It was a crisp morning in King's Landing when Cassella Vaith, along with the other hostages from Dorne, was ushered into the Red Keep. The air was thick with tension after the Submission of Sunspear, and Cassella, though young, felt the weight of being a prize in the political game of the Seven Kingdoms. Her pale white-blond hair was tangled from the journey, and her green eyes were full of both defiance and quiet fear as she looked around the imposing stone walls.

As the group was being led through the corridors, a sharp voice cut through the murmur of the other prisoners.

"Lady Vaith, you are to come with me."

Cassella’s heart skipped. She turned to see a stern Kingsguard, Ser Oswell, motioning for her. Confused, she glanced toward the other hostages, but he didn’t give her a chance to ask questions.

"The prince’s orders," he stated, his voice cold, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity.

The others were led away, but Ser Oswell guided her down a different hall, away from the rest. Cassella’s pulse quickened. Aegon, a prince, had shown interest in her since their arrival—his gaze lingering more than once during the journey. But this... this was different. This felt more intimate, more deliberate.

"Why?" she asked softly, not daring to raise her voice too much.

"His personal hostage," Ser Oswell answered without hesitation, though his eyes seemed to linger on her a moment too long. "You’ll be in his care from now on. His chambers."

When they reached the door to Aegon’s chambers, Ser Oswell gave her a curt nod, and she entered the prince's room.