Led By Fiery Passion (currently being revised)

Part 59

A/N: I'm aware I've changed the story line up some, truth is as I was revising and rereading the story I didn't like the idea of her full on cheating. so I'm making it more innocent because let's be honest her true love is Aemond.

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Just as Aenyra and Sara composed themselves and shifted the conversation to lighter topics, Cregan strode into the main hall, playfully interrupting them. "Don't be a hog, Sara." he mocked, attempting to mimic her tone from earlier, which sent Aenyra into a fit of laughter.

Sara rolled her eyes, pretending to be annoyed, yet a genuine chuckle escaped her lips despite her efforts to appear exasperated.

"I assume  you're ready to speak with me, Lord Stark?" Aenyra inquired, recalling the reason for her visit.

"In time, Princess," Cregan replied, his smile widening. "First, you're joining me for a hunt." Aenyra raised an intrigued eyebrow, curious about his unexpected invitation.

"Really? A hunt?" Aenyra tilted her head, surprise flickering across her face, quickly replaced by a playful spark. "What exactly do you have in mind?"

Cregan leaned casually against the doorway, arms crossed, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Oh, just a little adventure in the woods. The deer are plenty this time of year. Besides, I could use a partner who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty."

Aenyra arched a brow, stepping closer. "Is that so?"

He shrugged, the grin deepening. "Unless you're too afraid I might outmatch you."

She scoffed. "Hardly."

"Then come prove it."

"All right," she said, chin lifting with a competitive glint in her eye. "Let's make it interesting. If I kill a stag before you do, you'll tell me the exact terms of your alliance with my mother—the true Queen of the Seven Kingdoms."

Cregan's smile faltered for just a moment before he gave a slow, deliberate nod. "And if I win?"

Aenyra smirked, stepping closer. "Then you can name your own wager."

"Very well." he replied, surprising her with how easily he accepted.

She arched a brow, intrigued. "And what exactly are you going to ask for—if, by some miracle, you do win?"

Cregan leaned forward just enough to close the distance, his voice lower, his grin unmistakably playful. "Let me think about it a little longer."

"Well that's fine, go ahead and think all you want." Aenyra said with a laugh, rising from her chair to face him fully. "But by the end of this, you'll be the one losing."

With that, she turned on her heel, leaving behind only the faint scent of lavender and the echo of her confidence. Cregan watched her go, that lingering smile still tugging at his lips

————-

The only sound was the crunch of snow beneath their boots, echoing in the still hush of the forest. Aenyra had spotted tracks earlier—hoofprints half-covered by fresh snowfall—but the quiet between them was louder than any trail.

They walked in silence until, at last, Cregan spoke.

"So, it's no longer Velaryon, but Targaryen now, am I right?" His voice was calm, but the glance he cast her way was sharp, fixed on the sapphire ring that adorned her finger.

Aenyra stopped abruptly, caught off guard. Her eyes darted to his, then away, knowing exactly where this conversation was headed.

"I wanted to tell you," she murmured, her voice edged with regret. She inhaled deeply, eyes falling to a new set of hoofprints in the snow. "I just... didn't know how."