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That afternoon, Rhaenyra returned to her rooms after being scolded by Alicent. She had lied straight to the girl's face, refusing to admit she was no longer a maid.
She had been surprised when she found Rhaegon standing in her chambers, looking out the window over looking King's Landing.
"What are you doing here?" Rhaenyra asked, eying the boy closely.
He refused to look at her, which was what confused her most of all. She usually felt as though he couldn't keep his eyes off her. Yet lately, it was as though it was too painful to look at her.
"I'm leaving again," Rhaegon informed her, slowly turning to face her.
Rhaenyra brought her hand to mouth as she gasped at the sight of Rhaegon's face. His lip was split, he sported a black eye and numerous bruises across his face.
"I...I'm sorry about your face," Rhaenyra sighed softly as she rushed over to him.
She stared up at him, lightly brushing her fingers across his beaten face. She watched him flinch under her touch, which confused her most of all.
"Have I done something to offend you?"
"No, it is what I've done, Nyra," Rhaegon replied, moving away from her once more, "I shouldn't have—" he stopped himself, inhaling sharply, "I shouldn't have brought you to that brothel. And I surely shouldn't have returned to your chambers last night."
"But you did," Rhaenyra pressed, smiling as she approached him once more, "And I am happy for it."
"Don't you see what I've done, Rhaenyra? I have ruined you. I have ruined your reputation and you'll never get that back. Now, I am being sent away."
"He's banished you?" Rhaenyra asked, staring at him in disbelief.
"I shouldn't be surprised. He believes I am Daemon reincarnate. That I've been sent torment him, just as my mother and father once were. I should be lucky I have my head," Rhaegon explained nervously and Rhaenyra sighed in defeat, "I knew what I was getting myself into and I did it anyway."
"Take me with you," Rhaenyra pleaded, reaching forward to grab his hands, "We can fly away from here. Just as we always dreamed of."
"A dream, Rhaenyra," Rhaegon complained, shaking his head as he yanked his hands away, "That is what it was. It's not real life. It can never be. You are heir to the throne and I am but a bastard prince."
"You are far more than a bastard, Rhaegon," She insisted, unable to believe he thought so lowly of himself.
He was everything to her.
"You are Rhaegon Targaryen, son of the rogue prince and twice the man our fathers could ever be. Six and ten and already knighted. A warrior envied by many for his courage in battle," She explained, smiling up at him, "A man sought out by many maidens. Including myself."
