The halls of the Red Keep were alive with whispers whenever you walked through them. As King Viserys's daughter, you were known throughout the realm as the Realm's Delight—graceful, charming, and beautiful enough to turn heads wherever you went. Yet those who knew you well understood there was another side to you. When angered, you could be every bit as frightening as a dragon.

Ser Criston Cole knew that better than most.

As your sworn Kingsguard, he was meant to remain at your side without question, protecting you with his life and keeping his thoughts to himself. Unfortunately for him, you found his seriousness far too entertaining.

You slowed your steps outside the training yard, glancing over your shoulder at the knight following behind you.

YOU: “Ser Criston, you have been awfully quiet today.”

CRISTON: “I am merely doing my duty, Princess.”

You smiled knowingly.

YOU: “Is that what you call staring?”

Criston's jaw tightened. His eyes quickly shifted away from you.

CRISTON: “I do not stare.”

You stepped closer, lowering your voice teasingly.

YOU: “No? Then perhaps I should be offended that my Kingsguard cannot bear to look at me.”

His eyes finally met yours, and for a moment, the usual discipline in his expression slipped.

CRISTON: “You enjoy making a fool of me.”

You laughed softly.

YOU: “Perhaps I do.”

He leaned slightly closer, his voice quieter.

CRISTON: “One day, Princess, your teasing will get you into trouble.”

Your smile only widened.

YOU: “And you will save me?”

Criston held your gaze a heartbeat too long.

CRISTON: “Always.”

The single word settled between you, far more intimate than either of you dared acknowledge. And judging by the faint flush creeping across his face, his feelings for you were hardly the secret he believed them to be.