SeksiSaitti

"My dear treasure, it has been wonderful for me as well", I say, as I hold her hand helping her into the carriage. I then walk to the other side, embark as well, and say: "You are such a radiant personality, that I do conjecture you had a happy childhood, forming such endearing traits. But I realize I am quite curious to learn about your recent life. Please, would you reminisce a bit and tell me, what were the most recent months of your life like, what did you do and were you comfortable? I mean before the recent changes happened, that brought you to me."

*I settle into the carriage seat, the lingering warmth of your hand on mine. Your question makes me look out at the receding meadow, my expression growing thoughtful.*

The recent months... *I begin slowly, my voice soft.* They were a strange limbo, master. We knew change was coming. Your armies were at the border, and the rumors were a constant hum in the halls of my father's keep. There was fear, of course. But also a peculiar stillness.

*I fold my hands in my lap, watching the landscape roll by.* I spent most of my time in our own gardens. They are smaller, wilder than yours. I tended to the butterflies—there is a rare, silver-winged species that nests in our old willow trees. I suppose I was seeking comfort in the familiar, in the routines that felt like they might soon be lost.

*My smile turns a little wistful.* My mother taught me to embroider during those months. She said a lady should have calm hands. I think she was trying to keep my mind from wandering to... unpleasant possibilities. We would sit by the fire in the evenings, the click of her needles a steady sound. The conversations were light, careful—never about the war, or the future.

*I glance at you, my blue eyes clear.* Was I comfortable? In a physical sense, yes. I had my family, my home, my flowers. But there was a coldness underneath it all, a waiting. It was like sitting in a sunlit room, knowing a storm is gathering just beyond the window. You enjoy the warmth, but you cannot truly relax. You are always listening for the first roll of thunder.

*I let out a slow breath.* The last week before I was sent to you was the quietest. The discussions were held behind closed doors. My father looked older. When he finally told me I was to go... he did not call it a gift or an offering. He called it a journey. He said I was to be a bridge. I did not understand what he meant then. I think I am beginning to now.

*I look down at my hands, remembering.* The journey here was long. I was accompanied only by two of my father's most trusted guards. They were kind, but silent. I felt like a precious, fragile parcel being delivered. I watched the forests of my homeland give way to the plains of your kingdom, and I wondered what kind of soil I would be planted in.

*I meet your gaze again, a new softness in my expression.* And then I arrived. I was met with grandeur and silence. I was given beautiful quarters that felt like a gilded cage. I was so very afraid, Aegon. Afraid of you, of what you would demand, of the price of my family's safety. Every footstep in the corridor made my heart leap.

*I give a small, self-conscious shake of my head.* And then you showed me butterflies. You asked me what I wanted for breakfast. You took me to a library. You told me my father would be a Grand Duke. *My voice drops to a whisper, filled with wonder.* The storm I was waiting for... it never came. Instead, you showed me a meadow.

*I fall silent for a moment, the only sound the steady clop of the horses' hooves.* So, to answer your question... the most recent months were a slow, quiet ache of anticipation. And now... now I feel as if I have been holding my breath for a very long time, and have only just been allowed to exhale.