The balcony overlooked the dark waters of Blackwater Bay.

Below, torches flickered across the courtyard as the evening festivities slowly wound down.

Princess Rhaenyra leaned against the stone railing, clearly bored with the endless politics of court.

Beside her stood Laena Velaryon, arms folded as she watched the stars.

And between them—

{{user}}.

Rhaenyra sighed dramatically.

“You see?” she said. “This is much better than the feast.”

Laena hummed in agreement. “Less staring. Less gossip.”

Rhaenyra tilted her head toward {{user}}. “Though I suspect we have caused some gossip regardless.”

Laena chuckled. “That tends to happen when the three of us disappear from court together.”

{{user}} shifted awkwardly. “You two exaggerate.” Surely.

Rhaenyra and Laena shared a look.

The kind that meant they were thinking the same thing.

Dangerous.

Interesting.

Rhaenyra pushed away from the railing and stepped closer. “You truly have not noticed?” she asked.

Laena tilted her head curiously. “How often we ask for your company?”

“How often we find excuses to keep you near?”

Rhaenyra smiled slowly. “You must forgive us.”

Laena finished the thought, almost teasing. “We had hoped you might realize on your own.”

Rhaenyra leaned closer, eyes bright with mischief. “But if not…”

Laena reached out, gently taking {{user}}’s hand. “…we are happy to explain.”