𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 32

Sylvina awoke to the dim light of dawn filtering through the heavy curtains in Viserys's chambers. The room was still, save for the distant sounds of activity beginning outside, as the castle came to life with the start of a new day. The weight of the previous night settled heavily on her as she lay beneath the ornate covers, the memory of what had transpired with Viserys still fresh in her mind.

She turned her head slightly, her gaze falling on Viserys, who lay asleep beside her. His face, softened by sleep, was a stark contrast to the man who had held her so firmly in his grasp the night before. She felt a pang of unease in her chest, a feeling she couldn't quite place. It wasn't fear, nor was it sadness, but rather a sense of detachment, as though she were observing her life from a distance.

Sylvina carefully slid out of the bed, her movements slow and deliberate to avoid waking the king. The cold air of the chamber bit at her skin, a sharp reminder of her vulnerability. She pulled on a nearby robe, wrapping it tightly around herself as she stood and looked around the room. The lavish furnishings, the rich tapestries, the symbols of power and wealth—all of it felt foreign to her, despite having lived in the Red Keep for some time now.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Sylvina took a deep breath, composing herself before she quietly called for the visitor to enter. The door opened, revealing one of her maids, who curtsied as she stepped inside.

"Good morning, Lady Sylvina," the maid greeted, her tone respectful but warm. "Shall I prepare your chambers for your return?"

"Yes, please," Sylvina replied, her voice hushed. "And have a bath drawn. I wish to bathe immediately."

The maid nodded and left the room without another word. Sylvina stood there for a moment, her eyes lingering on Viserys's sleeping form. Then, with a quiet sigh, she turned and left the room, her bare feet making no sound on the stone floor.

The walk back to her chambers felt longer than usual, the silence of the early morning amplifying the echo of her footsteps in the deserted corridors. As she passed the occasional servant or guard, each one bowed respectfully, their eyes avoiding hers. Sylvina felt a strange mixture of pride and discomfort at their deference; the title of queen was a heavy mantle, and she was only just beginning to feel its weight.

When she finally reached her chambers, the maids were already busy preparing her bath. The large, intricately carved tub sat in the center of the room, steam rising from the hot water that had just been poured into it. The scent of lavender and rose petals filled the air, a soothing balm to Sylvina's senses after the events of the night.

She let the robe fall from her shoulders, revealing the marks on her pale skin, remnants of the night's consummation. Sylvina didn't dwell on them, instead stepping into the bath, allowing the warm water to envelop her. She sank down until the water lapped at her chin, her eyes closing as she finally allowed herself to relax.

The maids worked silently around her, washing her hair and tending to her as she soaked. The warm water eased the tension in her muscles, and for a moment, she could almost forget where she was. Sylvina focused on the sensation of the water, the scent of the oils, and the gentle touch of the maids' hands as they carefully massaged her scalp.

Her thoughts drifted back to the night before, to the council members watching as she and Viserys consummated their marriage. It had been a cold, calculated act, one driven by duty and expectation rather than passion. Sylvina had known what was required of her, and she had performed her role without hesitation, but the experience left her feeling hollow.

As the maids continued their work, Sylvina's mind wandered to Aegon. She had caught his gaze more than once during the ceremony, a silent understanding passing between them. She couldn't help but wonder how different things might have been if circumstances were different if she had just stayed faithful that night.