- ̥۪͙۪˚┊❛ CHAPTER ELEVEN ❜┊˚ ̥۪͙۪◌
END OF BEGINNING.
❛ and when i'm back in chicago
i feel it
another version of me
i was in it ❜

EUDORA.

Years ago. . .

Everyone has a friend, right? Or at least someone to talk to, because when I walk the halls of King's Landing I couldn't help but feel a bit lonely– isolated even.

I know that I'm not supposed to complain, I'm only a guest on these grounds. Sometimes I feel like I'm stuck in an endless loop, Winterfell during the Spring, King's Landing during the winter. It should feel like a second home, but I feel like a stranger. I feel like the only person I get to talk to during my stay is Helaena, sweet Helaena. Her presence brings me a comfort that I never knew I needed.

Night falls rather quickly here in King's Landing, the burning flames cover the fact that the castle is empty– everyone retreating to their quarters. These are the times that Helaena and I would sneak into each others' chambers just to enjoy a mere few more minutes together. These moments felt precious to me, for the reason that soon I'll be alone in this castle once more, my friend becoming a bride.

Brides in Westeros don't seem like they're the happiest unless they'd rather live the hard way.

I don't want to be an unhappy bride.

"Helaena, do you even want to get married?" I asked her, us sitting under the blankets as we spent the eve before her wedding together.

She only laughed, which made me confused. "Well, it's my duty to marry. Who cares about what I feel– what we feel? Eudora, it's not like we have a choice."

Something about what she said bothered me, but I'm still young. So who am I to decide what's right or wrong? We talked a bit more before she left my room in a hurry; worried that someone would notice that she was gone. It was just me, myself, and I once more, with a piece of parchment in my hands and my quill– a quick letter to Jace I was planning to send in the morning. I caught him up with how I've been doing, it's become my new normal.

Dear Jace,

It's the third letter I've sent that you haven't replied to, I'm a bit worried. Are you and Luke alright? Truth be told, it has been a while.

I've been doing well if you were wondering. Helaena would be married to Aegon by the time this letter makes it to you, I feel as if my visits here at King's Landing would be less... happy. I'm not too sure if I would feel that way, but I know I have you to keep me company.

Jace, I hope you do answer my letter and the previous ones I've sent before. I want to hear how you've been doing. Get back to me soon, please.

Sincerely,
Eudora

-

When Helaena walked down the aisle as a bride, I had a heavy ache in my heart. As the whole realm celebrated and the nobles feasted, I begrudgingly sat down by Aemond– as where I was expected to sit.

The table was long and sat many unfamiliar faces, people who had allied and rejoiced in the union. Most of them were Hightowers, which brought an odd look to many as they saw a Stark seated close to the Targaryen family. After Alicent and Viserys gave a few heartfelt words and the festivities began, everyone went into different conversations. Unfortunately for me, I was stuck talking to the boy whom I've avoided the most.

"How's your eye?"

He gave me a look of disdain. "Your humor is ever so delightful to hear."

"Spare me some grace, I'm not enjoying this more than you are."

"Well you should be enjoying this day, be glad you're even here as Winterfell is at high tensions, otherwise you wouldn't be enjoying the warmth of a stable kingdom," he spat at me, my eyes widening at his words. Alicent must've heard him, however, as she gave him a look. A quick whisper into his ear caused him to quickly shift his gaze away from me to his food– his hand gripping the knife and fork ever so tightly. "I'm sorry."

I could only spare him a small smile out of some pity, looking down at my own food as well.

-

EUDORA AND JACAERYS.

"Okay, that makes sense... Would you like me to walk you to your room? It's the least I could do for giving you a scare– and to make up for our conversation being cut short a while ago."

She gave him a smile. "I'd love that."

It was as if they ran out of things to say, or rather didn't know what to say. Every time one person speaks, their mouth opens then shuts quickly in dismay.

"So," Eudora said finally, growing tired of the awkward silence. "How've you been?"

"I've been better," this earned a laugh from the two. "You know the problems between–"

"You need not to mention it," the Stark interrupted, stopping in her steps. Jace raised an eyebrow with her actions, watching her scan the area cautiously. "Be careful of what you say here," she whispered. "The Greens, they have eyes and ears."

"I see," he nodded, prompting her to walk along with him. It was true that gossip and words spread around King's Landing easily, but it's been years since Jace has stepped foot in the grounds. At that very moment, he was reintroduced to the idea that even the walls have ears. "Let's talk about you, Eudora. I haven't heard from you for years."

He only earned a laugh.

"Jacaerys–"

"Jace."

"Jace?"

Now the prince was the one who stopped, turning to look at her. It was the first time in years that he's been able to see her, to hear her, and not think about some figment of imagination. "We've known each other for quite some time, one musn't worry."

Eudora only smiled. "Well then, Jace, I've been writing to you for months upon months. I only stopped when I realized you'd never send one back."

"Never sent one back?" This made Eudora laugh even harder.

"You've got quite the humor, you know that?"

"Eudora–"

"But that's in the past, I've learned to forgive you–" she was interrupted by the prince grabbing her hand, prompting her to look him in the eye.

Jace took a deep breath. "Eudora, what do you mean never sent one back?"

"I, I don't understand."

"I've sent you a letter almost every single day for the past few years."

┊ ➶ ｡˚ frankie speaks ! 　　°
.... i'm baaaack! sorry for such a long awaited wait but i'm gonna be updating now that the second season is coming!

(( 🫖 ))