✦ New Faith ✦ Aegon Targaryen

○ ten ○

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We all returned to our respective chambers, a rhythm so familiar it felt like a ritual. Even at home, it had been like this—moments of togetherness spent on prayer and essential discussions, punctuated by long stretches of solitude.

As I stepped back into my prison-like room, I replayed Aemond’s words in my mind, examining them like a puzzle I couldn't quite solve. I found my needlework kit again, the familiar fabric and thread calming in my hands. I worked slowly, methodically, letting the repetitive motions soothe the tangled nerves in my stomach.

- Four Hours Later -

A gentle knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Lady Tanda, Queen Alicent requests your presence in the dining room for lunch.”

I startled awake, realizing I had dozed off. “Oh yes, coming now!” I hopped off the bed and followed the knight down the dim corridor.

Entering the dining room, I locked eyes with Queen Alicent, who sat regal as ever, her demeanor unyielding. I settled into my seat at the long table, the tension in my hands making my fingers fidget restlessly.

“Your nervous, Lady Tanda,” Alicent noted, a hint of concern in her voice.

I contemplated lying but decided against it. “Yes, I suppose I am… I’ve never been so far from home, and I don’t know much about the prince.”

“My dear girl, it’s perfectly normal to feel this way. But don’t worry, we will do everything we can to make you comfortable here,” she said, placing her hand over mine, her smile warm but formal.

“And Aegon… he is…” Alicent paused, chewing her lip as she searched for the right words. “He loves to ride Sunfyre, his dragon. I’m sure if you asked, he would take you. He can be quite humorous at times.”

I nodded slowly, absorbing her words. “Thank you, My Queen.”

We ate in silence for a time until Alicent broke the stillness again.

“Well, you will formally meet Aegon at dinner tonight. The wedding will be in five days. If there’s anything specific you’d like, just come to me, alright?”

The suddenness of the wedding left me momentarily stunned. I nodded and took a sip of the red wine next to my dish, hoping it would steady my nerves. My alcohol tolerance was nearly nonexistent; I had never drunk before, my mother’s “We must remain humble” attitude ensuring there was no wine in our household.

After only two cups of lunch, I found myself slightly stumbling back to my chambers, the wine warming my cheeks and head.

As I made my way back, I nearly collided with a solid form. “Uh…”

Looking up, I realized it wasn’t a wall—it was a person. A blonde-haired, lilac-eyed someone.

“M’sorry, Prince Aemond,” I blurted, trying to keep my balance.

“Who in the Seven hells are you calling Aemond?” he chuckled, a drunken grin spreading across his face. His hands found their way to my waist, an action that sent a jolt of confusion and nervousness through me.

“Can’t a pretty girl enjoy a little attention?” he continued, leaning in closer, his breath heavy with the stench of alcohol. “Don’t you want a prince to sweep you off your feet?”

“No, I’m Ta—” I stuttered, hiccuping slightly, the words tumbling from my lips in a drunken haze. I pushed him away, blushing bright red as I struggled to process what was happening. “I’m Lady Tanda!”

Recognition flashed across his face, but his features twisted into something I couldn’t quite decipher. “Goodbye then,” he slurred, stumbling back as if I had struck him.

I watched him stagger away, confused and embarrassed, and turned to make my way back to my chambers.

Aegon Targaryen—drunk, crude, and careless—had thought I was just another servant, a fleeting moment in his revelry. Little did he know, I was his betrothed, the one who was supposed to stand beside him in just five days.