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As soon as the prince had claimed him and made the betrothal official, Dunk’s life changed abruptly.
People called him “My Lady” now. It sounded so wrong to his ears but it was something he had to get used to. So many things he had to get used to : learning court etiquette, having ladies in waiting following him around, not be allowed to train, to hold a sword, or go outside whenever he wanted… All of this made him feel like he was slowly losing a part of himself and he couldn’t stop it, the biting mark on his neck reminding him why.
But the dresses were the worst thing truly. Dunk was already a big man but those large amount of silks made him look ridiculous. And they were such a pain to walk with! He slipped too many times on those damn dresses’ fabric, making him look more like a fool than he already felt like.
His ladies in waiting and maids told him he looked gorgeous in dresses. Dunk couldn’t believe them. They didnt seem to outright lie but maybe they did, Dunk was always slow for noticing that sort of things.
Each day, he had to learn new things about his soon new role as the spouse of the heir. About how to greet nobles depending on their ranks, recognizing said rank, what to say, what not to say…His letters lessons had sped up, needing to learn how to properly read and write quickly, to be able to have corespondences with other nobles ladies, one of his new many duties.
One evening, three weeks before the wedding ceremony, Dunk was finally able to catch a moment alone with his thoughts in his bedroom. His mind was drifting as the hour of the bat passed. Drifting to older days, simpler days, squiring for his Ser. It was a harsh life but with many little joys… It seemed so far away now. He was seated in a too comfortable armchair and looked briefly at the mirror. His dress was deep green that looked almost black, with red embroideries. Looking at the mirror, he didn’t recognize either the squire or the knight. He didn’t see a lady either.
The door opened, startling Dunk from his upsetting train of thought. Baelor Targaryen always looked so regal while still emanating such a comforting aura around him. His scent, sandal wood and citrus, was like a balm to Dunk’s senses, despite the fact it was this scent that made him loose all reason and let himself be claimed to begin with.
“Busy day ?” The prince softly whispered. He was quick to be at Dunk’s side, enveloping the omega in a warm embrace. The question was followed by a quick kiss on his forehead and the alpha’s scent grew warm and soft as if it seeked to steer Dunk away from his sad thoughts.
“Aye”Dunk sighed. Today was indeed very busy, like any other days as of late in truth.
“I’m looking forward to go to bed.” Dunk chuckled.
Baelor’s mismatched eyes got that playful glint then, like he had just heard something very pleasing. Dunk wondered why.
“I shall let you have your rest soon, my love, but if I may, I would like you to follow me, I have something to show you.”
Dunk nodded and dutifully followed the alpha out of the bedroom. They didn’t walk long, Baelor guiding him into his own bedchamber. The room was immense and opulent, and Baelor made him sit on an ornamented chair.
Dunk looked around the room, still disbelieving by its luxury while the prince was fetching for something.
“This room is so big… did you even get lost in here ?” Dunk asked jokingly.
He heard the alpha chuckle, a warm deep sound that made Dunk blush.
“Not yet.” He heard Baelor answering, the smile evident in his voice. “But it is a good thing it is big, big enough for us too soon.”
Dunk’s blush persisted at that. Yes, they will be soon husband and wife… thrill and dread mixed unpleasantly in his guts and so he kept quiet.
Finally, Baelor came up to him with a small chest in his hands. He sat next to Dunk and before the omega could ask him what is it, the alpha opened it, revealing a large amount of jewelries that Dunk couldn’t have even dreamed to witness. Rubies, diamonds, emerald and other precious stones Dunk couldn’t recognize, mixed together with silver and gold as rings, necklaces, earrings and Gods know what.
“Those are some of the jewleries of my family. I would like you to have it.”
It looks like a dragon’s hoard, was Dunk’s first thought as Baelor took a necklace out of the chest. It was golden, decorated with large shiny sapphires.
“Consider it a courtship gift….Allow me.” Baelor stood up then, going behind Dunk, putting the necklace around the omega’s neck.
“What do you think ?” Baelor guided Dunk’s head toward a nearby mirror.
For some reason, Dunk couldn’t really bear looking at his reflection right now. The necklace felt heavy and the presence of Baelor just behind him heavier still. But Dunk knew he had to say something.
“It’s.. really pretty.” At least that was the truth.
Through the mirror, he could see Baelor smiling. The alpha’s hand went to Dunk’s shoulders, brushing the necklace and his skin.
“You look gorgeous. The sapphires go well with your eyes, beloved.
Dunk couldn’t tell. All he thought now was that it felt more like a collar than a necklace.
“It’s a bit heavy…” He couldn’t help murmuring, hoping Baelor wouldn't get upset but the prince only chuckled.
“Is that so….You said you were looking forward to go to bed…let us go together and I shall help you remove the necklace here… and the other things weighting you down if you allow me.”
Dunk blushed. It’s no collar but his love that made him remain bonded to this man.
