✦ New Faith ✦ Aegon Targaryen

○ twenty seven ○

♧

The next morning, I awoke to an empty bed. Once again, Aegon had risen early to wander as he pleased, leaving the sheets cold beside me. I felt the pang of loneliness creep in as I remembered my family was now far away.

Trying to steady myself, I called for my handmaidens, pushing the sadness aside. Today, I chose a soft pink gown with delicate white lace at the hem, a dress that felt light, though my heart did not.

As they dressed me, I murmured my thanks. To my surprise, Cecilia spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you have planned for today, your Grace?"

Her words caught me off guard. We rarely exchanged more than formal pleasantries. A quiet life, this Red Keep—one where the walls seemed to close in, and every whisper turned to dust.

"I thought I might visit the library," I replied, watching Cecilia closely. "Perhaps begin learning High Valyrian."

She trembled, eyes cast down, and I felt a rush of worry. Her unease was almost tangible, an anxiety I couldn’t place. Concern tugged at me, and I reached out gently. "Cecilia, dear…what troubles you? Would you like to see the maester?"

She shook her head but offered no reply. “Would you…like me to come with you to the library?” Her voice was strained, and my chest tightened. Had I done something to frighten her? I’d had my moments of impatience, but never anything to cause such fear.

We walked in silence, my mind racing, but she remained silent as a shadow. When we reached the library's entrance, Cecilia paused and pressed a small envelope into my hand.

"Read it in private, your Grace. And tell no one." She glanced over her shoulder and disappeared down the hall before I could utter a word.

Heart pounding, I hid the letter in the cuff of my dress and hurried to the Sept, where I knew I’d find a quiet corner. There, under the dim light, I carefully unfolded the note.

---

My Dearest Tanda,

I am relieved to know you are settled, though King’s Landing is a place where beauty hides shadows. I must share something carefully, as it concerns your future. Word has reached me that, as the king’s health declines, certain influential figures may look beyond the chosen heir. I cannot say more, but be wary, especially of those close to the queen. Ambitions here run deep, and not all loyalty lies in plain sight.

If ever you feel unsure, remember Sweetport Sound is not so distant. May the Seven grant you strength, my daughter. You have my love always.

Father

---

I clutched the letter, my hand trembling, as the meaning of his words sank in. Aegon…could he be put on the throne? And yet Rhaenyra was named heir! The weight of secrets pressed against me, and I felt a pang of fear twist with uncertainty.

The dim light of the Sept flickered, casting strange shadows across the stone. Father… Had he risked much to send this warning?

With a heavy heart, I knelt before the altar, clasping my hands as I sought solace. “Guide me, Seven. Help me see through the darkness that surrounds us.” The words were a whisper against the cold stone, but they were all I had to shield myself against the unknown.

In that sacred silence, I felt the distance between myself and Sweetport Sound more deeply than ever.