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?
It's my wedding day-a day I'd dreamed of since I was young, imagining it would be a perfect, joyful moment. My septa had spent countless hours telling me how marriage would be a blessing, a holy union, and that my husband would be faithful and kind. She'd described marriage as something that pleased the Seven, a bond built on love and respect.
But now, as I prepare for this day, doubts creep in. I know things about Prince Aegon that make me uneasy, things I had heard hushed and whispered by servants and maids around the castle. The Prince is... not faithful, and his habits are unlike anything I've been taught to value. He seems lost in ways I don't understand, wrapped up in things I'd been told to avoid. I feel a strange chill, as if the path I'm walking might not be the one I imagined.
The morning begins before dawn, and my handmaidens gather around me, chirping with excitement. They're thrilled for me, whispering about how powerful and wealthy my husband will be. But to me, those things don't hold much meaning, and I stay quiet, letting them do their work as if I'm merely a doll in their hands.
They twist and braid my light blonde hair carefully, each strand woven with patience and care. They add color to my cheeks, a soft blush to brighten my face, and smooth honey on my lips to make them shine. I sit in silence, feeling more like I'm being prepared for a ceremony than a wedding. In my heart, I whisper prayers to the Seven-the Mother, the Maiden, the Crone-seeking some sign of peace or strength to carry me through this day.
The earrings they put on me are shaped like small, seven-pointed stars, a gentle reminder of the gods I've always trusted. They dangle and sway as I move, and I feel comforted by their presence, as though they're small blessings watching over me.
Cecilia, my maid, places a soft hand on my shoulder, her touch gentle. "Please stand, my lady," she says quietly.
I rise, feeling heavy in my thoughts, though Cecilia's kindness brings me a small bit of calm. But today, no kindness can fully lift my heart. I am lost in thought.
They help me into my wedding gown-a beautiful dress in creamy white with yellow details that almost glow in the morning light. My mother chose this dress, but I had not seen it until today. Now, as I look at it in the mirror, I feel both proud and sad. It's a lovely dress, with wide, puffy sleeves and delicate lace on the bodice, but it feels strange on me, feels distant.
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For a brief moment, I catch my own reflection, fully dressed, and I see the girl I used to be-the one who believed in love and goodness above all else. A sad smile touches my lips. I close my eyes and silently call upon the Seven, asking the Father for wisdom, the Mother for comfort, and the Maiden for courage. I hope they hear me and guide me through this day.
