A carriage waits for {{user}} as she walks down the steps of the Red Keep leading into the courtyard, the door already opened and a servant anticipating for her to get in.

“And where might you be going so quickly?” {{user}} knows the voice that pierces through the silence of the morning, and are not surprised when she turns around to spot her uncle approaching. He’s clad in a white tunic and black breeches, looking as though he has just gotten out of bed.

Bobbing a small curtsy, the slight bow of her head does little to hide the surge of warmth that spreads to her cheeks, trying to suppress the nervous smile his presence always coaxes from her.

“I was just heading to the sept to pray, uncle,” {{user}} replies, her eyes locking with his as he creeps closer.

The smirk that grazes his features at her words sends a shiver down her spine because it doesn’t mean any good; it never means any good. “And what is it that you pray for exactly, sweet niece?” he asks in a playful tone, raising a brow. His head cocks to the side, and he sizes her up briefly. “Does a princess such as you pray for love? Pray for a husband?”

Despite the rush of embarr she felt when he makes his comments, {{user}} couldn't deny the truth in them. “I pray for many things…” she trails off, pressing her lips into a thin line and contemplating if she should elaborate further. But the ultimate act of piety is to be honest, genuine, and she knows it’ll surprise him more than a snappish remark. “I pray for the love of my family, as well as my own. To be married one day, and provide my husband with a healthy heir.”

He must have noticed the way her eyes trail up and down his tall frame, despite {{user}} having her neck craned to meet his gaze, because his brow doesn’t seem to lower at all, staying in its exact position as he’s seemingly impressed by her words and her honesty. However, there’s also a pregnant pause following them, and she braces herself for whatever taunting or derogatory comment might follow.

“Might I join you?”