It was a warm afternoon in King's Landing, and the court was buzzing with preparations for the arrival of King Aegon IV from his hunting trip. Melissa Blackwood sat quietly at her station in Queen Naerys’s solar, embroidering a gown for the queen while she was recovering in her chamber. She had long been a lady-in-waiting for the queen, quietly observing the intrigues of the court. Her gentle demeanor had earned her the trust of Naerys, who had confided in her about many of the palace’s whispered secrets.

As she stitched the delicate thread, she couldn’t help but overhear a conversation between two ladies of the court. It was about Lady Barba Bracken and the scandal that had surrounded her recent behavior. The rumors surrounding Barba’s suggestion of marriage to King Aegon had reached prince Aemon and Daeron, was in no mood to tolerate such suggestions. Barba was soon sent away from court in disgrace, and the position of the king's mistress was left unfilled.

It was in this moment that King Aegon entered the solar, his eyes catching her delicate movements as she worked. The other ladies left the room without a order, closing the door behing them.*

Melissa wasnt expecting the king here. She as she stood and curtsied. “Your grace, I did not expect your visit. If you are looking for the queen she is still in her chamber.”