✦ New Faith ✦ Aegon Targaryen

○ twenty five ○

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Not long after nightfall, I knew I'd have to face my family. Aegon, sprawled out and half-dazed. Though he drank less in my presence today, the scent of wine was heavy on him. After barely an hour of his awkward company, he gave me a lazy, dopey grin and slumped over, passing out in a tangle of sheets.

Left in the quiet of our chambers, I felt a wave of loneliness and longing. Following Aegon's advice-spoken in an offhanded way before he passed out-I knelt to pray. I clasped my hands and whispered to the Seven, asking for my family's visits, for swift replies to the letters I'd send, and for my father to find an heir for Sweetport Sound soon. With my marriage, he'd need someone to carry on the family line-perhaps my uncle Gyall or one of my cousins. I could only hope that the Stranger would keep his shadow away from us a little longer.

A few tears slipped down my cheeks, unbidden. I rose slowly, walking to my vanity, catching a glimpse of my red, puffy eyes. As I tried to smooth them away, I glanced back at Aegon. His mouth hung open, a faint line of drool marking his pillow, and though his presence was far from reassuring, it was nice not being alone.

I took a deep breath and left for the small hall where my family waited. When I arrived, they looked like figures carved from stone, backs so straight, expressions so still that they seemed almost fragile, like porcelain dolls. Their faces were emotionless masks, as if determined not to reveal anything in this unfamiliar place. They felt out of place here, like rare, delicate birds among the Red Keep's harsh edges, its scheming courtiers, and veiled threats.

I greeted them with a bow and took a seat across from my father, who gave me a slight, approving nod. Dinner was served with the usual quiet ceremony, servants drifting in and out like shadows. Yet, I could feel the tension threading through the air, even in the smallest of silences.

My father finally broke it, speaking in his calm, measured way. "Tanda, have you settled into life here at court?"

I forced a smile. "Yes, Father, though it's...different from Sweetport Sound."

Mother looked to me, her gaze searching but distant as always "And Aegon? He treats you well?"

"He does," I replied softly, though an image of him drunk and passed out flashed in my mind. "I still dont know him well but he has been kind."

Father's gaze softened ever so slightly, and he inclined his head. "Good. And remember, the Seven watch over us. All that unfolds is part of their plan." His voice was deep, resonant, and the familiar words brought a flicker of peace.

But when he mentioned the gods, his eyes flickered-whether from doubt or weariness, I couldn't tell. I felt an ache rise in my chest. For a brief moment, I wished we were back in Sweetport Sound, lighting candles together at the Sept. Those were quiet, cherished memories, even if Father rarely showed affection openly. In those moments, hand in hand, we shared a connection in the presence of the gods.

I turned to my mother and tried to keep my voice steady. "Will you and Father come to visit often?"

Mother's expression softened, but her tone remained firm. "As often as we can, though duty keeps us far too busy. You are a princess now, Tanda, and there will be times you must stand alone."

Her words hung heavily, but I managed a nod, the ache in my heart deepening as I realized how far Sweetport Sound already felt.

The rest of dinner passed with little conversation, each of us caught up in our own thoughts. As the meal ended, Father looked at me intently. "We leave at dawn. Send your letters, Tanda, and we will reply."

I forced a smile and rose, watching as they stood, faces still mask-like, and prepared to depart. I stood alone for a moment as they walked away, feeling the weight of the Red Keep's walls pressing down around me, solid and unyielding.