Tanda Sunglass, devoted to the Faith, is chosen by Queen Alicent to marry her drunken son, Aegon II Targaryen-binding her fate to a dangerous legacy.
Will her soul stay true to the Seven or will it darken with war?
The next day, I sat on my bed, staring at my bare wardrobe, filled with memories of missing trinkets and cherished belongings. My leather diary, which had once rested comfortably under my pillow, was now safely tucked away in a trunk, hidden beneath layers of clothing and nostalgia.
I rose and walked toward my full-length mirror, taking a moment to examine my reflection. Would I be good enough for true royalty? The thought nagged at me like an unwelcome shadow. What if he saw me and sent me back home? The mere idea of returning to my family as a mockery was unbearable. "I'd probably die of shame," I whispered to myself, the weight of the reality pressing down on my chest.
As I stared into my own eyes, the deep blue color-an inheritance from my father-looked back at me, filled with uncertainty. My face was round and perpetually pink, a constant reminder of my childhood innocence. My hair was one of my few sources of pride, even if the Maiden would argue otherwise. They often said, "Everyone is beautiful in their own way," but I struggled to agree, keeping those thoughts to myself. Faith was all I had left.
Pushing my hair back from my face, I walked toward my headboard, kneeling on the cold chamber floor. The chill seeped through my dress, but I welcomed the sensation as a reminder of my resolve. I clasped my hands together and began to pray, my voice barely a whisper.
"To the Father, I pray for a long life. To the Mother, I pray for fertility so I can-" I gulped nervously but pressed on, "-so I can produce many children for Prince Aegon. To the Maiden, I wish for a marriage of love; to the Crone, I seek wisdom in the uncertainties of marriage. To the Warrior, please give me strength in hard times, and to the Stranger, I pray I don't meet you soon."
After finishing my prayer, I stood up and began to dress. Only two of my dresses remained for today and tomorrow-the day I would begin my travels to King's Landing.
I chose a pale yellow, off-the-shoulder dress, admiring the way it flowed elegantly around me. Turning back to the mirror, I caught another wave of insecurities crashing over me. Now that I knew I was to be married, I couldn't help but dwell on what would come after. The thought of consummating the marriage made my cheeks flush with heat, and I quickly turned my gaze away from the reflection.
Taking a deep breath, I gathered my composure and stepped out of my chambers in search of a servant. The castle was unusually quiet, with only the distant sounds of footsteps echoing off the stone walls.
As I made my way through the halls, I spotted the same girl who had packed my clothing earlier. She was busy arranging a few vases of fresh flowers, their vibrant colors contrasting against the muted tones of the castle.
"Excuse me?" I approached her hesitantly. "Do you know where my mother is?"
"She's having breakfast in the courtyard. Would you like to take your breakfast there as well?" she replied curtly, barely glancing up from her task.
"Yes, that would be great," I said, grateful for the information.
With a nod of thanks, I made my way toward the courtyard, my heart racing with anticipation. The morning air was crisp, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of birds singing. As I stepped outside, the sunlight warmed my skin, and I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me.
Finding my mother seated at a beautifully arranged table, I couldn't help but smile. She looked radiant, her hair cascading over her shoulders like a golden waterfall. She waved me over, and I hurried to join her.
(Her dress)
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