"I'LL HAVE YOU know I can braid my own hair," Valaena commented as she tried not to fidget in her chair while her lady-in-waiting twisted her long strands of hair behind her.

Elissa had insisted on doing her hair that morning before she went out, much to Valaena's surprise. She wasn't sure if it was some tactic to learn new information or if she was truly trying to help, leaving her curious enough to allow it. Elissa Lannister had been oddly quiet since returning to Kind's Landing, and she wasn't sure what it meant.

"Of course, my lady," Elissa agreed with her one would a child.

"You don't think so?" Valaena questioned, watching the hesitation on Elissa's face as she struggled to respond.

"It's certainly a braid when you do it," she responded slowly, earning a questioning look from Valaena.

"But?" Valaena questioned as she pressed on, wondering what her lady-in-waiting truly wanted to say. "Tell me."

"It's just," she paused, releasing a sigh before blurting out, "Your braids look more like the wild mane of a horse than that of a lady's."

There was a brief moment of silence as Elissa flinched back, expecting to be reprimanded for her words. She was surprised instead when Valaena burst into laughter, leaning back into the chair as her body heaved in joy.

"I suppose I merely braid my hair to get it out of my hair," Valaena responded when she had calmed down, watching as Elissa tied the ends of her hair. "One shouldn't worry about looking pretty when fighting with a sword."

"Are you planning on training today, my lady?" Elissa questioned as she set the brush down, watching the annoyance that flushed her face.

"If only father would let me," Valaena muttered loud enough for her lady-in-waiting to hear. She opened her mouth to continue before seeming to realize whose company she was in and closing it again.

"I see," Elissa didn't need to press further, she already knew what Valaena would say. She had seen Valaena training with a sword back in Dragonstone. It was as mesmerizing as it was terrifying. Never before had she seen a woman fight as well as a man, but it was no wonder with Daemon Targaryen as her teacher.

She figured Daemon didn't want her father knowing how well Valaena could fight. Or rather, the greens knowing. That's where all of Elissa's information ending up going anyways after she told her father.

"I suppose I'll just have to wander about the gardens," Valaena sighed, although Elissa could see the faint smile on her lips. "You're welcome to join me."

"If you wish," Elissa responded as she wandered over to the pile of clothes on the floor, bending down to pick them up. She would have to bring them down to the servants to wash.

"I think I do wish it," Valaena nodded with certainty as she turned around in her chair, resting her arms on the back as she stared at her lady-in-waiting. "I fear I do not have many friends at court. Baela and Rhaena aren't supposed to arrive until tomorrow with their grandmother and the boys are certainly off training without me."

"I would love to join you then," Elissa responded as her hands brushed over the fabric in her arms and she paused.

The skirts of the dress were splattered with dry mud, stains that were certainly not there when they arrived at the Red Keep when it had been bone dry. There had certainly been rain last night though, enough to turn the streets of King's Landing into a slick maze of muddy alleys.

"Were you out last night?" Elissa questioned, watching the panicked look that flashed across Valaena's face before quickly composing herself.

"Of course not," Valaena released a forced laugh as she turned back around in her chair. "You know I'm not supposed to do that anymore."

Valaena could tell her lady-in-waiting didn't believe her for a second, the disbelieving look on her face reflecting through the mirror in front of her. It was no secret back on Dragonstone that she used to sneak out all the time, even after recovering from her illness much to the distraught of her entire family.

"I see," Elissa murmured, folding the muddy dress with careful precision. "Perhaps I should clean these myself then. Just so no one gets the wrong idea."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Valeana mumbled, but the appreciation was on her face as she watched her lady-in-waiting leave the room.

She released an audible sigh, sinking into her chair as she wondered if Elissa would rat on her. It was unlikely she would tell Daemon, but her own father was a different story. She supposed it wouldn't be the end of the world if the greens knew she snuck out. It only meant she would have to be more careful in the future.

Valaena glanced up at her reflection, hands reaching up to touch the soft braid that Elissa had done. It was neater than anything she could manage, that much she could admit, and she found herself slightly grateful for her lady-in-waiting. She stood up from the chair, adjusting the sleeves of her dress before stepping out into the corridor.

"My lady," Ser Donnel greeted faithfully at the door as he gave her a slight nod.

Valaena only hummed in response as she began walking down the corridor, knowing he was only a mere six steps behind her. She had intended to wander down to the kitchens to snatch a snack while the cooks weren't looking but found her plans derailed as she rounded the corner.

Her lady-in-waiting hadn't made it very far, standing in the corridor as a knight blocked her way as he leaned over her. Elissa gripped the clothes tightly in her arms, clearly uncomfortable by whatever he was saying to her as his hand brushed up against her arm in a sleazy gesture.

"What is this?" Valaena questioned as she approached the pair, watching as Elissa jumped back at her arrival. Her lady-in-lady's shoulders seemed to sag in relief when she saw Valaena approach them.

"Seven hells, Elissa, what are you standing around for?" she snapped, her tone sharp as she stopped before them. "Did I not tell you to hurry along? Or do you enjoy loitering in hallways and chatting like a common gossip?"

Elissa's mouth opened, then closed again as relief flooded her face despite the harsh scolding sent her way.

"Well? Go on," Valaena ordered as she waved her hand carelessly. "Unless you mean to drop my clothes here and let the rats have them?"

"Of course not, my lady," Elissa shook her head ferociously, a ghost of a smile threatening her lips as she scurried to leave.

"Wait," Valaena called out, watching Elissa stop in her path with a confused look. She paid no mind as she turned back to her knight behind her. "Ser Donnel, attend to Lady Elissa so she doesn't stray from her duties again."

Ser Donnel shifted slightly at the command, his gaze flickering between the two girls before inclining his head in acknowledgment. He was no fool, not after serving Valaena for so many years. She had never been one to scold those below her, but she was fond of offering protection for those unable to protect themselves.

He took several steps forward, stopping beside Valaena as he leaned in closely so no one could hear his next words.

"Are you sure, my lady?" Ser Donnel questioned, not wanting to abandon his post so easily.

"I'll be fine," Valaena rolled her eyes, knowing the other knight wouldn't dare try anything no matter how slimy he was. She was still Daemon Targaryen's daughter and he would be a fool to forget otherwise.

"It's not you I'm worried about," Ser Donnel commented as he glanced over to the knight in disapproval.

"Go on now, I won't ask again," Valaena left no room for discussion, watching her knight visibly sigh before following after Elissa who appeared grateful for his presence.

"And you," she turned her attention to the knight, who straightened his stance at her sharp gaze. "Shouldn't you be continuing your patrol? I would hate to have to report you to the Commander."

"That will be unnecessary, Lady Valaena," the knight shook his head, hurrying to return to the duties he so callously abandoned at the sight of a pretty woman.

Valaena watched him turn the corner, releasing a deep breath when he disappeared.

"Never thought I'd see a bastard barking orders in the Red Keep," a voice drawled out from behind her.

Valaena glanced over her shoulder, eyes narrowing at the appearance of her cousin walking towards her. Her eyes caught sight of the slick, white hair she was always jealous of before landing on the eyepatch covering his face. She tried not to grimace as she forced herself to look at his other eye, the purple gaze burning into her head as he stopped before her.

"Prince Aemond," Valaena greeted with distaste as she straightened her back, fighting the urge to run in the other direction at the scathing look he gave her.

"I believe the proper etiquette to greet your prince is with a bow," his response was snarkier than she had expected, but she supposed she hadn't seen her cousin in several years. He had changed, just as she had. Although the menace behind his eye showed he still held onto the same resentment.

"How unfortunate for whoever follows the proper etiquette," Valaena responded, raising her eyebrow as if expecting him to challenge her. He released a humorous chuckle instead as he took a step closer to her.

"It was stupid to send your knight away," Aemond's voice held a tone of warning as Valaena had to resist the urge to grab the knife strapped to her leg for protection. Even if she wanted to, her cousin would easily be able to unsheathe his sword and strike her down before she could even graze it.

"Why, does it make you nervous?" Valaena taunted despite the warnings in her mind not to antagonize him. She was still her father's daughter after all.

"Why would I be scared when the only thing I see is a bastard with no manners," Aemond retorted.

"I didn't say scared," Valaena smirked as she stepped forward, ignoring the way Aemond towered over her as her stare remained hardened on him. "What's wrong, cousin? Afraid of losing another eye?"

His face twisted at her words as Valaena wondered if perhaps she had gone too far. After a moment, his face relaxed as he regained his composure.

"As I recall, it was a different bastard who took my eye," Aemond's words struck a chord within the girl.

"Call him a bastard again and I'll change that," Valaena snapped back before she could bite her tongue, anger brewing at the insult towards her brother.

He seemed taken aback by the sudden fire behind her words before a look of amusement crossed his face.

"I see your quick temper hasn't changed," he commented, amusement seeping through his words that only served to anger her further.

"If you believe this to be bad, I suggest not crossing me further," Valaena warned.

"Are you ordering a prince?" Aemond questioned with a raised eyebrow, as if surprised by her audacity.

"Only giving some advice," Valaena's sweet tone contradicted the meaning before her words, something that Aemond easily picked up on.

"Some would consider it a threat," Aemond warned, although there was no malice in his voice.

"Only to those foolish enough to see it that way," Valaena tilted her head as she stared up at him, waiting for him to react.

"And I suppose I am the fool?" Aemond simply questioned as if he already knew the answer.

"I would never say such a thought aloud," she shook her head softly.

"So you do think it?" he concurred.

"You seem to know exactly what I think already," Valaena fired back, annoyed with every word that dripped from his lips.

"Only because you make it so obvious," Aemond leaned forward, smirking at the disgust that flashed across her face as she stepped back.

"Then I suppose this will come as no surprise to you."

She could hear his laugh as she began to walk away

"You never properly addressed me," he called out after her.

She paused, glancing back to find him expectantly waiting at the end of the corridor.

"Is that an order?" she asked, although she should have simply continued walking away instead of entertaining him further. It was clear that he was just using her for his own amusement at that point.

"Do I need to make it one?" he questioned, although she knew it was simply rhetorical.

She did not responded, lips pursed as she contemplated the consequences of storming off and angering the prince even further. Finally, she turned to fully face him as she resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

With exaggerated grace, she dipped into a dramatic bow with arms stretched out wide and fingers splayed like a court fool putting on a show. The silence of the corridors seemed to pound in her ears as she began to straighten, her hands twisting until both middle fingers stood defiantly pointed at him.

"Does that satisfy you, Prince Aemond?" She questioned mockingly as she lowered her arms back to her side, annoyed by the way his lips twitched at the corner.

"Aemond is fine," her cousin replied, as if mocking her now that she had bowed to him.

"I'd rather feed myself to the dragons," the Valyrian dripped from her tongue as she turned away, hearing the amused laugh that followed her as she walked away.

"Spoiled prick," Valaena muttered to herself as her footsteps quickened once she knew he could no longer see her, an unsettling feeling growing in her stomach.