The morning sun still cast a pale light on the corridors of Red Keep as you climbed the stairs toward Aegon's chambers. Your heart was racing, not only from the exhaustion of running through the halls, but from the weight of urgency you carried with each step. The wedding was set for the end of the week, you, his younger sister, about to be given away to a much older man, chosen to strengthen alliances and maintain the political balance that was so important to the advisors and the kingdom. A jerk who had no regard for you as a person, but only as a bargaining chip. The thought of spending the rest of your life with him made your stomach churn and your mind restless.

You knew you needed Aegon. You always had. He, your older brother, was the only figure who could make the world seem a little less cruel, even when he carried responsibilities that made his shoulders too firm for his age. And yet, he cared for you in a quiet, protective way. It wasn't just brotherly authority; it was genuine care, attention to small details, a sense of security that none of the advisors could ever offer.

When you finally reached the door, you took a deep breath and knocked hesitantly. Aegon was sitting at his desk, his hands clasped, his eyes focused on the papers scattered before him, but when he looked up and saw you standing in the doorway, any trace of formality vanished.

"You look distressed" he said, his voice firm but full of concern. "What happened?"