𝓐𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓣𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓪𝓻𝔂𝓮𝓷
Elaena's bed wasn't nearly as comfortable as mine but I'd never tell her that. Waking up next to her had felt like a hallucination where my dreams had seeped into reality.

She was back and not only that she'd blossomed into a stunning young woman, as if I hadn't fawned over her enough when we were children.

I'd worried she'd grown to hate me as her brothers do but when her sparkling smile found me in the courtyard I'd known she hadn't.

Early not long after the sun had risen in the sky I made my leave but not before leaving her with the promise of returning to escort her to the throne room later that morning.

Any time spent away from Elaena was only more excuse for her song to reverberate through my mind and bones, never ending. And I'd never want it too.

Hearing her screams in the night terrified me at the least. I'd thought the worst, a thief or a bedmate come to take the Princess for their own deprivation.

I could protect her from any man or beast but her own mind? I stood no chance but I would fight to the death.

Eager to see her again I'm quick to bathe and clothe, and early to breakfast hoping to miss Aegon who would surely question my absence last night.

It wasn't often his boring little brother spent his nights elsewhere. He'd want a story that much was certain, and I'd give him one.

"Aemond, I didn't expect you up so early." Sitting alone at the table was my Mother, the Queen and her Father, the hand to the King, Otto Hightower.

Taking a bite from a piece of fruit I give myself an excuse not to respond.

"Your brother was seen whoring in the streets of Flee Bottom last night, what do you know of it?" Grandfather wastes no time digging for information but I don't have anything for him, my evening consisting of only Elaena.

Shaking my head I meet the inquisitive eyes of my grandfather, unsure of whether to believe me or not.

Getting up to meet me my Mother takes hold of my arm, "This morning could mean the start of a new beginning, Aemond. It may be difficult but I ask that you stay silent in the proceedings, no matter what's said no matter the outcome." Her voice fades to a whisper, afraid of even the rats in the walls overhearing her.

"Of course, Mother."

I'd never forget the look of betrayal on Elaena's face when I'd spoken out about her brothers even if it was out of blind rage.

That night I understood completely, I'd have no place by Elaena's side if I couldn't at the very least dim the blazing fire of hatred for Luke and Jacaerys.

If Vaemond Velaryon was to take the Driftwood throne from the bastard boy Lucerys, my Mother and Grandfather saw it essential the younger brother of Lord Corlys owe us his loyalty.

And if my brother attempted to take the iron throne after the passing of our father war would ensue, and I couldn't be sure Elaena and I would be on the same side.

Departing with that unsettling thought I make my way back to her chambers, eager to see her again while our families lived in this false peace.

Approaching her door it's already open, harsh whispers spilling into the hallway though I could barely make it out.

The closer my steps the more I'm able to distinguish whom Elaena's speaking with.

"Grandfather will be alright, I promise you this, Luke-"

"What if I'm not ready? Mother insists it's my destiny-"

"And her along with Daemon, Jace and I will be with you every step of the way. You don't think we'd let you scounder your birthright do you?"

I can hear the smile in her voice as she comforts her little brother and for a few short moments Lucerys isn't the House Strong bastard boy who stole my eye.

Before I'm caught eavesdropping I take my remaining steps, coming into the sunlight pouring in from the many windows of her apartments.

When Elaena and I see one another she stands from her seat, her tempting pink lips tipping up in a captivating smile while her younger brothers face fell in shock.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, I'm a bit early I can leave-"

"No. It's alright." Turning to Luke the boy's brown eyes are still locked on me, frozen solid unable to move and I don't bother hiding the smirk that I'm wearing at his uncomfortable shifting.

"Mothers probably looking for you. I'll see you very soon, Luke." Even when she speaks to him he's still watching me unwilling to leave me with his sister.

Little did he know the lengths of which I'd go to keep her safe.

Lifting an eyebrow in question at him he shakes himself from his trance, giving Elaena a thoughtful look before finally leaving us but not without brushing by me.

Peering down at him as he passed I wait to speak until his footsteps are fading around the corner.

"You came," she smiles sweetly and my stone hard exterior cracks and tumbles.

"Don't sound so shocked, Princess." 

Getting a good look at her dress the black intricate workings shimmer beneath the light sure to draw the eye if her otherworldly beauty hadn't already.

Unlike her mother, Elaena's blonde hair flowed in waves beneath her many braids. I desperately ached to touch her, feel her plump lips beneath mine.

"I thought you might've changed your mind, my prince."

Taking a step closer to her she has to tilt her head up to look at me and I fight the urge to caress her soft skin as I had just hours ago.

No, my love how could I? You were all I was capable of thinking about.

"You're beautiful. You almost look like a Queen." I grin.

She smacks my arm playfully and I'm graced by her heartwarming laughter.

"Almost? Care to share what I'm missing?" She smiles proudly and if I were a lesser man I would feel threatened by her but instead it's quite the opposite, I get off on it.

"Just the crown, my lady."

If that's what she wanted, I'd give my life and my sword to make it happen. All she had to say were the words...

At my reply her cheeks flush a light pink and I can't resist now, cupping her delicate face in my calloused sword worn hands.

At my touch her face falls, backing away from me and it's a dagger to the heart.

"This morning there's been talk of a possible betrothal... a lord from Winterfell-"

"Talk from who, Elaena?" My mood flips like a coin, my body frigid with regretful understanding.

"My Father, my mother? The North?" She scoffs, turning to walk to the window, avoiding me but I grab hold of her arm.

"Who is he?"

"Cregan Stark. He's to arrive on the morrow to ask for my hand." She says, still keeping her gaze away from mine.

My instant reaction is to burn all of Winterfell to the ground, or simply slit the throat of the little lord the moment he arrived to Kings Landing.

"He's already on his way?" 

Timidly she nods and I know she must feel guilty but my blood boiled at the thought of another man wedding Elaena, and so soon just after I'd gotten her back.

I was a Prince of the seven kingdoms, the rider of the greatest dragon in the world, I could protect her and our family from any one who dared threaten our dynasty on our shores or elsewhere. 

She wasn't even mine but in my eyes, she belonged with me and I with her. This Stark would fear the dragon not mount it. Elaena was meant to burn brighter than the sun, here with me.

"Do you have any say in the matter?" I dare ask, knowing the duty we held didn't give us much choice. 

"I do. Who knows, I may fall in love with the lad." She smirks and though I know she's joking I can't bring myself to laugh my jaw tense and teeth grinding, words on the tip of my tongue.

It's me, you should be falling in love with.

"Or you may find there's a better match elsewhere." I arch my eyebrow, stepping impossibly close to her.

Nibbling on her lip my focus shifts to it as she speaks, "And what men did you have in mind exactly?" She asks, her small voice barely a whisper so I lean in, my nose resting besides hers.

"Just the one, Princess." 

Her purple eyes lock with mine and I know it's true, she feels the same but was it of any consequence? This Lord of Winterfell would arrive soon and he was whom her family wanted, they would never consider me. 

Off in the distance the bells ring, signaling the proceedings were to start but neither one of us goes to move, too content with where we stood.

"Do you think we'd stand a chance?" She whispers, the fear she feels disheartening. 

"We'd stand more than a chance, my love. We'd rule the seven kingdoms." 

***