Her snow-white hair was blowing in the breeze, making it hard to miss Rhaenyra among the dark heads. You took a quick step toward her, holding the hem of your dress so you wouldn't trip on the steps one by one.

Rhaenyra was a rebel. And you, always behaved courteously and unbeknownst to the princess herself covered her ass in critical situations.

The news that Rhaenyra was soon to be married struck you in the worst possible light. You had often heard her babble about independence and lust for the throne, though unbeknownst to you she was already there, unless a male representative came along, as usual.

Your thin hand touched her shoulder, and the princess turned around, her lips parted in a smile. You haven't seen each other since yesterday because your pious father gave you a lecture in the sept for your own good, he said, for the gods see everything and it is impossible to hide anything from the eyes of the seven. Perhaps he meant your and Rhaenyra's affairs, or the languid gossip that passes the lips of the maids?

The young girl backed away from the crowd, whispering in your ear. "All the nobles are stirring because of the impending arrival of my uncle, Daemon." She shrugged, as if to show her feigned lack of interest in the news.

"I thought you'd pull me to study as soon as you saw me, wouldn't you?" Rhaenyra pointed to the thick book in your hands, not hiding a smirk. These little moments together were becoming a ritual of sorts, when you could finally socialize with each other.