A/N Another update! I'm so glad you guys enjoyed the first chapter of my new story 'Destructive Elegance' and I'll start writing more chapters as soon as I'm finished with this story. But for now though, let me know what you think and leave me a review if your so inclined :)
Standing on the small pedestal positioned in front of a series of folded out mirrors, I continued to look at myself as the dressmaker took my measurements. Today is the day I'm supposed to decide on the design of my wedding dress, but to be completely honest I hadn't really thought about it. I didn't know what I wanted. Taking in a shaky breath, I imagined myself in something elegant perhaps – not too over the top. I wanted to at least look beautiful and I'm glad Rhaegar hadn't taken complete control of what I was to wear on the day.
"Now…" said the dressmaker as she stood back with the role of measuring tape around her neck. She looked me up and down "what to do you see? What would you like to look like?"
"I want to look beautiful and elegant…no ruffles. Lace?" I questioned "and fitting as well" there's no point in trying to hide the bump, everyone knows.
She nodded her head "Then I'll make something just like that. No one will ever wear anything the same as long as I'm alive" she smiled "this will be a one of a kind work" stepping down off of the pedestal, my shoes clicked on the floor. Walking with the dressmaker over to the kitchen table, we sat down with a book of designs and started to flip through them.
Pointing out several little things that I liked as we went over the book, she sketched a rough drawing as we went along. My dress was starting to appear quite nice with the lace, a few small pearl beads and the flow of the skirt. With it all coming together we of course went with the traditional colour of white, but as we were discussing decorative pieces, a knock sounded on the door.
Watching it open we stood up at the site of silvery hair and black clothing. Walking across the room, Rhaegar always had an air of authority and confidence about him "Have you decided on a dress?" he asked while standing in front of me. I nodded.
"We have…but you don't get to see it yet" I replied.
He tilted his head "And why is that?" he questioned before folding his arms to make himself appear intimidating – which he is.
"Because it would be bad luck to see it before the wedding…you'll just have to wait" looking down at me with his deep eyes, neither one of us moved until a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"As you wish" holding out his hand, he added "but first, there's something I'd like you to see…" quickly glancing at the dressmaker, we had gotten through the majority of the planning needed so I'm sure she won't mind. Taking Rhaegars hand, he led us out of the room and down the corridor; the familiar trail of two Kingsguard following a close distance behind.
After walking for a few more minutes, I could help but ask "Where are we going?"
"Well, you'll just have to wait and see" he teased. Giving a slight eye roll at his words, we ventured over the bridge to the Royal Gardens and stopped at the massive centre fountain. Turning to look at him I was still confused as to what was going on and why we had stopped "look" he instructed while tugging me to re-face the other way.
I didn't know how I had missed it. A fair distance under the patio roof sat all my siblings around the table overlooking the great expanse of the sea. They hadn't noticed me yet and I felt desperate to reach them "Can I?" I asked as Rhaegar stood behind me, his hands resting on my shoulders.
"Go on…" letting go of me, that was all it took for me to scrunch my skirt and race off to join my family. I didn't care that I was running, I couldn't wait – I have to reach them. Getting closer and closer by the second, Lyanna had turned her head to see me before quickly getting up from her seat and meeting me half way. Almost crashing together in a tangle of limbs and happy laughter, we held each other for what must have been the longest time on the Earth.
"I missed you so much" I gleamed before she squeezed me tighter.
"And I missed you…you have no idea" holding in the few tears that threatened to spill, not a moment later the rest of my brothers had come to join us with opening arms and smiles on their faces. I still couldn't believe it, that everyone is here – even Brandon.
Hugging each and every one of them, I had looked over my shoulder to see if Rhaegar was still there but he had left "Come. Now that you're here, let's eat!" said Brandon as he clapped his hands together "I've never had this fancy Capitol food yet" laughing, we all made our way back to the table and sat down. Lyanna on my left and Ned on my right.
Grabbing a lemon tart from one of the plates, I took a savoured bite "It's been a rather long time since we've last seen you. How has life been faring?" asked Ned as he sat back in his seat. Unlike the rest, he wasn't stuffing his face with the various sweet treats and exotic fruit. Always the contained and polite one.
"It's been difficult…a lot of things have changed" I wasn't quite sure how to answer the question "but I'm happy and I'm safe"
"So he's been treating you right then?" asked Brandon in a serious tone as he held a biscuit in his hand "I don't need to go ruffle his scales and show him what for?"
I shook my head with a chuckle "No Brandon, he's been good to me…" even though there's times where he hasn't, but I wasn't going to tell him that. Brandon wouldn't hesitate to do what he had said, as people would often say – his bite is as big as his bark "I'm well taken care of, the Maester sees me often to make sure that I'm doing well…there's really nothing any of you need to worry about. I promise"
"Good. As long as you're okay, that's all that matters to us" said Lyanna from beside me "…but now that that's been settled, we have a festival to celebrate" she gleamed with a smile, trying to diverge the conversation onto something less gloomy – and it worked.
The festival of The Mother was a time for all to come together and celebrate with happiness, drink and dance. Of course there would be a more private party within the walls of the castle for the nobles to mingle amongst their own, but the common people still held their own celebration on the streets and within their homes.
"Have you decided on what to wear?" asked Lyanna and I nodded.
"I have, I've been working on a dress of my own. You'll see it tonight, it's quite beautiful. And what about you, did you bring a dress with you?" I asked while taking a sip of water from my cup.
Lyanna didn't have a chance to answer "Robert gave her another dress" teased Benjin with a grin on his face as he ate a pastry "he was all lovey dovey about it too, you should have seen her face…"
"Quiet you, or I'll shove that…" not being able to finish her threat, Ned had spoken up with a trained eye on both of our bickering siblings.
"That's enough you too" he said "we've only just arrived. At least act a little civil…" sighing, Lyanna sat back in her chair while Benjin quietly snicked. Picking up another tart, I resisted the urge to shake my head and laugh. There still the same family I left behind – I'm glad.
Gossiping for the rest of the day, all five of us had talked about an endless array of things. Everything from a funny story about a kitchen servant to Ned's future wedding to Catelyn Tully "I've met her a few times on my visits to Riverrun" said Ned as we walked up the hallway together "she's kind and beautiful, with red hair…a good match. I'm fortunate to have her"
I imagined he is "At least you've met her and you know what she's like…there's nothing worse than meeting the person you're going marry on your actual wedding day" I replied "unfortunately I can't make any promises and I have a few people that I need to talk to first, but I'd very much like to come to the ceremony…"
"That would make me happy" said Ned with a smile "I've missed your company, these two have been nothing but trouble since you left" he said while gesturing to Lyanna and Benjin who were still bickering in front of us "and besides, I think it'll do you some good coming up home for a while…this heat for one is killing me" he joked.
"It's funny" I muttered to myself "I barely notice it anymore" I guess it's another one of things that I've adjusted to unknowingly.
Departing ways, we all decided to get dressed for the festival that would be starting soon. Heading back to my room with Lyanna in tow, I stood in the dress I had made as she tied the strings on the back "You were right about the dress, it's beautiful…" she said with a smile, but I could tell there was some hesitance when she asked "how…how does it feel? The baby I mean"
"It's tiring" I chuckled "he keeps me up all night long sometimes, and everything aches no matter what I do to try and stop it"
"He?" she questioned.
I nodded while my hand rested on my swollen belly "Rhaegar…he keeps calling it a boy. I've just gotten used to it being that way I guess…although it would be nice if it were a girl"
"So you can dress her up in handmade dresses and spoil her rotten" teased Lyanna with a raised eyebrow as she finished lacing my dress. Turning around my lips were pursed with a grin. I'm guilty, but either way if it were a boy or girl it didn't matter – I'd still spoil them. I wouldn't be able to help myself.
"Have you and Robert talked about your own wedding? You've been promised for quite a while, I thought he'd have you by his side by now" turning around for me, I pulled on the laces of Lyanna's dress. One of the few rare occasions I've ever seen her wear one without a fit of protests – she normally preferred breeches to a skirt.
"We've planned everything but I wanted to wait to see you first. I couldn't miss the chance to come up here…and I wanted to ask for you to attend – if it's not too much trouble" I shook my head even though she couldn't see.
"Of course it's not too much trouble. I'll be there for both yours and Ned's…" tying the bow at the back she turned around to wrap her arms around me. Clinging tight, I frowned when I heard her sniffle. Returning the gesture I was worried for a moment, my sister was hardly ever like this "what's wrong Lyanna? You're crying"
"I've…I've just missed you so much. When you first left I couldn't help but think how I took everything for granted. All the memories and time we'd spent together wasn't enough with you gone. I hated it, and I hated it even more when they wouldn't tell me what was going on…"
"It's okay" I reassured her with a light squeeze "everything's okay. Your here now and we can spend as much time as you like together while you are" pulling away, I grabbed both of her hands and plastered a smile on my face. I couldn't cry, I have to make her happy and take her mind off of it all "come on, the festival's going to start any minute"
Checking ourselves one last time in the mirror, we made our way out of my room and down the hallway; following the echo of music and laughter as people sang and danced. With the night sky darkening everything, there were a few fire barrels alight to help us see as we crossed the large open court yard. With a few Kingsguard busy patrolling the castle during the festivities, I didn't have my usual escort which I was thankful for.
A night of freedom with just my family.
Passing a few scattered nobles in their fancy attire as they lingered outside in the moonlight, me and Lyanna headed through the double doors of the hallway. Immediately we were enveloped with loud music and the strong smell of roast beef and wine. Filtering through the crowd of people, I tugged on Lyanna's hand "Come on, let's dance" I called over behind my shoulder.
"But Lina you know I can't…" she whined, unsure of herself.
Entering onto the dancefloor, I chuckled "Just do it anyway. Don't think about them, just have fun with me" linking my arm with hers, the musician to the right started playing and soon we were in full swing. Looping and twirling, people on the sides clapped along with the beat of the music while others swapped on and off of the dancefloor.
Becoming exhausted after two songs we left to go find our brothers "Where do you think they are?" asked Lyanna as she looked here and there. We couldn't manage to find them, but just as I was about to reply – the voice of our father caught our attention.
"There you two are…we were wondering if you had arrived yet" he said with a genuine smile on his lips as mother stood just beside him; both of them holding a cup of wine "are you enjoying the festival? It's rather big isn't it…I've never been around this many people" he said while gazing across the ever growing clutter of nobles.
"But it's beautiful isn't it…look at all the decorations" I replied while gesturing to the candles, banners of The Mother and array of bright flowers that had been set out and wrapped around the large columns supporting the Hall.
"Indeed it is" spoke mother "actually, I've heard there'll be a colourful show afterwards…fireworks?" she said with a tilt of her head.
"Fireworks!" gasped Lyanna from beside me; her eyes going wide. None of us have ever seen such a spectacle, but we've heard plenty about it. They were described as colourful explosions of fire in the sky with a noise so loud it would make your ears tingle for the rest of the night. We never had fireworks in the North as we don't have the weather for it, but Kingslanding is famous for it – they'd have a show every time there was a big celebration.
"Why don't you two go dance or mingle outside" suggested father with a gesture of his hand "I think they might be lighting the lanterns soon"
Nodding, I was about to leave bit I paused "We were trying to find out brothers…we haven't seen them since earlier today" I said.
Father swatted his hand in a light dismissal "Don't worry about those three…there probably up to no good. You two should just go fun, and look after each other" he added. Turning to Lyanna I grabbed her hand in mine and tugged her through the maze of people before we made it outside again. Heading across the bricked court yard, we followed a small wandering trail of people before arriving at our destination.
Breathing in the fresh night air, a large area had been sectioned off for the paper lanterns. It was a tradition during the festival, if you were so inclined, that you could light a lantern and make a wish. When the tower bell would ring in honour of The Mother, you would release the lantern up into the sky so that she may receive it. The event made for quite a light show, as the glowing would speckles the sky like stars.
Finding a paper lantern each, Lyanna was a few steps to my side assembling her own and just as I was half way through mine a warm chest pressed up from behind me. Letting out a light gasp, I wasn't afraid of who it was once I saw the familiar set of hands come out to rest themselves on my belly "I was wondering when I'd find you" spoke Rhaegar as he watched me.
"You know I'm never far away" I replied as I leant against the warmth of his body. Placing the candle in the little circular space inside, I held it as Rhaegar struck the match to light it. Standing with the lantern in my hands, I felt at peace in the moment as I watched the flicker of the flame through the thin white paper. Soon the loud tower bell ring five times signalling for us to release and I held it up "make a wish with me…" I said and a few seconds passed.
"Ready?" he asked. I nodded before letting go and watching as it floated up into the sky along with the rest. Staring up as they continued to drift further and further away, I hoped that my wish would be answered along with Rhaegars; even if I didn't know exactly what it was "Beautiful…but not as much as you" he said near my ear, and it made me chuckle at his relentless efforts to woo me – even though he had already won.
Once the lanterns had disappeared from the sky, we had walked back up the stone pathway and into the Hall when we were eventually greeted by my mother and father "Your grace" they both said with a polite bow. I know it was rather odd, but sometimes I would forget what position of power Rhaegar held – and that he is indeed royalty. He never really acted as if that were his station, he wasn't all brute force and commands. But that wasn't to say he couldn't be if he wanted too.
"I'd like to thank you for allowing the rest of my children to join us – it means a great deal to have them here" said father with a curt nod of his head. Glancing at Rhaegar I was taken aback at the information, I didn't know that he was the one that actually 'allowed' them to come – I thought it was a decision for father to make.
"It wasn't any trouble" replied Rhaegar "it seems the reunion has made Mileena very happy" it sounded as if that was the only reason in which he accepted; which it probably was no doubt. Never the less, I'm glad Rhaegar had agreed to let my siblings come to the castle. Giving another small bow, mother and father left with each other and Rhaegar had turned to me with his hand held out "will you dance with me?"
"Yes, of course" taking his hand, he led us to the dancefloor before another song started to play. A couple's song. A slow pace dance, it was more 'spiritual' than sensual and I enjoyed it a lot despite the ache that had formed in my lower back. Feeling eyes on us, I decided to ignore their critical eyes and focus on just myself and what I was doing – they were all just a blur.
Finishing up the dance, my heart fluttered beneath my chest. Making our way over to the head table I sat next to Rhaegar as we rested and had something to eat. Watching the continued dancing and entertainers as they juggled or performed tricks around the Hall, I drank from my cup of water when a pitter patter of feet ran towards us before coming to stand right beside Rhaegars chair.
It was Rhaenys.
"No one wants to dance with me" I heard her whine as Rhaegar picked her up to set her on his knee. Fitted into a flower themed dress, I wanted to laugh at the abundance of flowers the little princess had on her. With one resting in both sides of her ears, she also had a string of flowers wrapped around her neck and wrists. The girl was almost like a walking garden there were that many.
Trying not to pay attention to their conversation as I thought it might have been rude, I couldn't help it though when he mentioned Elia "Where's your mother? I'm sure she'd like to dance with you"
Rhaenys shook her head "She won't. She's still in her room and she won't come out" the little girl said. Immediately I felt bad for both the Princess and Elia. She's probably not here because I am, which means it's my fault that Rhaenys doesn't have anyone to dance with. Listening to hushed whispers, Rhaenys cupped a small hand over her mouth to keep me from hearing "…please" I then heard her say clearly.
"She's had a long day Byka zaldrīzes, I'm sure she just wants to rest for now. I'll ask her later, but for now go play with the others…" helping Rheanys off of his knee, the little girl ran off to join the small group of other children her age.
Turning to face him I asked "Was there something wrong?"
"No" he said with a shake of his head "she's just lonely…she wanted to know if you'd dance with her later. She seems to like you very much" he added.
"We've…bonded a few times. She's a sweet little thing" I smiled after her "but I wouldn't mind having a dance or two" sitting back in my chair, Rhaegar reached out with his hand to take mine before giving me a thankful smile.
Sitting at the table for a few more hours Rhaenys had come back to drag me to the dancefloor and after a couple of dances I was once again exhausted, but the prospect of seeing firework had given me the strength to continue on. Walking outside with Rhaegar by my side, all the other nobles had grouped out in the open to look up at the sky and watch the show that would soon start "Have you seen it before?" he asked while holding me in his arms.
"No, never…I'm excited" hearing a few muffled voices, a loud snap went off before something was launched into the sky with a small trail of smoke behind it and a light whining noise. Watching, a loud boom echoed into the sky before a massive eruption of bright colours flooded my vision and I gasped wide eyed. A giggle slipped past my lips as more of them started to fly and crackle up above. I could barely believe I was witnessing it all.
It was like magic.