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Two years had passed since Aemond had lost an eye at the hands of Rhaenyra's children. The capital had changed since then, much to Daena's dismay.
The king grew weaker and weaker as each day passed. Daena knew her uncle wouldn't survive to see another decade. She knew in the coming months, as Aegon's name day crept around, she and the Prince would be married. Viserys would make sure of it, even if it was the last thing he did.
The King knew the pair's bond all too well, rarely ever seeing them without each other in the years since their betrothal began. His wife hated it, a part of her fearing it would lead to more than a friendship before the marriage could even happen.
Daena had learned soon after the incident at Driftmark, Daemon and Shaera had married. With them, so did Rhaegon and Rhaenyra.
A part of her felt as though she expected it of Rhaenyra and Rhaegon. She knew of their history, after all. Her grandparents, however, she had not. It infuriated her, to say the least. How could Shaera move on so quickly after Morro?
Daemion had remained in the capital with her to keep her company, even though he rarely saw her.
He had been given a place on the small council, in place of his mother, much to the Green's dismay. And soon he intended to be sworn into the Kingsguard as he always dreamed, much to his mother's dismay.
It had been early morning when Daena had found herself traveling through the hidden passageways. The sun was barely out, leaving the castle in darkness. She made her way to Aegon's chambers and opened the door without hesitation. She smiled at the sight of him still asleep, knowing he had spent the night drinking in the city.
He frequented taverns in the capital and sometimes he'd take her. Other times, he said he was going elsewhere, a place where a lady shouldn't be. She didn't know what he meant by that but every time she questioned him, he refused to answer.
Light in her steps, Daena moved toward Aegon. She placed the candlestick she grasped on the table beside his bed and sat down on the mattress. She lightly shook Aegon, but the boy only groaned in response.
"Aegon!" She called out in a hushed tone, shaking the boy awake, "Wake up!"
"What is it?" The prince mumbled, his eyes slowly opening. He rubbed his eyes, frowning when he saw it was still dark outside, "What are you doing awake, Daena? It's the middle of the night."
"No, it isn't," Daena argued in a calm tone, amused by his response, "It's just before sunrise."
"My point exactly. Far too early for anyone to be awake," Aegon responded and turned his back to her. He closed his eyes, preparing to go back to sleep.
