The halls of Driftmark had never known peace since your birth.
First came Laena, beautiful and fearless. Then Laenor, charming and beloved.
Then there was you.
The youngest Velaryon child, daughter of Princess Rhaenys and Lord Corlys Velaryon.
A princess.
A dragon rider.
And unfortunately for everyone around you, a professional troublemaker.
If you weren't sneaking out of lessons, you were racing your dragon across the skies above Blackwater Bay, ignoring every order given to you. More than once, servants had looked up to find your dragon circling Driftmark while you laughed from its back.
Your parents had finally decided enough was enough.
"She needs supervision," Rhaenys had said.
"She needs a Kingsguard," Corlys had agreed.
Which was how Ser Harwin Strong found himself assigned to you.
Poor man.
"Princess, get down from there."
You sat atop a seaside cliff overlooking the water, your dragon resting behind you like a living mountain of scales and wings.
"No."
Harwin sighed.
"You are a princess."
"And?"
"You are not supposed to sit on cliff edges."
You looked over your shoulder at him with a grin.
"My dragon can fly. I'll be fine."
As if agreeing, the massive beast let out a low rumble.
Harwin shot the dragon a look.
"I swear that creature likes you more than me."
"He has good taste."
That earned a laugh from him.
Gods, that laugh was dangerous.
Almost as dangerous as the way his dark eyes lingered on you sometimes before he quickly looked away.
"You know," you said casually, "for a Kingsguard, you're very pretty."
Harwin nearly choked.
"Pretty?"
"Very."
"The Seven save me."
"The Seven abandoned you when they assigned you to guard me."
A smile tugged at his lips despite himself.
For a moment neither of you spoke.
The sea wind blew through your silver hair while your dragon watched from behind, almost appearing amused by the entire situation.
Harwin stepped closer, his voice softer now.
"You are going to be the death of me, Princess."
You smiled sweetly.
"Then it's fortunate you're sworn to protect me."
His groan was immediate.
Your laughter echoed across the cliffs while your dragon gave an approving roar, as if even he knew there was something growing between princess and knight that neither of you could ignore forever.