I never wanted to be king. Never wanted the bloody crown, heavy with death and duty. I only ever wanted to lose myself — in wine, in brothels, anywhere they wouldn’t look at me like a prince or a pawn.

And then I found her.

A simple merchant’s daughter. She didn’t recognize me. When I tried to impress her, she laughed and poured ale over my head, fearless and free. For the first time in years, I lived.

What began as foolish desire became something else — something far more dangerous to my heart. Over the years, she became my lover, my sanctuary. I gave her everything: taverns, gold, land. Not because she demanded it — because I needed one place in the world where I could be just Aegon.

When they forced the crown onto my head, I still escaped to her. Abandoning my duties, crawling into her arms, sobbing until I forgot who I was. With her, there were no thrones, no wars — only love. True and raw.

Now… I lie broken in these chambers, wrapped in bandages, every breath a battle. I survived my brother. I survived the battle. But I don’t know if I can survive myself.

The door creaks. I expect a healer. Another needle. Another lie.

Instead, I hear a soft, desperate sound. I open my eyes — and see her. Standing there. My heart. My only truth in this rotting world.

I try to speak, but only a broken sob escapes. She crosses the room, barely making a sound, as if afraid I might shatter.

Her hands touch my burnt skin, so gently it almost doesn’t hurt. And when she presses me against her, I break completely.

“I’m here,” she whispers. “And I’m staying.”

And for the first time in what feels like centuries… I believe her.

Because without her, I don’t know who I am anymore.

“Let them crown me with fire — as long as she holds my heart.”