✦ New Faith ✦ Aegon Targaryen

○ seventeen ○

♡

The wedding festivities stretched on endlessly, a parade of faces and voices surrounding Tanda, each one offering congratulations, each one bringing a slight jolt to her heart as they addressed her with her new title: "Princess Tanda Targaryen." The name rolled off their tongues with such ease, yet it felt foreign to her, both heavy and thrilling. She felt almost guilty at the small sense of power that came with it-a Targaryen, bound by name to the Iron Throne, tied to an ancient, near-mythic family.

After the ceremony before the court, a grand affair with her family, the noble houses, and all of King's Landing in attendance, Aegon had wandered off somewhere. She saw Queen Alicent's gaze follow him, a disappointed shadow crossing her face. Tanda's heart ached. She wished he would stay, to share a moment of closeness like that afternoon with Sunfyre when he had seemed genuinely kind, when their kiss had been sweet and promising. But perhaps that was too much to hope for now.

With her family by her side, Tanda moved through the keep, two knights trailing behind her as she made her way to the courtyard for a quiet meal. Her heavy gown pooled around her legs as she walked, the intricate embroidery catching the last light of the setting sun, reminding her of the elegance and weight of her new station.

As they reached a small table prepared for them, her mother, Myra, leaned close, her voice soft and strained. "Congratulations," she whispered, her words formal, her expression tight.

"Thank you, Mother," Tanda replied, forcing a gentle smile. "I will honor this marriage, always." She felt a pang of doubt even as she spoke, wishing she could be certain of Aegon's commitment to their union. But in her heart, she tried to trust in the wisdom of the Seven, believing that her path was part of their grand design.

They ate in silence, the sun casting warm, golden rays across the courtyard. For a brief moment, the peace reminded Tanda of home. She took a small piece of chicken, savoring the familiar taste, when her father cleared his throat and broke the silence.

"King Viserys has requested a bedding ceremony," he announced, his tone even, but his eyes betraying discomfort.

Tanda choked on her food, coughing violently, her cheeks burning. One of the knights stepped forward and gave her a firm pat on the back, dislodging the chicken. She took a shuddering breath, feeling the weight of her father's words sink in. "Can it not be... dispensed with?" Her voice was hoarse, still scratchy from the shock and the choking.

She knew well what a bedding ceremony entailed-an ancient, crude tradition where the marriage was consummated with an audience present, usually including members of both families and occasionally the king or queen, all watching to ensure the union was complete. The very thought made her stomach twist.

Her father's expression grew somber. "The king himself requested it."

Tanda looked down, barely able to whisper, "Oh." The day had gone surprisingly well, not what she had once dreamed of but bearable. This, however, felt like a cold shattering of any hope for dignity on her wedding day.

After a long pause, she gathered the courage to ask, her voice steady but flat, mirroring her mother's usual tone, "Who will watch for me?"

Her father hesitated, glancing at her mother before answering. "Queen Alicent."

Tanda's eyebrows lifted in surprise, mingled with a sense of relief. It would be mortifying, but better the queen than her own mother or, far worse, her father. "Why... why would she do that?" she asked, her voice softer, a flicker of gratitude tempering her horror.

"Kindness, I suppose," he replied, his voice neutral. There was a heaviness in his gaze, a sorrow she couldn't fully understand but sensed all the same. Perhaps he, too, saw the burden this tradition placed on her.

(Time Skip to late evening)

As the day turned to dusk Tanda found herself in the sept once again, Tanda felt a strange calm settle over her. She had spent time in silent prayer, seeking the guidance of the Seven, hoping for their blessings on this difficult night. She clung to her faith as she prepared herself, each small ritual of cleansing and reflection a way to center her heart.

She prayed first to the Mother, seeking her compassion, her mercy. Mother, let your kindness fill my heart, give me strength to bear this union, to be a good wife. She thought of the Father, asking him for justice, for guidance, hoping that somehow this marriage might find balance. And finally, she whispered a prayer to the Maiden, her patron, for protection and grace, for the courage to endure what lay ahead with dignity.

Queen Alicent appeared, her face softened by candlelight, her expression unreadable. She took Tanda's hands, holding them gently but firmly, as if she knew the weight Tanda was carrying.

"You have the heart of a true believer, Tanda," Queen Alicent said quietly. "The Seven will watch over you, as they have guided all women before you." Her tone was gentle but solemn, her eyes filled with an understanding Tanda had not expected.

"I only hope I have the strength to honor them," Tanda replied, her voice wavering slightly.

Queen Alicent looked at her carefully, then nodded. "You will. It's clear that you hold the Seven close to your heart. Remember that, Tanda. They are with you, even now." She squeezed Tanda's hands once more, and Tanda felt a spark of courage in that simple gesture.

When the time came, she walked beside the queen, feeling the weight of her gown, the intricate layers and heavy silk. She tried to focus on the Seven, on their silent support, each step a reminder that she was never truly alone.

(Lol don't worry alicent won't be nice forever)