𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 16

Two months had passed since the fateful night when Aegon had saved Rhaenyra and Laena from the bandits and been gravely injured. The castle, once filled with tension and fear, had now returned to its usual rhythm. Aegon's wounds were healing, and though he was still not fully recovered, he had regained enough strength to move around more freely. Today was a special day, a day of celebration and joy—for it was Rhaenyra's name day.

The early morning light filtered through the castle windows, casting a golden hue across the stone floors and illuminating the intricate tapestries that adorned the walls. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the sweet aroma of blooming flowers as preparations for the festivities began in earnest. Servants bustled about, hanging garlands of flowers and arranging tables with delicacies, their faces alight with anticipation for the joyous day ahead.

In her chambers, Rhaenyra awoke to the soft knock of the maids at her door. She stretched and yawned, the events of the day slowly coming into focus. A gentle smile spread across her face as she remembered what day it was. Her name day was always a time of excitement, and she couldn't wait to see what surprises lay in store for her this year.

"Good morrow, Princess," one of the maids said as they entered, carrying a small wooden box and a folded letter. "Happy name day! We have something special for you."

Rhaenyra sat up, her long silver-gold hair tumbling around her shoulders. "Thank you," she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What is it?"

The maids set the box on her bed and opened it to reveal a stunning dress, carefully folded and adorned with delicate lace and embroidery. The fabric shimmered in the morning light, a deep, regal blue with silver threadwork that caught the light with every movement. Rhaenyra's eyes widened in delight as she gently touched the soft material, her heart fluttering with excitement.

"Who is this from?" she asked, tracing the intricate patterns with her fingers.

The other maid handed her the letter, a knowing smile on her face. "There's a note, Princess. Perhaps it will tell you."

Rhaenyra took the letter and unfolded it, recognizing the familiar handwriting of her uncle Aegon. She read the words eagerly, her heart beating faster with each line.

My dearest Rhaenyra,

On this special day, I wanted to give you something to cherish. Please wear this dress and meet me in the garden for a surprise.

With love, Your Uncle Aegon

A smile spread across Rhaenyra's face as she finished reading. Her uncle Aegon always had a way of making her feel special, and despite his recent injury, he had gone to great lengths to make her name day memorable. She turned to the maids, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"Help me get ready," she said, clutching the dress to her chest. "I mustn't keep him waiting."

The maids set to work, helping Rhaenyra into the beautiful dress and brushing out her long hair until it shone like spun silver in the morning light. They fastened a delicate chain of pearls around her neck and placed a matching circlet in her hair, completing the ensemble. Rhaenyra looked at herself in the mirror, her heart swelling with happiness.

"Thank you," she said, turning to the maids with a bright smile. "It's perfect."

With a final glance at her reflection, Rhaenyra hurried out of her chambers and made her way through the castle, her heart pounding with excitement. She passed by the bustling servants and the nobles who were already gathering for the festivities, her thoughts focused solely on the garden and the surprise that awaited her there.