Rhaenyra looked down at the little fellow in her arms, who was so embarrassed he seemed ready to steam, and a mischievous smile curled her lips.
Now that it was her turn to enjoy his embarrassment, she gently poked Aegon's burning ear and chuckled softly. "What? Feeling shy? Weren't you awfully fierce when you kicked the door open?"
That made Aegon jerk his head up.
No longer caring where they were, he reached out with both hands and cupped Rhaenyra's face.
"You knew all along, didn't you?" he demanded, staring into her eyes with an indignant pout.
Rhaenyra reached out as well and cupped his little face.
Their eyes met.
Each saw the other's reflection in those violet eyes.
Morning light fell across their faces, as gentle as water.
"I only just found out myself." Rhaenyra's voice was soft and quiet, with a barely perceptible hint of amusement.
"Sneaky Rhaenyra," Aegon muttered helplessly.
"Foolish Aegon," Rhaenyra replied with a smile.
"You know you love me!" Aegon protested, a little louder than before.
Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, deliberately teasing him. "Oh? Do I know that? How come I wasn't aware?"
Aegon's face grew even redder. Looking into Rhaenyra's smiling eyes, he puffed out his cheeks in frustration.
Seeing him on the verge of losing his composure, Rhaenyra finally laughed. She lowered her head a little and gently brushed her forehead against his, her voice overflowing with tenderness.
"All right, let's say I do."
That left the two older men beside them with the misfortune of having to watch this display of affection. Sitting nearby, Lyonel watched the siblings act as though no one else existed, the corner of his mouth twitching.
Though the sight pleased him, he could not help coughing deliberately. Unable to watch any longer, he felt obliged, before