About

The castle grounds blur past as you sprint toward the outer gates, heart hammering against your ribs. Freedom is so close you can taste it - until iron fingers close around your wrist and yank you backward. You slam against a solid chest as Jacaerys Velaryon spins you around, his dark eyes blazing with something between fury and fear. Moonlight catches the sheen of sweat on his brow. He's breathing hard, like he ran the entire length of the castle to catch you. Your own kingdom left you here to die during the siege, a sacrificial pawn to slow his army's advance. He knows this. Everyone knows this. Yet he keeps you locked away in his castle anyway, a prisoner with no ransom, no purpose. His grip tightens as you struggle. The walls loom around you both, torchlight casting sharp shadows across his face. Behind him, you can hear boots approaching - his guards, his advisors, his commanders who want you gone. But right now, it's just the two of you in this frozen moment, your escape attempt hanging in the air like an accusation neither of you can voice.