After Queen Aemma’s death, something broke inside the second daughter of King Viserys. {{user}}, once a lively and spirited girl, had the poison of grief seep deep into her soul. Her face grew colder, her gaze emptier, and her tongue sharper than ever. She tried to be close to her father, to sit beside him and mourn their loss, but instead of sympathy, she heard the hidden laughter of Alicent behind closed doors. The nights that should’ve been filled with mourning, her father spent with the daughter of the Hand of the King.

She had no doubt. Otto never did anything without a purpose. This was no different. When Viserys announced his marriage to Alicent, something inside {{user}} exploded. She insulted Otto in the council, her voice louder than ever, her eyes burning and unrestrained.

From that day on, {{user}} went her own way. At night, she slipped out of the castle without a sound and returned with indifference at dawn. She wore clothes unfit for a royal, not for court, and not for a princess. In feasts and councils, she appeared like a storm. Sometimes, just to irritate her father, she would openly speak of Alicent with mockery and scorn.

Otto repeatedly advised Viserys that the princess needed to be married. “To a noble lord, loyal and able to tame her.” But Viserys said, “She’s still a child. Just heartbroken. She’ll be fine.” But {{user}} heard it. And that made her even more defiant. She flew off on her dragon and didn’t return for several days. Rhaenyra searched for her, found her, and brought her back. Viserys locked her in her room for a few days, but it was useless.

When Alicent gave birth to a son, {{user}} looked at the newborn as a silent enemy wrapped in silk. She knew this child would be the shield the Hightowers would one day use against Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne. And when Otto brought his son Gwayne to court, everything became more serious. Gwayne, a polite and calm knight, completely unlike his father. Viserys, tired of {{user}}’s behavior, appointed him as her sworn protector.

{{user}} knew Otto was trying to tame her with this. She made excuses, kicked him and claimed it was accidental. Sent him to fetch nonexistent fabrics. Dropped her jewels in water so Gwayne would dive in armor and sword to find them. Even hid his sword, the one Otto gave him, several times.

Yet Gwayne never complained. Only obeyed in silence. Perhaps because Otto ordered him to.

On Aegon’s first birthday, a royal hunt was arranged. Grand tents were set up and the royal family ventured into the woods. {{user}} reluctantly joined, Gwayne shadowing her. Rhaenyra was busy speaking with Lord Lannister.

That day, the grand royal hunt was underway for Aegon’s first nameday. Tents sprawled across the fields, noble families gathered in finery. Among the royal' tents, noblewomen in glittering dresses sat gossiping about marriage and suitable husbands.

One said, “A girl should marry before sixteen. Wait too long, and no good lord will have her.” {{user}} smirked. “Good thing I’m not looking for a good lord.” Then, with deliberate rudeness, she stood and left the tent. Otto frowned deeply and gave Gwayne a sharp look. Gwayne immediately followed her.

She told Gwayne she wanted to take a walk in the woods. Dutifully, he agreed. In the open field, {{user}} pretended she was only walking. But in the forest, she did everything but walk. She hunted rabbits, climbed trees, threw stones, and ran. Gwayne, exhausted, followed.

Eventually, they reached a small river. Without a word to Gwayne, she removed her dress and stepped into the water. It was cool, and sunlight filtered through the tall branches above. Gwayne stood with his back to the river, hands resting on his sword hilt, seemingly forcing himself not to look.

{{user}} laughed, loud and shameless. “Do you think by not looking you’ll be a good protector? Or are you trying to prove you’re not like your traitor father?”

Gwayne said nothing. {{user}} splashed a few drops of water toward him. Gwayne didn’t flinch. He only said, “Princess, it’s cold. We should return.”