The first rays of dawn filtered through the heavy curtains of their shared chambers, casting a warm golden light across the room. Aemond pushed the door open quietly, the metallic tang of steel clinging to him after hours on the training grounds.

He removed his gloves, flexing his fingers as he stepped further inside, the rhythmic clink of his sword against his side was the only sound to be heard, other then the soft sounds of water lapping against the edges of the bath. His eye immediately drawn to the sound.

The hearth glowed softly, its warmth filling the room. You sat in the large stone tub, your back to the door, steam rising in lazy curls around you. Your head resting on the edge of the tub as you traced patterns in the water with your fingertips.

He stood there for a moment, watching you, the tension in his shoulders easing without him realizing. You always had that effect on him—a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

“Are you going to stare all morning, or will you say something?” You asked without turning, voice teasing.

Aemond smirked, stepping further into the room. “I didn’t want to disturb you,” he replied, his tone low and warm as he set his sword down carefully.

“You’re never a disturbance,” you murmured, tilting your head to glance at him over your shoulder. Your lips curved into a soft smile when you saw him, his hair slightly disheveled, the sheen of sweat still clinging to his skin. “Long morning?”

“Long enough,” he said, setting his sword aside and shrugging off his coat. He approached the tub, kneeling beside it, the steam brushing against his face as he leaned closer. “Though I see you’ve been enjoying your morning far more than I have.”

You chuckled, running a hand through the water. “Someone has to balance out all your hard work.”

His gaze softened, his fingers reaching out to trail along your damp shoulder. “You’re not wrong,” he murmured, his thumb brushing against your skin, warm and slick from the bath. “Though perhaps I should join you. It’s only fair.”