Chpt 14: The Castle And Decisions
We all began our journey to Kingslanding. The Stark family rode in a carriage whilst my father and i journeyed on dragon back. We rode slow so we would not be ahead of the Starks. I was enjoying the cold air flying through my hair until i heard Caraxes playful squeal.
My father lifted both his arms out cockily to show he rode his dragon with ease. He had been riding Caraxes for decades so he was much more advanced in riding. But that did not mean i was not just as good.
"Adere" i said to Saphira which means to speed up. She let out an excited roar as she flew higher up into the clouds. Caraxes followed close behind but still unable to catch up. I laughed as Saphira blew a cloud of blue flames into the air.
Caraxes ducked quickly as i smirked at my father. His cocky look was now faded into a look full of pride. A few hours later, the smell of shit and piss informed me that we were getting closer to Kingslanding.
My bad mood quickly changed once i saw the large and mighty Vhagar sitting upon the dragon pit. The beast was so large he could not even fit inside.
If Vhagar was there, that means Laena and my sisters would be there too. Saphira sped up at my excitement. I landed outside the dragon pit, dismounting Saphira quickly. I ran to the courtyard of the castle, seeing my family standing at the gates.
I ran towards them, my father strutting behind me. I ran straight over to Laena and my sisters, Baela and Rhaena. "Oh, my own heart" Laena mumbled into my shoulder as she embraced me so tightly, i felt my ribs may be crushed.
"I've missed you" i said holding back tears. I was surprised at my reaction. I didn't realise how much i have missed them all. "Look at you both! Gods, look how you've grown these past years!" i exclaimed as i picked up Rhaena into my arms whilst rubbing Baelas head.
"They've missed you too. They have just learned to talk and all they speak about is you" Laena said. "My dear wife. Have you missed me?" Daemon questioned with a smirk. "Not much. There's been a rare sense of peacefulness in your absence" Laena said sarcastically.
Daemon kissed the woman's head as Baela gripped onto his leg. I felt Rhaena tap my shoulder. "Is it true you claimed an ice dragon?" she whispered in my ear. "It is. You shall meet her soon. Maybe even ride her if you promise not to tell your mother" i whispered back.
She giggled with excitement as i scrunched my nose up at her. Suddenly, i heard the castle gates open as the Stark carriages made there way inside.
I smiled brightly as Cregan stepped out. "Smells like shit" he exclaimed. "Some things never change. You get used to it" i said making my way over to him. Rhaena burrowed her head in my shoulder as Cregan noticed her nerves.
"And who may this be?" he asked bending down to my shoulder. "This is my sister, Rhaena. Rhaena, this is Cregan Stark" i said. She slowly lifted her head as Cregan gave her a reassuring smile.
"It's nice to meet you, Rhaena" he said softly. She did not speak but gave him a small smile. "He looks scary" she whispered in my ear. "I'm sure you could take him in a fight" i said as she giggled once more.
The castle doors opened as the rest of my family made there way outside to greet the Starks. I saw the king Viserys, queen Alicent and their children followed by Rhaenyra and her son.
"We shall take our leave. We will see you after" Daemon said taking Rhaena from my arms. I sighed as i watched my family walk off. My father still seemed angry with his brother. And the tension could be felt throughout all the lands.
"Ah! Lord Stark, lady Stark! It's nice to finally make your acquaintance" Viserys called out as lord Stark shook his hand. "I do hope my niece has not caused much trouble."
I fought the urge not to roll my eyes. "Alysanne" queen Alicent said with a small nod. "Your grace" i said with a weak smile. I stood up straight hoping she would recognise that i have matured this past year.
She in return gave me a small smile. "Come. Let us show you to your chambers" the weak king said as the Starks followed, except for Cregan who stayed by my side. "Look at you. No cuts, no bruises. You haven't been fighting lately?" Rhaenyra asked.
"Not at all" i said. "Except with me" Cregan mumbled. I shoved him away before Rhaenyra embraced me tightly. "And who is this?" she whispered in my ear. "Cregan Stark. The asshole of the North" i said jokingly. Rhaenyra paused. "Well... It's nice to meet you" she said. "It's nice to meet you too, your-"
"You have a sword! A real sword!" i heard Jace exclaim as he reached for Cregans sword, but Cregan put his hand out to stop him before he could.
"Woah, kid! Maybe when your older you can touch it, but for now, how about we find you a wooden one" Cregan said. "I have a wooden one. It does not do much" Jace said.
"Maybe you are not using it right. Come" Cregan said giving the small boy a pat on the back as they walked off. I smiled softly as Cregan looked back at me before disappearing within the castle walls.
I snapped out of my daze as Rhaenyra scoffed. "What?" i questioned. "Oh... Nothing" she said picking her youngest son, Lucerys, up into her arms. I gave her a confused look. "I've just seen that look before... That's all."
I shook my head and sighed. "Yes... With your dear uncle" i muttered under my breath. "What was that?" Rhaenyra questioned sternly. "Oh... Nothing" i said with a fake smile. She stared me down and raised her eyebrows. I gulped and coughed trying to avoid her gaze.
"Oh look who it is!" i exclaimed trying to change the subject. A small girl with snowy white hair ran towards me as i picked her up into my arms. "Helaena, my favourite cousin" i said squeezing her tightly.
She grabbed my hair and leant her forehead against mine. "How are you?"i asked. "Nyke sȳrī" she replied meaning "i am well". She smiled proudly as i gasped sarcastically. "Ao emagon issare working va aōha valyrio eglie? Sȳrī gaomagon" i said meaning, "you have been working on your High Valyrian? Well done".
"Have your brothers been giving you any trouble?" i asked. I really meant has Aegon been giving her trouble. She shook her head. "Good. No one i have to kill so far then" i said jokingly.
I left Helaena outside her mothers chambers as i made my way to my own. As i opened the door, i felt my stomach flip. I didn't know what did it. Everything looked the same, untouched. But i never had a good feeling coming in here.
I shuddered remembering less than fond memories. I sighed letting go of all my troubles. I laid my bags on the floor as i heard my chamber door open. I turned swiftly around to see Lillie.
I let out a small gaps as i practically pounced on top of her. I gripped my hands into her, holding her as close as i could. "Your grace. It's been too long" she said with a shakey voice.
Lillie and i met when i was presented to court. I was aged ten and Lillie was aged nine. Her mother was a handmaiden in the castle just as she. And she came to work here when her mother passed away.
Although she was a year younger than i, she already had two children. And as i looked at her now, she seemed to have another one on the way. I let out a fake gasp as i saw her bulging stomach. "You never wrote to me about this!" i exclaimed.
"You do not have to pretend to be happy" she said. "What?" i questioned pretending to act stupid. The truth was, i hated her husband. He was much, much older than her. Older than my father even.
I was aware of my fortunate status in the kingdom. Sure i had my troubles, but i was not stupid. Many people had it worse off than me. Lillie especially.
"I... I am happy for you, Lillie. You like children, no?" i questioned trying to put on a smile. "Yes... But my 'husband' wants a son... He will not stop until he gets one" she mumbled hanging her head. "And if this babe is not a son then-"
I grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly as i heard her gulp. "Enough about all that... How are you? How is Winterfell?" she asked sitting me down on the bed. "It is good... Amazing actually. I really like it there" i said.
"Is it true you claimed a dragon?" she asked with a small smirk. I gave her a look of mischief as she screamed excitedly. "I always knew you would. I had no doubt in my mind."
"Have you made friends? A handmaiden to replace me?" she questioned sarcastically. "Never" i said with a smile. "But i have made few friends. The Starks are kinder than most."
"Good. I'm glad you are happy there" she said. I gave her a softened look as an idea washed over me. I stood up, fidgeting with my hands as i paced up and down the room. "Oh no" she said. "What are you planning?"
I stood still and gave her a devious look. "When i return to the North, you should return with me" i said. Her smile faded. "Aly... I... I can't. You know i can't-"
"But why not" i said kneeling down in front of her. "You can stay with me. Live with your children in Winterfell. the You'll be happy there... You'll be with me" i said. She sighed refusing to meet my eye. "But what of my husband?" she asked in a slight whisper as if it was forbidden to speak of him.
"Fuck your husband!" i exclaimed. "Aly!" she said through gritted teeth meaning to shut me up. "What? You don't love him. That is plain and certain. He does not treat you well. The Starks will agree to this. They will let you return with us" i said.
She gulped as she rolled her shoulders back anxiously. "I will think about it, okay?" she said. I nodded. "That's okay... For now" i said with a weak smile. She rubbed my arm gently. She knew i meant well. She knew she would be happier in the North with her children, and without her husband.
But she also knew the way of things. Her husband was anything but a gentle man. She didn't want to suffer her husbands wrath on a dream that may or may not happen.
I saw the worry in her face as i opened my mouth to speak. But i was interrupted by a guard knocking on my door. Lillie and i both turned our heads to see Ser Harrold Westerling.
"Ser Harorld" i said softly. I knew this man to be kind and trusted. He has stood in kingslanding longer than an oak tree stands in the dirt. He never treated me differently than any other princess. Never treated me like a bastard.
"Your grace, you have been summoned for the feast. It seems everyone is more than happy with your arrival" he said. I nodded as i turned back to Lillie.
"We will speak more later" i said. She gave me a weak smile. "Stay here if you wish. I have many books you can read. No one will disturb you here" i said. "Thank you" she muttered. "And... Please think about my offer."
She nodded as i left the room. From what i recall, feats with my family are not usually peaceful. And with the Starks here, i doubt it will be anything less than a chaotic dinner.
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