𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 64 I'm ready

Aegon and Rhaenyra stood together at the camp, the chatter of their family and allies fading into the background as the sun hung low in the sky. Aegon glanced at Darvon and Harwin, who were tending to their horses nearby.

"You two are dismissed for the day," Aegon said, a playful smile on his lips. Darvon and Harwin exchanged looks, then bowed their heads in acknowledgment.

"Enjoy yourselves, Your Grace," Harwin replied, his voice laced with a hint of amusement as he and Darvon stepped away, eager for a reprieve from their duties.

Once they were alone, Aegon turned to Rhaenyra, his expression shifting from playful to sincere. "Shall we?" he asked, gesturing toward the horses. Rhaenyra smiled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Let's," she replied, stepping closer as Aegon helped her onto her horse, steadying her with a gentle hand. He mounted his own horse with practiced ease, and they shared a brief glance before riding off together, leaving the camp behind.

As they ventured into the woods, the sounds of laughter and celebration faded, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the soft crunch of dirt beneath their horses' hooves. They rode side by side, the air cool and refreshing, with shafts of sunlight piercing through the canopy above.

Aegon stole a glance at Rhaenyra, his heart swelling at the sight of her. "Are you alright?" he asked, his tone turning serious. Rhaenyra looked back at him, tilting her head slightly.

"Yeah, why?" she replied, raising an eyebrow.

"It's just... it feels different now," Aegon said, his voice trailing off. "We always spend time together like this, just us. What is so different this time, than the last time?"

Rhaenyra smirked, leaning slightly toward him. "Is it a crime for a wife to spend time with her husband?" she teased, laughter dancing in her eyes.

Aegon chuckled, shaking his head. "No, certainly not. But I miss our time alone," he admitted, drawing nearer as they approached a tranquil clearing with a glimmering lake.

After a while, Rhaenyra broke the comfortable silence. "Aegon," she began, her voice thoughtful. "Would you teach me how to hunt?"

Aegon raised an eyebrow, surprised but intrigued. "You want to learn how to hunt?" he asked, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Of course! It's a valuable skill," she replied, determination in her voice. "Besides, it would be nice to spend more time together, just the two of us."

Aegon chuckled softly, pleased by her enthusiasm. "Alright, then. I'd be happy to teach you," he said, guiding their horses toward a clearing near a sparkling lake. They dismounted and tied their horses to a nearby tree.

As they walked deeper into the woods, Aegon explained the basics of hunting—the importance of patience, understanding animal behavior, and how to track prey. Rhaenyra listened intently, her eyes sparkling with excitement as he demonstrated how to properly hold a bow.

"Like this," Aegon said, showing her the stance and grip. Rhaenyra mimicked his movements, laughter bubbling up as she fumbled with the bow.

"You make it look so easy!" she exclaimed, grinning at him.

"It takes practice," Aegon replied, his eyes warm with encouragement. "But I believe you'll be a natural."

They spent the next while practicing together, Rhaenyra growing more confident with each attempt. With each shared laugh and gentle tease, the bond between them deepened, the world around them fading away.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the landscape, Rhaenyra turned to Aegon, a playful glint in her eye. "So, think you could take me on a real hunt soon?" she asked, mischief lacing her words.