Jon's name in this story is Jon because it's the name Lyanna chose for him, and Rhaegar wanted to honor that.


Chapter 1

The first thing Jon remembered from his childhood was Rhaenys' lilac eyes. They were just like his father's, but there was a warmth in them he had never seen in Rhaegar's.

She had always been there for Jon, her quiet, comforting presence had been the only thing he could always count on.

As they had both grown, Rhaenys' gentle nature and kind heart had remained, even though sadness lingered in her eyes more often now. Jon hated to see it. She deserved so much more.

He often stood on the balcony, watching her as she walked in the garden, her fingers softly grazing the blooming flowers. She usually kept her long, dark hair down and wore light, vividly colored gowns that billowed in the wind as she moved.

She was simply beautiful, a true jewel of the Red Keep. There had been plenty of suitors, but so far, Rhaegar had sent them all away. Jon was nothing but glad about that. He had already decided he wouldn't allow her to leave the Red Keep.

No man was good enough for his Rhaenys.

Her smile, her laughter, her sharp wit, her gentle touch… She was perfect. He loved watching her swim in the sea, free from all the troubles of the world. She made him feel things no one else could. He wanted to protect her, keep her safe and happy.

He wanted her to smile only for him.

Jon clenched his fists as he watched her from above, his sharp gaze following her every graceful step. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, bathing the garden in hues of gold and crimson. She tilted her face toward the light, her eyes closing as the warmth kissed her skin.

She looked like something out of a dream, untouched by the harshness of the world. But the world was cruel, it had taken so much from their family already. It would take her too, if he let it.

He wouldn't.

Jon's jaw tightened as he thought of the foreign princes and lords who had dared to seek her hand. Men who spoke pretty words, men who thought they could take her away from him. Did they think they could love her as he did? Understand her as he did? Protect her as he did?

They were fools.

She didn't need them. She had him.

As if she could feel his stare, Rhaenys turned her head slightly, her lilac eyes seeking the source of her unseen observer. When she spotted him on the balcony, a soft smile curved her lips.

Jon's heart clenched. Gods, she was exquisite.

She lifted her hand in a small wave, an innocent gesture, but it sent a surge of heat through his veins. He forced himself to smile back, his fingers gripping the railing tight enough to turn his knuckles white.

He wanted to go to her. To pull her into his arms, to make her understand that she belonged to him. That she always had.

Instead, he stayed where he was, watching, waiting.

Soon, she would see.

Soon, she would understand.

She was his.

She had always been his.