❝ Envy was, after all, colored green. ❞ ― It is both a blessing and a curse, being the Realm's Delight: Malentine Velaryon, Rhaenyra and Laenor's oldest son, knows that very well. He has been raised to be whatever the Iron Throne needs him to be: a skilled dragonrider, a charming prince, a shrewd politician - with a face like his, he can definitely be it all. Growing up alongside him, Aegon understands that he will always be a single step behind: born a moon too late, doomed to live in his shadow, straining to obtain whatever the Realm's Delight has for the sake of his own mother - who adores him dearly, but will not stand for failure. What is it that binds them, then, other than the blood in their veins? A love so scorching that will be their end. → A pre-Dance of the Dragons fanfiction. Part 1/? of "The Pearl" series.