Stormlands, Bronzegate – 129 AC

Weddings were always a spectacle in Westeros, but after you've attended as many as I had, the excitement starts to wear thin. But this one at Bronzegate, with Aemond by my side and the looming promise of our own marriage on the horizon, felt different. Maybe it was the weight of the occasion, or maybe it was just the fact that every step I took now was a step closer to my future with Aemond. Either way, there was a strange energy in the air, something that made me feel both grounded and untethered all at once.

The sept at Bronzegate was packed with lords and ladies from across the Stormlands and beyond, all gathered to witness Ellyn Baratheon's marriage to Ralph Buckler. The air was thick with the smell of incense and fresh flowers, and the drone of the septon's voice echoed off the stone walls as he spoke the sacred words. The banners of House Baratheon and House Buckler hung proudly, their colors vibrant against the austere backdrop of the sept.

Jacaerys and Helaena sat beside us, resplendent in Targaryen red with onyx and gold jewelry that made them look every bit like the future king and queen they were meant to be. They had settled into their roles with a kind of grace that came from knowing their places in the world, even if those places had been chosen for them. There was a quiet strength in the way they held themselves, a sense of unity that made them seem almost untouchable.

I couldn't help but admire them as they exchanged knowing glances, a soft smile playing on Helaena's lips as she likely recalled their own wedding not so long ago. It had been a grand affair, filled with all the pomp and circumstance expected of a royal union. But what I remembered most wasn't the ceremony or the feast that followed—it was the way they looked at each other, as if nothing else in the world mattered but the two of them. It was a look I hoped Aemond and I would share when our time came.

Aemond and I, dressed in the Velaryon colors of teal and silver, sat side by side, our shoulders brushing ever so slightly. His presence was a comfort, a steadying force that kept me anchored in a sea of traditions and expectations that sometimes felt overwhelming. We were here to witness Ellyn's marriage, to be the dutiful friends expected of us, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this day was as much about us as it was about her.

As the ceremony continued, I found my thoughts drifting to the wedding we'd attended just a moon ago at Evenfall Hall. Maris had looked radiant as she wed Selwyn Tarth, her face a picture of joy and nerves all at once. I remembered how she had confided in me the night before, her voice trembling as she spoke of her fears and hopes for the future. I had reassured her, even as I felt the weight of my own impending marriage pressing down on me.

Now, here we were again, watching as Ellyn took off her maiden's cloak—the dark fabric embroidered with the Baratheon sigil—and exchanged it for the Buckler cloak, with its three bronze buckles on a field of marine blue. It was a solemn moment, the final step in a journey that would bind her to Ralph Buckler for the rest of her life. The significance of the exchange wasn't lost on me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought that soon, it would be me standing in her place, making that same vow.

Aemond leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, "The next wedding will be ours."

His words sent another shiver through me, but not of fear. It had been a long time since I'd felt anything but excitement at the thought of marrying Aemond. Our betrothal had once been a source of trepidation for me, something I'd dreaded as a duty rather than a joy. But over time, that changed. We had grown closer, our bond deepening in ways I hadn't expected. Now, the thought of our wedding filled me with anticipation, not dread.

I turned to look at him, our eyes meeting in the dim light of the sept. There was a seriousness in his gaze, a promise of what was to come. But there was also warmth, a softness that he rarely showed to anyone else. It was a side of him that I had come to cherish, a reminder that beneath his stoic exterior, he cared deeply for me.

"I know," I whispered back, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest. "And I'm ready."

His lips quirked into a small smile, one that only I could see. "Good. Because there's no turning back now."

I couldn't help but laugh softly at that, a sound that was quickly swallowed by the solemn atmosphere of the sept. "I wouldn't want to, even if I could."

We fell silent again, our attention returning to the ceremony as the septon continued to speak. But the words washed over me like the tide, my mind still caught up in the moment we had just shared. The world outside the sept might be filled with uncertainty and danger, but here, in this place, with Aemond beside me, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't known in a long time.

As Ellyn and Ralph exchanged their vows, their voices steady despite the weight of the moment, I couldn't help but think of the vows I would soon be making. Theirs were words of duty and obligation, of promises made to uphold the honor of their houses. Mine would be the same, but there would also be something more. They would be a commitment to a future that I had come to embrace, a future that I was eager to build with Aemond.

The ceremony finally drew to a close, the newly married couple turning to face the gathered guests as the sept erupted in applause. Ellyn looked radiant, her smile wide and genuine as she clutched Ralph's hand, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of the girl I had chased through the halls of High Tide not so long ago. She had grown, just as I had, and now she was taking the next step in her journey.

As we stood to join in the applause, Aemond's hand found mine, his grip firm and reassuring. "It won't be long now," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I squeezed his hand in return, a silent promise that I was ready for whatever came next. We had weathered so much already—politics, duty, the weight of our names—and we would continue to do so, together. The road ahead might be uncertain, but I knew one thing for sure: I would walk it with Aemond by my side, and we would face whatever challenges came our way as one.

The guests began to file out of the sept, heading toward the feast that awaited them, and we followed suit. Jacaerys and Helaena walked ahead of us, their heads close together as they whispered to one another, their bond as strong as ever. I watched them for a moment, my heart swelling with affection for the two of them. They had found their own way through the labyrinth of expectations and duty, and I was determined that Aemond and I would do the same.

The banquet at Bronzegate was a lively affair, with the hall bathed in the warm glow of flickering candles and adorned with the colors of both House Buckler and House Baratheon. The banners of bronze, gold, marine blue, and black draped the walls, creating a vivid tapestry that spoke to the union of two noble houses. The guests were seated at long tables, their laughter and conversation filling the air, mingling with the rich scents of roasted meats, spiced wine, and fresh-baked bread. It was a celebration in every sense of the word, a moment of joy in a world that often felt dominated by chaos and uncertainty.

At the High Table, I sat with Aemond, Jacaerys, and Helaena, the four of us occupying places of honor beside the newlywed couple, Ralph and Ellyn, and their families. The mood was light, the atmosphere filled with the easy camaraderie that came with shared history and mutual respect. Ellyn, radiant in her wedding finery, was the center of attention, her smile bright and genuine as she spoke with her guests. Ralph, sitting proudly beside her, looked every bit the part of the future lord he will be, his demeanor a mix of pride and quiet contentment.

Across from us sat Lord Borros Baratheon and his wife, Lady Elinda, their expressions a mix of pride and emotion as they watched their daughter embark on this new chapter of her life. There was a softness to Lady Elinda's gaze, a mother's bittersweet pride in seeing her children grow up and leave the nest. Lord Borros, ever the imposing figure, had a similar look in his eyes, though he masked it well with his usual gruff demeanor. Three of their daughters were now married, and soon, their youngest, Floris, would be off to the Vale to wed Joffrey Arryn. I could see the pride in their eyes, but also the sadness that came with knowing their home would soon be much quieter.

Floris, the youngest of the Baratheon daughters, was anything but melancholic, though. She was positively beaming, her excitement palpable as she spoke of her upcoming marriage to Joffrey Arryn and her future as Lady Paramount of the Vale. There was a gleam in her eyes, a hunger for the adventure that lay ahead. Unlike her sisters, who would remain relatively close to Storm's End, Floris was ready to spread her wings and embrace the challenges of ruling in the Eyrie. She was eager, full of energy, and utterly confident that she could take on whatever came her way.

"Mother keeps saying how quiet Storm's End will be once I'm gone," Floris was saying, her voice bright with excitement as she leaned in to speak with Helaena. "But I've told her that's nonsense. The castle won't be quiet, especially not with Orys and any future children Cass and Egg will have. Besides, I'm not going far away forever. I'll be visiting, and there will be letters, and—well, Joffrey and I will have to come to court often enough, won't we?"

Helaena smiled warmly, clearly charmed by Floris's enthusiasm. "You'll make a wonderful Lady of the Vale, Floris. The Eyrie is a special place, and I think you'll fit in perfectly there. And you're right—you'll be back in Storm's End often enough, and when you do visit, it'll be all the more special."

Floris nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling. "I can't wait to see it—the mountains, the skies. And Joffrey… he's been so kind. I think we'll make a good team, don't you?"

"You will," I chimed in, offering her a reassuring smile. "You've always had a strong spirit, Floris. The Vale is lucky to have you."

She beamed at that, clearly pleased by the compliment. "Thank you, princess. That means a lot coming from you. And who knows? Maybe I'll get to see you and Prince Aemond in the Vale one day, on one of your journeys."

Aemond, who had been quietly observing the conversation, nodded slightly. "Perhaps. The Vale is strategically important, and we'd be wise to maintain strong ties with House Arryn."

Floris grinned, clearly delighted by the prospect. "Well, I'll be sure to give you a warm welcome when you do visit. And I'll make sure Joffrey does the same."

The conversation flowed easily after that, touching on everything from the preparations for Floris's upcoming wedding to the details of the feast laid out before us. It was good to see everyone in such high spirits, especially after the long year we'd all had.

As the courses continued to be served, Aemond and I found ourselves deep in conversation with Ellyn and Ralph, who were eager to hear more about our recent voyage to Braavos. The journey had been a crucial one for us, a test of our abilities as future leaders of House Velaryon. We had delayed our wedding for it, knowing that the success of the mission would set the tone for our marriage and our future as a ruling couple.

"Braavos was… an experience," Aemond began, his tone measured but tinged with pride. "The city is a maze of canals, with an undercurrent of danger that runs just beneath the surface. The Braavosi are clever and cautious, but we managed to secure better trade contracts for Driftmark, particularly with the North. The silver from Braavos will bolster our coffers, and in return, we'll provide the ships the North needs for its own trade routes."

"It wasn't easy," I added, my voice carrying the weight of our shared struggles. "The Braavosi are shrewd negotiators, always looking for any sign of weakness. But we stood our ground, and in the end, we walked away with contracts that will benefit Driftmark and the North for years to come."

Ellyn's eyes widened with admiration as she listened. "That's incredible. No wonder you delayed your wedding—you had important work to do."

"We needed to prove ourselves first," Aemond said, his gaze steady. "Not just to our families, but to each other. It was important that we showed we could handle the responsibilities of ruling before we settled into our roles as husband and wife."

Ralph nodded in agreement, his respect for our decision clear in his eyes. "You've set a strong foundation, and that's the most important thing in any marriage. Ellyn and I have been talking about how we can contribute more to our own house, how we can strengthen our position now that we're married."

"You'll find your way," I assured him, smiling warmly. "Every couple has their own path to follow. The key is to face it together, as partners."

Aemond nodded, his expression softening as he looked at me. "Lucerys is right. It's about trust, respect, and knowing that you're stronger together than you are apart."

There was a moment of quiet understanding between the four of us, a shared acknowledgment of the challenges we faced and the determination to overcome them. We were all young, still learning the intricacies of power and politics, but we were also determined to carve out our own places in the world.

As the evening wore on, the atmosphere grew more relaxed, the tension of the day giving way to celebration. Laughter echoed through the hall, and the music from the minstrels grew livelier, drawing people to the dance floor. Even Aemond, usually so reserved, seemed to let go of some of his stiffness, a rare smile gracing his lips as he watched the festivities unfold.

Jacaerys and Helaena were among the first to join the dancing, their movements graceful and effortless as they twirled across the floor. Watching them, I felt a tug of emotion, a reminder of what was soon to come for Aemond and me. Our own wedding was on the horizon.

Aemond must have sensed my thoughts, for he turned to me, his expression softening as he took my hand. "Are you ready for our own dance, Lucy?" he asked, his voice low and filled with a quiet intensity.

I looked up at him, meeting his gaze with a certainty that had taken root in my heart. "I am, Aems," I replied, my voice steady. "I'm ready for all of it."

He smiled then, a smile that was just for me, and for a moment, the rest of the world fell away. It was just the two of us, standing on the precipice of our future, ready to face whatever came our way. Together.

The music swelled, filling the hall with a lively tune that beckoned everyone to the dance floor. It was one of those moments that seemed almost too perfect, like something out of a song or a story—four Targaryens, dressed in the finest silks and velvets, moving in time with the music, their every step a reminder of the power and grace of their bloodline. The flickering candlelight caught the silver in Aemond's hair, the deep red of Jacaerys's tunic, the gleam of Helaena's jewels, and the shimmer of my own Velaryon teal gown. We were a striking sight, the four of us, and as I spun in Aemond's arms, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. This was my family, my future.

Aemond held me close as we moved across the floor, his hand firm at my waist, guiding me with the kind of effortless grace that always seemed to come naturally to him. He didn't smile often, but there was a softness in his eyes that made me feel like I was the only person in the room. I could feel the strength in his grip, the certainty in his movements, and it was easy to lose myself in the rhythm of the dance, to let everything else fade away.

But this was a celebration, and as much as I loved being in Aemond's arms, I wasn't about to let the night pass without a little fun. So, when Jacaerys caught my eye from across the dance floor, a mischievous grin on his face, I couldn't resist. With a playful giggle, I slipped out of Aemond's grasp and twirled away, making my way over to my brother.

Aemond raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he watched me go. "Trading me in for a new partner, are you?"

"Only for a moment," I teased, glancing back at him with a wink. "I'll be back before you know it."

Jacaerys was quick to step in, his hand catching mine as he pulled me into the dance with an easy laugh. "You're going to have Aemond brooding in the corner if you're not careful," he said, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I snorted, shaking my head. "Aems? Brooding? When does he do anything else?"

Jacaerys chuckled, spinning me in a wide arc that had my skirts flaring out around me. "He's been better lately. Less brooding, more smirking. I think that's your influence."

"Oh, I'm sure it is," I replied with a smirk of my own. "I've been working on him. Slowly but surely."

We moved together in time with the music, our steps perfectly in sync. It was different, dancing with Jacaerys—less intense, more relaxed, like we were simply two siblings having fun at a feast. "I have to say," Jacaerys said as he guided me through a turn, "you've handled all of this better than I expected."

I shot him a curious look. "All of this?"

"The betrothal, the journey to Braavos, everything that comes with being a Targaryen and a Velaryon. It's a lot to take on, and you've done it with more grace than most."

There was something in his tone—something sincere, almost protective—that caught me off guard. Jacaerys had always been the eldest, the one who bore the brunt of our family's burdens, and while he had always been there for me, there was a part of him that still saw me as the little sister who needed looking after. Hearing him speak like this, acknowledging my own strength, was... unexpected.

"I've had good examples to follow," I replied, my voice softer now. "You and Helaena—you've both shown me what it means to carry the weight of our name. And Aems... well, he's taught me more than I ever expected."

Jacaerys smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I'm glad to hear that. But don't let him overshadow you. You've got your own fire, Lucerys. Don't be afraid to let it burn."

It was advice that felt both comforting and daunting. There was a truth to it, one that I'd been grappling with more and more as our wedding day approached. Aemond was a force of nature, a man who commanded attention with his mere presence. And while I had always been content to stand in his shadow, there was a part of me that knew I couldn't do that forever. I had my own role to play, my own strength to show.

"I won't," I promised, more to myself than to him.

Before I could say anything else, the music shifted, the tempo slowing as the song changed. Jacaerys caught my eye, his expression turning more serious for a moment. "I'm proud of you, Lucerys. Truly. You've become someone worth looking up to."

The words hit me harder than I expected, a rush of emotion that I quickly masked with a bright smile. "Thank you, Jace. That means a lot."

He nodded, and then, with a playful grin, he twirled me back toward Aemond, who had been watching our exchange with a raised eyebrow and that familiar smirk.

"Here she is, returned safe and sound," Jacaerys said with a mock bow, handing me back to Aemond as if I were a prized possession.

Aemond took my hand, pulling me close as he shook his head at my brother. "Don't think I didn't see the way you two were plotting over there," he said, his tone teasing but with a hint of possessiveness.

"Plotting? Us?" I gasped in mock innocence, my eyes wide as I looked up at him. "We would never."

"Hmmm," was all Aemond said, his expression somewhere between amused and skeptical.

I leaned in, resting my head on his shoulder as we swayed to the music. "You know you're my favorite dance partner," I murmured, letting my eyes drift shut as I breathed in the familiar scent of him—leather, metal, and something uniquely Aemond.

"As it should be," he replied, his voice a low rumble in my ear. "I don't like sharing."

I smiled at that, knowing full well that Aemond's possessiveness was just one of the many things that made him who he was. He was a man of few words, but when he did speak, there was always a weight to his words, a promise of something deeper.

The music played on, and for a time, we simply danced, the rest of the world fading into the background as it was just the two of us moving in time with the melody. The candlelight flickered around us, casting long shadows across the floor, but in that moment, it felt like the light was only for us, like the night itself was ours to command.

As the song came to an end, I pulled back slightly, looking up at Aemond with a smile that I couldn't quite hide. "I think that was our best dance yet."

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "We'll have plenty more chances to improve."

I nodded, feeling a sense of contentment settle over me. After the dance, the four of us returned to the high table, still flushed from the excitement and laughter. The music in the hall continued, but our focus shifted to more practical matters as we settled back into our seats. Jacaerys and Helaena, ever the responsible royal couple, had plans to discuss, and I knew where this conversation was headed.

As soon as we were seated, Jacaerys leaned forward, catching Ralph's attention. "We've been planning our move to Dragonstone," he said, his tone more serious now, though still warm with the camaraderie of the evening. "Lucerys and Aemond will be coming with us to help settle in. It's a big transition—leaving King's Landing behind—but it's time for Helaena and me to take our place as the Prince and Princess of Dragonstone."

Ellyn's eyes sparkled with interest as she turned to Helaena. "Moving into a new seat like that can be overwhelming. Have you thought about how you'll manage everything? Especially with the staff and the ladies-in-waiting?"

Helaena gave a small smile, a little shy but clearly appreciative of Ellyn's advice. "It's daunting, yes. But I've already started making plans, and Lucerys has offered to help. She's much better at managing the household side of things."

I raised an eyebrow at that, trying to hide a smirk. "Don't give me too much credit, Helaena. I'm just good at bossing people around."

That earned a laugh from everyone at the table, including Aemond, who chuckled quietly beside me. His hand found mine under the table, a quiet reassurance that he was there, as he always was, ready to lend his support whenever needed.

Ralph, who had been listening intently, leaned toward Jacaerys, clearly intrigued by the logistics of the move. "Moving from King's Landing to Dragonstone is no small feat. Have you thought about how you'll manage the transition? The supplies alone—food, wine, firewood for the winter—those won't move themselves."

Jacaerys nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We've already started coordinating with the stewards at Dragonstone. The key is making sure everything arrives in time before we get there. Dragonstone is well-fortified, but it's isolated. The castle can feel like a fortress, but it also means we need to be prepared to be self-sufficient for long stretches."

"Not to mention the weather," I added, jumping in. "Dragonstone is surrounded by the sea, and the storms can make it hard to get supplies across. Timing everything right is crucial."

Ralph, ever the practical one, leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he thought. "You'll want to bring in extra food stores, just in case. If the seas turn rough, you'll be cut off for days, maybe weeks."

Aemond nodded slightly, adding his own thoughts. "It's not just the supplies. The garrison needs to be prepared as well. You'll be overseeing one of the most strategic positions in the realm. Dragonstone has seen its fair share of battles—don't let its isolation fool you into thinking it's safe."

Jacaerys nodded in agreement, his face serious. "I know. That's why I'm taking this move so seriously. It's not just about us settling in as the Prince and Princess of Dragonstone—it's about securing a stronghold for the future."

The conversation between Jacaerys, Ralph, and Aemond had taken on a practical, strategic tone, one that I was more than happy to listen in on, but my attention soon drifted to Ellyn and Helaena, who were deep in discussion about the more personal side of ruling a castle.

"I'm telling you, Helaena," Ellyn was saying, her voice full of conviction. "The ladies-in-waiting will make or break your life at Dragonstone. They'll be your eyes and ears in the household, and you need to make sure you pick the right ones. Noble houses will be sending their daughters to serve you, and it's not just a matter of having loyal women—it's about politics, too. Those girls will represent their houses, and you need to know how to manage them."

Helaena nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. "I've already started getting letters from families offering their daughters' services. It's... overwhelming, to be honest."

Ellyn leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with the kind of practical advice that only someone with her experience could give. "Here's the trick—you don't have to take everyone. And you shouldn't. Pick the ones who will be useful to you, not just the ones who come from the most powerful families. A girl from a lesser house can be just as valuable as one from a Great House if she's smart and loyal."

I found myself nodding along, thinking about how Ellyn's advice could apply not just to Helaena's situation, but to mine as well. Jacaerys and Ralph were still deep in conversation about logistics, discussing everything from the number of men needed to defend Dragonstone to the best way to manage the castle's resources. Helaena and Ellyn had moved on to more mundane but equally important matters, like how to manage a household budget and how to keep the ladies-in-waiting from turning on each other.

As the evening wore on and the wine flowed more freely, the conversation became lighter again, the seriousness of the earlier discussions giving way to laughter and banter. Ralph and Ellyn were clearly excited about their future together, but they were also young, full of life and energy, ready to tackle whatever challenges came their way.

"So, when's your wedding, Lucerys?" Ellyn asked with a sly grin, clearly eager to shift the attention back to me and Aemond. "You delayed it for the voyage to Braavos, but now that that's done…"

I shot Aemond a glance, and he met my eyes with a knowing look. "Soon," I said with a smile, not giving too much away. "We're waiting for the right moment."

Aemond smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Lucy likes to keep everyone guessing."

Jacaerys laughed at that, shaking his head. "You two have been making us wait long enough. Just don't make it too soon—I need time to recover from all these weddings."

"Don't worry," I teased. "You'll have plenty of time to catch your breath."

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of conversation and laughter, the worries of ruling and politics pushed aside for a little while. It was nights like this, surrounded by friends and family, that reminded me of what really mattered. Not the titles, not the castles, not even the power—but the people we shared it with.

As the candles burned low and the guests began to retire for the night, I found myself standing at the edge of the hall, looking out at the sea through the open windows. The air was cool and crisp, Aemond came up beside me, silent for a moment as we both took in the view.

"It's going to be different at Dragonstone," I said softly, my thoughts still lingering on the conversations we'd had tonight. "A new beginning."

Aemond nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "It will be. But we're ready."

I smiled, feeling a sense of calm settle over me. "Yes, we are."

And as the night drew to a close, Aemond, ever the gentleman, offered me his arm as we made our way back to the chambers House Buckler had lent me for the night at Bronzegate. The warmth of the banquet hall still clung to my skin, a lingering reminder of the lively celebrations, but the cool night air did wonders to clear my head as we stepped into the quieter, dimly lit corridors of the castle.

Behind us, Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk followed in silence, their presence like shadows at our heels. The two brothers had always been watchful and professional, and tonight was no exception. They moved without a sound, ever vigilant, as Aemond and I walked side by side through the hallways.

Aemond's arm brushed against mine, steady and reassuring as it always was, but I could sense the weight of his thoughts even in his silence. We reached my chamber door far too quickly for my liking. The warmth of Aemond's presence was a comforting balm in the cool, still night, and I wasn't ready to let go of it just yet. He turned to me, his dark purple eyes gleaming in the soft light of the torches. There was something unreadable in his gaze, a quiet intensity that seemed to linger between us like an unspoken question.

He took my hand in his, his touch firm yet gentle. With a slow, deliberate movement, he raised my hand to his lips, brushing a kiss against my knuckles in that old-fashioned, courtly way of his. His lips were warm against my skin, but there was a tension in the gesture, something unsaid.

"Goodnight, Lucy," he murmured, his voice low and smooth. "Rest well."

I smiled, trying to mask the flutter in my chest. "Goodnight, Aems. Don't keep yourself up too late brooding."

His lips twitched into the smallest of smirks. "I'll try, but no promises."

With a final glance, he turned and walked away, Ser Arryk falling into step behind him. His departure left a strange hollowness in the air, as if the corridors themselves missed his presence the moment he was gone. Ser Erryk remained, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword as he stationed himself by my chamber door, ever the silent sentinel.

Inside, Tyla, Alla, and Kate were already bustling about, their movements quick and efficient as they prepared a warm bath for me. The scent of lavender and rose petals filled the air, the steam from the bath curling up in soft tendrils that made the room feel cozier, more intimate. It was a stark contrast to the grand banquet hall we had just left behind, with its lively music and boisterous laughter. Here, it was peaceful. Quiet.

"My lady, how was the banquet?" Tyla asked as she began undoing the laces of my gown. Her fingers were quick and practiced, though there was an undeniable curiosity in her voice. "Did everything go as planned?"

"The banquet was lovely," I replied, stepping out of the gown as it pooled at my feet. "A little exhausting, but that's to be expected. Weddings are more about endurance than enjoyment sometimes."

Alla snorted at that, her face half-hidden behind a pile of towels. "I'd imagine so. All those lords and ladies trying to outdo each other with compliments and veiled insults—sounds like a lot of work."

"Oh, it is," I said, sinking into the bath with a sigh of relief as the warm water enveloped me. "But there's always something entertaining about watching them dance around each other with their words. You start to wonder if they're all in on the same joke, or if they're just trying to see who slips up first."

Kate, ever the quiet one, handed me a soft cloth to wash with. She glanced at me with a small, knowing smile. "And you didn't slip, did you, my lady?"

"Not tonight, thankfully," I said with a grin. "But give it time. Weddings like these have a way of dragging on until someone says or does something they shouldn't."

"Like spilling wine on their betrothed's dress," Tyla offered with a giggle, clearly recalling some noble wedding disaster from the past. "Or knocking over a table during a dance."

"Or getting far too drunk and declaring love for the wrong person," Alla chimed in, laughing as she helped pour water over my hair.

I snorted, shaking my head. "None of that tonight, though Uncle Daemon wasn't there, so perhaps that's why things stayed civil."

"Or perhaps they were all saving their drama for your wedding, my lady," Tyla teased, grinning as she plucked at my wet hair. "You and Prince Aemond will certainly give them something to talk about."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at that. "If they're expecting drama, they'll be sorely disappointed. I plan to keep my wedding free of chaos, thank you very much."

Alla raised an eyebrow, her tone sly. "This is Westeros, my lady. Chaos is part of the package."

I laughed, knowing full well she was right. No wedding in Westeros ever went smoothly, not when politics, power, and old grudges were involved. And I had no illusions that mine would be any different. But still, the thought of marrying Aemond—of finally putting all the uncertainty behind us—was enough to make me hope for the best.

As I soaked in the bath, Tyla, Alla, and Kate continued to chatter about the banquet, asking for details on the food, the music, the dresses worn by the various ladies. I indulged them, recounting bits and pieces of the evening, though my thoughts kept drifting back to Aemond. The way he'd looked at me tonight, the kiss he'd placed on my hand—there was something there, something simmering beneath the surface that I couldn't quite place.

"He's smitten with you," Tyla remarked suddenly, her voice cutting through my thoughts.

I blinked, looking up at her. "Who is?"

"The prince, of course," she said with a sly grin. "Prince Aemond. You should have seen the way he looked at you tonight. Like he couldn't tear his eyes away."

Kate giggled, nodding in agreement. "He didn't take his eyes off you the entire banquet, my lady. You're the only person in the room as far as he's concerned."

I felt a flush creep up my cheeks, though I tried to brush it off. "Aemond's always like that. He's... focused."

"Focused on you," Alla said, her voice sing-song as she gathered my nightclothes. "It's sweet, really."

I huffed, though there was no real annoyance behind it. "You're all incorrigible."

They laughed at that, their teasing light and good-natured as they helped me out of the bath and into my nightgown. Once I was dressed and settled into bed, the fire in the hearth casting a warm glow over the room, I found myself feeling more at ease. The day had been long, but the night had ended with a quiet sort of peace, and for that, I was grateful.

Tyla, Alla, and Kate finished tidying up, their chatter softening as they prepared to leave. Before they did, Tyla turned to me with a mischievous grin. "Sleep well, my lady. Dream of Prince Aemond, perhaps?"

I groaned, pulling the blankets up over my head as they laughed their way out of the room, their footsteps fading into the hallway. Ser Erryk stood just outside my door, his silent presence a reminder that even in the quiet of the night, I was never truly alone.

As I lay there, the warmth of the fire lulling me into a soft, comfortable haze, my thoughts inevitably drifted back to Aemond. To the way he held me as we danced, to the weight of his gaze, to the promise of everything yet to come.

I smiled to myself in the dark, feeling strangely content despite the world of chaos and uncertainty that surrounded us. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever trials we would face, I knew one thing for certain:

I wasn't facing them alone.