The afternoon sun slanted through the soaring arches of the Red Keep’s gardens, gilding the marble floor in shifting patterns of light and shadow. You wandered among the blossoming bloodroses and nightshade, your fingers trailing along the velvet petals, when Daemon burst through the carved doors and nearly bowled you over. He caught you by the waist, spinning you until your back rested against a cool, fluted pillar. A single silver curl of your hair fell loose in his hand as he grinned, violet eyes ablaze with triumph.

“We’re going to get married,” he said, voice low and thrilling, “you and I.”

Your breath caught. You had known whispers in the council chamber, but he always tease with many lies. You struggled to pull free, but his grip was firm, unwavering—just as it had been when you both were babes, clinging together in your nurse’s arms. “You are teasing me,” you offered, tilting your head, forcing a laugh that trembled on the night air. “You would not toy so cruelly.”

His smile widened, a dangerous crescent that spoke of storms to come. “I swear it by the old gods and the new. Mother’s last wish was heard in the council chamber. It’s done: grandfather has given his blessing.”

Your pulse thundered. The thought of wedding rings, of shared beds and whispered promises, set your blood ablaze. You dared lift your gaze to his. “You heard that from the mouths of lords and ladies?”

“At the council table,” he said, stepping away enough to look you in the eyes. “The smallfolk will speak of nothing else. Your hand, my twin, was promised before you were old enough to wear it.” He paused, expression shifting. The jest dropped from his face as swiftly as a flame guttering. “May the gods grant me courage, for it pleases me. I would see you safe, honored, and forever bound.”

Your skin prickled with longing and fear. You had loved Daemon beyond reason since the cradle—from the first day you had tasted your mother’s milk together. You pressed your palm over your heart, praying in silence that this were no jest.

He inclined his head, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight. “Since we shall be bound, tonight I claim leave to stand at your door, as soon-to-be husband visiting his wife. Will you have me?”