CHAPTER ELEVEN
❛love will prevail.❜

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EARLY 130 AC ⸻ Kings Landing ⸻

WHILE Lyria was in the library, Basalia, Jahaena and Ser Leon could be seen walking the dim light halls of the Red Keep, their footsteps echoing softly off the walls. The argument at dinner had left a sour taste in Jahaena's mouth, especially the words spoken by Jacaerys.

"By the Seven, I cannot believe what Jacaerys said about Lyria." Jahaena's voice broke the silence, tone was tinged with disbelief.

Basalia nodded slowly, the edge of her own cloak trailing behind her like a quiet shadow. "And Aemond," Jahaena pressed on, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper as she leaned closer. "Did you see how he rose suddenly? It was as if Jacaerys's words were a direct challenge to him."

At her words, Basalia's expression grew thoughtful under the torchlight that played across her features. "Indeed," she responded. "It was most uncharacteristic. To see him react so viscerally... it was startling."

"It makes one wonder," she mused, "what truly stirs in the heart of our prince?" Basalia said nothing, though her heart begged for those words to only be thoughts spoken aloud. It would break Basalia if it were the truth. To know the man who arranged her almost death had taken the heart of her closest friend. Her sister.

When came to the end of the corridor where Basalia's room was, Jahaena paused, her silhouette framed by the dim light. "Well, I suppose I should retire. Nights like these are heavy with thoughts that linger far longer than the wine."

"Rest well, Jahaena," Basalia replied, her voice soft yet carrying a firm warmth. "We shall see what the morrow holds."

"Goodnight Basalia." Jahaena turned away, her figure soon swallowed by the shadows of the next corridor. Ser Leon then stepped closer, the soft clinking of his armour a gentle reminder of his presence.

"Lady Basalia," he began, "it is late, should you wish to retire I will remain guarded out here."

Basalia met his gaze, the torchlight casting highlights in her eyes that spoke of gratitude. "Thank you, Leon," she said sincerely.

Leon bowing his head respectfully before stepping to the side, allowing Basalia to walk into her chambers. But she didn't. She just stood there, pondering for a moment. Ser Leon had noticed this and turned his head to look at her frozen figure.

"My Lady?" he questioned; eyebrows scrunched. "Do you want to come in?" she asked softly, looking at him through her eyelashes.

Leon stood rigid for a moment, pondering his choices. He knew he wanted to, but the better half of himself said no, to stay out of his Ladies chambers.

"Of course, Lady Basalia."

As they entered her quarters, Basalia's eyes were distant as she walked over to where the wine was on a side table. She reached for the bottle and opened it, pouring herself a glass, "would you care for some Ser Leon?" she asked kindly, gesturing to the wine which she held in her hand.

Leon only put a hand up in protest, "no thank you my lady, it would be a poor decision for me to drink while on duty." Basalia gave a kind smile and nodded in understanding.

Basalia placed the bottle back onto the wooden table and walked over to sit beside the warm fireplace. She gestured for Ser Leon to follow, and so he did, walking over he sat down beside Basalia. He looked unsure, not knowing where to place his hands. But they soon rested on his lap anyway.

As they settled by the hearth, the room warmed by the gentle crackling of the fire, Ser Leon turned his attention to Basalia, now truly noting the distant look in her eyes. "My Lady, you seem worried. Is there anything you'd like to talk about?" he asked, his voice low and filled with genuine concern.

Basalia hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass. "I do, but I don't want to burden you," she finally admitted, her voice tinged with reluctance.

"You could never burden me," Leon responded earnestly, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Whatever it is, I'm here to listen."

A small, grateful smile flickered across Basalia's face at his words. She looked down briefly, composing her thoughts, before meeting his eyes again. "I can't stop having nightmares about that night in the Streets of Silk... when I was almost... taken advantage of," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Leon's expression softened, a mix of anger and protectiveness flaring briefly in his eyes. "Why were you there to begin with?" he asked gently, careful to keep his tone free of judgment.

Basalia took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the glass. "Lyria was given a letter," she began slowly, "containing information that we thought could aid us both. I didn't want her to go alone, so I went with her. I couldn't let her face whatever was waiting in those shadows by herself."

Leon nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. He shifted slightly, his posture easing as he settled more comfortably beside her. "It was brave of you to go with her," he said softly, his respect for her courage evident in his tone.

Basalia gave a small, humourless laugh. "Brave or foolish, I'm not sure which." She glanced at him, her gaze seeking some sort of reassurance.

"You did what you believed to be right. I admire your love for Lyria. It is a bond I wished I had wish someone," Leon affirmed firmly.

Basalia nodded, taking in his words, "Thank you, Leon. I..." she paused, searching for the words, "I appreciate you being here, listening to all this."

"It's more than my duty, Basalia. It's my honour," Leon replied sincerely, his gaze never wavering from hers.

Basalia's expression grew increasingly haunted as she delved deeper into the memories of that terrifying night. "When those men appeared, it was like the air changed... became thicker, almost suffocating," she began, her voice faltering.

"I remember the grip of one man, so strong and... and cruel. I couldn't break free no matter how hard I struggled," she continued, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions. "For a moment, I truly didn't know if I would survive, if I was going to die in that dark alley."

Tears began to slip down her cheeks, the vivid recollection overwhelming her defences. She took a shaky breath, trying to steady her voice. "It was terrifying, Leon. The helplessness, the fear... it haunts me. Every shadow now feels like a threat, every unexpected noise makes my heart race."

Watching her distress, Leon's expression softened. He reached out, his hand gently brushing the tears from her cheeks. His touch was careful, meant to comfort and reassure rather than intrude.

Leon reached out instinctively, his fingers gently catching the tears that streaked down her face. "I promise you, my lady, never again. As long as I draw breath, no harm will come to you," he vowed, his voice thick with conviction.

Basalia looked up at him, her breath being almost taken away at the flames that danced in his eyes. "Thank you, Ser Leon," she whispered, managing a small smile.

As they stared into each other's eyes, Basalia felt an overwhelming feeling of affection. She knew what she was about to do wasn't right, but that didn't matter. She reached up, pulling his head down, and pressed her lips to his in a deep, heartfelt kiss. Maybe it was the wine, but in the moment she didn't care. She didn't care about being betrothed to someone she will never love; she didn't care about formalities. She just wanted him, and only him. Her Leon.

At her kiss, Leon almost immediately responded with equal passion, his hands gently cradling her face as the kiss grew more eager. For a moment, the world outside melted away, leaving only the warmth of the fire and they kiss they shared.

Feeling a rush of boldness, Basalia stood, pulling Leon up with her, not breaking the kiss as they moved toward the bed. They eased down together, their movements fluid and synchronized, as they continued to explore the kiss. Leon placed Basalia on her back, his hands now moving from her face to her curves hidden by the dress she wore.

Leons lips moved to her neck, kissing it roughly, making Basalia gasp from the sensation. She'd never kissed anyone before, and for a first time, she was loving it. His lips moved from her neck back to her lips, taking them in his roughly as he pulled them between his teeth.

As the night continued, it was filled with love and passion. Basalia no longer felt as if the world was against her. With Leon beside her, everything felt right, where it was supposed to be.

And she intended to keep it that way.

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