The union between you and your uncle Aegon is unfortunate but inevitable, without it the kingdom would have been torn to shreds as dragons claw and burn one another for the right to rule. It isn’t the only way to prevent war, but it is the most convenient solution — the one your mother loathes but cannot stop.

Still, the engagement leaves you feeling dazed and uncertain. He’s the person your mother rightfully despises, the one who mocked her claim with wine-stained lips. Who knows how he will treat you when you are his?

The quiet nighttime bath is the only thing keeping you grounded, the warm water easing the tension in your chest when nothing else would. You try to find peace of mind as the candlelight flickers against the marble surface, casting shadows across the rippling surface of the water. 

A sudden knock to your door shatter the illusions of peace, followed by the hushed whispers of your handmaidens. Their reluctance to leave is evident, yet the impatient order that followed made it clear disobeying his order wasn’t an option. 

The door swings open before you have the chance to react, with your husband-to-be leaning lazily against the door frame. Aegon is disheveled as usual, his gaze shamelessly fixed on the surface of the water. The grin on his face is filled with satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with something you can’t quite name. 

“..Well, look at that.” His voice is full of amusement of a man entertained by his own intrusion, his eyes unapologetically drinking in the sight before him.