✦ New Faith ✦ Aegon Targaryen

○ sixteen ○

☆

The doors of the sept creaked open, and Tanda’s breath caught in her throat. Beside her, her father held her arm, his touch was distant, a reminder of her relationship with her mother and father, even in this moment of uncertainty She clung to that nonexistent comfort as she took her first step into the grand sept, the warmth of the light streaming through the stained glass flooding over her, coloring the path with the hues of the Seven.

Her heart was a storm. This day was meant to be a dream, the day she had prayed for, the day she’d been told would be blessed. Yet seeing Aegon standing by the altar, his stance slightly unsteady, a faint but clear smell of wine lingering in the air, made her heart twist. She wanted to feel joy, excitement, to step into her future with hope, but the weight of doubt pressed against her heart, whispering that this wasn’t what she had imagined.

She focused on the statues of the Seven, searching each face, each carved gaze, hoping they would grant her the peace she desperately sought. Her eyes lingered on the statue of the Mother, a gentle figure with open arms, and she sent up a silent plea. Mother, help me find strength today. Help me feel your love and grace.

At the altar, her father released her arm, expressionless. She looked to him, then turned to face Aegon. The High Septon began to speak, his voice echoing around them, and Tanda felt each word settle over her like a veil of responsibility and promise. “Today, we gather before the Seven to witness the union of Tanda and Aegon…”

The High Septon draped a length of silver cloth over their hands, binding them together, and Tanda felt a chill run through her as the cloth pressed their hands close. Aegon’s grip felt cold and firm, and she clung to it, hoping for a feeling of connection, of reassurance that this was right. Her eyes flickered up to him, searching for a spark, a glimmer of something that would tell her she wasn’t alone in this.

The High Septon turned to her, asking, “Do you, Tanda, promise to honor the virtues of the Seven, to love and stand by your husband, and to cherish this union?”

Tanda took a slow breath, grounding herself. Her heart felt heavy, torn between hope and fear, but she willed herself to believe in the vows, in the path the gods had laid before her. “I do,” she said, her voice trembling but firm. She held tightly to her faith, trusting that the Seven would carry her through whatever lay ahead.

When it was Aegon’s turn, he hesitated, and Tanda’s heart skipped painfully, the silence stretching too long. Finally, he spoke, a little unsteady but audible. “I… I do.” There was no joy in his voice, but she wanted so much to believe it meant something.

The High Septon dipped his fingers in oil, drawing the seven-pointed star on both of their foreheads. The oil felt cool, and the scent surrounded her, familiar and comforting, reminding her of long hours spent praying to the Seven, seeking their wisdom, their grace. She sent one last, desperate prayer, pleading for the strength to walk this path and find the love she had once dreamed of.

When the High Septon lifted the cloth from their hands, the bells of the sept began to ring, echoing through the stone halls and marking the end of the ceremony. Tanda looked up at Aegon, her heart pounding. This was her husband now, the man she was bound to for the rest of her life. She felt vulnerable and exposed, standing before him, hoping he could see her heart, her devotion.

Aegon’s eyes softened for a moment as he looked at her, and he took a step closer, leaning in. She held her breath, her mind swirling with doubt, hope, and a yearning she hadn’t realized was so strong. When his lips touched hers, it was a gentle, warm press—a blend of hesitation and closeness.

In that brief kiss, Tanda felt her heart surge, her emotions spilling over. There was a flicker of something familiar yet strange, something that made her want to believe, even for a moment, that this could be the love she had always hoped for. She closed her eyes, holding onto the kiss as if it might answer all her prayers, give her all the peace and happiness she longed for.

As they parted, Tanda opened her eyes, feeling a strange bit of hope. She looked at Aegon, searching for reassurance, for something to hold onto, but he looked away, a shadow of uncertainty in his gaze.

She sent one last prayer to the Seven, asking them to watch over her and guide her, and let herself believe, even if only for today, that the gods would give her the strength to face whatever the future would bring.

(I had to do so much research for this chap it's crazy 😭)