter as her eyes well up with tears, but above all else, she's angry. So angry that she storms through the castle in search of her Rhaenyra, only to find Ser Harwin standing outside her door.

" Where is she?" Saerra questions.

" On Syrax, my lady," Harwin responds, " She requested some time in solitude."

" Well she has just picked the worst time," She scoffs, then brings up her hands to cover her face as her body heats up and swelters.

" Is everything alright?" He gently asks.

" No, Ser Harwin... no it's not," Saerra sighs as the bubble builds up inside her chest, " I thought... I thought maybe what we had was real. Real enough to where one day he could call me his--" she stops herself, for she refuses to let the tears fall, " But that title now belongs to another... because I am just a bastard."

" Saerra..." Harwin softly utters.

Harwin reaches out a hand, hesitating for a moment before gently placing it on Saerra's shoulder. His touch brings a sense of comfort, a reminder that she is not alone in her pain.