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In the Great Hall of Driftmark, the torchlight danced on the ancient stone walls, casting shadows that resembled specters of the past, silent witnesses to a wedding that felt more like a theatrical performance.
Baela Targaryen walked down the aisle, draped in a silver silk dress that shimmered with every movement. Each step echoed in her heart, reminding her of the love she could never have. The crowd around her applauded and smiled, but to her, they were merely shadows distorted by the mist of her memories and unfulfilled desires.
Alyn Velaryon waited at the end of the aisle, his calm and affectionate smile a painful contrast to the turmoil within Baela. He was a good man, a loyal warrior with a noble heart. But as she approached, her heart cried out for another name: Jacaerys Velaryon.
Baela's eyes glistened, not with happiness, but with tears she refused to shed. Her thoughts returned to that magical night on Dragonstone, under the full moon and the sound of waves crashing on the shore, when she and Jace were married in secret. Only their dragons, Vermax and Moondancer, witnessed the simple yet meaningful ceremony of the ancient Valyrian traditions.
The memory of that moment tightened her heart. On that night, sharing a pure happiness, Jace had promised to protect her, love her, and make her his queen. Now, that promise felt like a sharp blade embedded in her chest.
She closed her eyes for a brief moment, trying to push the memories away. But they returned with an intensity that almost made her stumble. Jace's bold smile, his eyes shining with determination as he held her close, his warm and strong hands touching her with a gentleness that contradicted his warrior nature.
When she finally reached Alyn, their eyes met. He was kind, understanding, and perhaps, in some way, knew what was in her heart. As the vows were recited, the words seemed to echo in the void. Baela tried to focus, to immerse herself in the moment, but Jace's shadow was always there, hovering over them like an invisible specter.
The officiant spoke of love and commitment, but for Baela, each word was a cruel reminder of what she had lost. When the time came to kiss the groom, she forced herself to focus on the eyes of the man before her. Her heart twisted at not finding the brown eyes she dreamed of every night.
After the ceremony, while the guests enjoyed and celebrated, Baela could no longer bear the pain. Feeling suffocated, she silently slipped out of the hall, her bare feet making little noise on the stone steps as she ran to the beach. The cold sea breeze was a welcome relief against her warm, emotion-filled skin. The waves gently broke on the sand, a peaceful contrast to the storm within her.
Baela fell to her knees in the sand, letting the tears finally flow freely. The pain of her loss was almost unbearable. "Jace," she whispered to the wind.
Looking at the sea brought not only happy memories but also the cruel memory of the Battle of the Gullet. She recalled the stories and whispers in the castle about Jace's death, how he fought bravely to protect his brothers, setting thousands of ships ablaze in seconds, the arrows that pierced his body.
Baela clutched the small medallion he had given her on their wedding night, a symbol of their secret union. The medallion was cold in her hand, but it was a constant reminder of the love she would always carry in her heart.
"It took me so long to talk to you," she murmured, feeling the shame tighten her throat. "I... didn't know how to face this."
She closed her eyes, feeling the pain of loss and the shame for her decision. "I'm sorry, Jace. I'm sorry for marrying another man, for betraying you."
The words came out with difficulty, each one laden with the weight of her pain. "The lords are desperate for a bride for Aegon, and I became a strong candidate. I promised to protect our brother, but I could never be his Queen," her voice faltered, and she needed to pause for a moment. "I didn't want it to be this way. I... I tried so hard to find another way, Jace. I swear I tried."
The wind whispered through the trees as if responding.
"I miss you."
Baela knew that life would go on, that she had to be strong, but in that moment, she allowed herself to be vulnerable, the young woman in love who dreamed of a different future.
"Maybe the gods will allow us another life," she practically pleaded.
As the stars shone in the night sky, Baela made a silent promise: she would never forget the love she shared with Jace, even if it had been so brief.
"I will continue," she said, almost in a whisper. "For you."
She rose slowly, looking at the seemingly infinite sea, carrying with her the pain and memories of a love that would always live in her heart. Below, in the hall, the celebration continued, but for Baela, that night would always be a tribute to the love she would never forget.