lils

Baelor gently pulled your thumb away from the edge of your mouth. You hadn't even realized you had broken the skin until you saw the small crimson drops beading on your nail bed.

"How are you so calm right now?" you whispered.

"This is hardly the first time the Targaryens have been used as the centerpiece for gossip. Our reputations can withstand it, I'm more worried about what will be said about you," Baelor replied. Alys reached into the pocket of her white linen shorts, handing him a bandage to wrap around your bleeding thumb. With all these kids around, there were bound to be bumps, bruises, and bleeding, so she was always prepared.

"We'll just have Daeron drive a car into a pole, then everyone will be talking about him. They'll forget all about our Uncle's sugar baby," Aerion smirked, and Daeron glared at him.

"Aerion," Maekar rumbled.

"He didn't say anything untrue, except for the Daeron part. I've only ever seen him getting out of the back of hired cars in photos," you sighed.

"He doesn't need to be so crass," Baelor frowned.

"That's a bit hypocritical, Uncle. Your hands are all over her ass in those…."

"Enough!" Maekar barked, slamming his hands down on the polished cherry wood table.

Baelor had woken to you looming over him like some sort of sleep paralysis demon, your eyes bloodshot and ragged. You immediately blurted everything out, and he convened a family meeting, without the younger children, to figure out a game plan for handling the matter.

"Aegor Rivers has long been a thorn in this family's side," Maekar growled. You couldn't sleep after Lyonel's text and the feeling of impending doom thrashing through your stomach, so you had gone down a rabbit hole on Aegor Rivers. You knew you had heard the name before and learned that he had managed to sneak his way into Dyanna Dayne's funeral and snap incredibly intimate moments, including a picture of her in the coffin. The civil suits filed had kept Aegor out of commission for a few years; you supposed this was an act of revenge on his part. Baelor's reputation was nearly impeccable, and tarnishing him would no doubt satiate Aegor's quest for blood.

"Just let me hack into their systems, I'll wipe everything," Matarys shrugged. It was a bit hard to take him seriously with the top section of his ginger hair styled into two pigtails secured with glittery butterfly barrettes courtesy of Daella.

"You will do no such thing," Baelor scolded.

Maekar raised a palm. "I actually like how that sounds. Tell me more."

"Maekar!"

Maekar narrowed his violet tinged eyes at his brother. "The man is dirt, absolute scum, there's no need to play fairly with him."

"We are better than that," Baelor insisted.

"Do we always have to be?" Matarys quipped, and you watched Valarr's mouth drop open. Over the weekend, you had discovered that he was very much his father's son. Poised, rational, well spoken, and diplomatic. He played by the rules and respected them, while Matarys seemed to have a wild streak inside him.

"Yes, we do, because some of our ancestors nearly drove our bloodline into the ground. It shames me to say that our grandfather, Aegon, sullied our reputations, and we're still repairing the damage done by that. They want us to lose our heads, if only to say they are right in their opinions of us. We will not give them the satisfaction," Baelor stated firmly. It was hard to argue with such an eloquent statement.

"Sorry, Dad, I just don't want your name dragged through the mud or for the media to start calling her a gold digger. She'll end up getting the worst of it," Matarys muttered. Your gaze met Matarys's, exchanging a small smile with him. None of them needed to protect you, but it was nice to know someone was in your corner, besides Baelor. You knew he wouldn't let you be thrown to the wolves. As for the rest, you couldn't fault them for wanting to protect the family first.

Baelor reached out to touch his youngest son's shoulder. "I know your heart was in the right place."

"Someone had to tip him off, yeah?" you asked softly. "Maybe not purposefully." You needed to tread carefully with accusations.

"We can have Brynden get to the bottom of it all," Baelor said.

Maekar scoffed.

"I know you have never been fond of him, but Brynden is trustworthy and dislikes his half brother even more than you do," Baelor pointed out.

All this talk about half brothers made your head spin. This was not how you planned to spend the last day of vacation.

"We need to nip this in the bud before the day is over. We only have twenty-four hours," Maekar reminded everyone.

"Yes, well, I'm certain you'll remind us of that every five minutes. If you'll excuse us, we're going to get some air," Baelor said, gently pulling you to your feet and whisking you out of the room. When he opened the doors, you watched the little children scatter like ants. You couldn't help but smile. Baelor continued to take the lead, guiding you out the sliding glass doors. A gentle breeze had kicked up, and you enjoyed how it felt against your skin.

He didn't say much, but pulled you into his arms. His hand smoothed down your hair before settling over your lower back.

"I'm sorry," you murmured.

"What are you apologizing for? You haven't done anything." Logically, you knew that was the truth, but you hadn't thought this arrangement would prove to be so dramatic.

"I…know. It's a habit, I guess," you whispered.

"I'm more annoyed about your privacy being invaded and how they'll try to twist the story. We simply haven't done anything wrong."

He was right. Though you were concerned about the sugar baby aspect, you didn't want your private life completely exposed, but it wouldn't be the worst thing. You could weather through that. It seemed unfair that you had admitted your love to one another, and it was about to spill all over the tabloids before you even had a true picture of things.

"So maybe we get ahead of it, maybe that's the answer instead of trying to hide it," you suggested. "It's like you said, we have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. Maybe we put the story out first, own it."

"Have you considered a career in PR?" Baelor smiled at you.

"Absolutely not," you laughed, "I'm simply applying skills learned in Psych 101."

"Maekar won't like it."

"It's not about Maekar, it's about you and me."

"How right you are."

"I know we tabled the other discussion, and despite spinning off the edge last night, I can safely say that it hasn't changed my feelings for you in any way."

"Nor mine," he assured you, rubbing his arms.

You felt your heart flutter in your chest. "I'm really happy to hear that. So if you're fine with it, I'm going to call Lyonel, he can help get the ball rolling on this. You should probably get with your PR person and draft a statement."

"I'll have Valarr do it and get Aerys's approval. If you're certain, otherwise I come around to Matarys's hacking idea."

"It really is a family affair around here, huh? And yes, let's do it," you chuckled.

"It's good to have your people around for when the storms hit."

"So I'm learning," you replied.

He pulled you close once more and kissed you. "Alright, you handle your end, and I'll handle mine. I can make Maekar come around." You nodded, rubbing your nose gently against his before heading back inside to call Lyonel, and passed Rhaegel on the way. The breeze billowed through his long, dark hair, and he wore cargo shorts and an azure shirt decorated with white flower prints.

"Maekar is the guard dog, always has been, even as a kid. He was quick to throw punches to defend us," he said, turning to face you with an almost clarity in his indigo eyes.

"Not a bad quality to have," you replied. You would have killed for a sibling like that growing up. It would have been the two of you against the world instead of going at it alone.

"He is a good brother, but he is especially protective when it comes to Baelor."

"Yes, I've noticed that."

Rhaegel offered you a kind smile, drawing your hand into his. They were softer than Baelor's. "Remember, love, is the bridge between you and everything." There was a wistful look in his eyes.

"Thank you," you whispered, finding his words oddly comforting. He let you go, and you went to the bedroom to call Lyonel.

With the door shut behind you, you flopped onto the bed and called Lyonel, listening to the rings before you heard the familiar velvety tones of his voice.

"Hello, kitten." You could practically hear the smirk in his voice.

"Hey. I…thank you for trying to protect me."

"Always. I don't care about those Targaryen prats one way or another, but you, my darling, don't deserve to be dragged through the mud."

"That means so much to me, Lyonel, truly. You're a good guy when it comes down to it," you whispered.

"Oh, I know it pained you to say that," he teased.

"No, it didn't, because it's the truth. Yeah, you can irritate me at times, but I do think highly of you," you said honestly.

There was a pause. A crackle of static.

"Thank you. Now what can I do for you?"

"Baelor and I want to break the story first. I thought Manfred might like the exclusive. He was Jena's brother after all."

"I would love to know how you convinced those Targaryens to admit to something versus the time-honored tactic of sweeping it all under the rug or denial."

"Baelor is different. Honestly, the Targaryens could have used more like him throughout the years," you said.

"It's interesting to say the least. Hold on, let me get good ol' Manny on the line," he replied. About five minutes later, Manfred was patched in, and you laid out the plan.

"If you can get me the statement by three, I'll have it plastered everywhere within half an hour," he promised.

"I think that can be arranged."

"Certain things might be called into light," he warned.

"I know, I'm prepared for it."

"Baelor's a good man, I'm glad he's found someone like you, darling. You were always the better half of Lyonel," Manfred said.

"You absolute bastard," Lyonel grumbled.

"Keep in touch," Manfred said before the call ended.

You sighed, rubbing your face, then turning your head when you heard the creak of the door. Little fingers wrapped around the edge, and you discovered two wide violet eyes peering at you. "Come in, Rhae."

She climbed onto the bed and lay next to you. "No one will tell me what's going on," she sulked.

"Well, I can tell you that someone is trying to imply some bad things about your uncle and me," you said, feeling that it was safe enough to tell her. Kids could sometimes handle and understand more than given credit for.

She frowned. "I don't like that."

"Neither do I."

"I want you to marry him and stay in the family forever." You didn't have the heart to remind her that she had only known you for a weekend. You found her statement endearing. A perfect, childlike, idyllic state. You didn't want to rob her of that.

"I think that would be a ways off, but maybe one day," you told her honestly. She pressed her small hand into yours, and you were content to lie there with her for a bit.

Baelor came into the room a bit later, smiling when he discovered you with Rhae.

"Grown up time?" Rhae sighed when she saw her Uncle.

"I'm afraid so, little one."

"Alright," she agreed without a fuss and hopped off the bed, but not before getting her hug from Baelor.

"Manfred's queued up for when the statement is ready," you whispered, reaching out for him.

"Valarr and Aerys are polishing it up now. Maekar begrudgingly agreed. I think he sees the logic in it." He joined you on the bed, settling against the pillows before drawing you into his lap.

"Once we throw the grenade, there is no going back. One last chance to back out?"

He gently swatted your bottom. "Not a chance, sweet girl. I'm running into the fire with you."

"You make everything sound so appealing," you smiled, snuggling into him and breathing in his warm scent.

His hand spanned over your lower back. "Will you say it for me?"

Fuzzy butterflies flapped away in your stomach. "I love you," you whispered.

"And I love you." He tilted your chin up and dipped his face down to kiss you. After the kiss broke, you wiggled from his arms and made your way to the door.

"I just need to make sure it's locked," you grinned before returning to him after turning the lock.

"Smart girl," he grinned as his hands slipped beneath your shirt before tugging the fabric from your body. You pressed your mouth hungrily against his neck, feeling the stubble roughly rub against your skin. One hand wandered down, palm pressing against the bulge covered by his slacks.

Soon, Baelor had you on your back, his mouth roaming over your tepid skin, and you clapped a hand over your mouth as he drew a nipple between his teeth. You could feel his hard cock pressing against the crux of your thigh.

"Please, please don't tease me," you whimpered, one hand clawing at his shoulder.

"But you make such pretty noises when I do," he teased, his mismatched eyes sparkling mischievously. "I was planning on tasting you next, but if you're so impatient…"

"No, no, go on," you smiled before biting your lower lip.

You liked the cocky look on his face as he lowered between your damp thighs. His tongue pressed against your cunt, gently lapping at you. Those strong, ringed hands of his kept you pryed apart so he could enjoy every inch of you. Languid licks that built your arousal deep within your belly. A teasing plunge deep inside made you gasp and arch. A slow roll and trace over your clit. He continued the alternating pattern before you came. Shiny arousal clung to his mouth as he lifted his head.

"How wonderfully wet you get for me, sweet girl," he purred as he wrapped one of your legs around his waist while the tip of his cock teasingly pressed against your opening.

"Just for you," you panted. You felt every inch of him slip inside.

He lowered his body, palms pressed against the bed by the sides of your head, before he gave his hips a slow roll. There was no need to rush; you wanted to enjoy every minute of this before the storm broke. Soft fingers traced through his chest hair before turning to kiss his wrist. You felt his pulse against your tongue. There was a slight pick up in speed, but still controlled and slow. Just enough to increase the pressure building inside you.

"Baelor," you moaned. Bands tightened in your belly, fire licking away.

"Come for me, sweet girl, you're so pretty when you come for me," he whispered, his brows knitting together. A soft part of his mouth, a sliver of pink tongue.

You angled your hips, and he thrust against your sweet spot. Just a few more to those delicious moments sent you crashing over the edge, made the bands snap in your belly as orgasm wracked through you. Baelor stilled, snapping his body tightly against yours. It took a while for you two to unravel your bodies. You loved the feeling of his flesh against yours. He gently rested on top of you, and your hands roamed over his back and shoulders. It was peaceful until you heard the buzz of his phone.

"Hmm, time to weather the storm," he murmured. The two of you dressed in silence before heading down to the office. Valarr sat at the desk, and when he saw you two, he turned the laptop toward you.

"Read it through, but Uncle Aerys and I are happy with it," he said. "We had to fudge the timeline a bit; we implied you've known each other for a bit longer. I hope everyone is comfortable with that decision."

"I can live with it," Baelor agreed, though you knew it pained him to be even a bit dishonest. You gently squeezed his hand.

"I'm alright with it. Manfred said if we can get it to him by three, he can get it out to all the outlets by this evening," you murmured.

You sat next to Baelor while you both read through the statement. It was smart. Well put together, and you braced yourself for the part that revealed how you and Baelor connected. There was a quote from Rhaegel about how he met his wife in a similar manner and how people like to judge things as seedy without fully understanding. You had to stifle a laugh when he mentioned how 90% of the Westeros population was on this app, and if people really thought Eustace Osgrey had met his second wife, Rohanne Webber, by happenstance at a coffee shop.

"Rhaegel," Baelor said softly, turning to face his younger brother.

"I know I irritate you, Baelor, but I'm always in your corner," Rhaegel replied simply, his fingers interlaced with Alys's.

With a soft smile on his face, Baelor gave his brother a simple nod. Maekar paced in the corner of the room.

"Gods, Dad, take a hit from Daeron's vape," Aerion complained.

"This is really good. Thank you, Valarr," you said.

He nodded in a similar style to his father. "Brynden has some photos from the day around the pool. We thought to include those to show how welcoming the family is. We do run the risk of this backfiring. Aegor could still leak his photos and story and try to present a different side."

"That's possible, but I still think this will work better in our favor," you said.

"Yes, I agree," Baelor said, patting your leg.

Your eyes trailed over Baelor's quote, feeling the tears well in your eyes. His hand squeezed yours.

"After my wife's untimely death, I assumed and prepared to go through life as a solitary man, but like all human beings, I found myself craving companionship. I took a chance on this app at my brother, Rhaegel's, behest and found myself pleasantly surprised. I never thought I could find love again, but I have, and I do not wish to let it slip away. An amazing young woman came into my life, who is smart and full of life. Even in knowing her for a few months, she has brought such light into my life, and I cherish her dearly. I'm glad to be proven wrong, to find myself as a man giddy in love. All I ask is that you respect her and my privacy in this matter, or at the very least hers."

Obviously, the few months part was edited by Valarr to support the timeline change, but the rest of it was pure Baelor. Once approval was granted, Valarr sent it to Manfred. "There we go, trigger pulled."

"You're all so dramatic," Matarys groaned. "Everyone's acting like we covered up a murder or something when in reality, Dad is just dating someone a bit younger. No one is going to care. Now maybe if there was a sex tape…"

Aerion snorted. "Baelor Breakspear breaking some a…"

"AERION!" Maekar roared.

"We all fuck, father, get over it. Now I'm going to enjoy the last few moments of our vacation," Aerion said, making his way to the pool.

"He has a point, let's enjoy the afternoon while we can," Baelor agreed.

Soon, the family was gathered around the pool, and you noticed Maekar nursing a pina colada, complete with a blue umbrella. You enjoyed the cerulan water, letting yourself sink beneath it for a moment. There was splashing and playful yelling from the children, and you allowed yourself to get sucked into the moment, forgetting about everything else. You even balanced on Daeron's shoulders as you attempted to unseat Aerion from Dunk's.

Lunch was a delicious spread as usual, with fresh seafood and, to your delight, the oysters you loved so much, and a grilled cheese made with a jalapeño cheese spread and heirloom tomatoes. Baelor slipped a spoonful of raspberry sorbet into your mouth for dessert.

"So we'll leave a little after ten tomorrow, and we'll be back in the city by one," he told you.

"Mmm, back to the real world," you teased.

"Yes, time to live the vacation bubble, I'm afraid."

"Well, I don't mind since I'll still be able to see you."

He leaned in to kiss you, and you knew if Rhae had seen, she would be swooning. "Oh, I had Brynden scrounge up a piece of the volancic rock to give young Raymun. He can have a little part of Dragonstone to keep."

"He'll love that, thank you," you smiled.

You sat with your legs draped over his lap while you watched the white clouds roll around in the teal sky. His hand stroked your bare legs.

"Would you mind terribly if I stayed in your flat for a couple of days?" he asked.

"Not at all. I assume you want to dodge the press?" you replied.

"Is it that obvious?" he laughed.

"A bit, but I don't mind. I'm happy to be your haven for a few days, and Lola will adore having you around. I think she loves you and Raymun more than me."

"Well, you both have exquisite taste in men," he chuckled.

"I suppose you're right."

Evening finally rolled around, and your phone burst to life with all the social media alerts and messages from your friends, including Raymun.

Please just tell me that you're ok, love.

I'm fine, Raymun, but thank you for checking in on me.

:) Lola says hi, by the way

You smiled at the picture he sent you of Lola sunbathing on the window, her black fur bathed in a muted golden light.

You weren't surprised by some of the more scathing comments; people loved to be bold from behind their screens. There were some golddigger comments, cradle robbing accusations, and people who truly understood nothing about age gaps or the fact that a woman in her twenties wasn't a child. The #targaryenfilth was a cesspool, and you quickly blocked that one. Someone had posted your pictures from the app, but none of them were all that scandalous, and while Baelor was in his forties, it's not like you were barely legal arm candy. You were in your mid twenties and in a grad program. Of course, there were those trying to twist the story, but it was hard with the facts laid plainly in front of everyone's eyes. Some of the comments were actually amusing.

DAMN, girl, get that fine ass Targaryen man.

Baelor likes them smart and EDUCATED. We love to see it

Live your best life, girl! I'd never turn down Baelor Targaryen

Will you share him with us if we ask nicely? ;)

She got THAT money to pay for her PH.D, I know that's right. We stan a queen

Baelor Targaryen, the people's prince, fr, fr.

Please, like I'd ever turn down Baelor Targaryen. People just want to HATE. You wish it were you! Bunch of jealous hags.

You're all just mad my Uncle got a hotter woman than any of you trolls (that particular gem was from Aerion)

It helped that Baelor was generally very well-liked, and people responded positively to the vacation photos. You hoped Aegor Rivers was seething. Smarmy little bastard.

"I think Dad is drunk," Daeron piped up as he noticed Maekar sloppily dancing with Rhaegel as music blared from the outdoor speakers. Rhaegel was wearing a bright orange Speedo, and Maekar had his tropical print shirt undone.

"Well, you're the expert on that," Aerion grumbled. Dunk pinched Aerion's ass. "Ow, you brute!"

"If anyone deserves to have a good time, it's your father," Dunk murmured.

"Is that Mambo Number 5 playing?" Kiera laughed.

"For the love of the Gods, I hope they both keep their clothing on," Baelor sighed, squeezing the bridge of his nose.

"I…is that something that happens?" you asked in surprise, noting the blush that crept up Baelor's neck.

"I've seen Uncle Rhaegel's dick more than my own," Aerion said dryly.

You were thankful the little kids were still in the pool and couldn't hear this conversation.

"Yes, it's been known to happen with Rhaegel, not Maekar. I hope that doesn't send you running for the hills," Baelor said.

"The opposite, actually. It's nice to know you're all incredibly human," you smiled before leaning in close. "Besides, you've indulged in a bit of skinny dipping yourself. Maybe it runs in the family."

Baelor laughed and squeezed your calf. "You cheeky, cheeky girl."

The blue skies bled into violet ones as night fell on Dragonstone, bringing an end to a wonderful weekend. The torches were lit as dinner was served outdoors. There was a satisfying crack as you split open a red lobster claw before enjoying the tender meat. Maekar seemed in a good mood, working on his third pina colada for the day, and Alys had managed to wrangle Rhaegel into more appropriate clothing for dinner. You gazed at the faces around the table until you landed on Baelor sitting next to you. It had truly been a wonderful time.

He took the opportunity to sneak off with you, but not before grabbing a tray of desserts to sneak up to the room.

"I like the way you think," you grinned.

Once on the bed, he slipped a chocolate-covered strawberry into your mouth and leaned in to lick the smudges from the corners of your mouth. You gently suckled the cream from his fingertip that was left over from a mini eclair.

"Should we even attempt to pack tonight or leave it all for the morning?" Baelor teased, nuzzling the spot behind your ear.

"I do like being organized and prepared, but fuck it. I think we can handle it in the morning," you grinned.

"I was hoping you'd say that."

You christened every piece of furniture in that room as a means of saying goodbye. The dresser rocked against the wall; you were bent over the arm of the couch and ended up with a patch of rug burn on the back of your arms.

"Give me one more, sweet girl," Baelor coaxed.

"No, I can't," you whimpered, his fingers buried knuckle deep inside you as he attempted to bring you to a fifth orgasm.

"Shhh, you can, just take a moment," he cooed.

You took a shaky breath, sweat pooling against your temples. Your muscles tightened, every nerve feeling raw and overused. His tumble circled lazily against your clit, and you were able to give him that fifth orgasm after all.

"No more," you whimpered.

"No more, but you did so well for me, sweet girl," he praised, slipping his fingers free and bending down to kiss you.

After being reduced to a sweaty mess, you took a nice, hot shower with Baelor and then fell asleep in his arms.

Morning arrived, and you pressed soft kisses to Baelor's chest and jaw to wake him up.

"Back to the real world," you whispered.

"It's not so bad now that you're a part of it," he murmured.

You playfully swatted his arm before rolling out of bed to pack. Baelor watched you with an almost dreamy look in his eyes.

"Who knew you could be so enthralled by a woman packing her suitcase?" you teased.

"You simply make it appear so sexy."

"Well, I'm not packing yours if that's what you're after."

"Oh, I would never assume as such."

He joined you and did the final sweep of the room after you both got dressed to make sure nothing was left behind. Not that it mattered, you doubt anyone else would be pawing through your things. There was an assortment of pastries and breakfast sandwiches downstairs, along with to-go cups and a mini coffee bar. The staff hustled around, loading suitcases into various cars. Maeakar looked very put together and refreshed for a man knee deep in pina coladas the night before. Rhaegel, Alys, and the twins had left earlier. You munched on an egg-and-cheese bagel when Kiera pulled you aside.

"I need your number so I can add you to the Targaryen free significant other group chat," she told you.

"That name needs work," you laughed.

"Yeah, I'm trying to think of something better. It's me, Dunk, Alys, and Aelinor for now. She's Aerys's wife. Sometimes it's good to have a safe space to vent about everyone," Kiera said with a twinkle in her eye.

"I'm in," you smiled and exchanged numbers with her.

Dunk gave you a bear hug while Aerion gave you a wink and a smirk.

"I heard all that furniture creaking last night, Auntie," he teased.

"I'm sure you and Dunk were breaking beds of your own, and please, don't call me that. Thought I did enjoy your tweet."

"Oh, don't encourage him, he was up half the night arguing with people on that blasted app," Dunk groaned.

When you turned, you found yourself embraced by Matarys.

"All I care about is that you make my dad happy," he smiled. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you even more."

"I feel the same about you."

"And don't tell my dad, but I totally hacked into Aegor's Twitter account and deleted it," Matarys grinned.

You laughed softly. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

"Safe travels," Valarr told you kindly with Kiera looped on his arm. "I would like to take you to dinner in the city once you're settled back in."

"Absolutely, I look forward to it."

You watched Maekar peel Rhae off Baelor before she made a beeline straight for you.

"Hey kiddos," you smiled, scooping her up as Daella hugged you from the side.

"You'll have to come visit us at Summerhall," Daella said.

"I would love that," you said.

"Can I be the flower girl at your wedding? Pretty pretty please?" Rhae asked.

"If a wedding happens, yes, you can be the flower girl," you promised her. You had to admit you liked her optimism about your relationship with Baelor.

Maekar came to collect his daughters, giving you a nod before you found yourself at Baelor's side once more. He kissed you softly before the car took you to the private jet.

Luckily, your address hadn't been leaked, and it was blissfully easy getting Baelor inside. Raymun was over the moon with the piece of obsidian and shook Baelor's hand. You were only slightly jealous when Lola greeted Baelor first, weaving her sleek body through his legs.

"Oh, I see, we're a daddy's girl all of a sudden," you complained.

"Mmm, just like her mother," Baelor smirked, scratching behind her ears and making her purr with delight.

You couldn't really argue with that. "I would offer to make us dinner, but I'm not much of a cook. I live on takeout," you admitted.

"You're in luck then. I love to cook," Baelor said, rummaging around your fridge and cabinets.

You sat on the countertop as you watched him crack some eggs into a bowl and whisk them. He made a rather delicious cheese omelet, all fluffy and buttery.

"I could get used to this," you smiled.

"This is nothing. I'm going grocery shopping tomorrow and making you a proper meal," he said seriously.

"Where did you learn to cook?"

"I spent a semester at the Arbor. I believed in a well-rounded education, and my father allowed me to explore. I adored it, all the wine and food," he mused. "I taught the boys some of the skills as they got older. I'd be happy to do the same for you."

"Mmm, I happen to be a very good student."

The next three days were a blissful blur with Baelor camping out in your flat. He hadn't been kidding about his cooking skills, making you a three-course meal one night: seared scallops with lemon and parsley, steak au poivre with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, and for dessert, chocolate soufflés. Even Lola indulged in a few small cubed pieces of the steak.

"I was thinking," you murmured with Baelor's head in your lap one evening.

"I'm listening."

"If I'm jumping the gun, you can tell me. But I would like to keep my place until I finish my program, then maybe we could have the moving in conversation?"

"I think that is very reasonable."

"But we know I don't always want reasonable."

"Oh, we do know," he laughed. "My doors are always open, should you wish to run through them."

"Thank you," you smiled, gently running your thumb over the curve of his cheek. "I'm having dinner with Valarr next week."

"Good, I want everyone to get on."

"Mmm, how about you get on with me right now?"

"Whatever my lady wishes."

You squealed as he tossed you over his shoulder, carrying you into the bedroom. Once his mouth was on yours, all other thoughts drained from your mind. Suddenly, you weren't so disappointed with summer coming to a close. You were looking forward to the fall.