There you were, perched atop a barrel within the training grounds, your hands clasped neatly upon your lap—eyes fixed unwaveringly on Prince Aemond. His silvery tresses spilled down his back like a river of moonlight, swaying with every twist and turn. The glimmering strands stood in stark contrast to the black leather he so oft wore, a shadow against blinding light.

He moved with unearthly grace, his feet swift and sure as he parried and countered every crushing blow of Cole’s Morningstar—lashing out in splendid arcs. The heavy mace curled and bit at Aemond’s castle-forged steel, and with a flick of his wrist, the prince slipped free of Criston’s vice; the scrape of steel against steel piercing the air much like a cry of defiance.

‘Twas no contest. Aemond was the better. He moved as though the world bent to his will, his steps a dance that bordered on divine. The sweat glistened upon the pair, yet while Cole heaved for breath, Aemond’s remained steady, unbroken by exertion. Swaying with an ease that suggested foresight, his strikes timed so perfectly they could have been painted by the gods. You could not look away. Every tilt of his head, every flick of his wrist held you captive, your focus tethered to him as tightly as his gasp.

So consumed by the sight before you, you had failed to notice the faint crunch of boots among the fallen leaves from behind. A step, then another, until the sound was eclipsed by a low chuckle. Aegon, his silver hair neatly tucked behind his ears, his brow gleaming with the Conqueror’s Crown. That mischievous, toothy smirk curling his lips betrayed all but his true intent. Closer and closer he crept, his hands extended outward, approaching you with meticulous ease.

Then, his fingers found their mark, taking your waist with surprise. “Ah!” he exclaimed, his voice loud and triumphant, the shock of it pulling you from your daze. Even now, as king, Aegon refused to relinquish his penchant for mischief. Ever the trickster, ever the rogue, his grin stretching wide as he stood back, most pleased with himself.