𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧'𝐬 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐡

Peal Me To My Core

As Aegon and Thereya continued to dance, the initial shock on Thereya's face slowly wore off. She couldn't help but break the silence with a teasing tone, "So, what's this all about, Aegon? What are you up to now?"

Aegon, still holding her in the dance, flashed a mischievous smirk. "Just seizing the opportunity to dance with the most captivating princess in the realm," he replied, his words laden with both charm and a touch of audacity.

Thereya, unimpressed by Aegon's charming words, couldn't help but scoff. "Seems odd to call someone a 'savage' one moment and then try to charm them the next," she remarked, a hint of sarcasm in her tone.

Aegon, in the midst of the dance, fell silent for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. When he finally spoke, his tone carried a measured sincerity. "I won't apologize for what I've said, nor will I take my words back. That would be cowardly of me," he stated, his words holding a certain resolve.

"But," he continued, a slight admission in his tone, "I might have been slightly wrong. Circumstances change, and people reveal different facets. Perhaps, in this dance, we'll discover a new rhythm together." The acknowledgment was subtle, a hint of humility in the face of the evolving dynamics between him and Thereya.

Thereya, hearing Aegon's admission, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the unexpected hint of humility. The dance continued, their movements reflecting the shifting dynamics between them.

"Well, I appreciate the honesty, Aegon," Thereya replied, her tone a mixture of skepticism and amusement. The music played on, and as they navigated the dance floor, the unspoken tensions lingered.

Aegon, trying to lighten the mood, quirked an eyebrow and asked, "Did my sister choose that dress for you? It looks... different." His words held a teasing note, a playful attempt to steer the conversation into a less tense direction as they continued their dance through the grand hall.

Thereya, intrigued by Aegon's remark, arched an eyebrow and inquired, "Different in what way?" She awaited his response, curious about his perspective on her attire.

Aegon, with a teasing smirk, leaned in and replied, "Well, I was trying to be polite, but if you insist, different, as in not quite the usual Targaryen elegance. Some might even say... ugly." The smirk on his face hinted at a playful banter, though the tension in the air continues to linger as the music was getting louder and faster.

Rhaenyra, seated at the table, couldn't help but notice the shift in Daemon's gaze. Her eyes followed his line of sight, and she realized he was watching Aegon and Thereya dancing. The familial connection between them added an extra layer of complexity to the unfolding scene.

Daemon's expression held a mix of contemplation and guarded emotion, creating a subtle undercurrent in the air. Rhaenyra observed the silent exchange between father and daughter, acknowledging the intricate dance of emotions playing out beneath the grandeur of the feast.

Alicent, perceptive as ever, noticed Daemon's gaze fixated on Aegon and Thereya as they danced. Rhaenyra's concern did not escape her watchful eyes, and the tension in the air was palpable.

Turning to glance at the dance floor, Alicent saw her son and Thereya twirling gracefully. A proud smile played on her lips as she took a sip of wine, offering a subtle nod to her.

Rhaenyra, despite Alicent's proud smile, couldn't shake off her unease. The sight of Daemon's lingering gaze and the unfolding dance between Aegon and Thereya stirred a mixture of concern and discomfort within her.

As Thereya swirled through the dance, her mind momentarily wandered to a peculiar sight - a mantis perched delicately on one of the ladies' shoulders. Confusion etched across her face, replacing the earlier joy with a slowed-down sense of bewilderment. It was as if time had stretched, and the world around her was drowned in a buzzing haze.