It was the signal for the Night's Watch to summon the Free Folk and begin another day's registration. A moment later, the dull, rapid thud of hooves on frozen ground mingled with the jumble of voices from the gathering Free Folk.
The noise poured in from the courtyard, shattering what little peace the room had held.
Viserys opened his eyes at once. The fleeting drowsiness in his violet eyes vanished, replaced by clear-headed composure.
He gently patted the hand Rhaenys had draped over his head, then sat straight up.
"Time to get up," he said, throwing back his side of the covers and setting his bare feet on the thick carpet. The slight chill around him did not affect him at all.
Rhaenys did not get up immediately, however. She merely rolled over and stayed on her side, watching Viserys dress. Morning light filtered through the narrow window, outlining his tall, upright figure. His long silver hair fell over his shoulders, gleaming faintly in the room and making his face look exceptionally handsome.
As she watched, the corners of her mouth lifted without her noticing. Had she not grown used to the sight, she might well have drooled with a besotted grin.
"Had your fill yet?" Viserys asked without turning around, a trace of amusement in his voice that Rhaenys could barely detect.
"No, of course not," Rhaenys answered honestly. Only then did she sit up languidly, her long black hair spilling behind her. The neckline of her nightgown fell slightly open, revealing a patch of snow-white skin.
She rubbed her puffy eyes and yawned, looking like a cat that had just woken up. Although she had been awake for some time that morning, she had felt no desire to leave the bed.
By the time Viserys brought Rhaenys near