Chapter Three: The High Tower's Handmaiden
One day out of seven, the princess she grew up with, Alyssa, had grown weary of her brothers japing at her abilities because "how can a girl dream to best me?", they'd said, teasingly. On those days, the princess sought comfort with her handmaidens, Eloise being her favourite. Eloise knew being born a girl did not make Alyssa a lesser swordswoman, her brothers' years and muscle on her did, and she would always succeed to reassure her princess.
Alyssa had later told her she had overheard her motherAlysanne and her niece septa Rhaella discuss the matter of the Alyssa's handmaidens: "It would be best for her to grow up with smart, capable women, allies, so she would be able to share her burdens, practice debate. Moreover, after the complications we faced with the church, such a pious girl can be of great influence to instruct her on the Faith of the Seven."
"The girl was born only two moons ahead of Alyssa, and even looks like her aunt Ceryse, brunette with doe eyes as virtuous as the Maiden herself." septa Rhaella said confidently, it will surely please Oldtown.
For every difference between the girls, there were two more similarities. Throughout the years that passed, the pair grew as close alike to sisters. Truthfully, any activity spent with Alyssa was Eloise's favourite pastime. Whenever the princess smiled, the Hightower girl was filled with joy.
As the two grew both closer and older, the handmaiden debate questions became bolder. Last night, when they were seated at the foot of the princess' bed, Eloise posed "If the Valyrians of Old truly are unlike other men, how could your sister Daenerys have perished from a mere common sickness like the shivers?" That took Alysane aback. "You shall not speak of my dear sister ever again", she responded, taking an instance to compose herself. She pondered for a moment, "leave my chambers now" she instructed in a commanding voice.
"Whatever you command, my princess" Eloise answered softly, before she did as her sweet asked.