A/N Another update! This is a bit of a filler chapter, but it's all to lead up for the grand event to follow (And for the people who've read a majority of my stories, you know I rarely ever make fillers. There's hype everywhere with me) But anyway, cheers for reading :) And shout out to lac3ykittens for saying you could believe this being in Game of Thrones, that seriously made my day so thanks :)
With the days passing one after the other, noble men and woman from all over Westeros poured into the city gates to take residence inside the great Keep. I don't think I've ever had to greet so many people in my entire life, and almost all of them I've never personally met before. Even the Great Houses have ventured to the Capitol; everyone from the Tyrells of Highgarden to the Starks of Winterfell. I knew then that the wedding was going to be an event far bigger than I'd realised.
"I'd like to thank you again for taking the time to introduce me to your friends" spoke Annabeth Thorne as she walked beside me, my personal guards trailing a little ways back "I know you've been rather busy with all the arrangements needed for your wedding tomorrow"
The fact is almost hard to believe. My nerves have already set in for the big occasion and I was trying to take my mind off of it as much as I could. Even at night I tossed and turned for hours trying to find sleep. Time seems to be going so fast all of sudden I wondered if I was really ready for it all to happen.
I smiled "It's no trouble. I'm glad that I can help you"
Walking along the hedged pathways of the Royal Garden, we were currently heading to the grassy patch of lawn where I used to picnic with the other noble children and once close friends. But ever since not-too-recent events, I hadn't found it in me to return to the people and place I'd once found happiness in, and so slowly I'd forgotten it all – until now.
Coming up near the familiar waterfall, I could hear the giggles and chatter coming from the group as we approached. Watching them, one of the boys caught our site and he nudged his friend with his shoulder and in doing so gained the whole groups attention. Quickly the noise had died to just the sound of rushing water as they all stood up "Your grace" they all bowed and curtsied.
There was a moment of silence until Evelyne spoke "It's been a long time. We didn't think you'd ever come back" I could see the look in all their faces; a mixture of sadness, surprise and happiness. They all know the reason why I didn't come back but despite my disappearance over the last couple of months, I came to realise that none of them had ever actually come to see or talk to me afterwards. Although I suppose I was never really good friends with all of them "Are you going to join us for lunch? We just started" she added, trying to change the dull and somewhat hurtful topic.
"No unfortunately, but I would like to introduce you to someone" I gestured to Annabeth as she stood shy and awkward like "She and her mother recently moved from their home to join us here in the castle"
"Annabeth Thorne, isn't it?" A boy of fifteen took a step forward. With swept back blonde hair and green eyes, I knew him to be Harrison Cromwell. I used to play hide and seek with him. Wiping his hands off on his breeches, he introduced himself to the girl beside me "Harrison. It's a pleasure"
I felt an unknowing smile tug at the corner of my lip as he kissed the back of Annabeth's hand. Noticing her pinkish cheeks, he took her hand in his and Harrison was about to lead her over to the picnic area when she looked back at me with her hazel eyes "Would you please stay a little while?" she asked me with a hopeful look.
I considered the offer for a moment when I locked eyes with Evelyne, she too had a hopeful look. With an inaudible sigh, I nodded "For a little while" I agreed. Watching the others sit back down, Annabeth sat next to Harrison and I could tell they are already very smitten with each other. It gave me a slight tingle in my chest; the familiarity of the situation – it reminded me of the day I'd first met Brendon.
Catching the figure of Evelyne next to me, I turned to look at her "I want to apologise – " she started.
"There's nothing to apologise for" I interjected "I'd rather leave the past where it belongs – behind me" I added. I have no desire to talk about Brendon or Penny. It isn't necessary. Walking over to the rest of the group, I sat down on a vacant spot.
Offered a cup of tea, I sipped on the hot beverage and as the others talked, I never once joined in. Sitting here with all these familiar faces makes me feel more uncomfortable than anything, and the obvious tension in the air isn't helping. I could tell no one knows what to say to me or how to act. They're opening up to Annabeth better than they are me; a person they've known for years. I don't think it'll ever be the same.
I was right for not returning.
Peering off into the distance every once and a while, I didn't pay attention all that much but soon the lunch was over. Standing up from the ground, I dusted my dress from any stray blades of grass. Coming over to me with a bounce in her step, Annabeth smiled with her apple round cheeks "Thank you for staying as long as you did. I do appreciate it very much" she gestured behind her where I saw Harrison was also waiting "The others are going to teach me a game. Would you like to play?"
"I'm afraid I can't. I have a few things that need to be taken care of before tomorrow" it was a lie, but it was easier than voicing the real reason. That I didn't belong. That I didn't want to be here. And besides, she looks to have settled in with the others quite nicely "But I'm sure you'll have plenty of fun without me" I smiled convincingly "Enjoy the rest of your day lady Thorne"
"I will your grace" she curtsied.
Leaving back down the garden path, I passed guest couples here and there taking in the fine view of the flowers during their stay. Making my way out, I'd gone back inside the castle walls when I noticed a handful of people standing around in one of the larger open spaced courtyards located inside the Keep. The women and men all have impressed expressions on their faces and as I went to inspect what exactly it was they were looking at, I saw a man standing in the centre of the huddled circle.
With short black hair, brown eyes and tanned skin, he's dressed in yellow and orange clothing and I could only assume that he's from Dorne. Although I have no idea as to who exactly he is. Holding one of his arms up at a level position with his chest, a medium sized bird sat perched; its eyes covered with a leather hood.
"Princess Rhaella" spoke the Dornish man with the somewhat thick accent of his homeland. The other nobles turned to see me once he announced my presence "How lovely for you to join us. I was just showing one of my prized possessions"
"A bird?" I replied.
"Indeed. But not just any. No, this is a Falcon. One of the fastest creatures in the world" he said while running his knuckles along the brown feathers on the bird's chest "Would you like to see?" I'd stopped to stand a few steps in front of him, the nobles giving me some space of my own.
"Yes, I would" I replied and the man nodded. Taking off the leather hood from the birds face, he jolted his arm up and the creature flapped its wings before taking off into the sky as fast as a clap of lightening. Watching as it sawed here and there, weaving around with such freedom, the man let his creature perform its show before giving a sharp whistle.
Flying down with a swoop, it halted with a series flaps before landing back onto the Dornish man's arm again. Replacing the leather hood, he looked at me "Are you impressed Princess?"
"Quite" I said with a nod of my head and a small smile "I've never seen a Falcon before. A rather exotic creature"
"An exotic creature for an exotic woman than" I tilted my head a little at his reply "A wedding gift" he announced. The few surrounding people clapped their hands.
"It's a wonderful gift – " I paused as I didn't know his name.
"Prince Oberyn Martell" he finished.
I was a little surprised. I'm familiar with the name and I've heard and read many tales about him, although I haven't had the chance to meet the man until now. Although from the looks of things, he seems to fit the title of the Red Viper. Handing over the Flacon to one of the nearby servants, Oberyn walked over and held his arm out for me.
"Would you walk with me?" he asked. Nodding my head, I linked my arm with his and we made our way out of the courtyard and down the hall "I'm glad we've finally found each other. I've been wanting to meet you for quite some time"
I raised an eyebrow "You have?"
"Of course. I wanted to see for myself" he replied "To know if the beauty of the Targaryen Princess is as breath taking as they all say" I chuckled. I didn't know people gossiped about my looks.
"And now that you've met me in the flesh, what's the verdict?" I asked curiously. What does the Prince of Dorne have to say about me?
"I've seen many beautiful woman in my life, but a woman like you – that I've never seen before. With your silver hair and porcelain skin, I know for a fact thousands of woman would trade lives for what you possess. The body and grace of Goddess"
"Somehow I don't believe you" I replied.
"Then if you don't believe me, believe them" he nodded. Rounding a corner we entered into a large foyer filled with a few people that wanted to socialise for the evening "Take a closer look. Watch how their eyes flicker to you. How the men's backs stiffen and the woman plump their chests. You can see, feel, the jealousy and desire"
Doing as Oberyn had instructed I took more time in observing the people around me and he was right. I picked up on the small movements that I was too blind to see before. But still, even with the evidence I found it hard to believe it was all because of looks "I'm royalty. Who wouldn't be a little intimidated by the fact?" I spoke quietly so the others wouldn't hear.
Oberyn chuckled "You're hard to convince and modest. A rare trait considering the vanity that usually permeates the Capitol" he replied "I wonder if that's the reason you brother guards you so closely. To keep you away from the taint of the world"
I briefly looked back at the golden clad guards behind us "Yes" I replied "And no"
"Complicated" Oberyn added and I nodded "Life isn't always simple, is it?"
I shook my head "Unfortunately not. It's an endless riddle you have to keep solving and it becomes more difficult as each day passes" I took a deep breath in. And it isn't just life itself, it's also the people. They're the ones that make it most difficult.
Sifting through the sea of faces, one person in particular caught my eyes. Dressed in the Dornish colours, the woman held a resemblance to the man walking beside me. And as we approached I could hear her gentle laughter and see the wide smile on her full lips. Oberyn caught the small group's attention as well as the woman's.
"I'd like to introduce you to my sister, Elia Martell" he said while gesturing.
The woman with her sun tanned skin and chocolate eyes had turned to me before curtsying "It is an honour to meet you Princess Rhaella" her accent is also lilted like her brothers "And I congratulate you for your wedding tomorrow. I look forward to the ceremony"
"I thank you for being able to join us" I replied with a friendly smile "I understand it's a long journey from Dorne. Did you travel well?"
"Yes your grace. Very pleasant and so is the Capitol. It's been many years since I last visited" Elia replied.
"Then I hope your able to enjoy what the city has to offer before you return home" catching the edge of my vision, an older couple walked over to us. The man has a head of grey hair and he wore an unpleasant look on his aged face. I knew him to be Lewyn Martell and the woman next to him his wife. Although I haven't seen them since I was a very young girl and when they'd left it wasn't on good terms.
They greeted me with a bow "Princess" Lewyn's tone of voice wasn't necessarily rude, but I could tell that he didn't particularly enjoy my company. A debacle between our houses has certainly unsettled the friendship between our two families, or at least with the reigning Lord of Sunspear "You've certainly grown into a fine young woman since last we met"
"Thank you my lord" I gave a forced but still acceptable smile in return.
"And you're new born brother. How is he fairing?" asked the lady Martell.
"Very well. He's grown tremendously these last few weeks" I replied "Your gifts were most kind and generous" I added. I could feel the tension slowly making the air heavy and I don't think I was only one to feel it "How long do you intend on staying in Kingslanding?"
"Not for long. We've entrusted our home with our oldest, Doran, but with the recent attacks we don't wish to be away for longer than we need to be" Lewyn spoke plainly. From what I know their son Doran also suffers from a crippling case of gout and has been restricted to a wheelchair, so I'm understanding as to why he wasn't able to join the wedding "Speaking of such affairs, I've wondered as to why your brother refused to aid us personally these recent months"
Filtering what Lord Martell has said, I felt a little cornered and I didn't exactly know what to say in return. Even though I knew of what he was speaking of it's still hardly my place to answer his question, and by the sourness of his tone I felt offended. He was trying to accuse me. As I went to open my mouth to speak, a familiar voice from behind me came first.
"That's a conversation better left to be discussed in private" Rhaegars tone was firm as he stood behind me, the warmth of his body brushing up against me. Immediately I felt a wave of comfort and protectiveness.
Shying my eyes away, Lewyn hadn't replied and instead Rhaegar guided me away from the group of Martell's so that we walked side by side "He doesn't seem all too pleased to be here" I said.
"No, he doesn't" replied Rhaegar "How did you end up their company?"
"Oberyn. He was presenting one of his birds in the courtyard. He gave it to me as a wedding gift" playing with the tips of my fingers in my lap, I glanced up at Rhaegar. He held the ghost of a stern expression, as if he were a little unsettled or disrupted by something "Is something the matter?"
His expression immediately softened as he looked down at me "No. Nothing you need to worry about" I sighed, it was irritating at times when Rhaegar wouldn't tell me what's clearly bothering him. Continuing to walk in silence, I wondered if I should ask. Taking in a breath, I didn't look at him.
"Do you think I'm beautiful?" it was a rather odd question now that I've said it aloud, but I wanted to know after my brief conversation with Oberyn.
Taking a moment to reply, I wasn't sure if he'd heard me "What makes you ask?"
"Curiosity" I said before adding "I've been wondering as to why you have them following me still. Is it really because you want to make sure I'm safe from the world, or is it so you can keep me from it – scared someone might catch my eye again?" it wasn't a silly question, he was rather defensive about a piece of hay of all things.
"You're asking me if I'm jealous again"
"No, not jealous" I replied "I already know your not – but rather protective of what you think is yours and yours alone" walking a little ways away from the main crowd of people, we stood relatively alone and in private.
"I don't think" he said "I know, and yes – I think you're beautiful, and so does the rest of world" reaching out, Rhaegar tucked a lock of my hair out of the way "But if it bothers you that much, then I'll have them dismissed" he said with a nod to the guards.
"Why?" I've been pestering him about my escort for weeks and he's never once entertained the idea. What's making Rhaegar give in so easily this time? Is it because of what I said? Is he trying to prove a point?
"It'll make you happy, won't it?" I nodded hesitantly "Then that's my reason"
"But it isn't the truth" I retorted under my breath and he sighed before giving me a look. I'm doing it again, I'm searching for an answer. But I can't myself when it comes to Rhaegar. He's always weaving and diverting his way around things to point of it becoming jumbled and hard to focus "You never did answer my question" about why the guards are really there.
"They were there to make sure you didn't do anything you'll regret" he replied "But I admit, I shouldn't be so strict – I should be able to trust you, shouldn't I Rhaella?" looking down at me with his deep eyes, they pierced me and I felt my heart skip a beat before I shied away.
"Yes, you can trust me"
