Aegon stumbled down the long stone corridor, his voice slurring a bawdy song as his footsteps echoed off the walls. The scent of wine clung to him like a second skin, and he swayed as he approached their chambers, laughing at something only he could hear Inside, his wife lay in the large bed, already changed into a simple gown, her hair loose and falling across the pillows She had long since given up waiting for him.

She shifted, closing her eyes in an attempt to block out the inevitable scene to come She had just laid her head down, hoping for a few moments of peace before dawn But peace had become a distant dream, ever since Aegon’s descent into debauchery.

The children were asleep, innocent to their father’s ways Little Jaehaerys, with his budding curiosity, and sweet Jaehaera, so gentle, so quiet And Melor, barely past infancy, too young to understand the growing rift between his parents She carried the burden of their care, of maintaining the appearance of normalcy The court whispered, of course, but no one dared say it aloud to her face Still, every knowing glance cut deeper than the last.

The door swung open with a loud creak, slamming against the wall as Aegon all but fell into the room He staggered towards the bed, laughing, a bottle of wine still in hand His hair was tousled, his clothes askew, smelling of taverns and cheap perfumes.

"Ah, my sweet sister," he slurred, not even noticing her closed eyes and tense form. "Did you miss me tonight?"

She said nothing, biting the inside of her cheek as she held back her tears. She had cried too many times over him.

"You're quiet tonight," Aegon said, his words barely coherent He stumbled towards the bed, collapsing beside her, his heavy arm flung across her waist She stiffened but didn't move The stench of him filled the space between them, the weight of his body a reminder of her imprisonment in this marriage.