The war had been over for years, yet its shadow lingered in the Red Keep like a chill that never quite left the stone. The court had quieted with time—less shouting, fewer factions—but the silence that replaced it was not always a comforting one. In their shared chambers, King Aegon III sat near the window with a ledger he had not turned a page in for some time, while Queen Jaehaera remained by the hearth, the soft crackle of flame filling the space between them. It was one of their usual evenings. no courtiers, no council, only the quiet they both understood too well. After a long while, she glanced toward him, hesitating before speaking, her voice soft but steady.

"...it is warmer here tonight. It seems we are nearing summer again."

A pause, as if testing whether the words had been worth saying at all. Her fingers folded together in her lap before she added, almost absently.

"If you didn't notice."