𝓐𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓣𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓪𝓻𝔂𝓮𝓷
Kings Landing was already buzzing this morning with the arrival of the North. Almost overnight banners and dining tables had invaded the throne room and soon it would be filled with the Lords and Ladies of the capital... and they were all celebrating the possible betrothal of Elaena.

The poor squire hadn't expected the one eyed prince to join the running. Simply walking the stretch of the field young and old knights alike looked on with fear when they realized the King's son was no longer a boy, but a man here for his crown.

Changing into sparring equipment I waste no time getting to the training yard. I promised my love a win, and she would get it.

With every swing of the sword the events of last night and this morning replay in my mind over and over again. Even the thought of her soft whimpers could make me hard with desire in broad daylight.

I was done for, Elaena had invaded every thought, every beat of my cold heart and I was happily drowning in my obsession for her.

"Thought you didn't give a shit about tourneys, my prince." Criston Cole taunts me from afar but I ignore him, happy to have living target to swing at.

"Pick up a sword,"

Doing as he's told he slips on his gloves, eyeing me with suspicion but I don't have the time. This time tomorrow I'd be suiting up to beat out my competition once and for all. I'd show them all that I was the obvious choice for Elaena and if even then they won't agree, I'll take her for myself.

Unrelenting, Cole and I spar but it's the Stark boys head I picture in place of his.

"I think it may be wise to tell you," dodging me once more he struggles for breath but I'm only getting started.

"The Queen has become aware of your nightly ventures with the Princess," he struggles before I disarm him, sending his sword sailing to the ground.

Narrowing my eye at him, he's gained all of my attention. Keeping my sword at his neck for a lingering moment, I smirk down at him.

"Hm, a venture is it?" I chuckle.

Surely tracing the curves and dips of Elaena's flawless body with my tongue could be defined a venture.

"Are you sure it's wise to dirty your hands with her, my prince?"

Cocking my head to the side he realizes he's hit a nerve. I could cut out his tongue here for speaking of her in such a way and the sword in hand made it quite the opportunity...

Rhaenyra was the heir to the throne, and if her mother intended to keep the tradition going Elaena would be a Queen one day as well if that's what she wanted.

Stopping my train of thought the doors to the courtyard swing open.

Stark house banners announced the arrival of the North and while I search the crowd for the boy I subconsciously twirl my sword, eager even now to size up the lad.

As if I can feel her presence my gaze turns to the castle steps where Rhaenyra and Daemon escorted Elaena with her oldest brothers, Jace and Luke.

She was as gorgeous as ever, her black sequined dress twinkling in the morning sunlight going ever so perfectly with the black sapphire that hung around her neck.

Half of her long blonde locks where braided on top of her head but the longest of her waves laid purposefully over the trail of marks I'd made across the sides of her throat and the reminder brings a grin to my face.

Like magnets her blazing purple eyes meet mine and her frustrated expression morphs into a genuine smile. I take a couple steps toward her only to be yanked back by Cole.

"She's promised to another-"

"And I'll kill the bastard before I let him have her." I growl, meaning every word. Ripping myself from his grasp I watch from afar as they're introduced.

The Stark lord is more man than boy but I still had a few inches on him. Elaena offers her hand to shake but he brings it to his lips, kissing it instead. Already my jealousy is rearing its ugly head and I know the very worst is yet to come.

We should've ran away together when we had the chance. Take our dragons to the ends of the world where names and titles didn't matter. Her family would think I kidnapped her, though the idea was tempting.

Eavesdropping best I can he asks her for a tour of the city. Stumbling with her words, my song doesn't know what to say in fear of sounding too eager or not eager enough.

Again, her eyes dart to me and this time her father notices. Daemon crosses his arms over his chest taking a step towards me when he's distracted by Rhaenyra, leading the rest of his company back up the castle steps.

Giving me one last look Elaena glances back at me over her shoulder before disappearing around the corner leading Cregan to the very same gardens we'd first spoken in when she'd returned to Kings Landing.

Seething my sword I turn to Cole, "Meet back here, wear something to fit in. I don't want her out of my sight." I command.

"Of course, my prince." The knight wants to argue but he doesn't and for that I'm grateful, I'd only win. Taking the steps a couple at a time I can't get to my chambers fast enough.

Rounding a corner I should've seen him coming but I'm too distracted.

Daemon's forearm presses against my throat shoving me harshly into the stone wall but I don't resist, I'd known this conversation was coming.

"What is it do you think you're doing with my daughter, Prince Aemond?" Not letting up on my throat my voice is raw, "I'm afraid you'll have to be more specific, Prince Daemon." Breaking from his grasp he still seems intent on murdering me but his rage only amuses me.

"I'm no one to play  with, boy. I notice the looks you share, the way you hover over her. Her mother may not see it but I do. If you've touched her-"

"And if I have, do you intend to kill me, Uncle?" I taunt but it's short lived. Before I know it Daemon's dagger is pressed against my neck leaving no room to breathe and if I got myself killed now, Elaena would never forgive me.

"She's too pure, too good for you. Do you understand? You'll stay away-"

"She is, but I won't stay away from her, I can't-" 

"You will." Pressing the blade deeper as his last warning he pulls away suddenly and he's gone as fast as he came down the dark hallway.

Staring after him I rub at the raw cut on my neck wiping away what little blood he drew.

He was delusional if he thought I'd stay away from Elaena. Even when we were children she was my only viable source of light and happiness and I was her shadow, always following close thankful for even a chance of catching her sunlight. 

Now would be no different. Now my love grew fiercer with each passing hour and not even a dagger to the throat would be enough to stop me.

Being quick in my chambers I wrap the hooded cloak around my shoulders and make my way back to Ser Criston.

It would be difficult to find them now, Daemon's interruption would be Cregan Stark's saving grace.

Weaving through the back alleys we hide in the shadows, checking the market I finally spot her white blonde hair in the sea of people and I'm frozen where I stand, stunned by her radiance.

Twirling her necklace between her fingers her smile stops all who walk by on the street, they're ecstatic to see the Princess in the flesh desperate to touch her silver hair and fine fabrics.

I want to go to her, feel her soft skin beneath my hands and share the afternoon together but it wasn't me she was spending it with. Cregan's short dark hair peeked out beside her, standing much too close and if my stare could kill, his arm would fall from his body for the way it's locked with hers.

"She seems quite happy with the Stark lord." Cole chirps from behind me, annoyed I'd brought him outside the castle walls with me.

"She's a happy person, Ser Criston." I grumble, following the both of them down the street.

Watching from afar my jaw ticks with tension when I notice his face come close to hers whispering something in her ear. If the man would only look down he'd catch a glimpse of the many bruises I'd left, marking what's mine.

Rolling her eyes at him, Elaena makes a sharp turn down an alleyway and and he follows, taking them both from my sight but I have an inkling on where she might be taking him.

"The Queen will wonder your whereabouts,"

"She'll know soon enough when you return to the castle."

"I just don't believe your affair with the princess is a good idea, my Prince-"

"Believe me when I say there is no stopping me, Cole. If you wish to return to my mother than go but I won't deny myself of her." Pulling my hood tighter around my face I start down the alleyway when he calls out from behind me.

"You're in love with her... aren't you."

Of course I am you fucking imbecile. Helplessly, obsessively, in love with her.

Taking a deep breath I only look back at him, giving him his answer without saying a word.

His expression falls, disappointment evident on his Dornish features. Leaving him there I fade away into the crowds, taking any road alone if it led me to her.

***