✦ New Faith ✦ Aegon Targaryen

○ eight ○

■

After hours at sea, the looming walls of King's Landing finally came into view, their stark silhouette set against the morning fog. I felt a chill run through me, though whether from the cool air or the anxiety gripping my chest, I wasn't sure. This was it-the moment I had dreaded and prepared for in equal measure. I was about to meet my betrothed, Prince Aegon, and begin a life in the Red Keep, far from the comfort of home.

I knelt in the cramped space of my cabin, hands tightly clasped in prayer.

"To the Crone, I beg you to grant me wisdom. To the Mother, protect me as I step into this unknown path," I whispered, trying to calm my racing heart.

A knock broke the quiet of my prayers.

"Lady Tanda, we'll be arriving shortly," came a voice from the door.

"Thank you," I replied, my voice tight with nerves. The panic returned in full force. I rushed to the small mirror bolted to the wall, running a brush through my hair and smoothing the fabric of my dress with trembling hands. "Calm, calm," I whispered to myself, though the words felt hollow.

The door opened, and my mother entered with her usual air of quiet control. She took one look at my face, registering the panic there, and sighed softly.

"Tanda, compose yourself," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "We'll go to the Sept together to pray once we arrive. The Sept in King's Landing is renowned for its beauty-you'll find peace there."

"Yes, mother," I nodded, trying to mask my worry. Her words, though intended to soothe, felt more like a script, as if she wasn't fully seeing my anxiety. I quickly wiped away the dampness in my eyes, determined not to show weakness.

---

(Time Skip - in red keep)

The bustling dock of King's Landing was a world unto itself, filled with the sounds of clattering carts and the salty smell of the sea. The city beyond was a mass of towering walls and winding streets, overwhelming in its sheer size. My parents and I disembarked together, walking side by side as we were led toward a small group awaiting us.

Queen Alicent stood at the forefront, regal in her deep green gown, her auburn curls meticulously styled. Her presence was composed, kind but distant, as if the weight of her title was always at the forefront. I curtsied low before her, my heart thudding in my chest.

"Your Grace," I murmured, keeping my gaze low.

"Lady Tanda, Lord and Lady Sunglass," the Queen greeted us with a polite smile. "Welcome to King's Landing. I trust your voyage was comfortable?"

"Yes, thank you, Your Grace," my father replied, his voice formal.

Her green eyes flicked to me, lingering for a moment. "I must apologize that King Viserys is not well enough to greet you personally, but he sends his warmest regards. Prince Aegon is..." She hesitated, her expression tightening for the briefest of moments, "attending to royal matters."

My heart sank. Aegon, my betrothed, was not here to meet me. I had imagined this moment-his face, his first words-so many times, and now it was reduced to a formality. Would he even care for this arrangement, or was I just another pawn in the game of alliances?

"I understand, Your Grace," I replied softly, my voice steadied but the disappointment sharp.

Standing beside the Queen was a tall man with silver-blonde hair. His eye patch immediately caught my attention, a jarring contrast to the perfect, lilac eye that remained uncovered. His gaze was intense, and it sent a ripple of unease through me. I quickly looked away, unsure of what to make of him. Prince Aemond, I assumed. He barely spoke, his posture rigid, his expression unreadable. Something about him seemed cold, almost dangerous.

I felt my mother's hand lightly touch my arm, a gentle reminder to stay composed. I forced a small smile and lowered my head once more.

"Prince Aemond has kindly come in Aegon's place," the Queen added, her tone carefully neutral. "He will escort you to the Keep."

The words made me uneasy. Why hadn't Aegon come? Surely, he could have spared the time to meet the woman he was to marry? I schooled my expression, not wanting to reveal the disappointment gnawing at me.

"Thank you, Your Grace," my mother said smoothly. "We look forward to the formal introductions."

Queen Alicent nodded and gestured for a servant to lead us to our chambers. "I've arranged for you to rest and refresh yourselves after your journey. When you are ready, we will visit the Sept."

"Of course," my father bowed slightly, ever the diplomat.

---

Time Skip: Arrival at the Red Keep

The Red Keep was as intimidating as I had imagined. The towering stone walls loomed above us as we walked through its vast corridors. I felt small, almost insignificant, in this grand place, and yet this was to be my new home. The thought made my chest tighten.

We were led to our chambers, separate rooms for each of us. I stood by the window, looking out at the sprawling city below. The weight of the day was pressing down on me. Aegon, my betrothed, had not even cared to meet me. And though Queen Alicent had been kind, there was a distance in her demeanor that made me feel like an outsider already.

And then there was Prince Aemond. The way he had looked at me-or rather, through me-left a cold sensation in the pit of my stomach. He had said nothing, but his presence had been enough to unsettle me. I hoped I wouldn't have to spend much time in his company.

I sighed deeply and turned back to the room. This was not the welcome I had imagined. The reality of my situation was beginning to sink in. I was here to marry a prince I barely knew, in a city that felt foreign and overwhelming.

As I looked at my reflection once more, I whispered a prayer under my breath. "Mother, give me strength."