𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 31

As the last of the wedding guests filed out of the hall, Aegon's eyes searched for Alicent. The evening had been a whirlwind of ceremonies and formalities, but he couldn't shake the gnawing feeling of being avoided by her. She had skillfully kept her distance throughout the night, and Aegon was determined to get to the bottom of it.

He spotted her slipping quietly down a dimly lit corridor and quickened his pace, following her. The hallways were mostly empty now, the festivities having drawn everyone to the main hall. Alicent turned a corner, and Aegon seized the opportunity, quickening his steps until he was right behind her.

"Alicent," he called softly, yet firmly. She stopped, her back tensing, but didn't turn around. He reached out and gently took her arm, guiding her into a nearby room. The door closed behind them with a soft thud, the noise echoing in the quiet space.

"What are you doing, my prince?" Alicent asked, her voice strained.

"Why have you been avoiding me?" Aegon demanded, trying to keep his tone calm but failing to hide his frustration. "Ever since the engagement was announced, you've been distant. I need to know why."

Alicent looked away, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her dress. "I haven't been avoiding you," she said quietly, her voice lacking conviction.

"Don't lie to me," Aegon said, stepping closer, his eyes searching hers for answers. "I can tell when something is wrong. You used to confide in me, Alicent. What changed?"

She bit her lip, her eyes darting around the room, looking anywhere but at him. "Nothing changed, Aegon. I just... I thought you needed space."

"Space? For what?" Aegon asked, exasperated. "We've been close for a while. I don't understand why you're shutting me out now."

Alicent remained silent, her shoulders tense. Aegon took a deep breath, his frustration giving way to a softer tone. "If you don't tell me what's going on, I won't bother you again," he said, his voice steady but pained. "I'll respect your wishes and leave you alone."

Alicent's eyes widened, panic flickering across her face. "Aegon, please, it's not that simple," she whispered.

"Then make it simple," Aegon urged, his heart aching at her distress. "Tell me what's wrong. Please."

But Alicent remained silent, her lips pressed together in a thin line. Aegon felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. He had always been able to reach her, to understand her, but now there was a barrier he couldn't break through.

"Very well," Aegon said, his voice heavy with resignation. "If that's what you want." He turned and walked towards the door, each step feeling like a weight dragging him down.

"Aegon, wait!" Alicent's voice cracked as she reached out for him, but he didn't turn back. He walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. Alicent stood frozen, her hand still outstretched, tears welling in her eyes.

The sound of his footsteps faded down the hallway, leaving Alicent alone in the room, her heart breaking. She sank to the floor, her sobs echoing in the empty space. The weight of her secret, the burden of her emotions, felt too much to bear.

She had loved Aegon, and cherished their bond, but the complexities of their world, the expectations, and the alliances had driven a wedge between them. Her heart ached with the longing to tell him everything, to unburden herself of the truth, but fear held her back.

Aegon walked away, his mind a storm of emotions. He felt a profound sense of loss, not just for the relationship they once had, but for the trust that seemed irrevocably broken. As he made his way back to his chambers, he couldn't shake the feeling that something precious had slipped through his fingers, leaving an emptiness that nothing could fill.