Chapter 1
It was the year 1237. I was eighteen.
“Child, get to work! Your father’s waiting in the field. No more lying around. That’s enough for today. You should’ve been with him already. It’s nine o’clock-move!” my mother yelled at me as if she could tear me apart. Sometimes I still feel that same intensity.
“Bellatrix! My only child, what brings you here? Did your mother send you?” he breathed.
“Father... yes, mother sent me,” I said quickly, my thoughts wandering far away.
Outside, the day was warm-summer in full bloom. White clouds stretched lazily across the bright sky, and a gentle breeze whispered through the beautiful landscape.
“You’re of marriageable age, my dear. Perhaps it’s even late. We must find you a husband-a man to support you, though one you will not love. You are young. You need experience. No love before your twenty-third. You will not give yourself for love, for you will never be queen. You will belong to him, in life and death. Now, go. Uncle Kaanids awaits you. Your cousin thirsts for your love. Go to them,” she warned.
I wandered toward the nearby market, as we were running low on fruit and vegetables. The sun shone warmly, the summer couldn’t have been more perfect. I felt a surge of happiness-it had finally come, after six months of bitter cold.
“Good day, may I buy these tomatoes? Two kilos, please. One kilo of potatoes, two kilos of peppers, and one kilo of apples,” I said, smiling softly.
“Of course. That will be one silver coin. Thank you for shopping with us. Goodbye,” she said, eyeing me as I shopped, her face slightly twisted.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” a voice asked behind me.
“Reyna! Oh my God, you scared me. You have no idea... Let’s get a horse, shall we?” I laughed, lighter than I ever had.
“Sure, no one will notice,” she said, raising her eyebrows as she adjusted the saddle.
“Come on, let’s fix your reins, little one,” I exclaimed, and soon asked, “Shall we go? To Lanayas?”
“To Lanayas,” she replied, smiling.
Bit by bit, we rode our horses toward the city, finally arriving. The streets were alive-purple and blue flowers, nobles, peasants, lawyers, and so many others.
“Reyna, who is that young man over there? No way... is he the king’s son? Look at him.”
“Does he have a brother?” she teased, making me smile.
“I don’t know, darling. Let’s hide and see if he notices us,” we agreed, slipping into the shadows.
“I see my parents over there. What are they doing here? I’ll go to them, be right back,” she whispered.
I wandered through the city, taking in the sights, until something caught my eye-a game of bowling.
“Ladies first,” a voice said behind me.
“Thank you,” I replied softly.
It was the king’s son. Tall, brown-haired, charming-everything I could wish for, I thought.
“Allow me to introduce myself,” he said.
I hesitated, feeling a little awkward.
“I am the son of King Zynanin and Queen Aurora, of the Trgarin family.”
“Lovely. I am... no one,” I murmured.
“Don’t say that of yourself. You are worthy, miss. May I ask your name?”
“Bellatrix,” I replied.
“Like a dragon?”
I laughed and looked into his eyes.
“My father spoke to me of dragons too... I don’t believe they exist. Shall we go somewhere more private? I would like to know more about you,” he said, and my cheeks burned crimson.
We entered a large hall usually reserved for grand celebrations, empty at that moment.
“Tell me, miss, how did you find yourself here?” he asked gently.
“Follow me,” he said.
