Chapter Text
Lady Alia Santagar sat on a stone bench in the Summerhall water garden. The sky was black now and she could not remember what hour she rose this morning. She rose from the bench and walked to the edge of the great pool. Unsheathing her foot from her slipper, she dipped her toe into the cool water. It was not as grand as The Water Gardens gifted to Princess Daenerys. Every dornish child had played there, she thought, but she had been spoiled with Spottswood being so close to Sunspear. The Water Gardens, however, were nothing like the ocean that she had heard every night from her window. Already she missed the familiar crashing of the sea. All she could hear now were revellers singing in merriment and echoing through the halls of her supposed new home. It didn't feel like home to her yet. Almost every face was a stranger to her, and the ones that weren't were leaving by the moon's turn. Soon, it would be just her and her new husband.
“There you are!”
A gruff voice startled her thoughts away before she could even draw a tear. Maekar Targaryen was walking towards her at a firm pace. She did not know him well enough yet to know her new husband's anger and a pit started to form in her throat.
“Your Grace… my apologies. I felt overhot in the hall. I just wished to catch my breath” she replied as she wobbled to put her slipper back on. Just as Alia felt her balance start to slip, she felt a strong pull on her arm. She spun slightly and landed in her husband's arms. Cautious and embarrassed, Alia thought it wise not to speak.
“Are you trying to drown yourself already?” Alia laughed at his jape. Maekar's face settled back to its stern resting position.
Alia made haste to explain herself. “Not quite yet. Truly, all the noise became too much. It has been a long day… a joyous one. I just sought a moment alone to gather myself.” She had not been alone since she woke. She'd spent the morning being fussed over by every woman in her family. Even little Daella and Rhae had come to her room to see the wedding gown. Now, Alia was looking up at their father. Her deep, slender eyes were growing darker by the moment.
“I understand. I've never been one for all this loud revelry. Drinking? Yes. But not this unruly nonsense. And, please, we are husband and wife, call me Maekar.” His throat seemed to strain as he said the words ‘husband and wife’. She was sure she heard his jaw click.
“Maekar. I've simply danced and drank too much… however I'm feeling much better now.” She smiled wearily up at him. The world fell quiet, or at least it seemed to. She had held his hand, kissed him even, but being alone with Maekar was different. She could read his face better. In the dim light he wasn't stern… he was shy. His cheeks flushed pink and his jaw hung loose. It was as if he was trying to study her too. She wondered how long his hand had been at her waist for it felt so natural. Something came over her. Alia traced her hand up his arm and let it fall on his shoulder. Even under his coat, she could feel the firmness of his muscles. A curled finger rose to her chin and lifted it up as the two met each other for a kiss. This was not the dutiful peck that sealed their marriage vows. This was a kiss of want. Slow at first, inquisitive, as if it was their first kiss. Alia's fingertips trailed Maekar's neck to the edge of his jaw. The pace turned quicker as he pulled her closer and tighter to him. Alia found the tip of their tongues dancing with one another like they knew every step. Her legs started to feel weaker as a heat rose between them.
As quickly as it started though, it had ended. Maekar looked flustered but his eyes were unmoving from Alia's reddened lips. He pressed his thumb to them and gently dabbed away some moisture from her lips and then his own. He knelt down to her ear “My chambers… our… I already told everyone there would be no bedding ceremony. We can leave whenever you want but there's no rush.” He held both her hands and smiled. This was a new side of him, Alia thought. She had expected tonight to be purely duty but mayhaps he's not simply a cold steel anvil. Maekar could be a roaring dragon and a blazing sun all in one man.
“Let us make haste” She said “No one wants to linger too long at their own wedding."