"I heard from my father that you saved my mother from certain death. He is infinitely grateful for your good deeds," Rhaenyra said, looking at Haldor with a softer expression.
Haldor walked to where there was a blanket to dry his sweat, and only after looking a bit more presentable did he approach this mischievous princess.
"My father has an heir now, so our wedding will be much sooner than we expected."
"Is there something wrong with that?" Haldor approached and lightly touched Rhaenyra's chin. This time, his behavior was far from reserved; instead, he had opted for a more dominant presence.
This time, everything was more in favor of his actions. On one hand, he had the full support of Viserys, and on the other, a wedding could happen at any moment. There were two points in his favor, so there was no reason to keep hiding his true thoughts.
Rhaenyra was surprised. She tried to step back a few paces, but Haldor's right hand took her slender waist by surprise and pulled her close to his body. She could perceive the masculine aroma that Haldor exuded, which made her very nervous about what he might do to her.
"Are you nervous, princess?" Haldor asked, slowly approaching Rhaenyra, pushing any boundaries.
"Why would I be? I've been with many more men than you can imagine, so it doesn't cause me any excitement." Rhaenyra's lies were detected by Haldor, who simply moved close enough for her to feel his breath on her neck.
Haldor slid his hand down Rhaenyra's cheek and whispered beneath her ear, "We are a decided commitment, as our parents have decided. You will be assigned the position of general commander for the war against the White Walkers, but before that, you and I, as decided, will be husband and wife."
"In front of everyone, I will make the vows expected of me, just as you will do the same, for it is what your father expects of you." Haldor paused, slowly withdrew, and stared at the surprised expression on the girl's face. "But I want you to know that in this life, I have vowed to have only one wife. My vow will stand if we are both faithful to each other."
"Are you insinuating that I am a prostitute?" Rhaenyra seemed offended by these comments.
Haldor shook his head and said, "I thought I heard you boast of great experience with men, but once we are married, we must be faithful to each other. If you break that vow, I will take extreme measures, and if, on the other hand, it is reversed, you can do what you want, for I will not blame you."
This was loyalty, and each had to accept its consequences.
As a devout man, Haldor would not allow his future wife, to whom he would dedicate the rest of his life, to be with another man. He had no choice but to accept it, as his path had led him here.
It was up to him to keep everyone united for the war against the White Walkers; without his guidance, everyone would be lost.
"My loyalty will be beside my husband when I marry. I just hope he shares everything that happens in the world in extreme detail." Rhaenyra took Haldor's cheeks in both hands and made him look at her intently.
"Anything else?"
"We must get to know each other well. Just because we are engaged doesn't mean we will have sex all the time. I will give you children only when I think you deserve it," Rhaenyra said calmly in Haldor's presence.
In response to those words, Haldor said, "I will also decide if you are worthy of my darkest secrets and thoughts."
"That seems fair."
Haldor nodded and asked, "Then, shall we start with a simple kiss?"
"Let's save that for next time. I just wanted to thank you for saving my brother's and mother's lives."
"And there is no reward for that?"
"I am the reward. You are lucky; I'm not an ugly princess whom you have to please and give children to." Rhaenyra's tease was heard even when she was far away.
Once alone, Haldor murmured, "Shadow, watch her."
"Your orders are heard." At that moment, a figure emerged from the darkness. Clothes soaked in dry mud, that figure came out like a shadow and hid in the darkness, following the princess.
Haldor had in his power five other shadows, hoping to have total control of the night and the dulled senses of humans. Only the future would decide; at least Ser Criston Cole was not a problem; he would kill him if it came to that.
"Loyalty must be reciprocated; otherwise, I will only use the doors my father has given me." Haldor murmured before disappearing into the shadows.
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