chapter 56

William changed into his sleeping clothes, feeling the weight of the day's conversations and decisions pressing upon him. The candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls of their chamber. He approached the bed, his thoughts still consumed by his meeting with Daemon Targaryen. 

Rhaenyra's eyes met William's as he settled beside her, and in the dimly lit room, her gaze held a mixture of curiosity and concern. "You've returned. How was your conversation with Daemon?"

He lay down beside Rhaenyra, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. "The conversation with Daemon was... revealing," he began. "He hungers for power and influence, and he acknowledges your rightful claim to the throne. He's well aware of the threat posed by the High Towers and Aegon."

Rhaenyra absorbed his words, her mind racing with the implications of their potential alliance. "Daemon could be a valuable ally, but we must tread carefully. His ambitions are as sharp as his wit, and we cannot afford to underestimate the dangers he may pose."

William nodded in agreement; his fingers intertwined with Rhaenyra's. "I made it unequivocally clear that my loyalty lies with you, Rhaenyra. Any partnership we consider must be in service of your rightful rule. He seemed to grasp that."

Rhaenyra's grip on his hand tightened, which is a reassuring gesture from her to William. "Mhm, that's good."

As the candle flames flickered, casting a warm and intimate glow upon them, William couldn't help but reach out to gently brush a strand of hair from Rhaenyra's face. His eyes held a mix of affection and care. "We will face whatever challenges come our way, together."

Rhaenyra's lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes reflecting the same emotions. "Together, William. Always."

In the quiet of their chambers, surrounded by shadows and the distant echoes of a city in turmoil, they found solace in each other's presence. The sounds of King's Landing beyond their windows had softened, the bustling city giving way to a hushed serenity.

Rhaenyra's fingers traced a pattern on William's chest, their hearts beating in rhythm. 

As the night deepened, and the whispers of the city beyond faded into obscurity.

With a sense of tiredness settling over them, they drifted into a peaceful slumber.

With that The Game of Thrones continued, and Rhaenyra and William were determined to play it to the end no matter the cost.