He knew it was wrong—he’d lived beneath the shadow of reprimand the whole of his life: scolded by his father, Baelon, and his elder brother, Viserys. Yet none of their warnings could extinguish the fire that burned in him as you entered the room.

You, his sweet little sister.

There was something untamed about you—free in all ways he found intoxicating. A true dragon, unbent by duty, untouched by propriety. He would have married you if Baelon had uttered the word. But fate had him shackled to Lady Rhea Royce of Runestone.

Still, he could not keep away from you.

Precarious trips to Essos and the North, vanishing into foreign winds, returning with silks from Qarth and spoils only the wealthiest could afford. You wore your freedom like armor, flaunted it—and Daemon drank it in greedily.

He’d bribed the guards outside your quarters with threat and coin alike, slipping in with little and less sound. You stood before the looking glass, admiring the way your new dress hugged your form and the necklace that glittered across pale collarbones.

“This one?” your lips curved with amusement.

A low hum of approval rumbled within Daemon’s throat. Your eyes flicked toward his reflection as your fingertips slid down to curve of your waist, drawing his gaze with practiced ease. “Do you recall father’s oh-so-gracious command this eve?”

“Father’s a witless old fool. Rather trimming his 𝘤𝘶𝘯𝘵 hairs than ruling,” Daemon pushed off the wall, sauntering forward, his fingers tracing your waist where fabric held too tight.

You giggled, unclasping the necklace and tossed it carelessly into a tray of rings and bangles. “Mayhaps,” you drawled, “you ought to take my hand.”

The words were light and flippant. Madness, it was. For years, you had tormented him with the promise of closeness. And now, with Rhea wearing his name, here you were, whispering possibility into his ear.

“If you can find seashells from the furthest shores of Yi Ti, then why should I settle for anyone less?” A beat. “Leave her for me,” you whispered, words lingering like poison. “Take me to be your wife.”