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The morning light lazily filtered through the heavy curtains, finding a small gap between them and casting a soft glow that dispelled the room's dimness. Maegelle's brow furrowed slightly as she felt the warm rays settle on her face, gently tickling her skin and interrupting her peaceful slumber. She cracked open her eyes, but immediately shielded them with her hand as the sharp morning light nearly stung, forcing her to close them again. She sighed softly, letting her head sink back onto the soft pillow, her hair spilling around her face and forming a golden halo. She closed her eyes again, savoring the moment of calm and the gentle warmth of morning.

She felt the warmth of an arm gently wrapped around her waist, and a soft smile tugged at her lips. Slowly, she turned toward its owner, her gaze landing on Aemond's peaceful face, still lost in deep sleep. She took in the sight of his closed eyelids, the relaxed expression on his face, and the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest with each quiet breath. She wasn't sure how long she lay there, but there was something almost magical about the moment. Tentatively, she raised her hand toward his face, her fingertips grazing his skin. He stirred slightly, his hand quickly catching her wrist and pressing her hand against his cheek, as if wanting to keep her closer. Finally, he opened his eye slowly, his still-sleepy gaze meeting her joyful eyes.

"Good morning," she whispered, giving him a warm smile.

Aemond murmured something unintelligible in response, then buried his face in her cascade of curls, inhaling her scent deeply. Maegelle chuckled quietly, feeling his warm breath tickle the skin of her neck. Heat spread through her body as he held her even closer, wrapping her in his embrace, and she closed her eyes, basking in the warmth of the moment.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked, gently running her fingers through the strands of his silver hair.

Aemond looked at her with a half-smile.

"If every morning could be like this," he replied, pulling her even closer, "I'd sleep much better."

Maegelle gazed up at him, her heart pounding as she met the warmth in his eye. She wanted every morning to be just like this one, for each day to start with their quiet, tender exchanges. She ran her fingertips along his shoulder, her smile fading as a pensive expression took its place. She knew that what she shared with Aemond was far from simple, and their relationship would surely meet with the queen's disapproval. She sensed that her mother would never consider him a suitable candidate for her husband, and her reluctance to discuss the topic weighed on Maegelle's heart. Yet, she clung to a small hope that Alicent might eventually come to accept their love.

She rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes and listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"You know well it's easier said than done..." she murmured with a barely audible sigh.

Aemond lifted his head to look her straight in the eyes, and she saw something akin to a promise there.

"I know," he replied, taking her hand and pressing it firmly to his chest. "But I promise I'll do everything to make it happen."

Maegelle gave him a faint smile, still unsure. Words could be beautiful, but in her mind, she could still envision her mother's stern face, full of disappointment, especially if she were to discover their sinful act. Though her heart was full of love, a deep-seated fear of the future lingered within her.

"In that case, I hope you don't break your promise, valzȳrys," she said softly, gazing at him with an almost childlike trust.

Aemond didn't respond but simply raised her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on it. Maegelle felt a pleasant warmth spread through her, and for a brief moment, all her doubts faded away. Watching her intently, he touched her cheek.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, studying her face with care.

She scrunched her nose slightly, smiling gently.

"I think I'm fine... though when I look at you, I feel like you knew exactly what to do," she replied with a hint of defiance.

Aemond suddenly became serious, and there was a change in his expression. He quickly sat up, turning away from her as if he wanted to hide something. Maegelle's gaze fixated on him with concern, holding the blanket close to her chest. She could clearly see how tense he became, his muscles in his back tightening immediately.

"Aemond?" she asked uncertainly, worried about his behavior. "Did I say something wrong?"

He sat in silence, staring ahead as though seeing something he didn't want to. After a long pause, he spoke, his voice full of bitterness.

"No, it's not your fault. You didn't do anything... unlike me."

"What happened?" she asked softly, moving closer as her hand gently rested on his shoulder. Her heart raced, and various thoughts began to form in her mind.

Aemond remained silent for a moment, as if weighing the words he was about to say. He felt like this was the moment he'd always run from, yet now, with her, he wanted to open up.

"I had hoped we'd never have to talk about this," his voice barely audible. "Do you remember... that day when we were sitting in my chamber after training, and Aegon barged in without an invitation?"

Maegelle raised an eyebrow, recalling the moment.

"You mean when he wanted to say something, and you didn't let him?" she asked, trying to recall the details from that time.

Aemond nodded, and Maegelle moved even closer, wrapping her arms around him. Her hands ran over his back, wanting to give him the sense of safety and understanding he seemed to need. She gently placed a kiss on his collarbone, feeling him tense up, holding his breath.

"You know how Aegon is. He often says things he thinks are funny, especially when he's drunk. It's not worth worrying about," she said quietly, trying to soothe the unease she saw in his gaze.

Aemond lowered his gaze as if ashamed of what he was about to confess.

"This time, what he wanted to say... was the truth," he muttered, his voice trembling with emotion.

Surprised, she looked at him more closely. "What do you mean?"

Aemond squeezed his eye shut and immediately flinched, as if the mere memory made him feel dirty.

"It was my thirteenth Name Day," he started quietly. "Aegon thought it was his duty as my older brother to make me a man, so he took me to Street of Silk."

"Street of Silk?" Maegelle asked, holding her breath as she recognized the name of the street she had heard of before.

"There are many luxury brothels there," he explained softly.

Her skin turned pale, and her heart began to beat faster as she slowly realized where his story was going. She remembered the man who had once tried to hurt her, calling her a whore from Street of Silk, and with every word Aemond spoke, she started to understand what he had meant by that.

"A brothel is a place where people can indulge in bodily pleasures... where no one will judge you for your fantasies, as long as you toss enough gold coins," he continued, clenching his fists, as though the very sound of those words disgusted him. "Aegon thought it was something I should experience... before I was ready to lie down with a real woman. He thought I needed to... learn. 'Time to get it wet,' he said."

Maegelle felt something squeeze her heart. She could almost see young Aemond, still a child, dragged into a world he neither understood nor wanted.

"And... did you go along with it?" she asked softly, though the answer was already forming in her mind.

"I had no choice," he replied bitterly, clenching his fists. "What happened that night was... empty, foreign. A cold, emotionless act, devoid of any feelings. I didn't want that."

There was silence, and her gaze softened as she saw his face change under the weight of the painful memory. She moved closer, ready to offer him warmth and support.

"How could Aegon suggest something like that? You were just a child!" she exclaimed, upset. "How could he even think of that?!"

Aemond shrugged, turning his gaze away.

"Do you think he just disappears for days and nights when he's not at the Keep?" he asked grimly, turning his face toward her. He scoffed bitterly, clenching his mouth. "You know him. He doesn't know what responsibility is. I guess, as the older brother, he didn't want to be ashamed of me, at least that's how I try to explain it to myself," he replied in a flat voice.

Maegelle felt torn. Her anger toward Aegon, who had so carelessly hurt his own brother, mixed with deep sympathy for Aemond, who now, even after all these years, was still grappling with his own trauma, wounded by the mere memory and afraid to even speak it aloud.

However, a quiet voice in her head whispered an unpleasant truth. She was just a naïve and inexperienced girl, barely detached from her mother's apron strings. Since Aegon so blatantly indulged in those 'pleasures,' would Aemond not prefer the same? What if his interest in her faded now that he had gotten what he wanted and discovered that she was worthless? The girl visibly tensed.

She glanced at him, unconsciously biting her lower lip. She wanted to ask, but the fear of the answer paralyzed her. Still, curiosity was stronger than reason.

"And you...?" The words barely left her lips, but upon seeing Aemond's expression, she immediately stopped.

He understood instantly. His heart raced when he saw the uncertainty in her eyes.

"No," he interrupted quickly before she could finish her question. "That was the only time I was there."

Maegelle felt the tension leave her body, but at the same time, a wave of shame washed over her. How could she have doubted, even for a moment? An uncomfortable silence fell between them, and unspoken words lingered in the air. Finally, Aemond turned his gaze away.

"Do you disgust me now?" he asked, his voice tinged with disappointment, though she wasn't sure if it was aimed at her or himself.

Maegelle looked at him in surprise, blaming herself for making him so upset with her earlier silence.

"What? Why would I?" she asked, moving closer to him, feeling his anxiety transfer to her.

"You went silent..." he replied, and she realized how much he must have been battling with his inner demons.

"Aemond..." she began softly, but there was still hesitation in her voice. She sighed loudly, trying to gather all her thoughts into one. He turned his gaze away, but she quickly cupped his face, placing her hands on his cheeks. "Never, not for a second, have I thought that you disgust me in any way. Do you understand?" she asked seriously, her fingers trailing over the scar on his right cheek, where instead of an eye, there was a sapphire. "You've always been beautiful to me. Even when you lost your eye," she added honestly. Aemond gazed into her eyes, searching for confirmation of what she was saying. "Do you know why? Because I love you. And that will never change."

Aemond looked at her in silence, feeling the weight of his fears lift, if only for a moment.

"Even if I grow old and frail?" he asked with irony, to which she quietly laughed.

"Even more, because you'll be entirely mine. And only mine."

Aemond looked at her in silence, then rested his forehead against hers, closing his eye. Maegelle cuddled up to him, feeling the peace that filled her with warmth. Hearing their calm breaths, she glanced towards the window, where the first rays of sunlight began to peek through, making her realize that their moments of closeness were coming to an end. She sighed deeply.

"It's getting brighter. I'll have to leave soon."

Aemond looked at her a little disappointed.

"You could stay," he whispered, quietly hoping she would decide to.

Maegelle sighed and snorted softly. With affection, she brushed her lips against his cheek.

"You know I can't. If anyone saw me sneaking out of your chamber... I'd rather not see mother's face when she finds out," she sighed heavily, trying to keep her voice light, though the thought of leaving him broke her heart. "You have no idea how badly I wish I could stay with you, lying around all day, but when I think of today's duties... Just the thought of them gives me a headache."

Aemond stared into empty space, gently stroking her back to calm her, but then a thought crossed his mind, so he immediately looked at her. She could see a mischievous glint in his eye.

"As far as I know, you're still in debt to me for a few overdue rides." he said, catching her chin between his fingers. "You don't want to owe me, do you, ābrazȳrys?" he whispered, running his thumb over her lower lip. "Debts must be repaid."

A gentle smile appeared on her face.

"You know me, don't you?" she asked, playing along. "I always keep my word."

Aemond murmured in satisfaction, giving her a half-smile.

"Then," he began, leaning toward her. Maegelle tilted her neck, gazing into his eye. "Not even the queen will stop us if you decide to disappear with me."

Aemond smiled, and his gaze softened. He pulled her closer, and before she could even respond, he leaned in, sealing their lips in a tender kiss. At that moment, nothing mattered - no duties, no rules, not even the future. In this moment, it was only the two of them, locked in this fleeting instant that seemed to last forever.

***

The sun was high in the sky, and its warm rays enveloped Maegelle as she stood by the sea. She felt the gentle touch of sunlight on her face, offering her a peace she hadn't felt in a long time. She breathed in deeply, taking in the air filled with salty sea breeze, which reminded her of the most beautiful moments from her childhood - lying on the beach, listening to the calming sounds of the waves and the quiet breathing of her dragon, lounging by her side on the sand. For a moment, she felt like that young girl again, free of duties and responsibilities, just herself, without the burden of expectations.

The waves gently washed over her feet, leaving wet footprints on the sand that quickly disappeared as the ocean reclaimed them. She stood motionless, letting this moment stretch on forever. With her eyes closed, she lifted her face to the sun, savoring the warmth of its glow, while the wind played with her long hair, making it dance cheerfully in the breeze. Her lips curved into a soft smile of peace. She realized it had been a long time since she felt like this. It was as if all the masks she wore every day had vanished with each wave that kissed the shore. Here, she was neither a princess nor any other noble lady at court. She was simply herself.

She opened her eyes and finally looked toward the beach, where, not far off under a sprawling tree, Aemond sat. He had spread his cloak on the soft grass and was resting in the shade, absorbed in the book he held in his hands. His single eye followed the lines of text intently, while his face remained calm and relaxed. The one-eyed prince looked different than usual - he wore a simple, plain tunic and riding trousers, and he had left off his eye patch, knowing its absence didn't bother her.

When their gazes met, Maegelle raised her hand and waved at him with a smile, to which he, more reservedly, returned a slight nod. Even this small gesture seemed to express a warmth that only she could awaken in him with her presence. It was as if they could communicate without unnecessary words.

Without taking her eyes off him, she held up the folds of her dress, which billowed in the wind, and walked toward him, leaving wet footprints in the sand. When she reached Aemond, he looked up to study her with a look of genuine interest. She stepped closer and, with a childlike, sincere smile, emptied a handful of collected seashells onto his cloak. Aemond looked at the pile of shells and raised an eyebrow in a questioning gesture.

"Should I ask why you need all these shells?" he said with mock seriousness, though the corner of his mouth twitched in a smile.

"I'm going to make a necklace for Helaena," she replied, smiling at his question, then sat down beside him on the ground. "If you like them, I could make a similar one for you," she added with a playful smile.

Aemond squinted slightly and shook his head, as if trying to hide his amusement.

"No, thank you," he replied, looking away. "I think Helaena will appreciate your work more."

Maegelle shrugged and began carefully gathering the shells again, arranging them so she wouldn't lose any.

"In that case, I'll give the rest to Jaehaera. She's always happy when she gets something from me," she said with a warm smile, imagining her niece's reaction to the gift she was preparing.

Setting his book aside, Aemond watched her in silence for a moment. Maegelle seemed so radiant and full of life. Her hair, usually neatly braided, was now loose and wild, giving her look a fresh quality. Her cheeks, flushed by the wind and sun, added a natural, simple beauty that drew him in like a magnet. He couldn't take his eye off her face, which now glowed with true happiness.

Sensing his gaze, Maegelle looked up at him with amusement.

"Have you learned something interesting about me, that you're staring at me like that?" she asked, smiling with a hint of irony.

Aemond looked at her seriously, as if he wasn't sure if he should say what he was thinking.

"Yes," his voice was low, almost a whisper, and there was something honest in his gaze that he didn't intend to hide from her. "That you're beautiful."

The girl blushed and looked away, smiling with embarrassment.

"Stop it," she said, slightly flustered. "There's nothing special about me."

Aemond gazed at her for a moment, his face expressing something more than mere admiration.

"To me, you are exceptional, ābrazȳrys," he replied, his voice filled with a deep conviction, as if he truly believed she was someone special to him.

Maegelle looked back at him with a soft smile, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight, her lips showing gratitude and emotion.

"The same way you are to me," she whispered, then moved closer, resting her head on his shoulder.

Aemond wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. They stayed like that for a long moment, silent, gazing at the calm sea as the waves washed over the sandy shore. At his side, she felt safe and happy like never before.

"Lovely place," she whispered, breaking the silence and glancing at his profile. "Don't you think?"

Aemond didn't answer immediately, only murmured something quietly under his breath, as if he didn't want words to break the moment. He responded with a gentle squeeze, and Maegelle felt warmth spreading through her heart.

"Imagine if we could spend more time like this," she said softly. "We'd sit together under the shade of a wide tree, watching our future children run along the sand, laughing without a care, with the gentle sound of the sea in the background... We'd simply live, free from duties, with no expectations placed on us. It would be... so different, wouldn't it? As if we'd truly be happy."

Aemond looked at her, studying Maegelle's dreamy expression. His face was thoughtful, and in his gaze was a tenderness he allowed himself to show only with her.

"What would their names be?" he asked, allowing himself to indulge in the fantasy.

Maegelle lifted her head, her eyes shining with emotion, a gentle smile spreading across her face.

"If we had a girl... I'd name her Daenys," she answered softly.

Aemond raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Daenys? Like the Dreamer?"

Maegelle nodded, smiling. "Yes, she'd be my sweet, kind princess, adored by all," she said, gazing toward the sea as though seeing a vision of that possible future. "She'd inherit my beauty..." she added playfully, casting him a teasing look, "and your character. She'd be strong and wise."

Aemond shrugged, allowing a slight smile.

"I'm not sure it would be wise for her to inherit my character," he murmured, looking at her with a wry smile.

Maegelle laughed quietly, biting her lip.

"I think I already handle taming you well enough," she replied, her laughter echoing along the beach, blending with the sound of the waves. "So I'm sure I'd manage with her, too," she added with a mischievous grin.

"And what if it were a boy?"

Maegelle paused, as though giving it serious thought, nibbling on her lip in contemplation.

"I'd name him Aemon."

"Like Rhaenys's father?" he asked with admiration.

"Yes," she answered, tracing her fingers along his shoulder. "He would be a fearless knight, like his predecessor, and wield a sword as well as his father, while also being gentle and wise like his mother." She spoke with pride, her hand drifting along his arm, as if her touch could convey just how deeply she felt those words. "He'd be handsome, honorable... Many young ladies would dream of earning his gaze and being named his Queen of Love and Beauty."

Aemond smiled slightly, as if her words warmed his heart, though he knew they were only daydreams. His face tensed for a moment, and a shadow of sadness crossed his eye.

"A beautiful vision, but far from reality, don't you think?" he said quietly, looking at her.

Maegelle, unwilling to let reality shatter her dream, lifted her gaze, filled with determination and hope.

"Then let's do whatever we can to make it resemble that vision, even if just a little."

He didn't respond but instead raised his hand, gently running his fingers through her windblown hair, feeling its softness. Then, with a gentleness he rarely allowed himself, he leaned in and placed a light kiss on her forehead. Together, they looked out at the sea, listening to the calm murmur of the waves.

Maegelle gazed at the landscape stretching out before them. As the sun slowly sank below the horizon, the sky's colors shifted from soft blue to shades of pink, and the air grew cooler and heavier, filled with the scent of the coming night. She turned her head, glancing at the two dragons resting in the shade, their massive forms contrasting starkly with the pale sand after hours spent soaring through the sky.

A sudden thought broke her reverie, reminding her that they should soon return to the Red Keep. She looked over at Aemond, who seemed as absorbed in the moment as she was.

"Do you think we should head back?" she asked softly, as if unwilling to disturb the silence that stretched between them. Sometimes she wished moments like these could last forever, though she knew that real life wasn't so simple. It often demanded sacrifices, even if they were painful.

Aemond glanced at her sideways, shrugging with a sigh, as if he hadn't yet considered returning.

"Honestly, ābrazȳrys?" he began, "I don't much feel like it," he replied indifferently, though there was a trace of weariness in his voice. Deep down, he valued the freedom he felt in her presence, free from the need to play a role or defend himself.

Maegelle smiled slightly, realizing that even his reluctance had its charm. She knew Aemond inside and out, and she was well aware that unsettling him a little was her own form of amusement - one that even he secretly enjoyed. But the sense of duty slowly reminded her that time was slipping away.

"I know, but... it's getting late," she began, casting him a quick glance. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of challenge, as though she wished to keep him there a little longer, even if she knew they couldn't stay forever. "Besides... I'd like to fly some more."

Aemond raised an eyebrow, a mixture of fatigue and amusement on his face. He stayed silent for a moment, as if trying to guess her true intentions, but he knew exactly what she was hinting at.

"You mean... race?" he asked with a hint of mockery, knowing that Maegelle often hid her desires behind innocent words.

She lifted her head, her gaze turning sharper and more playful. She hesitated briefly but saw that she had his full attention. She bit her lower lip, fully aware of the effect it had on him, though she pretended it was just a casual gesture.

"To fly... with a touch of competition," she admitted, suppressing a smile.

Aemond sighed with feigned reluctance and shook his head, as though he had no interest in playing her games, though his heart beat faster. At last, he surrendered but had no intention of making it easy for her.

"Well, then? Are you in?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of challenge, though it also held a hint of genuine hope that he'd agree.

Aemond looked at her with mock indifference, sighing as if the whole thing were a whim to which he was reluctantly yielding.

"And what do I get out of this?" he replied, hiding a smile, intrigued by how far she'd go to sway him.

Maegelle looked at him with a tender glint in her eye, adopting a tone of mock seriousness.

"My eternal gratitude?" she offered, with a smile laced with both affection and a hint of mischief.

Aemond raised an eyebrow, pretending her offer didn't satisfy him, though his heart pounded faster. Deep down, he was willing to accept any terms she proposed.

"Something more concrete, perhaps?" he murmured, his tone more of an invitation than a question.

Then, the expression on the girl's face changed dramatically. Her gaze grew more intense, her eyes shimmering mysteriously, and a certain lightness appeared in her movements. She moved toward him slowly, unhurriedly, until only centimeters separated their faces. Aemond caught her sweet scent filling his senses, each breath steeping his mind further in it. His pulse quickened, and she could feel the control slipping from him, though he was still trying to maintain his composure.

Maegelle placed her hands gently on either side of him, blocking his path so he couldn't stand. In her eyes was an innocent yet teasing smile, her loose hair falling around her face like a curtain, blocking his view of the outside world.

"Something concrete, you say?" she whispered, leaning even closer so that he felt her breath on his skin. Her murmur hung in the air between them, sending a shiver through him. "Let me think about it..." she murmured, drawing out each syllable.

Aemond watched her intently, trying to anticipate her next move, but before he could react, Maegelle gave him a firm push, sending him sprawling onto the ground. She straddled his hips, pinning him completely, her hands holding his wrists firmly as if testing just how much strength she'd need to keep him in place.

He looked up at her, surprised at how quickly she had taken control of the situation. His gaze lingered on her full lips, slightly parted as if teasing him, fueling a growing fire inside him. Her purple eyes gleamed with a fiery intensity, like embers ready to burst into flames.

Maegelle leaned in closer, their lips nearly touching. Aemond felt his heart race, anticipating a kiss, but at the last second, she pulled back, leaving him suspended in tense anticipation, only confusing him further.

In that moment, Aemond felt he had enough of her playful games. Before she realized it, he freed his hands from her grip and pulled her to him, finally capturing her lips with his own. Maegelle made a soft sound of surprise, but almost instantly, she returned his kiss with a passion that matched his own, igniting both of them. Their kiss was long, heated, and filled with unspoken desires.

Aemond's hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer, and Maegelle murmured in delight. Her hands moved up into his hair, her fingers threading through the silky strands. Simultaneously, she reached to the side, feeling around for something, her focus split between savoring his touch and blindly searching the ground. When her fingers brushed against her boots, a mischievous smile curved her lips, though her mouth remained pressed against his.

Aemond, fully absorbed in the closeness, didn't even notice when she suddenly broke away from him, ending the kiss. He looked up at her in surprise, his breath unsteady from their heated exchange, unable to hide his disappointment.

"Why did you stop?" he asked, a hint of frustration and confusion in his voice, clearly eager to resume.

Maegelle raised a hand, gently trailing her fingers along his cheek, calming him momentarily, easing his frustration. She looked at him with a mix of tenderness and something much more daring.

"You know I love sharing moments of affection with you..." she whispered, caressing him, her touch igniting his skin. She leaned in, bringing her lips close to his ear, her warm breath grazing his neck, sending an involuntary shiver down his spine. Her voice was soft, almost a murmur, the words holding his attention as if under a spell. "But I love even more seeing the look on your face when I'm the one who wins, valzȳrys." She finished, a devilish glint in her eye, and in a swift movement, she pulled away from him and sprang to her feet.

Aemond froze for a moment, taken aback by the whole situation and completely unprepared for her move. He watched as Maegelle, despite her feet sinking into the loose sand, sped toward the dragons with a fierce determination, as if her entire life depended on winning this. Gaelithox was drawing closer, and she knew full well that if she took to the air first, she would gain a precious advantage over him. For a fraction of a second, he observed her, unmoving, processing what had just happened.

Finally, he realized he'd fallen into her game. He muttered a few words under his breath, quickly gathered his things, and started after her. He could see that by catching him off guard, Maegelle had gained a head start, picking up speed the moment she saw he'd taken up the chase.

Maegelle, reaching her dragon, slipped her boots on as she ran, barely managing to secure the leather straps by the time she arrived at Gaelithox. The black dragon raised his massive head, watching her keenly, sensing her breathlessness.

Gaelithox lowered his enormous body to let her climb onto his back. Without hesitation, Maegelle leapt onto the dragon, taking her seat in the saddle and gripping the handles tightly.

Aemond, seeing how quickly she'd gained the upper hand, sped up. Even from a distance, he could see her triumphant smile and mischievous look, making it clear that she would be reminding him of this moment for a long time, reveling in the fact that she'd won.

The dragon turned his head toward her, waiting for the command, ready to take to the skies.

"Sōvēs!" Maegelle shouted, and Gaelithox roared in response, unfurling his massive wings.

Aemond instinctively stepped aside as the black dragon surged forward, his strides shaking the ground. In that moment, their gazes met, and he saw her face lit with excitement.

"Maegelle!" he called out, irritated.

The girl glanced over her shoulder, casting him an apologetic look, though her tone clearly showed she felt no remorse.

"Sorry!" she called back quickly as Gaelithox spread his wings and lifted into the air, casting a shadow over Aemond, who felt the cold gust from the dragon's ascent.

Watching her figure grow smaller in the distance, he sighed in resignation, fixing his irritated gaze on Vhagar, who lay still in a lethargic state. The old she-dragon lazily opened one eye, a cloud of smoke billowing from her nostrils as if to show that being roused at this hour was an affront.

"Kostilloqittys... Hobrenkys... Uēpa zaldrīzes," he muttered to her softly, slightly impatient, but aware that the dragon wouldn't rush until she felt it necessary. He moved closer, placing his hand on her snout and murmuring gently, though with a hint of frustration. "Jās... Aderī."

The old she-dragon raised her head slowly, letting out a low, guttural rumble. Aemond knew, however, that a few words were all it took to awaken her competitive spirit. He quickly climbed onto her back, and sensing his presence, she spread her mighty wings. Dust and sand swirled in the air around him as Vhagar surged forward, finally lifting off the ground and rising in pursuit of Gaelithox.

Maegelle glanced over her shoulder, noticing Aemond drawing nearer, holding tightly to Vhagar's back. She smiled slightly, knowing she had sparked the competitive spirit in him that she'd been hoping for.

Without hesitation, she directed Gaelithox higher, letting him pick up speed. She felt the wind whip through her hair and her heartbeat quicken with the thrilling rush of danger. Every move of the dragon sent a shiver through her. The cliffs, mountains, and valleys they flew over grew more distant, and the world below blurred into a single vast, incomprehensible smear. Each beat of the dragon's wings filled her with joy - she felt like a bird able to soar across the endless sky. And she loved this feeling like nothing else. Silently, she urged Gaelithox even higher, feeling his massive wings slice through the air as he gained speed.

The air became thinner and cooler as the dragon rose higher, until they finally broke through the cloud layer. Maegelle took a deep breath, letting the warmth radiating from him spread through her body as the wind tousled her hair. She adored this feeling - this freedom and undisturbed peace she could find only in the clouds. Here, in the open sky, she was herself, free from the burdens and relentless expectations she had to meet on the ground.

She closed her eyes and let go of the saddle grips, allowing the rays of the setting sun to warm her face. It was just her, the sky, and Gaelithox. This was exactly what she wanted. Gaelithox responded with a soft rumble, turning his head toward her as if sensing her change in mood. Maegelle smiled, gently stroking his neck.

"Nopot, Gaelithox. Īlos ērini," she whispered in High Valyrian, instructing him to head toward the Dragonpit. The dragon instantly understood her intent and then let out a loud roar, diving forward with powerful force. Maegelle instinctively gripped the saddle as Gaelithox dove toward the ground, streaking down like a shadow while the wind whipped her hair, sending a thrill through her.

For a moment, she was sure she had managed to lose Aemond and Vhagar. She was so close to the Red Keep that she could almost see the city's defensive walls and the castle's towers when she suddenly heard a distant, ominous rumble. She looked around, searching for the source of the sound, but saw nothing but the vast expanse around her. Her heart skipped a beat when, out of the thick cloud layer, the massive form of Vhagar emerged. The old dragon nearly brushed against them, forcing Gaelithox into a sharp evasive move.

The black dragon roared angrily at the sight of Vhagar, while the old she-dragon, as if in defiance, leveled with them in flight. Seeing Maegelle's irritated expression, Aemond smiled triumphantly. He raised an eyebrow, looking at her with mock disdain.

"Did you really think you could outwit me, ābrazȳrys?" he called out provocatively, clearly pleased with his clever maneuver.

Maegelle pressed her lips together, refusing to let her irritation betray any weakness. Her eyes shone with determination, something Aemond could easily notice. Instead of getting into a verbal sparring match with him, she looked toward the Dragonpit, judging the distance to their destination. She glanced back at Aemond, then smiled ever so slightly, a small smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"No," she replied calmly. "But you missed one tiny detail, valzȳrys. Gaelithox is much faster than Vhagar." She declared. Aemond's brows furrowed, but before he could respond, Maegelle shouted to her dragon. "Naejot, Gaelithox! Aderī!"

The dragon let out a deep, thunderous roar, and his wings beat powerfully, propelling them forward so quickly that Maegelle nearly lay flat on his back, leaning forward to minimize resistance. The black dragon sliced through the air, diving down at a dizzying speed. She could almost hear the wind whistling around them as they streaked over rooftops.

Before she knew it, they had reached the back of the Dragonpit, where Gaelithox landed on the sandy ground with tremendous force, stirring up clouds of dust all around. Maegelle slid off his back gracefully as dragonkeepers, alerted by the commotion, emerged to meet them. Moments later, Vhagar's silhouette appeared in the sky, and she landed a short distance away with a lumbering thud, and soon enough, Aemond approached her.

Maegelle shot him a victorious smile, and Aemond, though he rolled his eye, couldn't help the amused twitch of a smile at the corner of his lips. He felt an odd sense of pride in her spirit, though he would never admit it. He had no time to say anything, however, as their attention was drawn to the sound of approaching hoofbeats.

They both looked toward the approaching carriage drawn by horses, accompanied by a lone rider. At the sight of the man's face, Maegelle's expression brightened, and she immediately ran toward him to greet him.

"Ser Criston, did you see? I won!" she called out, running toward him with a smile.

Criston Cole had always been a father figure to her in some way, filling in for the king when he was absent - a more frequent occurrence as the years went by. She loved talking to him about the smallest details. He was always willing to listen, and when no one was watching, he would gladly share stories from his youth.

This time, however, as she looked at the Dornishman's face, her smile faded. Instead of joy, she saw tension and gravity in his expression. Ser Criston looked at her coolly, lowering his gaze as if he couldn't bear to look her in the eye.

"The queen awaits," he replied quietly, his voice almost clipped, drained of emotion.

Maegelle felt her smile slowly disappear. Instinctively, she exchanged a glance with Aemond, who had come closer, his expression now just as serious. She swallowed hard, realizing that their absence could not have gone unnoticed.

The journey to the Red Keep proceeded in complete, tense silence. Maegelle and Aemond exchanged not a word, and Ser Criston, who accompanied them, also remained silent. As they drew closer to the castle, the girl grew more and more apprehensive about meeting the queen. In her mind, she hoped that her mother's anger was only due to their sudden disappearance and not something more serious that might have come to light.

As they reached the corridors leading to Maegor's Holdfast, the clatter of Ser Criston's armor echoed off the stone walls. However, before they could reach the queen's chambers, Alicent emerged from around the corner, walking toward them with clear anger written on her face. Maegelle felt her heart race as soon as she noticed her mother's swift stride and the green gown swirling around her legs.

Ser Criston immediately stopped and nodded his head to the queen.

"Your Grace," he said calmly, but Alicent barely glanced at him. Her gaze rested on Aemond and then on Maegelle.

"Where have you been?" she asked in a cold, stern tone that only emphasized her anger.

Maegelle exchanged a quick look with Aemond, searching for some support, but he also seemed tense.

"Just a ride..." Aemond began, trying to make his tone casual, but Alicent sharply interrupted him.

"All day?!" she said, her tone harsh. Her gaze moved over their figures, lingering particularly on her daughter, noticing her disheveled appearance. "How do you look like this, angel? Does your maid not know how to maintain your appearance?"

Maegelle lowered her eyes to the floor, feeling a rush of shame. She hadn't expected their outing to take so long, and she certainly hadn't anticipated her mother's sharp reaction upon their return.

"It's not Harra's fault, Mother. We slipped out of the castle before she came to my chamber," Maegelle explained quietly, glancing uncertainly at the queen.

Alicent sighed, giving her a long, assessing look. For a moment, she was silent, as though deciding whether to continue the conversation.

"I will let you off this time with not having a long discussion about how you should look, but only because it's already late," she finally announced. She took Maegelle's hand and drew her toward herself. "Come, angel. We need to get you sorted."

Maegelle raised her eyebrows in mild surprise.

"Why?" she asked, not understanding why her mother was so insistent about her appearance.

Alicent fixed her with a serious gaze that left no room for argument.

"We will have dinner together tonight, as a mother and daughter should," she stated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Surprised, Maegelle blinked.

"Do I really need to dress up for a simple dinner?" she asked, looking at Alicent with some confusion.

"You are the daughter of the King, your appearance should always be impeccable. This time, I will personally make sure of it," Alicent replied in a tone that brooked no opposition. She tugged Maegelle along behind her, then glanced at Aemond. "This concerns you too. You both smell of dragon," she added with clear disapproval.

Aemond raised an eyebrow, concealing his irritation beneath a calm mask. He watched as his mother almost physically led Maegelle, and Ser Criston followed them silently. For a moment, just before they disappeared around the corner, Maegelle turned back, noticing that Aemond was watching them with an unreadable expression on his face.

***

Maegelle sat in silence, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She followed every movement of her mother, who was carefully combing through her thick, silver locks of hair, gently separating each strand. Alicent, as always, was focused and meticulous, but this evening, she seemed distant as well. The queen's thoughts kept drifting away, and though her gaze was fixed on her daughter's hair, it seemed unfocused, as if something were disturbing her peace.

When she suddenly felt a sharp tug on her hair, Maegelle's face twisted in a grimace of pain, and a quiet hiss escaped her lips. She quickly turned her head to look at her mother in clear surprise.

"It hurts, Mother," she whispered softly, furrowing her brows as Alicent tugged on her hair again.

The woman, seemingly snapped out of her deep reverie, lifted her gaze to Maegelle. She appeared lost in thought, though her daughter couldn't quite tell what might be troubling her. Alicent gave her a apologetic look and gently placed her hand on Maegelle's shoulder, as though wanting to make up for her momentary distraction.

"I'm sorry, my angel," she whispered with affection. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Maegelle, feeling the warmth of her mother's touch, met her gaze. She instinctively knew that her mother wasn't only apologizing for her momentary absentmindedness - something more was behind her words. She knew Alicent well enough to sense that something was weighing on her thoughts. In her mother's gaze, Maegelle caught a hint of anxiety, or perhaps even fear of something she couldn't yet understand.

As the queen finished her work, she looked at her daughter's hair with clear satisfaction, smoothing down one last unruly strand. The smile that appeared on her face expressed both pride and a touch of melancholy.

"Sometimes I regret that time must pass," she said softly, her voice tinged with longing. "I wish you could always stay my little girl."

Maegelle lifted her gaze to her mother, offering a playful smile. Her eyes held affection, but also an understanding. Though she sometimes longed for more freedom and independence, she knew that to her mother, she would always remain her beloved daughter, no matter how many years passed.

"I always will be, Mother," she replied gently, with a warm smile, trying to soothe the longing she sensed in her mother's voice.

The queen, moved by her daughter's words, pulled her into an embrace, careful not to disturb her carefully styled hair. Alicent held Maegelle with such tenderness that the girl felt like a small child again - surrounded by love and a sense of safety. The queen rested her cheek on her daughter's head, and Maegelle closed her eyes, listening to the steady beat of her mother's heart, finding comfort in that moment and in the knowledge that everything was in its right place.

"I know," she whispered, stroking Maegelle's shoulder. "That's why I love you so much, angel."

Maegelle nestled closer to her mother, closing her eyes. She allowed herself a moment of forgetfulness in her embrace, as if the world could vanish and time could stand still.

Alicent glanced toward the windows, noticing the twilight beginning to settle outside.

"We've stayed too long," she said softly, pulling herself out of her reverie. "Let me choose your gown."

Maegelle opened her eyes, and her gaze followed her mother, who had risen and was now walking toward the trunks full of dresses. She sighed quietly, though she knew in her heart that her mother wouldn't change her mind.

"Can't I just wear a simple, everyday dress?" she asked, a note of reluctance in her voice, already knowing the answer was a foregone conclusion.

Alicent looked at her with a gentle yet firm expression, leaving no room for doubt.

"You are my daughter and a princess. You must present yourself in the best way possible."

Maegelle felt a small pang of discontent and rolled her eyes, doing so discreetly enough so her mother wouldn't notice. She longed for something simpler, something unremarkable, that would at least allow her to feel ordinary for a moment. But she knew her mother wouldn't relent.

Alicent ran her hand over the fabrics, selecting materials, before stopping with a slightly critical expression on her face. She touched one of the fabrics, as if assessing its quality, and then slightly frowned.

"You definitely need new dresses," she said with some concern in her voice. "I'll send for the seamstress. You don't have enough green gowns."

Maegelle felt a pang of irritation.

"I like the ones I have," she replied quietly, though she knew her opinion wouldn't change anything.

Alicent looked up, noticing the stubbornness in her daughter's gaze, but she wasn't thrown off.

"As you wish, but I'll still send for her," she said, cutting off the conversation, before pulling one of the dresses out and unrolling it. "This one is perfect," she declared proudly.

Maegelle froze when she saw the gown Alicent was holding. The delicate pink fabric was intricately embroidered and edged with fine golden decorations, and its cut, though beautiful, left the shoulders exposed. The girl felt her heart beat faster, and images from the previous night flashed through her mind. She remembered Aemond's touch, his tenderness, but also the marks he had left on her neck. She swallowed hard, realizing that exposed shoulders would reveal what she couldn't show. She quickly tried to control her emotions, but her gaze betrayed her unease.

"No," she said quickly, too quickly in her opinion, which immediately drew her mother's attention. Alicent looked at her questioningly, noticing a strange tension in her eyes.

"Why not?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. "It's beautiful. It will go perfectly with your pendant."

Maegelle instinctively adjusted the collar of her dress, trying to hide the red marks on her neck left by Aemond the night before. She wanted to curse under her breath, frustrated with the boy for putting her in this situation, but she knew she couldn't turn back time. She felt her cheeks start to burn, but she kept a stone-faced expression, looking at her mother.

"I'd prefer the sapphire one, if I may," she said calmly, trying to make her voice sound convincing. "It's just as beautiful as that one."

Alicent furrowed her brows, looking at her closely, but she didn't press the issue further. She nodded, pulling out the dress her daughter had indicated, which gave Maegelle a quiet sense of relief. In her mind, she sighed, feeling the tension leave her body.

Maegelle quickly pulled the new dress over her head and followed her mother, trying to keep up with her fast but confident stride. She felt a slight nervousness, which grew as they got closer to the queen's chambers. Just before the door, however, Alicent stopped suddenly, causing Maegelle to almost collide with her, not expecting the abrupt halt.

The queen remained silent for a moment, as if thinking about her choice of words, before turning a serious gaze on her daughter.

"Before we go in, I need to tell you something, angel," Alicent began. "I haven't been completely honest with you today." She spoke softly, and there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

"What do you mean?" the girl asked, not breaking eye contact with her mother. Various assumptions flashed through her mind, but none of them explained why her mother was suddenly speaking with such gravity.

Alicent sighed deeply, turning to face her. It was clear that something was troubling her, but Maegelle had no idea what it could be.

"We won't be dining alone. I've invited your grandsire and Ser Gerold. We're a bit late, so they're probably already waiting for us," Alicent finally said, though Maegelle noticed a subtle tension in her voice.

The girl's eyes widened in surprise.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she asked, trying to steady her trembling voice. "All this fuss before Aemond, your speech about our dinner... And now this? I don't understand any of it."

Alicent pressed her lips together slightly, as if too tired to explain. She rubbed her face with her hands and then gave her daughter a brief glance, one that carried a trace of concern and tension.

"We both know Aemond can be impulsive," she said with a quiet sigh. "I'm not going to keep making excuses when he loses control. But you..." Alicent placed both hands on her daughter's shoulders and smiled gently, though a little strained. "You're a sweet, smart girl, my angel. I have great hopes for you, greater than for anyone else."

Maegelle felt her heart race. In her mother's eyes, she saw a shadow of desperation, masked by a calm exterior.

"Your grandsire and I have an important matter to discuss with your kin," Alicent continued, looking her directly in the eyes. "We're counting on you being present, angel, so that Ser Gerold will be more... willing to agree to our request. I trust you won't let me down. I can count on you, right?"

Maegelle felt her heart pound faster, and her thoughts began to swirl. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and unconsciously bit her lower lip. Her mother's gaze, though calm, expressed a quiet desperation, as though the outcome of everything rested on her response.

She swallowed hard and lifted her gaze to her mother, unsure of what to say. She felt as if a tremendous weight of responsibility rested on her shoulders.

"Yes," she whispered at last, forcing herself to meet her mother's eyes. "I won't let you down, mother."

Alicent sighed with clear relief and gently stroked her cheek. Maegelle closed her eyes in response, and the woman leaned in to plant a kiss on her daughter's forehead.

Alicent's gaze shifted to the guard waiting for her signal by the door. She nodded to him, and he, obedient and silent, opened the heavy doors before them. As soon as the hinges creaked, the sound caught the attention of the two men sitting at the table deep in the room. At the sight of the queen and her daughter, they ceased their conversation, rising gracefully from their seats, as befitted individuals of their rank. Alicent, regaining her poised composure, clasped her hands in front of her and sent them an apologetic glance.

"Forgive our lateness, we lost track of time. Right, my angel?" she said vaguely, gently pushing Maegelle forward, forcing her to step out of the shadows.

The girl hesitantly raised her head, aware that all eyes in the room were now on her. When she saw a subtle smile from Gerold, who was watching her closely, she immediately lowered her gaze, focusing on her feet.

Otto gave a slight smile, though a hint of sternness lingered in his eyes.

"It's no matter," he finally broke the silence, assuming a cheerful expression. "During your absence, my dear nephew and I managed to discuss all matters concerning our... agreement," he ended pointedly, turning toward the queen.

Alicent raised an eyebrow in surprise, glancing between her father and the young man, trying to read more from their faces.

"Oh?" she asked, fixing a penetrating gaze on her cousin. "And what is Ser Gerold's response?"

The young knight lifted his head, looking at the queen, then, as if drawn by some force, his gaze lingered on Maegelle. The girl felt her cheeks begin to redden under his intense stare. Ser Gerold straightened, clasping his hands behind his back and adopting a respectful tone.

"I..." he began, but clearly hesitated. His eyes moved between the queen and Maegelle standing beside her. "I would gladly agree to... our arrangement, but I cannot speak on behalf of my brother. After all, he is the head of the house."

Maegelle studied his face, still unsure of what exactly they were discussing, yet intrigued by him. Alicent, seeming to relax a little at his words, nodded with a slight smile.

"Naturally," she replied gently.

"First thing in the morning, I will send a raven to Oldtown to settle the details with my brother," the knight explained, glancing at the queen respectfully. "Unless, of course, Your Grace has any objections."

"It's no trouble, Gerold," Alicent responded with a friendly smile, then turned her gaze to Maegelle, who was listening to their conversation in silence. The queen's hand rested on her daughter's shoulder, gently pulling her closer. "Now that that's settled, I've instructed the servants to prepare dinner. I hope you'll stay with us, Ser?"

"Of course, Your Grace," Gerold nodded with a smile.

Alicent's gaze then turned to the Hand, who simply shook his head, raising a hand as if to quiet any further questions.

"I'll dine in my tower. I have a few matters to attend to," he explained, sending them a brief glance. "I won't trouble you any longer, now that we've reached a compromise."

With those words, he left the room, leaving the three of them alone. A moment later, the servants entered the room, setting the table and bringing in platters of steaming dishes. Maegelle, seeing her mother's inviting gesture, quietly took her seat at the table, glancing shyly toward Gerold. She felt the tension slowly leave her body as a pleasant warmth spread through her.

"Let's sit down," Alicent suggested, smiling at Gerold. "I'm sure you have much to tell us, Ser."

"Not at all, Your Grace," he answered modestly, lowering his gaze.

The queen smiled, undeterred by his words, and clapped her hands with enthusiasm, sincerity lighting her expression.

"Excellent! Maegelle loves to listen to stories about travels and adventures. I'm sure your tales will fascinate her."

Gerold looked at Maegelle, a warm glint in his eyes that made her feel more at ease in his company, even with the subtle tension still hanging in the air.

"Well, then, I hope these stories interest her just as much as the last ones," he said kindly.

Maegelle felt her cheeks redden again. She returned his gaze, even daring to offer a soft smile.

"You'll have to try hard, Ser," she replied with a slight hint of cheekiness, surprising herself. "I have a refined taste when it comes to stories."

Gerold laughed genuinely at her words, and Alicent looked at her daughter with pride and warmth, as if all she cared about was seeing a smile on her face.

"Then I shall do my utmost to not disappoint you, princess," he replied, glancing at her with that characteristic, charming glint in his eye.

Maegelle smiled, thinking that maybe this evening wouldn't turn out to be as bad as she had originally thought.