#theheir

The pews were filled with nobles and commoners alike, their eyes fixed on the couple before them, their hearts brimming with hope and joy. For this union was more than a marriage of two souls; it was a promise of peace and prosperity, a beacon of hope in a world plagued by strife. As the High Septon began the sacred rites, his voice reverberating through the hallowed halls, a hush fell over the crowd, broken only by the solemn exchange of vows and the gentle strains of music.

Outside, the city bustled with life, unaware of the solemn ceremony taking place within the sept's sacred walls. But inside, amidst the flickering candlelight and the scent of roses, Prince Hongjoong and Lady Arya Tyrell pledged their love before gods and men, sealing their bond for all eternity. 

The newlyweds, Prince Hongjoong and Arya, chose to have their celebratory feast outdoors in the garden, a serene and picturesque location within the castle grounds. The garden, adorned with blooming flowers, winding pathways, and lush greenery, provided a romantic ambiance for the joyous occasion. Arya, with her radiant smile and sparkling eyes, led Hongjoong through the garden. As they strolled hand in hand, their affection for each other was evident to all who beheld them. The couple, newly joined in matrimony, remained close together, their love and happiness palpable in the air.

Guests mingled amidst the colorful blooms, savoring delectable dishes and raising their glasses in toast to the newlyweds. Music filled the air, adding to the festive atmosphere of the celebration. Underneath the canopy of stars, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of their loved ones, Hongjoong and Arya basked in the glow of their love, cherishing each moment of their special day. 

"They make a lovely couple, don't they?" Takashi - Arya's father - remarked, his voice tinged with a mixture of pride and fondness for his daughter and her chosen partner. 

"It brings me great joy to see such happiness upon my son's face," the King agreed, his voice resonating with pride and contentment as he observed Prince Hongjoong and Arya, the newlyweds, sharing tender moments together in the garden. The King's hand, standing beside the King, nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with paternal affection as he watched his daughter and her beloved husband. The couple, with their undeniable chemistry and genuine affection for each other, radiated a sense of joy and harmony that warmed the hearts of all who beheld them. 

"Will they be leaving for Dragonspire soon?" Asked Takashi, but the King shook his head. 

"No, my son will stay with me here in Drake's Landing. He still has much learn if he is to be King one day." The hand stood shocked at this news, for it was custom for the heir to the throne to reside on Dragonspire until it was time to ascend as King. "So, Dragonspire will remain empty?"

 "No, I plan to have my daughter move there once her and Prince Wooyoung wed." Takashi Tyrell gazed thoughtfully at his monarch. His brow furrowed with concern as he voiced his query, his words weighed with the gravity of a father's love and the wisdom of a seasoned advisor.

"You do not wish for her to remain here?" Takashi's inquiry hung in the air, his tone measured yet tinged with a hint of apprehension. The King's daughter was the spirited embodiment of the Kim name, her presence a captivating blend of grace and determination. As her father, understood the depths of her soul, the restless spirit that yearned for more than the confines of courtly life. Kang-Dae met Takashi's gaze with a solemn nod, his features etched with a paternal concern mirrored by the elder Tyrell. 

"It's not that," Kang-Dae began, his voice a steady cadence of reassurance. "Hana has never truly liked the court. She has grown to have respect for it now, but she has no interest in playing nicely with them."

The King's words hung heavy in the air, each syllable resonating with the weight of unspoken truths and heartfelt intentions. He understood his daughter's heart, her restless spirit that yearned for the freedom of open skies and uncharted horizons. And he knew she would be happier away from the palace, amidst the untamed beauty of Dragonspire. Hearing her speak of her time in Sunphinx only cemented that thought, her tales of adventure and discovery painting a vivid portrait of a soul unbound by the constraints of courtly decorum. While both of his children were dragon riders, only Hana carried the true blood of the dragon within her veins. She was restless, chaotic, her spirit untamed yet fiercely loyal to her convictions, and Kang-Dae embraced the fire that burned within her, knowing that her journey would lead her to greatness beyond the walls of the Red Keep. 

Their gaze went back to their grown children. Amidst the tranquil beauty of the garden, the newlyweds moved with a grace that spoke of a love pure and true. Theirs was a dance of enchantment, a symphony of two souls entwined in the sweet embrace of matrimony. As the soft strains of music filled the air, they moved as one, their steps guided by the rhythm of their hearts and the melody of their love. In the midst of the gathered guests, their eyes were solely for each other, their gazes locked in a tender embrace that spoke volumes of the bond they shared. The world around them faded into insignificance, for in that moment, there existed only the two of them, cocooned in the warmth of their affection.

With each gentle sway and graceful turn, they painted a portrait of devotion and commitment, their movements a testament to the depth of their love. Amidst the whispers of leaves and the blooming flowers, they wove a tapestry of memories that would linger in their hearts for a lifetime. For Hongjoong and Arya, this was their moment, their celebration of a love that knew no bounds, a love that would endure for eternity. 

As Hana stood beneath the shade of the tree, watching the joyous dance of Hongjoong and Arya, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy gnawing at her heart. Her gaze lingered on the couple, their happiness a stark reminder of the love she yearned for but could not attain. With each graceful movement of the dancers, Hana's thoughts drifted to San, the one she longed for with every fiber of her being. In the depths of her soul, she felt an emptiness, a void that only he could fill. Memories of their shared moments flooded her mind, each one a bittersweet reminder of what once was and what could have been.

As she lifted the glass of wine to her lips, its taste bitter against her tongue, Hana couldn't shake the feeling of longing that consumed her. Her own wedding loomed on the horizon, but the prospect brought her no joy, only a sense of resignation to a fate she had not chosen.In the quiet solitude of the garden, surrounded by the laughter and merriment of others, Hana's heart echoed with the absence of the one she loved. As Hana observed San chatting amiably with her betrothed and his brother, a tumult of emotions surged within her. His presence, once a source of comfort and joy, now served as a painful reminder of the choices they had made and the consequences they bore.

A part of her longed to approach him, to bridge the distance that had grown between them and seek solace in his familiar presence. Yet, she knew that doing so would only deepen the wounds that already festered within her heart. In the quiet depths of her mind, Hana grappled with the weight of regret, wishing fervently that she could undo the night they had shared, erase the traces of longing that lingered in its wake. The memory of their forbidden union cast a shadow over her thoughts, a constant reminder of the complexities of love and desire. With a heavy heart, Hana turned away, burying her feelings beneath a facade of composure. 

As Park Seonghwa approached Hana, his steps measured and his expression thoughtful, he noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor. Her usually vibrant countenance was overshadowed by an air of melancholy, her eyes betraying a depth of emotion that spoke volumes. Concern etched across his features, he greeted Hana with a gentle smile, his voice soft and reassuring. 

"Princess Hana," he began, his tone warm with genuine concern, "I couldn't help but notice that something weighs heavy on your heart. Is everything alright?"

Hana offered him a fleeting smile, though it failed to reach the depths of her eyes. Despite her efforts to mask her inner turmoil, she found solace in Seonghwa's genuine concern, a testament to the bond they shared as dear friends.

"I appreciate your concern, Seonghwa," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "It's nothing I can't handle." But even as she spoke the words, Hana knew that the burden she carried was not one easily shrugged off. In the quiet corners of her mind, the echoes of regret and longing whispered their relentless refrain, a constant reminder of the choices she had made and the consequences they bore. As Seonghwa followed Hana's gaze, his perceptive eyes honed in on the trio engaged in conversation, their voices carrying amidst the gentle hum of the garden. With a gentle understanding born of years of friendship, he recognized the weight of Hana's unspoken thoughts, the silent tumult that stirred beneath the surface of her calm facade.

"You're thinking about your own wedding that's coming soon," Seonghwa ventured, his voice a soft murmur that bespoke his empathy and understanding. He observed Hana's guarded expression, the subtle tension that lingered in the line of her shoulders, and he offered her a reassuring smile, a silent reassurance that she need not bear her burdens alone.In the quiet of the garden, Hana found herself enveloped by a sense of camaraderie, a shared understanding that transcended words. 

"Something like that." Perhaps she could tell him, maybe he can offer his wisdom. He had known San all his life, he has lived in court ever since he was young. Maybe he could provide insight on what she could do. As the thought flickered through her mind, Hana considered the possibility of confiding in Seonghwa, of seeking his counsel and guidance in navigating the complex currents of her heart. He had been a steadfast presence in her life, a friend whose wisdom and insight she valued above all else. With a silent resolve, she turned to Seonghwa, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of vulnerability and determination.

"Seonghwa," she began, her voice a soft murmur that carried the weight of her unspoken concerns. "There is something I wish to discuss with you, something that weighs heavily on my heart." In the quiet intimacy of their conversation, Hana found solace in the presence of a trusted confidant, a friend whose unwavering support she knew she could rely on.With a steady gaze and an empathetic ear, Seonghwa listened, his presence a beacon of reassurance amidst the uncertainty that clouded her thoughts.

"I do not love him." Seonghwa gave a puzzled look. "Wooyoung?" He asked for clarity. Hana nodds, "There is another who has taken claim of my heart." Hana looks back to the trio, Seonghwa matches her gaze before realization hits. It was San, she was in love with San.  As understanding dawned in Seonghwa's eyes, a solemn acknowledgment passed between them, unspoken words weaving a tapestry of shared understanding and empathy. In that fleeting moment of revelation, Hana's heart lay bare, her unspoken truth laid bare before her trusted friend.

"For how long?" He asked gently, keeping his voice quiet as to not draw attention. "Years, it started when we were ten and five." Seonghwa was dumbfounded, he had never known. Though he supposes he should not be surprised, for it was probably for Hana's sake as princess and for keeping his friendship with Hongjoong that he kept it so well hidden. The depth of her feelings, hidden beneath layers of duty and obligation, resonated within him, a testament to the complexities of love and longing that transcended the boundaries of their station and circumstance.

"Years..." Seonghwa echoed softly, his voice tinged with a mixture of understanding and empathy. "To carry such a burden in silence, to hold onto a love that dared not speak its name... It must have been a heavy burden to bear."

As the gravity of Hana's confession settled between them, Seonghwa felt a profound sense of respect and admiration for the princess before him. Despite the constraints of her position, despite the expectations placed upon her shoulders, she had dared to love fiercely and unapologetically, her heart a beacon of unwavering devotion in a world fraught with uncertainty and upheaval. Seonghwa regarded Hana with a mixture of compassion and understanding, his words tempered with wisdom gleaned from years of navigating the intricate webs of courtly intrigue and personal relationships.

"Your duty as princess is undeniable, Hana," Seonghwa began, his tone measured yet compassionate. "The responsibilities that accompany your station are not to be taken lightly, for they are the threads that bind the realm together. In marrying Prince Wooyoung, you fulfill not only your duty to your family but also your duty to the realm." He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.

"Love, however powerful, cannot always dictate the course of our lives. Sometimes, duty must take precedence, for it is the foundation upon which kingdoms are built," Seonghwa explained, his voice tinged with a solemn reverence for the weight of Hana's choices.

"Yet, that does not mean your heart must remain shackled by duty alone," he added gently. "Find solace in the knowledge that love, in its many forms, has the power to transcend even the most formidable of barriers. While your marriage to Prince Wooyoung may be born of duty, it does not preclude the possibility of finding fulfillment and companionship within its confines."Seonghwa's words carried a sense of quiet reassurance, a reminder that even amidst the complexities of courtly life, there existed moments of joy and connection waiting to be discovered.

"Remember, Hana, that your heart is resilient, capable of finding love and contentment in unexpected places," Seonghwa concluded, his voice imbued with a sense of hope and possibility. "Trust in the strength of your convictions." She gave another look to the trio, this time their gazes meet. 

As he meets Hana's gaze, he feels a pang of longing and regret, tempered by the awareness of the insurmountable obstacles that stand between them. In Hana's eyes, he sees the turmoil of conflicted desires and unspoken yearning. He senses the weight of her duty and the sacrifices she must make for the stability of the realm, even as her heart yearns for something more.Despite the undeniable connection they share, San understands the constraints of their circumstances. As a princess, Hana is bound by duty and obligation, her choices dictated by the expectations of her station and the needs of the realm. He knows that their love, though powerful, cannot easily transcend the barriers that separate them.

Yet, beneath the surface of duty and decorum, San glimpses the flicker of rebellion and defiance in Hana's gaze. He recognizes the fire that burns within her, the same fire that has drawn him to her since they were children. In her eyes, he sees echoes of their shared past and the unspoken promises of a future that may never come to pass. For San, the moment is bittersweet, a reminder of the fragile balance between love and duty, desire and responsibility. As he meets Hana's gaze, he silently pledges to honor their connection, even as he acknowledges the impossibility of their union in the eyes of the world. 

"I'll be back, I'm going to get some fresh air." Hana states, before walking away from the celebration. She walks deeper into the trees, wanting to dwell in her emotions before putting on a happy smile for the rest of the night. As Hana wanders deeper into the embrace of the trees, the sounds of the celebration fade into the background, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of the night. The cool breeze brushes against her skin, offering a moment of respite from the suffocating weight of expectation and obligation.

In the solitude of the forest, Hana allows herself to unravel, to confront the whirlwind of emotions that churn within her heart. She feels the weight of her impending marriage pressing down upon her, a heavy burden that threatens to engulf her in its suffocating embrace.Memories of her fleeting moments with San flood her mind, each recollection a poignant reminder of the forbidden love that simmers beneath the surface of her carefully curated facade. She recalls the warmth of his touch, the tenderness of his gaze, and the whispered promises of a future that remains forever out of reach. 

"Are you alright princess?" Dammit, she thought. She looks up at the strange voice, already knowing who she will see. "You know the answer to that."  

San's voice, laced with concern, cut through the stillness of the night, his presence casting a shadow upon the moonlit path. Hana's heart quickened at the sight of him, her emotions swirling in a tempest of conflicting desires and unspoken truths. She met his gaze with a mixture of apprehension and longing, the weight of their shared secrets hanging heavy between them like an unbreakable bond. In his eyes, she saw mirrored reflections of her own turmoil, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken yearnings that lingered in the spaces between their words.

"I cannot pretend that everything is well," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "The weight of expectation bears heavily upon me, threatening to consume me in its relentless embrace." San's expression softened, a silent understanding passing between them like a fleeting whisper in the night. He reached out to her, his touch a gentle caress against the tumult of her emotions, offering solace in the midst of her turmoil.

"You are not alone in your struggles," he reassured her, his voice a soothing balm against the ache of her uncertainty. "We carry our burdens together, bound by the threads of fate that intertwine our destinies." In the quiet intimacy of the woods, Hana found solace in San's presence, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of her conflicted heart. In his embrace, Hana looks up at him before deciding to lean in. San moves his head to the side, dodging her kiss. "No." He won't look at her, for if he did he would only give in. 

As Hana leaned in, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and longing, she found herself met with San's steadfast refusal. Her frustration simmered beneath the surface, a tempest of conflicting emotions threatening to unravel the fragile threads of her composure. In the depths of her heart, she knew that San's words held truth, a stark reminder of the boundaries that bound them to their respective destinies.

"We are at your brother's wedding, Hana," San's voice carried a note of urgency, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes. "Your betrothed stands only feet away." The reality of his words pierced through the haze of her desires, the weight of obligation pressing down upon her with relentless force. In the flickering light of the night, she saw the echoes of their shared anguish reflected in San's eyes, a silent testament to the sacrifices they were destined to make in the name of duty and honor.

"Take me," Hana's voice trembled with urgency, her words a whispered plea that reverberated through the stillness of the night. "Take me like you did last night. Whisk me away, let our desires become real." With each word she spoke, the distance between them narrowed, the palpable tension of their shared longing enveloping them in its embrace. As San moved to separate them, Hana held him close, her fingers tracing the contours of his face with a gentle touch, her touch igniting a spark that set their souls ablaze with passion.

"Please San, please give me one more night," her voice trembled with desperation, the edges of her words fraying beneath the weight of unspoken longing. "Let's flee, go back to that brothel and stay there. Or, we can fly together to Essos, where a persons name means nothing to it's people." Her words lingered in the air, a whispered plea that reverberated through the quiet serenity of the morning. In the hazy light of day, San's gaze flickered with turmoil, he knew the dangers that lurked in the shadows, the consequences of surrendering to the pull of their desires. 

"Hana," he whispered, his voice a soft murmur amidst the stillness of the morning, urging her to pause, to reconsider the path they tread. For he knew not how long he could resist the siren call of their forbidden love. 

"Please, my love," she whispered back, her voice a fragile echo of the depths of her yearning. Her words hung in the air, a silent plea that reverberated through the quiet solitude of the morning, binding them together in a delicate dance of desire and longing. "Stay, stay with me," she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion. "Please, I beg of you. For years you have come and gone, but my heart cannot bear it any longer. I choose you, I want you."

In those words, she bared her soul to him, laying bare the depths of her vulnerability and the extent of her desire. With each plea, she reached out across the expanse that separated them, bridging the gap with the raw intensity of her emotions. San stood before her, his heart a tumultuous storm of conflicting emotions. Her words, spoken with such fervent sincerity, stirred something deep within him, igniting a fire that burned with the intensity of a thousand suns. In her eyes, he saw the reflection of his own longing, mirrored in the depths of her gaze. He felt the weight of her words, each syllable a dagger that pierced the armor of his resolve, laying bare the vulnerability he had fought so hard to conceal. 

Their lips met in a fervent embrace, a collision of longing and desire that transcended the confines of time and space. In that moment, they were consumed by the intensity of their shared passion, lost in the tumult of their emotions. The kiss spoke volumes, a silent testament to the depth of their connection and the fervor of their desire. It was a union of souls and, for a fleeting instant, the world around them ceased to exist, fading into insignificance against the backdrop of their shared ecstasy. In that timeless moment, there was only the intoxicating rush of desire, the electric spark that ignited between them. They separated, only for moment as to catch their breath. 

"I love you, my heart," San murmured, his voice husky with emotion. "I would die for you, I would kill for you. Whatever you desire, I would grant it."

His words hung in the air, thick with the promise of forbidden ecstasy and unbridled passion.With a hunger born of years of longing, San closed the distance between them once again, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that set her soul ablaze. In that searing embrace, they lost themselves in the intoxicating rush of their passion, their bodies moving in a rhythm as old as time itself.As their kiss deepened, the world around them faded into oblivion, consumed by the fiery intensity of their desire. In that timeless embrace, they became lost in each other, their bodies pressed together in a fervent embrace that spoke volumes of the love that burned between them. As they separated once again, a chasm of despair opened between them, widening with each passing moment.

"But I cannot grant you this," San whispered, his voice heavy with sorrow as he gently pushed her away. Hana recoiled, her heart breaking with every inch of distance that grew between them. Desperation clawed at her, urging her to cling to him, to hold onto the fleeting moments they shared.

"No, no," she pleaded, her voice trembling with unshed tears as she reached out for him. But San remained resolute, his grip firm as he held her at arm's length, his eyes reflecting the anguish that tore at his soul.

"Please, don't make this harder," he implored, his voice a fragile whisper amidst the storm of emotions that raged within him. With each word, his heart shattered anew, his resolve crumbling beneath the weight of their impossible love.

"I am the princess. I am the King's daughter," Hana declared, her voice cracking with the weight of her sorrow. "I demand you, Lord San, to stay here. I demand you to remain with me." But even as she spoke, she knew the futility of her words, for their love was a flame that burned too brightly, consuming everything in its path. And as San's lips met hers one last time, she tasted the bittersweetness of their parting, the bitter sting of farewell lingering on her lips.

"I will always love you, never forget that," he whispered, his voice a haunting echo of the love they shared. And as he turned away, his heart heavy with the weight of their goodbye, Hana watched him fade into the shadows, her soul tethered to his in an eternal bond of love and longing.

-------

The wedding day dawned with golden rays of sunlight streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow upon the bustling halls of the palace. For Hana, the day held the promise of new beginnings, the start of a life bound to another through vows spoken and promises made. As she adorned herself in the finery befitting a princess on her wedding day, her heart weighed heavy with the absence of the one she loved.

Amidst the flurry of preparations and the whispered congratulations that filled the air, Hana moved with a grace born of duty rather than desire. She smiled for the guests, her laughter ringing hollow amidst the jubilant celebrations. But behind the facade of happiness, a silent ache gnawed at her soul, a silent reminder of the love she had lost.

As she stood before the altar, her hand clasped in Wooyoung's, she felt the weight of their impending union settle upon her like a heavy cloak. The words of the ceremony washed over her, a blur of solemn vows and whispered promises that echoed hollow in her ears. Amidst the cheers and applause that greeted their union, Hana felt a pang of longing grip her heart, a silent lament for the love that could never be. For in the depths of her soul, she knew that her heart would always belong to another, a shadowy figure lost to the winds of time and fate.

"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am hers, and she is mine, from this day until the end of my days."