Storm Slayer rocked gently against the tide of Blackwater Bay. It had taken an entire fortnight to reach Westeros and though she enjoyed the sea, Allorysse couldn't be happier to soon be on dry land. She leaned over the side of the ship, indulging in the mists that the small waves created as they splashed against the wood. A hand rested gently on her back and she opened her eyes, smiling at her father.
"You always did love the ocean, fierai," He spoke, calling her the ancient Hallosian name for Firebirds, "And having said that, your distaste for ships stumps me. You were never satisfied until you could immerse yourself in the water. Silly thought isn't it? A flame infatuated with water. You are a paradox in itself child." He smiled and placed his hand on the side of the boat and looked at the bay as she did.
"Marry Briella to the prince. She desires it more than I." Her voice was strong as she spoke. She did not look at him, only continued to gaze at the shore that grew as they approached it.
"Her desires do not overshadow your intellegiance. I will deny it if said by anyone else, but your sister is not the sharpest blade in the smithy, fierai. Heirs to a throne need wives who are as good at producing a clear and wise-minded choice as she is at producing heirs to those who rule. Your sisters clearest choice is on which gown to wear for his grace of Westeros." He laughed and looked at his daughter who remained sullen. "You smell like dead roses and fish heads, go prepare to meet their royal family." Allorysse rolled her eyes and gave her father a hug before walking towards the cabin entrance.
"Ouch! Ninny that's enough!" Allorysse shrieked as her handmaiden braided her hair tightly. Ninny just laughed and continued to pull the braids.
"Don't be such a baby, Ally." Briella said in poised tone, admiring her own braided hair in a hand mirror. "I gave Griti no fuss when she threaded my hair and painted my eyes and lips." She looked prominently over to her sister.
"That is because you are a freak of nature." Her bittersweet tone was met by her sister tongue sticking out at her. The maiden braided the last of her hair and picked up the facial paints.
"Your mother has picked the black gown with the gold plate chest piece as per your request, your grace." Ninettes hands were steady as she moved the brush slowly across her lid, outlining the almond shape of Allorysses eye with deep blacks and tints of sapphire. She repeated the same action on the other lid and dipped a clean brush into the rouge paint before spreading it evenly on her lips.
"You might pass for a lady tonight, eldest sister. I do hope the Northman is handsome enough for you." Briella sneered towards her sister and exited the room. Ninette helped Allorysse into her dress and showed her to the long mirror. It had been long since more than natural beauty had been required of her. They had met with important men in Essos many years ago but that was the last time she remembered having to dorn golden plates embedded with Hallosian jewels. This time around she had the body of a woman. the black silk hugged her body lazily and the spaces between the intricate plating revealed more of her slightly covered chest than she would have liked.
"I did not request these alterations. The dress was to be high in neck with a 3/4 sleeve. I look like an expensive whore." She looked again uncomfortably at the garb.
"Her majesty said the dress needed to make a statement, my princess." Ninette did her best to make more modest alterations but it left little to work with.
"The original dress spoke of my modesty despite my title and the armor was meant to show my willingness to serve in times of struggle. Is that not enough?" Allorysse shook her head as Ninny walked to the travel chest, pulling out a long piece of blue sheer and weaving it through the empty spaces of the plate. She tied the excess up at the back of her neck and let it fall down her bare back. Allorysse looked in the mirror, smiling at the almost new dress.
"Even I would not allow you to present yourself in that light, your grace." Ninny smiled into the mirror behind Allorysse. The sounds of sailor bustlimg about atop the ship let them know that the time was near.
"Drop anchor!" One of the men yelled loudly and the giant anchor was hoisted over the edge. It hit the water with a smack and suck to the bottom slowly. Sylas stood nervously next to his mother and next youngest sibling, Joffrey.
"You're so lucky to be marrying a princess. The highest I'll marry is a simple lady." The disappointment in Joffreys voice was blatant. Sometimes he cursed being the eldest born. Joffrey had the drive and desire to remain Archaic in their ways, Sylas wanted to marry for love. His mother had done her best to deter him from thoughts of love, saying that marriage is not an act of love, but one of duty. 'The only love you should ever bear is for that of your blood. Wives are not blood, they simply aid in creating children who are.' He never agreed with those words, he simply shook his head and said, Yes Mother, as he had every other time she spoke of love to him.
"Stand up straight, my sweet." Cersei put a hand on Sylas' shoulder and smiled up to him. There was so much of Robert in him she could hardly bear to look at him. This sweet boy had not mended any ties between her and her hotheaded husband as she had hoped. He still had the name of that wolf on his mind and bedded any woman who happened to have brown hair. With this thought came memories of Mercy, her little Lyanna. This memory pained her the most of all the ones she had. She had cursed Tyrion everyday since she gave birth. Who else was there to blame besides herself?
"My apologies, sister. I hope I haven't missed the welcome." Jamie said, faking short breath. Cersei rolled her eyes and turned to her brother.
"You have missed nothing, brother, but you might consider rethinking your standards for attending important events on time? They are severely lacking." She growled lowly at him.
"I will see to that, your grace." He smirked and stood behind her.
The ramp fell with a loud thud against the dock, a squire of some sort walking out before the others. Cersei scrunched her nose at his garments. Their foreign style held no appeal for her, she preferred the Southern style over all. The style one of these young women would be upholding soon. The royal family exited off the dock in a perfect formation. The King and the Queen locked arms in a poised style, the eldest boy and girl were behind them in the same fashion, and so it went on until she counted 8.
"Presenting His Grace King Daedrick of House Lyroden, Protector of Hallosian Realms, Lord of the First Fire Nation, and Defender of Ifranae's Faith to His Grace King Robert of House Baratheon, First of His Name, King of the Andals, Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm." The squire spoke loudly as Robert and Daedrick bowed to each other formally, Cersei and Alysia courtised.
"King Robert, it is a honour to finally be on the shore of the Great Westeros. Our boatsmen speak highly of its majesty and my wife, Alysia bathes in the oils of your Highgardens both morn and night." Daedrick spoke with a genuine smile. "Please, allow me to present my children." The boys stepped ahead of Allorysse and Briella and past their parents.
"Its unfair. Why must the boys go first?" Briella conplained in a whisper. Allorysse shrugged and watched nervously as the 6 boys bowed and gave thanks to the royalty of Westeros. She was not yet ready to meet her future kin, but then again, would she ever be?
"Your sons are fine young men." Cersei smiled as Fynn gave his best bow and gave his thanks, stumbling over the bigger words.
"Many thanks, your grace. Your sons were born with a great valour, I can see it in their eyes," Alysia spoke sweetly, "But after all, we are here to discuss matters of my daughters." She looked over her shoulder and nodded to the girls to come forward. "My Eldest daughter, Allorysse." Cersei's heart sank at the sight of the girl. Her brown hair sat in intricate braids a top her head, her facial features were illuminated by the paints that were done with equal detail. Was it yet another reincarnation of the woman who haunted her? It had to have been. Her eyes could not avert from the young woman. She followed every motion and stride that she took, studying her carefully. Only when she approached Robert, did Cersei break her stare. Roberts face was stunned, as she had expected.
"My deepest gratitude to his grace and his family. It is a great honour to be upon the majesty that is Westeros." She courtsied formally to them, and began turning to join her siblings. Cersei's hand clasped around Allorysse's before she could stop herself. Allorysse turned to meet Cersei's gaze, looking as fearful as the day the she brought her into this world. There was no denying that this was the same girl that she had sent to her death. She could never forget those grey eyes that seemed to pierce through her heart like the sharpest of steel.
"Have I angered you, your grace?" Allorysse's voice trembled as the queen continued to take in her features. She looked around at the other, who waited in anticipation and returned her eyes to the girl with a smile.
"No, sweet girl, My utmost apologies if I have frightened you. It is not often that we get exotic beauties such as yourself in our realm. I was simply taken aback." Cersei stared into her eyes again, looking for any sign of difference but to no avail. She watched carefully as she stood beside her kin. The youngest daughter presented herself but Cersei had no further care to meet her, offering only a small smile. After the formalities, Robert had induldged himself in conversation with the foreigners, as had her children. That left only her and her traitor of a twin who did not share in her shock.
"This cannot be.. You swore that you killed her.." She whispered sharply to her brother, who wore a small smile.
"Now is the time to repent, sweet sister." His eyes met hers for only an instant before he left her standing alone.
A/N: Thanks for the follows :) I hope you all enjoyed this update! There's still more to come!