The Queen was furious when she heard that the direwolf was gone when Lord Stark had left to deal with her. She had accused the lord of releasing the wolf but he had a strong alibi having been followed by some Lannister men to make sure the job was done, but only to discover the wolf gone. When the king heard he laughed and said that the matter was settled as they finally made it back to King's Landing.
The king's party entered through the Gate Of The Gods in a single line as crowds of cityfolk gathered to watch the royal party return. The sun was shining bright and the wind was blowing strong. Alycilles was on his horse, Goldy, a bright yellow mare with a mane as white as snow. She was in a gentle gallop bouncing atop the stone ground workings, the sound of her hooves ringing through his ears as they clacked on the ground.
Princess Saphira was next to him on her own mare, a dark chestnut horse with a silky mane of dark brown, as their cousin and sword shield to the prince was tailing behind them along with some kingsguard.
His father was way ahead of them with the rest of the Kingsguard. Alycilles could see Ser Barristan and his uncle next to his father with their cloak resting on their horse's backside.
Alycilles looked behind him and saw the carriage slowly making its way up the road. His mother was still in there, but this time Joffrey decided to stay within, accompanying their siblings as they looked through the windows onto the people.
The cheering began to change as they began to call out Prince Alycilles' name, welcoming their savior prince as they would call it. They would even call out for his sister screaming, "silver beauty" as she passed by. She would wave to them, swatting strands of her hair out her face as she smiled brightly, her cheeks turning a rosey color as her dimples imposed upon them. That elicited louder cheers at the sight of her as they waved.
She moved close to her brother so she could speak her words to him over the loud cheering of the crowd.
"Man they really turned out for our return. And it seems they greatly missed you guys, didn't know you were this loved" Tyrek said.
"I guess they still haven't forgotten what you and I have done for them brother," she said.
He looked at her then back onto the people. Alycilles wasn't surprised really. He and his sister had frequently visited the common folk and seen the troubles and blights they suffered.
He always wondered why his father would allow his kingdom to fall into such a state, then he learned that he either didn't care or his mother would insist on not worrying on the rabble of commoners.
It was something the young Alycilles didn't understand. Even still he and his sister did the best they could using his own funds he had in the safes of Casterly Rock to help improve the city even if by so little, and the people haven't forgotten.
One place that he wanted to change greatly was Flea Bottom. The first time he ever saw the place was when he was out on one of his adventures running away from the Gold Cloaks, playing with some children that ran the streets around here.
He nearly slipped in some shit that littered the ground as he ran along the street side.
He kept his balance luckily.
The smell of the city was also something he resented. This prompted him to talk to his father about fixing the city up but the king disregarded him saying, "a child shouldn't concern himself with matters of men."
The prince remembered that day greatly. He never truly was interested in the politics of the game, but after that slight from his father, he gained a constant interest in the subject. It took a few years of planning but he established a type of a way for the people to dispose of their waste properly.
As a kid he read many books of the history of Westeros' oldest structures and how their ancient creators forged them up.
With the help of Varys, he modified an old scroll with the layout of the entirety of King's landing. The prince told Varys how he wanted to change the underground sewer into an underground aqueduct system that led into the Blackwater bay. He even came up with the idea for buildings around the city that were filled with latrines where people could handle their business. The latrines would have the aqueducts built underneath them that would lead to a connected system that led into the black water, flushing all the city's waste into the waters. It was a brilliant system in the eyes of Varys, and during a council meeting he presented the plans to the small council members with the prince by his side. Jon Arryn was highly impressed with the prince and proclaimed the lad a young genius. Alycilles simply said the idea came to him when he thought of a solution to the problems he discovered throughout the city.
The queen was baffled that her young boy could come up with something so clever and intricate. She quickly associated it with herself claiming his genius came from her rather than the king.
When his father heard of his son's doings, he was somewhat furious but when Jon Arryn told him how this would greatly improve the city and please the city folk, he withdrew his anger and let it be. Alycilles thought his father would be proud but it had the opposite effect.
That moment started the resentment he began to have for his father. He even had an idea to clear out the stench throughout the city and for that he needed resources from across the sea.
He had asked Jon Arryn to order pounds of incense that they then used to burn away the nauseous smell that polluted the air and replaced it with a more soothing smell.
The construction of the system he calls the Underwater Drainage Dump is still underway but the people haven't forgotten.
Alycilles looked back to his sister. "The grateful always do," he said. She winked at him and the two began to wave together at the people. The prince would even throw coins out to them as the people dropped to the ground quick to pick them up.
Joffrey looked out onto the streets from inside the carriage watching, but his attention wasn't on the people, but at his brother as the citizens cheered for him. It should be me they are cheering for. My name they should be chanting, not Alycilles he thought. He would fidget and move around in his seat annoyingly in his fit his eyes never leaving his brother. The Queen mother couldn't help but notice her son's nuanced anger.
"Mother, can I ride with Alycilles and Saphira?" Prince Tommen asked. "Stay where you are Tommen" the queen responded back with, never looking away from her son atop his golden horse. Her other children seem to be on their best behavior, smiling as they watched their siblings. The affection the common folk had on her twins were very apparent to the queen. On many occasions she would try to get them to have the same affection for her crown lion, Joffrey, by offering them gifts in his name but for some reason it would never stick. Giving them gifts no matter how disgusted she was with it would never do the job proper and they would favor her second son instead.
The Red Keep came into view as they passed through the gates into the outer yard.
The king had rode on ahead and already entered the Red Keep in a fast haste. The prince and his sister along with their two personal guards, Tyrek, and Ser Arys Oakheart made their way through the Red Keep and to their chambers within the royal wing.
"Feels good to be home and back in some warmer weather. Thought we'd be spending our nameday in the north" the princess said.
"Oh, lost interest in the north already?" Alycilles asked.
"No, there's nothing wrong with the place, but everyone I know is here in King's Landing, and I doubt they'll travel north for little ol me. Or maybe they would" she said smirkingly.
They made their way into the princes chambers, leaving their two swornshields behind to stand guard outside their room. Saphira walked into the room after her brother, and turned to close the door, peering out at Tyrek as she gave him a smile, slowly closing the door as her face disappeared from his sight. It shut with a click as the princess turned with her back against the door.
"I have to admit, I agree with you when it comes to being home for our nameday. I'm not missing out in the tourney I'm sure out father will plan" the prince said.
"Oh yes, I heard mother say something about that. Apparently a whole handful of knights are arriving for this tourney especially. I overheard her say to father that she thinks you shouldn't take part in it though" the princess said sarcastically.
The prince tilted his head up to the ceiling and let out a groan.
"Does mother purposely forget that I've taken part in many tourneys before. I used to think she babied Joffrey but every now and then she strengthens her clutches on us just to remind us we are her children too" he said.
"Aw, she's only looking out for her silver prince. I've noticed how she flaunted you around when we were younger to the noble ladies and their daughters. She really liked showing you off" Saphira said.
"I used to hate that. How she would parade me around them. They would always say how I looked more Targaryen than Lannister. I hated it. The comparisons. I remember how Joffrey would grow jealous and snip my hair afterwards teasing me all for it" he said.
"I remember that," Saphira said with a laugh." I would never be surprised to see you with long hair one day and then short hair the very next" she replied.
"Mother would coddle Joffrey like he could do no wrong, never punishing him or have him take any form of responsibility. I sometimes despise her for it, how cruel it may sound" Saphira said slowly.
The prince didn't speak but strolled over to his dresser, changing out of the clothes he had on and into something simpler like a pair of black ankle cuff cotton pants and a well designed cotton shirt with a button collar. His sister had sat down at the table near the far left side of the room near the window as she peered out into the city seemingly comfortable as her brother changed.
"So are you planning on visiting them today?" she asked softly so only her brother could hear.
"Maybe. I don't know yet. If I do, I take it you want to join me?" he said as he buttoned up his trousers.
"And you have a problem with that," she said playfully.
"Of Course not," he said.
He strolled over to his mirror and picked up a nearby comb and worked it through his hair as he studied himself in the mirror.
Him and his sister shared a likeness to their mother. Chiseled jawline and exquisite cheekbones and hair that grew long and curled.
His hair had grown a little since their trip. It now fell to the lower end of his neck and was beginning to curl together more. I'm sure mother will want to get her hands through this he thought as he combed it to his liking.
The two in the right light looked like trueborn Lannisters, their hair often taking on a golden color that seemed to glow in the sun.
A knock suddenly came to the door as the two casually glanced towards it. "My prince, a messenger from the small council" Tyrek spoke out from behind the door.
"Very well. Come in" Alycilles said.
The door opened and in came the small council messenger, the man who would always inform him of when he had to uptake his role as a council member. A slim man with short greasy black hair and a pointed nose. As he came in he was somewhat surprised to see the princess there as he did a double take to her when he came in. He bowed to the both of them and spoke. My prince, Grand Maester Pycelle has called for a meeting of the small council and your appearance is requested."
The prince looked to his sister who smiled and nodded at him as she played around with some items on his table top and then he looked back to the messenger.
"Very well, I'll be there," he said. The man bowed again and proceeded to leave the chambers closing the door behind him. "Well, I guess I have to deal with this first. I'll see you after" Alycilles said to Saphira.
The princess simply waved her tiny finger in his direction as she stayed seated.
Prince Alycilles walked through the great hall finding it quiet and desolate. The only thing that seemed to have it's own presence was the Iron Throne itself. As he walked he stared at it.
The thing terrified him when he was younger. The first time he saw it, he thought it was more of a monster than a chair for a king. The thing reached high nearly touching the ceiling. The mountainous region of swords that loomed over him still looked sharp to the touch. As kids Joffrey would drag a younger Alycilles to the throne so they could look at the thing. Joffrey would dare him to touch the chair and would tease him for being afraid to do so. "That's why I'm going to be king and not you scaredy baby," he would say.
Later on in life the thing started to fascinate him instead of scare, as he would sometimes catch himself locked staring at it.
He passed the throne and entered the hallway behind it leading to the small council chambers, his feet echoing against the walls of the hallway.
He was quite early, but he saw that there were those here earlier than him. "Ahh, you're quite early Prince Alycilles" Baelish said. Alycilles walked over to the table and took his seat near the center next to where his father would sit. The sun was shining into the room brightly as the table was struck with the sun rays that pierced the window. The air in the room was stuffy and the prince was almost tempted to open a window.
"I was planning on taking a nap, but the safety of the kingdom comes first" he said in an almost sarcastic tone. Varys slightly raised his head, and Baelish simply gave his usual wide faced grin. After that his uncle Renly came strolling in. "About time you showed uncle, I thought you'd be taking a nap around this time," he sneered at the man. His uncle was lean and sported short black hair with the workings of a beard forming in.
"You know me nephew. I need a good rest if I'm to have any energy for your nameday" he chuckled. Shortly after Lord Stark came walking in. Varys was the first one to greet the lord, reaching his powdered hand out to him.
"Lord Stark."
"Lord Varys."
"I was grievously sorry to hear of your troubles on the Kings Road. We are praying for Prince Joffrey's recovery." The prince happened to be sitting right behind where Varys was standing so he couldn't see Ned Stark.
Ned removed his hand from Varys.
"Shame you didn't say a prayer for the butcher's boy" Stark said as he made his way around Varys. Prince Alycilles snickered to himself, but immediately stopped as he remembered the butcher's boy. Mycah was killed, ridden down by the hound. He didn't really know the boy, but he was Arya's friend and still just a boy. Whenever he thought about it the pits of his stomach would ache. Stark walked up to Renly who had open arms and a smile for him. Renly, you're looking well" Stark said.
"And you still look tired from the road. I told them we could of postponed this meeting-"
"But we have a kingdom to look after" the prince interjected as he turned his face towards the two.
"Good to see you again Lord Stark, seems we made it to King's Landing in one piece."
Ned looked towards the prince having just now noticed the boy, eyes widened.
"Prince Alycilles, I wasn't expecting to see you here," he said.
"Well, my uncle Stannis has been in Dragonstone for some time, so i've taken the liberty of foreseeing over the role of Master of Ships you see" the prince said. "Ahh, and how do you take to the position?" Lord Stark asked as he scruffed his beard.
The prince shrugged.
"It's not that challenging. I've managed to utilize the fleet quite efficiently, using them to maintain goods and such. Every now and then pirates loom on our sails but it's nothing our fleet can't handle" he said.
At that a man standing in front of the table coughed and spoke up as the prince finished speaking.
"I've hoped to meet you for some time now Lord Stark. No doubt Lady Catelyn has mentioned me."
"She has Lord Baelish. I understand you knew my brother as well."
"All too well. I still have a token of his esteem, from navel to collarbone" he said. Lord Stark smirked.
"Perhaps you chose the wrong man to duel," Stark said.
"It wasn't the man I chose my lord, but it was Catelyn Tully, a woman worth fighting for I'm sure you'll agree."
Lord Stark looked at him with a stone face but didn't say a word. Alycilles simply stayed quiet, wondering where Baelish found the courage to talk about a man's wife so openly.
"I humbly beg your pardon my Lord Stark," Pycelle spoke up as his chains rattled against each other.
"How many years has it been? You were a young man" the old maester said.
Stark gave him a wide grin that seemed to be only for himself.
"And you, who served another king."
Pycelle paused for a second then turned away from the lord and into his wooly cloak, fumbling for something within it.
"Oh how could I forget. This is for you," the Grand Maester said holding out a pin feebly to the lord of Winterfell. He took the pin and held it in his hand, staring at it before he pin it to his vest.
"Shall we begin."
Alycilles looked around the table he sat at and onto the people that made up the small council of the capitol.
His eyes looked onto Varys. He's known the man ever since he was born, having been tutored by him when he was younger on the histories of Westeros when his uncle, Tyrion couldn't. He trusted Varys, but he knew he had his own secrets, like everyone who frequents the Red Keep, the man was smarter then he led on to be. As Alycilles grew older, and he learned the ways of the game, he learned of just what position the man held. Masters of whispers wasn't just an elusive nickname he heard people call towards the man. Varys truly was a master of secrets and held power that the prince never thought of.
Information.
Information could be just as useful as a sword, the prince soon came to find out. He learned about Varys' spies and the ones he had in the keep, and even a street kid who he made friends with who he came to find out was a spy for the spider. The prince took it to learn from Varys, finding keeping information could be a useful key for unlocking doors.
His eyes shifted next to Peter Baelish and they narrowed when they did. This was a man the prince was wary of.
At first Baelish just seemed like a man who was in it strictly for business. He played his part well for the kingdom when he needed too, using his talent to bring coin into the coffers using his many establishments. His mother warned him to stay away from the man saying he had no business dealing with a man who associated work with brothels.
It was only when he asked his uncle Tyrion what a brothel was and he forever had a different perspective on Peter Baelish. He didn't seem dangerous but the prince recognized the hunger he had in his eyes, and often came off mischievous.
Next was Pycelle, the old maester had been a resident in the Red Keep for many years and was the one who helped birth the prince and his siblings. The man was obviously loyal to the Lannisters and wouldn't think twice about going against their wishes. He's been ever so helpful with the prince in his endeavors. He could be useful in the future the prince thought.
Next to him one chair down past the one his father would sit was his Uncle Renly. The prince had a love for his uncle, in fact he could say he was one of his favorites, though the man rarely took matters seriously. Renly basically shaped the prince's interest, dragging him all over Westeros showing him all it has to offer.
If it wasn't for Renly, he probably would have never formed a bond with Margaery. Thinking on her brought a smile to his face that he hoped no one noticed.
Everyone settled in their chairs ready to begin with the meeting of the small council, all of them being looked upon by Lord Stark who was looking around as if he had forgotten something. "Without the king" he said.
"Winter may be coming but I'm afraid the same cannot be said about my brother" Renly said to him.
"My father entrusted most of the political business of the seven kingdoms to us. Truth be told he hasn't appeared for a meeting in a while" the prince had spoken up next.
Ned looked at the prince being stunned by his friend's lack of care for the kingdom he rules.
"His grace has many cares. He entrusts some small matters to us, so we may lighten the load" Varys said with a sly smile.
"We are the lords of small matters here" Baelish says, his nose turned up. They had all spoken, one after the other as if it was a rehearsed speech they delivered a number of times.
Renly passed lord stark some type of parchment. Stark took it with a cough and unraveled the paper.
"My brother wishes for us to stage a tourney in honor of my nephew and nieces nameday coming up" Renly said. Ned looked at the prince.
"Your nameday is coming up?" he asked.
"Aye. one and five. Father always makes these things happen ever since I became knighted. I'm not complaining though, it's a good way to test my mettle" the prince said.
"Hmm well, I hope we can afford it," Ned said.
"How much?" Baelish asked, looking towards Stark.
"Forty thousand gold dragons to the champion of the melee, thirty thousand to the winner of the joust, twenty thousand to the runner up, and twenty thousand to the winner of the archery contest."
"Can the treasury bear such an expense?" Pycelle asked aloud.
"It can now thanks to Prince Alycilles" Baelish said with a wide pressed smile. Ned raised his eyebrows as he looked at Baelish then to the prince.
"What's he on about?" Stark asked.
The prince was quite relaxed in his chair, one leg hanging over the arm rest while he leaned into the cushion on the backrest. He shifted his back as he smiled reminiscing on a memory.
"Some time ago I was shipped off to Casterly Rock by my mother after Joffrey and I had one of our brotherly squabbles." The Lords at the table seem to each give their own expression at the prince's comment knowing the sour relationship the two brothers have.
"Yes. you and your brother sure do have a unique way of…. bonding" Baelish said as his mustache twirled upwards.
Stark looked back to the prince as he continued his story.
"Everyone knows of the gold mines of Casterly Rock, but what most don't know is the mines are nearly depleted. Along with that, the crown has also been in debt to The Rock with our own treasury depleted.
Ned's eyes widen. "Then how could Robert be hosting so many extravagant events?" Lord Stark asked. Alycilles gave a little smirk as his lips raised.
"One day, my sister and I, along with some of our cousins were playing in the waters searching for gold we imagined were lost in them when one of them, I don't remember which cousin started it, but we somehow got the idea to jump off from the tallest peak of The Rock. From the bottom of Lannisport The Rock doesn't seem that big but once you reach the very top… lets just say most would have turned tail when they saw that drop.
I can still hear my sister begging me not to do it, but the encouragement of my cousins helped me take that dive. Long story short. I jumped. And plunged deep within the cold waters. I sunk low. Very low that if I hadn't sucked in enough air I might have drowned. I was about to swim up to the surface before I ran out of air but something down there caught my eye. A nice sized whole right on the side of the rock was very visible with the cold depths and I found something calling me to it so I swam into it and followed the path. I found myself looking at a massive cave where I was able to catch my breath. I don't know how I found it, it might have been the work of the gods leading me but there it was, a lost cave about the size of the throne room itself, untouched with walls of shiny yellow. Safe to say my grandfather forgave me for my actions, once I guided his miners to my findings."
The prince smirked upon remembering the day.
"Shoulda seen my sisters face when I resurfaced. Now the crown has enough funding for a long while" Alycilles said.
"So we can go through with the planning," Baelish said as he brought forward an ink quill and piece of paper in front of him.
"I'll leave the matter for you guys to settle," Lord Stark said. "Well if there's nothing else, I say this small council is convened" he says, relieved.
The prince was the first to leave after Stark, "my lords," he said as he took his leave. The prince made it out of the small council chambers and found himself running into Lord Stark waiting for him outside.
"My prince, I was hoping I could have a word with you?" he asked. Hmm, I wonder what he wants.
"Sure Lord Stark. What is it? Stark straightened his back as he began to speak. "I didn't get the chance to speak with you properly since Winterfell, but I wanted to get a look at you. See how you've grown since the last nine years" he said.
"So what do you see then" the prince said, as he remembered what Arya had said back at the feast.
"From what your father speaks of you, I hear you're quite the young man. He says you take your duty as a prince seriously" Ned said.
"Most people think us royals live carefree lives. Not many realize that a prince has many duties and responsibilities of their own. My father has learned that I am not some little child anymore" the prince said with a hint of annoyance.
"Hmm, I remember how he was when we stormed the shores of Pyke. He was in a serious fury that day. Cutting down Ironborn after Ironborn just to reach you" Stark spoke. The prince listened to him as he talked, hearing the story of his father's attempt to save him interested him a little.
"I don't remember much. I only remember encountering my uncle and Ser Barristan on the field" Alycilles said.
"Aye, once it was all said and done, we were finally able to recover you. I remember your uncle walking up to us as he held you. Your father heard of your heroics during the fighting and wanted to knight you right then and there" Stark said.
The prince snickered, almost unwillingly, surprising himself. "Sounds like my father," he said.
"He was very proud of you that day," Stark finished. With that the prince was silent before he spoke again.
"If you would excuse me Lord Stark but I have some task to attend too" he said.
"Ofcourse" Ned said and walked away. The prince found himself back into the throne room where a certain princess was there waiting.
"I take it your little meeting is over then," the silvered haired princess said absently as she twirled in place playing with her dress. She wasn't looking at her brother, too busy having fun with herself, twirling her skirt around with her movements.
"Sweet sister, the safety and security of our lives is far from little."
She stopped in place, looking at him as she passionately placed a hand across her heart.
"Oh, forgive me my brave protector, what shall I ever do without you" she said, exaggerating her voice like a proper lady with a hint of charm. She skipped across the throne room with the prince following her skirt tail.
"So are we finally heading to the Lady in Reds' place of business?" Saphira asked. Alycilles looked at her as they walked, a little befundled with the words she used.
"You mean the Red Chapel?" he said.
"Yes, whatever cover they want to use. Though it is one of the more interesting places in Kings Landing" Saphira said. As they walked through the halls of the Red Keep, the inhabitants were in a flow of traffic, running each and every way on whatever task they were on. The Gold Cloaks were in their usual patterns of patrol, occasionally greeting the prince and princess with a nod. "How does it feel to be back in your natural element now that the vacations over" Alycilles said.
"I actually started to miss the ramble of the snobbing nobles. The north really clears the way of the snakes and vipers that stalk our noble fields" she said. "I might miss Robb Stark even if we don't marry, though with his character he wouldn't survive King's Landing very long, or me" she said coyly.
"Hmph, Let's hope his father is of the smarter character. He'll need to be if he wants to hold a place here" Alycilles said.
They met up with Tyrek and left for the inner city of King's Landing.
The three of them made their stroll through the city, wearing cloaks to cover their appearance, and walking through random street corners of the city to confuse anyone who could be following them. With the uncommon look of the twins, it would be easy for them to stand out amongst a crowd of commoners and be spotted.
It was a good hour of turning random corners before they felt safe and made it to the streets of sisters, watching their backs whenever they turned a corner waiting to see if anyone came. Tyrek knows of the caution members of the royal family go through whenever they are out in the public eye, but the type of caution these two were having had Tyrek wary, especially with them being in a place they call home.
The three walked past the guildhalls of the alchemist, old masters who the prince had paid a visit too time from time. With it right next to the Red Temple it was very convenient. They found themselves stopped in front of a building towards the center of the street of sisters. The thing was three stories high and was probably the biggest building on the street and was kept in a good state.
"Odd building as always" Tyrek said. "So will I be able to join you guys this time or must I stand guard as usual."
"If you already know the drill then why ask" Saphira said somewhat condescendingly, as she and her brother walked up the wooden steps. Tyrek simply turned around and stood rolling his eyes at her comment as the two made their way inside. He watched as Alycilles opened the door casually and disappeared along with his sister, leaving the swornshield alone.
The door shut behind the two as they were greeted to the sight of a waiting woman in red down a long hallway. The way leading to her was decorated with red carpet with darker lining stitched onto the far sides and a flowery pattern flowing all across it.
The hallway itself was lit with torches that burned bright red, revealing the red banners of a fiery heart lining the halls. At the end of the hall the women in the red dress were waiting for them standing in front of an open doorway with a curtain hanging in the absence of a door. The two strolled forward, coming close to the woman that was patiently waiting for them with a seductive smile on her face. "Welcome back Prince Alycilles. Princess Saphira. Allow me to take your cloaks for you" she said.
The two took off their cloaks revealing the attire they were wearing. No other in King's Landing could afford the quality of clothing they wore. The prince wanted to throw on some rags as disguises but his sister said she wouldn't be caught dead wearing stained rags so they made a trip back to their chambers to find something more suitable.
Prince Alycilles was wearing a blazing blood red Jerkin with golden buttons holding it together riding down his chest. His pants were a dark tan that complemented well with each other. The princess had on a red dress with gold trimming riding down the sides that stopped just before touching the ground. "Thank you Serese. I take it Kinvara is awaiting us?" the prince said.
"Yes, my prince" she said.
With that the two stepped through the red curtain, pushing it out their way as a whole new area of the chapel was revealed. Inside the oval shaped room, the walls were lined with more of those flaming heart banners behind a red painted wall. There were many red ladies sitting on cushioned sofas smoking from pipes as smoke left their mouths.
The smell in the air was that of something of a fruity smell and another that he couldn't place but made his head fuzzy when it hit his nostrils. The dresses they wore were thin and more like a veil, barely concealing their womanly figures. The twins looked around barely stunned at what they were seeing, in fact the two seem to be in an almost state of comfort here. They walked forward towards a woman standing in the center of the room, a white pedestal formed where she stood, seeming to have been built before the building was. There was a bowl of sorts atop the pedestal, quiet with inactivity.
"Welcome Prince Alycilles, princess Saphira. We've been waiting for your return" she said bowing, lifting her dress with both of her hands. She wore a tight blood red dress that clung to her body greatly with the top revealing her cleavage that the prince found appealing.
"Kinvara, I see you and your priestess have made some improvements to this place" the prince said as he looked around. The place looked like a traditional temple, but the many aspects of the red faith were foreign to him.
She smiled. "All to serve the Lord of Light, and his chosen" she responded with. "So, what made you decide to come back my prince. I knew you wouldn't give up on our teachings so easily" she said.
"I still have an interest in the Lord Of Light, so you'll be seeing me a lot more. As to why I'm here, you said I should pay you a visit when I get back so here we are" he said.
"So, you considered continuing our teachings under the true lord. Your progress has been superb to say. Would be a shame to halt it now" she said, her voice sultry to his ears. She tempted him before, filling his ears with secrets of her ancient culture, and he would always bite, curiosity always becoming of him. He pondered her words for a minute.
"I'll admit, little tricks like casting fire within the palm of my hands is nice, but I still follow the faith of the seven."
Kinvara smiled, her lips curving high as she looked deeply into the prince's eyes. "Of Course my prince, but eventually all will come to know the one true god."
"R'hllor?" Saphira said.
"That's right my princess. Your interest has grown greatly since your last visit" the high priestess said with a smile towards the princess. Saphira slightly smiled herself as she turned her head away from Kinvara.
Her words lingered on his mind. Ever since he came upon this place, and met Kinvara, he found he had an insatiable interest with this Lord Of Light she's been preaching to him.
It even came to the point where he told his sister about it and brought her here to see them as well. She soon found herself with an obsession with the Lord of Light too and developed a sort of connection to Kinvara. Kinvara acted as if she knew this would happen and informed them that this was the path they were supposed to be on. He didn't know why but he felt like she wasn't lying when she spoke those words. Now he and his sister have been secretly learning all they could on the subject. They did it in secret knowing if the faith found out about this little interest they have, they would be called out as blasphemers, and that wouldn't be a good look for their family.
"And what has this god shown you. Does your Lord of Light show you more visions of the future?" he asked.
Kinvara's expression didn't change as she walked over to the pedestal that held the bowl. "Come my prince and princess, come see what the flames have to show" Kinvara said.
The two weren't hesitant in the least, following Kinvara's command as they walked up to her and the pedestal. They stopped once they got close enough then watched as the head priestess took out a small knife.
"A little king's blood if you will my prince" she said.
He stepped forward closer to the bowl. It was empty, not even a piece of wood or embers to start a fire. He raised his hand and held out a single finger to which the high priestess took and sliced with one quick motion. Blood trickled down from the cut, like rain droplets falling into the bowl.
Kinvara began chanting some words in a language the prince knew as valyrian as she brought both of her hands forward to the bowl. Alycilles noticed that the other red priestess were standing around them in a circle chanting along with their head mistress. The torches that were lighting the room began to flicker as the shadows danced around them, growing smaller then bigger as the flames died out then came back to life.
Suddenly a fire erupted within the bowl.
The prince's blood was morphing into red flames as they danced at incredibles heights before them nearly reaching the ceiling.
Saphira gasped as the sudden eruption startled her, and took a step back behind her brother, clutching his arm as the flames reflected off her eyes.
"Come my prince. Princess. Come see what the flames have to show you" Kinvara said. The prince looked back to his sister as she shivered under his gaze.
"I can handle this," she said.
Her shivering stilled as the sweat stopped beading down her face as she calmed her breathing and stepped forward along with Alycilles, stopping just before the flames as they whipped just out of their reach. The flames didn't bother Alycilles, in fact they were inviting.
As their eyes were entranced by the flames dance, Kinvara slowly moved just behind the two.
"Look into the flames young ones and see what the future holds" she said as her whispers ran through their ears. The whispers slowly changed from the soft, feminine tone of the mistress, to something more incoherent and rough. As they watched on, the flames seemed to change for them.
"Even you two will come to the Lord of Light. The flames show it. Your paths are destined for it" she said. They continued to watch as the light reflected in their green-blue eyes.
About two hours passed by before the two reunited back with Tyrek who had turned to sitting down on the bottom step as he waited. He was holding his head up with his arms when the two emerged. Alycilles allowed his sister to walk out first as he slammed the door after him, causing the sworn shield to jump to his feet in a surprise.
"Sleeping on the job, cousin" Saphira teased.
"About time. I was starting to get some looks as I sat here" he said.
"Looks from who?" Alycilles asked as he made his way down the steps. Tyrek looked up to his cousin who had a curious gaze on his face.
"Just some kids playing. They ran off when I caught them staring at me" he said. Alcyilles turned to his sister who had done the same as they grew expressionless faces and narrow eyes. "Interesting," Saphira said. "Well, lets head back then," the prince said.
As the three made their way back to the Red Keep walking the road toward Aegon's high hill they began to notice sailing banners with sigils that weren't a stag or a lion.
"It seems people are already arriving for the tourney then" Tyrek said. Many knights and households arriving for the upcoming tourney were present amongst the city folk heading themselves to the Red Keep.
"The Martells and their pierced sun, the Redwynes, the Freys, and even the golden flower of Highgarden" Tyrek said as he looked at all the knights proudly displaying their houses' sigils. The princess slyly turned to her brother to which he noticed and let out a sigh.
"You hear that brother, it seems members of the Tyrell family are here" she teased. The prince tried to hide his blushing face but it didn't help with his sister leaning into him.
Tyrek was confused at first but made a face when he figured it out. "Oh I get it now. I thought the smell of flowers grew a little" Tyrek jested causing Saphira to chuckle. The prince sighed once more.
"The Red Keep is going to be quite full" Alycilles spoke.