CHAPTER 10

Ever since she was born, Maegara had been Daemon's sole basis for the definition of a princess. Lively, but not willful. Spirited, but not reckless. Intelligent enough to keep a conversation and at the same time give a sound argument in terms of ruling the Seven Kingdoms. Charming. Graceful. Poised. And as her brother, Daemon would certainly be the forefront expert on how Maegara appeared in the public's eye. So as she walked down the courtyard aisle, in a revealing black gown and hair silvery white hair pinned in an up-do, smiling as she walked tall and proudly and Tybalt Lannister's arm around her, Daemon was the only one who could see how dead his sister was on the inside.

She's beautiful, Daemon thought. Her hair looked longer than it did three months ago. But she also looked thinner and appeared more gaunt-looking, something she failed to hide despite her sweet smile. He could also see that her beauty was of a statuesque smile, and while the word stunning could have described her, so could the word tragic.

"Prince Daemon!" Tybalt greeted shrilly. Daemon smiled as he stood up, gritting his teeth so hard that he could almost break them. "Lady Sansarya. Glad to see you back in court."

"Tybalt," Daemon said coolly. He turned to Maegara. Their eyes locked, and all of a sudden everything he wanted to say for the last three months have passed through his head like a whirlwind. I miss you. I love you. Wait for me, please. "Sister."

Careful as she was, Maegara showed nothing but polite coolness. "So good to see you again, Daemon." She smiled politely. "As your sister, I am proud of your victory in the Wall. You have protected the Seven Kingdoms and you have my and the rest of the Realm's gratitude."

"Him and Lord Stark, of course." Tybalt said, bemused. "I can't imagine how freezing it was up in the north, Prince Daemon. I'd rather face the Others than spend a fortnight at Castle Black."

I can take you if you want, Daemon thought acidly. But instead he laughed and said "It's good to see your return, Tybalt."

"Oh yes, my family will be staying for the next two months for our wedding," He lowered his hand to Maegara's waist, pulling her closer, and she smiled affectionately at him. "before we head back to Casterly Rock. Maegara's seen it, and I think she could get used to being Lady Lannister."

Daemon could feel his hand sliding to his hilt, but Sansarya was quick to hold his hand and smile knowingly at him. Maegara glanced at her and gave her the smallest of nods. "We must catch up soon, brother." Maegara smiled. "Until then."

They sat on the Queen's right, next to Tharin Lannister. Daemon watched as Tybalt smoothly helped Maegara to her seat, his hand trailing along the skin of her strapless gown, and he felt his teeth bite into his lip and tasted blood. He turned to Sansarya. "Maegara's betrothed to that animal?" He whispered furiously.

"Hey, you think I wanted to be the one to tell Daemon Targaryen and his famous violent reaction that his sister and possibly future wife is marrying a Lannister?" She said defensively. "You, who tries to grab your hilt every time something darkens your mood?"

"I don't do that!" Daemon scowled.

"Oh really? Where's your hand then?"

Daemon removed his hand from his sword's hilt, clasping his hands together. "I would have liked a warning before I saw her with…that."

They looked as the servants began serving food to the table. Tybalt was loud and his hands were all over Maegara, who was obviously struggling to keep his hands on the table while not ruining the lively mood. For a second, his eyes met hers and she gave him a weak smile before she turned back to her betrothed.

"How long has it been, Sansa?" Daemon asked as he looked on at the two.

"A week before they left for Casterly Rock." She replied quietly. She looked at the King, who was too busy talking to the Queen, before she leaned in. "You know about the rumors of a rebellion in the Westerlands, right? Well, Tharin Lannister promised that as Warden of the West, he would see to it that those rumors would be proven to be false—"

"If he started those rumors to make my father fear the West..." Daemon swore.

"Could you please not look like you're going to kill me and let me continue?" Sansarya scowled. "Well, Tharin swore that he'd protect the Seven Kingdoms from a rebellion from the West, and on the net Small Council meeting, he brought up a betrothal for Tybalt and Marga, and King Rhaelon approved, said it was gratitude for his help defending the peace."

"Defending the peace?" Daemon repeated incredulously. "He's Warden of the West! It's Lannister's duty to protect the peace, father shouldn't be grateful for his help. He'll destroy us if he marries off everyone important out of gratitude."

"I know, Marga and your mother thought so too, and so did father, but the King was insistent, and so Marga and Tybalt Lannister are set to marry in six months." Sansarya sighed, seeing Daemon struggling to keep himself composed. She added quietly, "You know, Maegara told me to protect you from doing anything stupid."

"You're doing a good job so far, then." Daemon said flatly.

"She did." Sansarya insisted. "She knew the first thing you'd do was kill the first Lannister man you'd find. You'd start a war just for her, she knew."

I'd kill a whole army of fucking wildlings for her. Daemon thought. He remembered the dagger lodged in that whore, Lilac. I'd do anything. "What now?"

"Smile, wait, and try to see if your father can change his mind." Sansarya said grimly. "Do what you can, Daemon. For us, and for your sister."

"Sorry, did I miss anything?" They turned to Sansarya's left to see Jason, the younger Lannister son, rush to the empty seat next to her. "They were having trouble unloading the carts so Tybalt asked me to help them."

Daemon graced him an inviting smile. Jason was the one Lannister who wasn't dislikable. "None," Daemon said politely.

"The dinner started late, so the King wants the food served now and the speech later." Sansarya added.

Dinner was a loud affair, and King Rhaelon was so busy entertaining the Lannisters that Daemon hardly got a word in him edgewise. After the courses were served, King Rhaelon stood and gave his speech thanking the gods for the safety and glorious victory of his son. He thanked the gods for a supportive ally like the Lannisters, and bless the betrothals of both his children. It was late at night when Daemon took his leave, his jaw aching from the smiles and hollow compliments throughout the night.

He was in his chambers, removing his doublet when he heard the knock on the door. He opened it to find Sansarya, looking grim and harried. "No time," She said quickly. "Is anyone inside?"

When he shook his head, Sansarya whistled and looked down the hall. "You'll thank me later," She said, her voice smoky, before she walked away from the door. Maegara pushed herself in, quickly slamming the door behind her.

Daemon opened his mouth to speak, but Maegara pulled herself close to him, her lips planted on his. "Mar—"

"Don't talk." She said firmly. "We'll talk about all that on the morrow. Take your breeches off, I missed you."

Daemon smiled and did as he was told, reaching for the lace on his breeches with one hand as he pulled her closer to him with the other.