VALAENA STROLLED THROUGH the corridors of Dragonstone, dress swooshing around her feet as she grasped her hands behind her back. She paused at the window, the sound of a dragon's roar catching her attention. She leaned forward, craning her neck until she caught sight of her brother's dragon. A soft smile appeared on her face as Vermax released another roar into the air, no doubt enjoying the ride as much as Jacaerys.

Pulling back into the corridor, she hurriedly made her way down to the dining hall where the rest of her family waited. She strode through the doors, welcomed by lively chatter as her family gathered around the table. She made her way around, stopping briefly behind her youngest brother as she ruffled his dark hair.

"Val," Lucerys moaned as he reached up to fix the mess she left behind.

Valaena giggled as she reached over the table, grabbing a peach from the table and taking a large bite. Her eyes wandered to the servants running around, no doubt in preparation for the large banquet they were throwing for Jacaerys' fourteenth name day.

"You and your peaches," Baela teased as Valaena's eyes wandered over to her sister, who sat across the table.

"I'm trying not to ruin my appetite for tonight," Valaena retorted back as she eyed the large plate of food before her sister rather obviously.

"Trust me, I'll still have plenty of appetite for later," Baela laughed with a shake of her head. Valaena rolled her eyes but could not suppress the smile that appeared on her face.

"Well, if you keep eating like that, there won't be enough food left for the feast," Valaena teased, receiving a mock glare from Baela before she returned to her plate undeterred.

"Your hair looks fine, Luke," Valaena said as she reached out and gently stopped his hand which was fussing with his hair.

"No thanks to you," Lucerys muttered lightheartedly, prompting a short laugh from her.

The sound of the doors opening interrupted their playful banter, and the siblings turned as Jacaerys strode into the hall, still flushed from his flight with Vermax. His eyes gleamed with excitement, a large grin spread across his face as he approached the table.

"Enjoy your ride?" Valaena asked, raising an eyebrow as he dropped into the closest seat with a deep breath.

Jacaerys leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his windswept hair.

"Vermax was in rare form today," he said with a grin. "Felt like we were flying faster than ever before."

Valaena smiled, though she couldn't resist a playful jab. "And yet, you're still late for your own banquet preparations."

His mouth hung open in amusement, as if he couldn't believe her words.

"Watch yourself, sister," Jacaerys warned, although there was no malice behind his words.

"Or what?" Valaena countered with a raised eyebrow. "You'll feed me to your dragon?"

"Vermax has had a particular liking towards annoying sisters lately," Jacaerys seemed to ponder. "I'm sure he'll appreciate the snack."

"Jace, don't be rude to your sister," Rhaenrya scolded, although the quirk of her lips showed she was quite unserious.

"Unbelievable," Jacaerys muttered with a shocked look as he leaned back in his chair, glancing between his mother and Valaena. "This is blatant favoritism."

"I've done no such thing," Rhaenrya denied with a shake of her head and a feigned look of innocence. "I simply cannot condone dragon-related threats."

"Especially when it relates to my dear sister," Jacaerys questioned with a teasing look as he winked at Valaena, who simply rolled her eyes at his antics. She pulled away from the table, drawing a confused look from Jacaerys. "Leaving so soon? You haven't eaten anything."

"Better to leave before I'm tempted to sample every dish," Valaena replied, her tone light as she tried to remain vague. "Besides, I could use a breath of fresh air."

Jacaerys seemed unconvinced as he gave her a strange look. Valaena resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him as she released a soft cough.

"Everything all right, dearest?" Rhaenrya questioned, a concerned look on her face.

"Of course," Valaena reassured her stepmother with a genuine smile. "Just a scratchy throat. Some fresh air will do me some good."

"Alright, but don't stay out too long," Rhaenrya told her. "We wouldn't want you to miss the festivities."

"As if the party could truly start without me," Valaena sent Rhaenrya a cheeky grin, one that was met with a playful eye roll as she released a short laugh.

"What ever am I going to do with you," Rhaenrya shook her head as Valaena made her way out of the hall.

The door shut firmly behind her as she stepped into the cool, dimly lit corridors of Dragonstone. Her family's voices became muffled as her shoes clicked softly against the stone floors. She paused as she turned the corner, glancing over her shoulder with a slight frown on her face when she realized the familiar presence that followed her everywhere was missing.

Valaena shook her head with a snort, knowing her sworn protector was already one step ahead of her as always. She made her way down to the stables, unsurprised as she approached to find a figure waiting beside two saddled horses.

"Ser Donnel," Valaena greeted as he glanced up to meet her gaze.

"Lady Valaena," he greeted with a bow of his head. "I had a feeling you'd be making a break for it."

"I'm afraid I can't get anything past you," Valaena replied with a mischievous smile, approaching one of the horses as she ran her fingers along its sleek coat. She glanced sideways as Ser Donnel prepared his own horse. "I don't suppose I could convince you to stay behind?"

"You know the rules, my lady," Ser Donnel reminded the young girl.

"I was afraid you'd say that," Valaena sighed as she gave her horse a pat before climbing into the saddle with ease, her knight following suit. She adjusted her dress, annoyed by the long fabric as she cursed herself for not changing into pants, before giving her horse a gentle nudge forward.

Ser Donnel remained quiet as they rode down the twisted road leading to the village, but Valaena appreciated the silence. The castle was always loud and chaotic, leaving no time for Valaena to sit in her thoughts. She looked out beyond the cliffs before them, the view of the ocean stretching out beyond the naked eye. It was a beautiful day as the sun reflected against the water, the waves almost sparkling under the light.

It wasn't long before they descended upon the village, Valaena perking at the sound of music and banter. Ser Donnel reined his horse back as they entered the outskirts of the village, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger. Valaena dismounted, her feet landing softly on the dirt as she readjusted the cloak around her shoulders. She glanced down, making sure the bag of coins was secure around her waist as she glanced back at her knight.

"At ease, Ser Donnel," Valaena reassured her knight, smiling in amusement at his hand that hovered over his sword. "No harm will come to us here."

No matter how many times Ser Donnel followed Valaena to the village, he remained just on edge as the first time. Always thinking some danger would come to the girl, but Valaena was far from worried. While the crowded street markets and beggars were a far cry from the regal upbringing Ser Donnel had, Valaena felt the most comfortable. She had grown up on streets just like this.

Valaena started toward the village, the crowds growing thicker as the commoners went about their everyday lives. She blended into the crowds seamlessly, nobody giving a second thought about the girl with brown hair. It was the only time she was grateful she never inherited the usual Targaryen hair.

She grinned as she caught sight of her favorite stall in the village, her pace quickening as she approached the vendor selling a variety of candies. An older woman with a cheerful expression greeted Valaena with a knowing smile as she approached the stall.

"Lady Valaena," the woman bowed her head respectfully. "Back for your usual, I see?"

"Where else would I find the sweetest toffees in Dragonstone?" Valaena smiled at the woman as she handed over the coins from her pouch.

"You humor an old hag too much," the woman shook her head as she dropped the candies into a bag, handing them over to trade for the coins Valaena offered.

"Nonsense," Valeana shook her head as she peeked into the bag of candies, snatching a toffee and popping one into her mouth while turning to leave.

"Wait!" the old woman called out, pausing Valaena in her steps as she glanced back over her shoulder. "You've given me too much."

Valaena simply smiled with a shake of her head.

"I gave you the proper amount," she replied, soft but firm. "Keep it."

"It's too generous," the woman replied. "I couldn't possibly take this."

"Please, keep it," Valaena insisted. "It's nothing compared to the joy I get from your sweets."

The woman hesitated, glancing between the coins and Valaena's determined expression as she seemed torn. After a moment, she released a reluctant sigh and tucked the coins into her apron, but Valaena could see the relief that passed her face. She would be able to pay off her expenses with her coins.

"You're too kind, my lady," the woman thanked with genuine gratitude as Valaena nodded her head before turning back to her journey.

"You shouldn't have done that," Ser Donnel commented once they were far enough away.

"You clearly haven't had any of her sweets, they're absolutely to die for," Valaena retorted as she plopped another one into her mouth with glee. "Here, try one,"

She held a toffee out for him to take, watching the hesitation cross his face.

"I swear they're not poisonous," Valaena teased as she watched him eye the candy distastefully.

"I shouldn't, my lady," Ser Donnel responded as he straightened his posture. "It would be improper."

"Your loss," Valaena shrugged as she tossed it back into the bag, tightening it so that she may have some later.

They walked a few moments in silence, Ser Donnel's watchful gaze ensuring no harm came her way as she resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"You're too serious, Ser Donnel," she remarked.

"You're not serious enough," Ser Donnel retorted, his face morphing into panic as he quickly added on, "My lady."

Valaena, however, had a smirk on her face. Despite his initial stoic demeanor, there was a layer of sarcasm and wit that Ser Donnel liked to hide from the world that she enjoyed bringing to the surface. She didn't have time to dig deeper as she stopped before their destination, watching the dread that washed over her sworn protector's face as he realized where they were.

"Don't look so mortified," Valaena teased as she pushed open the door, watching Ser Donnel pause behind her and failing to meet the six steps behind standard he usually upheld. "I heard that men quite like these places."

"This is most improper," Ser Donnel reprimanded as he hurried to catch up with the girl as the sound of laughter and music filled the air. "What if your father finds out?"

"Good thing my father won't find out," Valaena told him as they entered the main room, half-naked woman canvased across the room as moans behind closed curtains could be heard. Valaena could feel Ser Donnel press closer to Valaena, the obvious discomfort of being in such a place prevalent in his rigid stature.

"This is not appropriate," Ser Donnel whispered, his voice low so as to not disturb those around them. "You shouldn't be here. Your reputation-"

"Oh, you worry too much," Valaena said with a dismissive wave of her hand as she took a step further into the room, catching the curious gaze of some of the whores around them. Recognition flashed across some of the women's faces from the previous times Valaena had snuck down without the aid of her knight. "We're just dropping off a quick package for my aunt then we'll be off."

"You're not supposed to be talking to your aunt," Ser Donnel reminded as Valaena felt the corner of her lips drop.

"Technically, I haven't been," Valaena muttered as she made her way to the back of the brothel. "Letters do just fine nowadays."

"Oh, good lord, your father is going to kill me," Ser Donnel whispered to the sky as he followed Valaena. They reached a back room, filled with two girls conversing in hushed whispers that paused as they caught sight of the newcomers.

"Valaena," the older woman greeted as she stood from her chair, glancing briefly at the knight behind her with disdain. "We weren't expecting you this evening."

"Just doing a quick favor for Meera," Valaena responded as she reached into her bag, pulling out a tightly fastened bag. The older woman's expression softened at the sight of the bag, snatching it from her hands as she peered in to confirm its contents.

"Let's go," Valaena moved to leave, but stopped as the woman reached out and grabbed her arm to prevent her from leaving. Ser Donnel responded instantly, drawing his sword as the second woman in the room released a scream.

"Stand down," Valaena ordered, her voice firm as Ser Donnel's eyes glanced between her and the woman. Slowly, he lowered his sword but his grip remained firm as the woman dropped her grip on Valaena.

"Thank you," the woman muttered, the words echoing against the four walls. "This means a lot."

"Put your sword away," Valaena didn't respond as she brushed past her knight on the way out, annoyance rippling across her face as they exited the brothel. Ser Donnel followed closely behind, silent as he could feel her emotions radiating off her. They reached the horses as the sun began setting beyond the horizon, mounting their saddles as Valaena finally turned to look at her knight.

"You're not to tell my father about this," Valaena's voice was firm. "Do I make myself clear?"

"You know I don't take orders from you," Ser Donnel responded, watching the exasperation cross her face.

Valaena didn't respond, clicking her heels against her horse as she urged him to speed up. She certainly wasn't going to make the journey back easy on her knight. They reached Dragonstone in a short time, Valaena leaving no room for talk as she unmounted her steed and handed him off to the stable hands before hurrying back towards the castle with Ser Donnel only six steps behind. The knights easily let them in, allowing the pair to walk in silence on the way back to her room.

"Where have you been all afternoon?" her father's voice stopped them in their tracks, Valaena trying to hide the panic from her face before turning around to face him.

"Just some horseback riding," Valaena replied with a smile.

"You missed our sword lessons," Daemon raised an eyebrow, knowing how much Valaena loved to handle a sword.

"I lost track of time," Valaena shrugged, knowing her father was far from convinced.

Daemon glanced over her shoulder at her knight and Valaena cursed the gods that her father had caught her at such an unfortunate time.

"Is this true, Ser Donnel?" Daemon questioned as Valaena all but accepted the oncoming punishment that was sure to come.

"Of course, my prince," Ser Donnel responded as Valaena fought to keep the surprise off her face as Daemon's eyes narrowed at the knight.

"I see," Daemon finally responded as he turned his gaze back to Valaena. "You should get ready, the banquet is about to begin."

Valaena's face fell at his words as she remembered it was her brother's name day, and she was going to be late.

"Shit," Valeana muttered, ignoring her father's amused chuckling as she hurried down the hall.

She rushed into her room, grateful to find the servants waiting with her gown for the evening. She barely acknowledged their pleasantries as she began undressing and allowed them to help her slip into the purple fabric. Valaena resisted the urge the yell as they brushed through her mangled hair as she slipped on her jewelry.

One glance in the mirror showed what the world expected of her, a refined noblewoman of noble birth. The opposite of what she was.

"Lady Valaena, the banquet is beginning," one of the servants called gently from the door.

Valaena released a string of curses as she smoothed out her gown, a false smile making its way onto her face as she made her way to the great hall of Dragonstone. Plenty of noblemen and women already graced the halls, showing her with greetings and false compliments that she returned.

She was grateful when she found her family already seated in the hall, her steps quickening as she approached the table. One glance down the table saw that her father was already drunk on wine as Rhaenrya tried to settle him down. Rhaena and Lucerys were engaged in hushed whispers as Valaena's gaze landed on Jacaerys and Baela.

"Ah, sister," Jacaerys greeted as she approached his side of the table. "I was wondering when you would join us. You're late."

"On the contrary, I think I'm right on time," Valaena retorted as she found the empty seat next to him.

"I see you're still full of grand delusions," Jacaerys commented with a grin that made Valaena roll her eyes.

"And I see another name day hasn't made you any wiser," Valaena fired back.

"You're late to everything, Valaena," Baela teased from beside her.

"Not everything," Valaena defended hotly despite knowing her words rang true. She watched her sister laugh and shake her head at her words.

The feast began in earnest as the table filled with food and drink, and Valaena found herself pushing the food around her plate instead of eating. She glanced around the room, watching all the lords and ladies indulge themselves as the night ran on and music grew louder. Soon, the dancing began as she watched them trip over their feet trying to keep up with the beat.

"Everything all right?" Jacaerys leaned toward her, his voice hushed so only she could hear. "You've barely touched your food."

Valaena met his concerned gaze, making him feel guilty for worrying about her for nothing.

"I'm fine," she reassured with a smile. "Just tired, that's all."

"I know just what will cheer you up," Jacaerys smirked at her as Valaena rolled her eyes at him but the smile remained on her face. "Come, let's dance."

He stood up, holding his hand out for her to take.

"Jace..." Valaena trailed off as she stared up at him hesitantly.

"It's rude to deny a man a dance at his own banquet," Jacaerys grinned as he held his hand out further. "Come on, I know the dances are your favorite part of these things."

"Alright, alright," she conceded with a false sigh as she took his hand, allowing him to lead her to the center of the hall. "But only because it's your name day."

Jacaerys hadn't been lying when he said he knew her, Valaena allowed the rhythm of the music to take over as she found herself genuinely enjoying the banquet. She followed her brother's lead, allowing a laugh to escape her lips as he tripped over his feet.

"Perhaps I should lead," Valaena didn't give him time to argue as she took over, allowing her body to the beat as she led Jacaerys around the hall.

"You're always showing me up," Jacaerys teased, his grin widening as he tried to keep up with her swift movements.

"It's not hard when there's not much to show up," Valaena teased as Jacaerys released a short laugh at her words. The two quickly allowed themselves to get lost in the music, dancing for several more songs as they spun around the hall.

As the song came to a slow end, Valaena released a tired breath as she smiled at her brother.

"I think that's enough dancing for me tonight," Jacaerys told her as he stepped back, looking just as exhausted as his sister.

"Oh, you're no fun," Valaena pouted, knowing she could convince him to dance with her if she asked. "Just one more-"

Valaena paused as she released a cough into her hands, feeling a slight nausea overtake her before it disappeared.

"Valaena?" Jacaerys' voice was filled with concern as he reached forward.

"I'm fine," Valaena waved his concerns away, although there was a growing concern in her mind that something didn't feel right.

"You hand," Jacaerys grabbed her wrist, turning the hand she coughed into over to reveal the splatter of blood on it.

"It's fine, Jace," Valaena ripped her hand back, her voice dying in her throat as she felt the dizziness fill her mind.

Before Jacaerys could say another word, Valaena's knees buckled beneath her as Jacaerys caught her before she could hit the floor.

"Valaena!" Jacaerys cried out, panic rising in his voice as she remained unresponsive. "Someone, help! Daemon!"

Daemon turned his gaze toward the commotion, sobering as he saw Jacaerys holding an unconscious Valaena. He shot to his feet, pushing through the crowd as he rushed towards them with his heart pounding in his chest.

"Someone grab the maester," Daemon ordered, anger bubbling to the surface when those around them didn't react fast enough. "Now!"

He dropped down beside them, cupping his daughter's face in his hands as he tried to find what was wrong.

"Valaena, can you hear me?" his voice cracked as he wiped away the splatter of blood on her lips. She remained unresponsive as Daemon glanced back up frantically. "Where is the maester!"