Prologue

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As Rickon hastily re-dressed, Visenya's heart raced with a mixture of hope and trepidation as she set about preparing a special tea. She had silently wished that he would believe it to be just an ordinary brew, unaware of its true nature. Yet, Rickon had learned about moon tea from his mother, and that knowledge hung heavy in the air between them, filling the space with unspoken tension.

As Rickon turned to bid her farewell, his gaze fell upon the moon tea resting on her desk, and in an instant, a simmering storm erupted within him. His desire for Visenya ignited like wildfire, rendering his engagement to a girl from the north utterly insignificant. The world beyond their secret sanctuary faded, eclipsed by the intense emotions swirling between them.

Visenya, resolute in her feelings, stood firm against Rickon's fervent outburst. She was impervious to his anger; her only concern was ensuring that no one else in those echoing hallways could overhear the heartache unfolding. As he raged against the chains of secrecy, all Rickon wanted was for the realm to know the truth of their love. But the mere thought of her father discovering the depth of their connection twisted her stomach in knots. The possibility of him finding out they had crossed the threshold of each other's rooms made her heart race with dread; it would shatter the angelic façade that had been crafted for her—especially in the eyes of the septa.

The weight of those forbidden feelings felt unbearable, and with a heavy heart, she implored him to leave. He didn't protest, simply darting past her in a whirlwind of emotion, leaving behind the intimacy they had forged a mere heartbeat earlier. As he dashed through the corridors, he brushed past Otto Hightower, who raised an eyebrow at his hurried demeanor.

I felt Rickon Stark rush past me, a whirlwind of fury and desperation. Curiosity stirred in my mind, propelled by questions about the source of his storm. But then, my breath caught in my throat as Princess Visenya emerged from her chamber, her back turned, hands pressed against her rosy cheeks, desperately wiping away the tears that glimmered on her skin. Despite my usual indifference to such spectacles, something compelled me to linger. It was the sight of the herb tea jar peeking from behind her delicate fingers that set my mind racing. Could it be that the princess sought solace in such a potion at this hour? Could it be that...?

My thoughts spiraled until the moment she turned to meet my gaze, her tear-streaked eyes locking onto mine with raw vulnerability. I instinctively bowed, lifting my eyes to meet hers, my heart aching for her. "Princess, may I ask why you are awake at such a time?" I inquired, masking my concern with a fragile smile, desperate to lighten the weight of the moment.

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