Author's Note: Hey everyone! Thank you for reading and continuting to follow my story! And thank you for the follow/favorites/reviews telling me what you think about it.
sniperbro1988: Never fear, more Daemon x Elaena content is coming your way!
Sparky She-Demon: Thank you for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed! Hopefully this chapter begins to clear up some of those questions you had š
This chapter, part one of the second episode, mostly revolved around completely fictional scenes that I've created, but more of the episodes events will take place in the second chapter. I can't wait to see where the next 8 episodes lead us! And I can't wait to see where that takes Elaena as well. Happy Reading! -Jā¤ļø
THE DRAGON & THE ROSE - EPISODE TWO/PART ONE
Six Months Later
In the six months following Aemma's death, tension at court had risen more than Elaena ever thought possible. Now that Rhaenyra was to be the heir of the iron throne, the small council laid obvious pressure onto the King for him to remarry so that he could have a son before he died, for the council and many others did not believe that line of succession would pass peacefully to Rhaenyra come his death. Their insistent pressure about the matter only made Rhaenyra and everyone else on edge. And on top of it all, Daemon was making his irritations with being overlooked as heir again even more known than they already were.
Because of this troublesome time they all found themselves in, Elaena took to making herself busy around the castle with mindless and time-consuming activities, never allowing herself a moment of free time to sit and ponder what the future might hold for her and her family. All she knew was that she was happy to not have the focus on her and the reason why she came back to King's Landing. Lynara had been making it known around the court that she was not dissuaded in finding a match for Elaena, but she knew better than to press the King or the council about it right now. Not when there was so much instability already present.
With activities like meeting with the seamstress for a new collection of gowns, reading half of the massive library, and meeting with Rhaenyra and Alicent daily, Elaena kept her mind occupied. And when these things weren't enough to shake all of the stress and thoughts of Daemon, she left the castle to go ride dragonback. And usually, Rhaenyra was more than happy to accompany her.
For nine years she had been separated from her dragon, Vermax. She had agreed to leave him behind when she left the capital, for Winterfell was no place for a dragon. She hated the cold and ice just as Elaena did. It wasn't fair to take her from her home, especially when Rhaenyra and Daemon were dragon-riders to Syrax and Caraxes, Vermax's siblings hatched from the same mother. The three were meant to be together, not apart.
Elaena was filled with worry about Vermax when she first returned to King's Landing, afraid that she would be rejected by her for leaving for so long. But on their first day of reunion nearly a month after the passing of Aemma, it felt like she had never left at all. Elaena rode for a day and a night straight her first time back in the saddle, getting herself into quite a bit of trouble back at court. But she didn't care. All she wanted was to feel the freedom she felt while dragonback in every moment of her life. She paid no mind to the complaints of those who didn't understand this, especially Lynara who was repulsed by the pungent odor of this activity.
As Elaena walked through the halls of the Red Keep, she wished to still be with Vermax, but her daily ride was cut short for Rhaenyra who needed her help.
"I think he's trying to make you feel useful," Elaena said calmly, trying to ease Rhaenyra's anger. "I wish I felt useful around here. The only thing I've been doing is busy work."
"It's not about usefulness, he just trying to keep me out of the way," Rhaenyra huffed, walking in unison with Elaena. "Ever since mother died he's just been shutting me out. It doesn't matter that I was officially named the heir to the throne, I'm still just his cupbearer."
"Think about it this way." Elaena proposed, "You're in the room where all the decisions are being made. He may not be taking your opinions right now or using you to the utmost of your abilities, but at least you're there. You're being groomed to take over one day, even if that day isn't today."
"I suppose. Either way our task of the day is to find a new member for the Kingsguard. It should be positively riveting," Rhaenyra said sarcastically.
Elaena shook her head and laughed, the sound echoing in the stone halls. The two of them approached the balcony where the knights all stood below, waiting for evaluation. Ser Harrold stood in front of the balcony with a board and carved tokens of each house sigil.
"Shall we get on with it then?" Rhaenyra asked, inspecting the men standing below her.
Elaena stood by her side, looking at each candidate as Ser Harrold moved a token to the front of the board.
"Ser Desmond of House Caron, a fine knight, Princess," Ser Harrold said, watching her as she watched the men. "He has proven sturdy in both the tourney lists and without. While traveling through the Kingswood on his way to King's Landing, Ser Desmond recently brought a would-be poacher to justice."
Elaena looked at the man up and down alongside Rhaenyra as he stepped forward, thinking to herself that he was a bit too short and a bit too large around the middle to be an adequate member of the King's Guard. Rhaenyra seemed to think the same, for she said nothing.
The Hand of the King leaned toward the Rhaenyra, "You might thank him for his leal service, Princesses."
"We thank you for your loyal service to The Crown," Rhaenyra said, smiling sweetly.
"Thank you, Ser Caron," Elaena said, nodding her head once with gratitude. Once he bowed and stepped back both her and Rhaenyra's faces returned to how they had been before: unimpressed.
Just as another man was to be announced, Rhaenyra turned to Ser Harrold, "Do any of these knights have combat experience? Beyond capturing poachers?"
Ser Harrold nodded, then moved a token representing a tower to the front of the board. "Ser Criston Cole."
Elaena noticed Rhaenyra immediately perking up as Ser Criston removed his helm and approached. Elaena had been too busy of mind to truly notice him at the tourney, but she understood now why Rhaenyra was so intrigued by him. He had a thick head of Dornish dark hair, and deep brown eyes that pierced the soul. He couldn't have been older than 26, matured in looks with the heart of a young man.
"He is the son of the steward of the Lord of Blackhaven." Ser Harrold continued.
Rhaenyra immediately leaned forward, relaxing her body as she looked down to him. "Be welcome Ser Criston."
"You saw combat in the Stormlands, did you not?" Elaena asked.
"Dornish marches, Princess." He spoke with a hint of a smile, keeping his eyes on Rhaenyra. "I fought for a year as a foot soldier against the Dornish incursions. Ser Arlan Dondarrion knighted me after we razed two of the watch towers along the Boneway."
Rhaenyra nodded approvingly, then stood up straight to face Ser Harrold with a witty voice. "I choose Ser Criston Cole. Do you agree with my choice, cousin?"
"I do," Elaena said agreeably.
"Let's not be too hasty, Princesses," The Hand said lowly, looking at Elaena with annoyance in his eyes. "There's no doubt Ser Criston is a fine warrior, but houses such as Crakehall and Mallister are important allies of The Crown."
"Those men are all tourney knights, isn't that less important than having seen real combat?" Elaena asked, looking to Rhaenyra.
"I full-heartedly agree. My father should be defended by a man who's known real combat. Should he not?" Rhaenyra asked sharply, not budging in the slightest as she stared at The Hand.
"Of course, Princess," The Hand responded, a look of irritation flashing across his face.
Elaena watched him during this whole exchange, reading his face. Though he wasn't an outwardly violent man, as her cousin Daemon might be, there was a much more glaring malice about this man than any other she had met. She didn't trust him, and was glad to see that Rhaenyra didn't seem to either.
"Let us plan for his investiture then," Rhaenyra smiled, turning on her heel. "Come, cousin."
The Hand gave a vexing look to Elaena, to which she narrowed her own at him bit before turning to Rhaenyra and linking arms.
"Well that was quicker and easier than I expected." Rhaenyra sighed happily.
"Well you certainly shut him down like a proper sovereign would do." Elaena smirked. "Well done."
"Why thank you." Rhaenyra bowed jokingly.
"Are you happy with your choice?"
"More than happy. I have a feeling that Ser Criston will be the perfect match."
"For who?" Elaena spoke softly, looking at Rhaenyra knowingly. "For the kingsguard? Or for you?"
Rhaenyra laughed a little, her cheeks blushing before she lifted her eyes to Elaena's. "Why not both?"
"Gods be good, Rhaenyra." Elaena laughed. "Be careful."
"You're the terrible influence you know, putting these thoughts in my head. I would have never thought twice about him that way if you hadn't just asked. You're supposed to be the protective older sister keeping me out of trouble," Rhaenyra joked.
"Seven hells," Elaena shook her head with a laugh, "If that's what I should be doing then I'd never get a moment of peace."
The two girls giggled together as they walked. All of a sudden, Daemon walked in front of them, and their smiles fell. He stood silently before them a bit, his eyes flitting from one girl to the other.
"I need to speak with you," he said, looking at Elaena with a stoney face.
"Well, I know that I have nothing to say to you, not after what you called my brother," Rhaenyra said coldly, then turned to her cousin. "Elaena?"
Elaena moved her mouth to speak, then paused, looking to Daemon.
"It's alright, cousin," Rhaenyra said, "Just because I do not wish to speak with him doesn't mean you can't. I'll see you at dinner."
She unclasped her hand from Elaena's arm and left, the only sound being that of their breathing and her shoes clicking away on the stone floor. Elaena and Daemon stood staring at each other in silence for a moment until she was gone, and then he spoke.
"Will you run away from me as well?" he asked, raising his brows a bit.
"Depends on what you have to say," she said softly, turning the ring around her thumb anxiously.
"Follow me," he said, turning around to walk towards the gardens. She followed several paces behind him, watching as he lead her through the open air doorway. She stopped in the doorway, watching as he continued past the lily pond to the bench. He turned around and sat, then looked at her.
"Can't you sit with me and have a civilized conversation?"
She exhaled slowly, trying to slow her heart rate as she sat next to him silently, letting him steer the conversation. But he was quiet, the only sound surrounding them the trickling of the water and the birds flying above.
"I hear you've been riding dragonback again. Everyone's saying you spend more time in the sky than on land these days," Daemon finally said, appearing nervous. Elaena had never seen him like this before, which unsettled her a bit.
"Yes, I have been. I've been unable to stop since I've started again," she said tensely, not knowing where he was going with this.
"I can't imagine how glorious it must feel like after such a long time without it," he continued, a pensive look on his face, "I haven't not ridden Caraxes for more than two days at a time my whole life."
"That is until recently, of course," Elaena said softly, trying to keep her breathing under control. "The dragon keepers say you haven't been to the dragonpit in weeks."
"Have you been asking about me?" He asked, a hint of a smile on his lips.
"That's not what I meant."
"I know. I've just...I've wanted to give you space," he said, tiptoeing around what he really wanted to talk about. "After the funeral you made it clear that you didn't want to see me."
"I'm sorry for that. I've needed time to think," she said delicately. After a moment of silence she gave him a small smile, "You're welcome to join me when I go riding...if you want to. There's plenty of space in the sky."
He smiled a little and nodded, "I'd like that."
She wanted to ask him what it was he really wanted to say, but before she could get anything out he continued with his small talk.
"You're still wearing your necklace," he said, looking down at her neck. "The one I got you. I assume Rhaenyra threw hers away."
"We're still family, Daemon," Elaena said quietly, "Contrary to what you might think right now, I don't hate you. And neither does she. But you hurt us both, and I haven't known what to say to you since it all happened."
"Then just say whatever's on your mind," Daemon said, his eyes moving to her profile as she looked at the pond. "Whatever it is."
Elaena kept her eyes forward, watching the lily pads float in the water as the fish below swam. "While I've been wanting an apology, I've also been wanting to apologize to you too for some time now. I just haven't known how to, or when to... I shouldn't have struck you that night. I shouldn't have let me anger carry me away."
"You have no reason to apologize. I shouldn't have said what I did, it wasn't respectable of me to speak to you that way. I didn't mean it," Daemon said, watching as she turned to finally face him.
"And when you called Rhaenyra's brother 'The Heir for a Day'? Did you not mean that either?" she asked, feeling a bit of anger stir inside her. "Because you said that only hours after our own conversation."
He paused, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed dryly. "I shouldn't have said that either. I know it wasn't right."
"Then why did you?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowed together. "It was cruel."
He sat silently for a moment, his dark green eyes boring into her soul. She couldn't tell if he was trying to hear her thoughts unfiltered, or if he was trying to convey his own without having to actually say it. Either way, it made her cheeks flush and heart race.
"For all my life," he began, "I have been second to my brother, always overlooked by our family, especially by him. It's hard to want to do or say the right things when I know that no one will ever truly trust or appreciate me. When no one wants me to be in this family."
"That's not true," she said softly, leaning forward to put her hand on top of his. She wrapped her fingers around his and gently squeezed them.
"Then why is the King still having your watchdog follow us?" he asked, glancing upwards and then back to her. She looked up to the ramparts to see Ser Cley standing at attention, watching the two of them in the garden. "You best move your hand soon and leave. Too much longer of it just being us two together so closely and he'll run off to tell my brother like the loyal subject he is."
Elaena looked down at her hand on his and swallowed roughly, slowly moving it away from him. He nodded once and stood, offering his hand for her to stand with a bitter look on his face. She looked up at him apologetically, then took it, standing still in front of him.
"Daemon, I-"
"It's alright," he said, his voice rougher now. "You won't have to worry about me much longer. It's time I pave the way of my rightful destiny on my own."
"What do you mean by that?" she asked quickly, feeling her heart rise to her throat all of a sudden.
"I'm leaving at first light tomorrow. I'm not sure when I'll be back."
"Where are you going?" she asked, though she already knew. There was only one place other than Kings Landing where he could fulfill this said 'destiny'.
"You'll find out soon enough, not to worry." He looked to the side, avoiding her eyes.
"Daemon," she said quietly, "Tell me you're not going to Dragonstone."
He looked back to her, a glint of sunlight hitting his eyes. "Aren't you the clever one? I should give you more credit in that regard, you're not like the other simple-minded ladies of the court."
"This isn't a joke," she said seriously, looking around to make sure that no one was eavesdropping. "If you do this you'll be sending a statement that you can't take back. You can't go to Dragonstone without your brother's permission."
"Why not?" he asked, his voice growing deeper. "I'm the Prince of Dragonstone, am I not? And isn't Dragonstone where the heir apparent resides?"
"You know that it was I who used to be the Princess of Dragonstone... before either you or Rhaenyra. It was my birth right when my father was the heir apparent." Her voice was filled with caution, as well as her eyes. "And when he was sent to the wall it was Viserys who was made king, making you Prince of Dragonstone. But now that Rhaenyra is the heir apparent, you no longer have claim to Dragonstone, and you know it."
"The people of the Seven Kingdoms will never accept a woman to be their sovereign." His face lost all sense of lightness and humour that may have remained as he spoke. "We both know you're smart enough to know that."
"Please don't isolate yourself any further, Daemon. Please. Just stay-"
"Why?" he asked, exhaling through his nose. "Give me one good reason."
"Because even if no one else does, and even if I shouldn't, I do trust you," she said quietly, praying that this would be enough to keep him here. "And I don't want to loose you again."
"As what?" he asked, his eyes boring into her. "You don't want to lose me as what? Your cousin? Or something else?"
Her whole body fell into a bit of shock, not knowing what to say. He took a step forward, taking her hands into his own as he looked down at her.
"Don't tell me it's one sided, Elaena," he said quietly, his voice low and rough. "I won't believe you."
"It wouldn't matter either way," she whispered, pulling her hands away. "You're married."
"Elae-"
"But that doesn't mean I want you to leave," she said, tears welling in her eyes. "So please, just stay."
"I'm sorry, but I've made up my mind," he said, tucking a strand of her long silver hair behind her ear. "Do me a favor before I go... Don't tell anyone just yet. They'll find out soon enough."
She didn't respond, only nodding once to acknowledge what he had said. He looked once more up to the ramparts, where Cley was still watching, then faced her again. He leaned down and slowly kissed her cheek.
"We'll meet again. I promise," he said, then turned on his heel to leave, staring at Cley as he left. Elaena forced herself to stay in the garden until her tears had completely dried, then began walking up the spiraling stairs to the rampart, but Cley was already almost all the way down.
"Princess," he bowed, standing awkwardly in the middle of the stairs.
"Did you hear anything?" she asked, her face turning red. "Anything at all?"
"No, Your Grace, you were too far away. I only saw... what happened."
Elaena nodded, exhaling through her nose with relief. But the relief soon faded, replaced with sadness toward Daemon and anger towards Cley for watching. "I appreciate the fact that you don't have much choice in having to keep an eye on me, Ser Cley, but for future reference I'll ask that you make yourself a bit more discrete. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Grace," he said, his face white from embarrassment.
"Thank you. Now, I'll be in my chambers for the rest of the night. You can send Ser Maxon to stand watch for the night so you can get some sleep."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
"And Ser Cley," she said, choking back her body's urge to cry. Her voice turned more sad than angry now, and was hardly above a whisper. "Please, if you have any kindness in your heart for me, don't tell the King about what you just saw."
"Of course." He nodded. She went to turn down the steps, but he quickly took a step forward to stop her. "Princess?"
"Yes?" she asked, looking over her shoulder.
"I just want you to know that I'm sorry," he said nervously, swallowing roughly. "I don't enjoy doing this. And I wouldn't if I had any other choice."
"I know." she nodded. "I'm sorry as well."
"And if I might say one more thing?"
"About what?" she asked, scared he was going to bring up Daemon.
"I haven't had much sleep the past few months, always following you around for protection, so I'm more tired than usual," he said, a small smile on his face. She looked at him with confusion, waiting to see where he was going with this. "I only mean to say, I have a feeling that I'm going to sleep in late tomorrow by accident... Long enough for Ser Maxon to have left his post from the night...unfortunately making it so that no one will be there for you protection. Until midday, at the latest... giving you more time to ride Vermax if you wish. I won't tell if you won't."
She smiled weakly, truly appreciating his kindness, "Thank you, Ser Cley."
"You're welcome, Princess," he smiled, his cheeks turning rosy and matching the color of his auburn hair.
"Good day to you then."
"Good day."
She turned, feeling unsteady as she walked down the stairs towards her chambers. Cley was being more than kind by offering her this time unchaperoned, and while normally she would enjoy an extended time to ride, she knew in her heart she wouldn't be going to the dragonpit alone for that.
The Next Day
Elaena had risen from bed before the sun had even crept into the sky. In truth, she never slept a single wink all night. All she could think about was Daemon, and the mistake he was going to make. She debated with herself all night on whether or not to go see him one last time before he left. She didn't want for him to leave, this much was obvious. But she also didn't want to have to continue to beg for him to want to stay. And after he asked for her to admit she wanted him stay because she loved him, she felt horribly confused. She hadn't even admitted to herself how she felt about him, so how could she tell him to admit it outloud? And even if she was able to say it, what could come of it? He was married, and she was in no position to cause further scandal surrounding her name.
Her father murdered her mother for another woman's love. She would rather die unmarried and alone than be in Lynara's exact position. She just couldn't. And yet she couldn't put the thoughts of him away. She couldn't suppress what they both now knew she felt. So all night she waited, combatting her own mind back and forth on what she should do. Once she couldn't stand waiting in bed for the day to come any longer, she wrapped her silk robe around herself and walked to the balcony off of her bedroom to watch the skyline. The day began to creep up into the sky as she watched silently, feeling her heart race in her chest. The dark blues and purples above collided with a warm orange color until finally she could see the tip of the yellow sun.
Only seconds after she saw that, she quickly turned from her spot watching and ran towards her wardrobe. She quickly grabbed her shawl and ran, leaving behind her shoes because she knew they would only slow her down. Her barefeet moved silently on the stone as she sprinted down the steps of the tower. Now that the first light was showing, all she knew was that she would regret it forever if she didn't try to reason with him one last time.
As soon as she made it outside, the cool dew of the morning filled her lungs, and birds began their daily song to raise the rest of the castle. She ignored every sensation their was around her, focused only on making sure she was moving quick enough. A weight lifted off her chest as the dragonpit finally came into view, giving her more energy to make it there. But as soon as the pit was visible, a great silhouette of a dragon appeared above it, it's large wings flapping as it ascended into the sky. She stopped in her tracks, nearly falling over as she looked up at it. She covered her eyes from the light as she stared directly into the rising sun, hoping what she saw was an illusion. But when her eyes adjusted she could see Daemon on the back of the dragon.
"DAEMON!" she shouted, standing completely still.
For a brief moment she could have sworn that he heard her, so she shouted his name once more.
"DAEMON, WAIT!"
This time she knew that he heard her, for she saw his head turn slightly her way. But just as soon as he did that, Caraxes began to fly further away. She waited for what felt like hours, unable to move as the dark figure faded from view, disappearing behind the blaring light of the sun. She felt like a fool, but for which reason she was unsure. She didn't know if she wished she had left earlier, or if she wished she had never gone at all. Either option would have felt better than this.
"Your Grace?" a voice called out from behind her.
She wanted to respond, but she felt paralyzed, unable to move or speak. All she could do was stare into the sun, hoping that he would turn around and come back. A figure stepped in front of her, blocking the light and making it hard for her to see.
"Your Grace, are you alright?" he asked again, his voice gentler now that they were so close. She could tell from his voice that it was Cley, but couldn't bring herself to move to look at him.
"He left," she said under her breath, her throat sore from screaming so loudly.
"Your Grace?" he asked, looking at her with concern. He had every right to, she looked an absolute fright with her hair tumbled all around her face and her cheeks red from running so fast. She was dressed in only a nightgown and shawl, and her feet were bare and bloody on the stone path.
She finally looked up at it him and repeated, "He left."
He stood silently, his freckled face unreadable to her. Usually she could tell what others were thinking or feeling, but her head was too foggy.
"Here," he said, reaching to his waist to pull out a cloth.
"What's this for?" she asked numbly, looking at it with confusion.
"You're crying, Princess," he said gently, offering her the cloth.
"Oh," she whispered, "I hadn't realized."
He stood before her, watching as she slowly wiped her eyes.
"I didn't think you'd be here, after our conversation yesterday," she said, trying to muster any strength she had in her.
"I heard your scream, Your Grace. I wanted to make sure you were alright."
"Thank you," she said weakly. "I'm sorry I woke you."
"I wasn't asleep, Your Grace," he said slowly, avoiding her eyes. "In truth, I've been watching over you since we spoke yesterday afternoon."
"But I didn't see you." She looked at him with confusion.
"I was trying to be discrete, as you had asked, Your Grace. But in truth I didn't feel comfortable letting you out of my sight, of my protection. I've known you nearly ten years now, Your Grace, I just wanted to make sure you were alr-"
"Elaena," she said softly, sniffling once.
"I beg your pardon, Your Grace?" he asked, looking nervous.
"You can call me Elaena. All of my friends do." She gave him a sad smile and nodded. "And I think you've afforded me enough kindness in our years together to be considered my friend. So just call me Elaena. When it's only the two of us, of course."
"As you wish," he smiled, the nerves disappearing slowly from his face. "But only if you just call me Cley."
"Alright." she laughed lightly, wrapping the shawl tighter around her shoulders. "Shall we get back inside? Before more people come to see the lunatic in her nightdress at the break of dawn?"
"Yes of course, your gr-" Cley laughed, the sound warming to her ears, then corrected himself. "Elaena."
Later That Afternoon
After Cley had taken her back to her chambers, Elaena slept for most of the morning and early afternoon. Exhausted from the previous night and the heart-wrenching morning, sleep was the only escape she could think of other than riding her dragon, and Cley certainly wasn't going to let her fly off on her own after what he witnessed. So she resorted to her bed, burying her small frame under a mountain of blankets and pillows to drown the rest of the world out. That was at least, until Lynara came bursting in.
"Would you care to explain to me why you're still in bed at this hour?" she asked, immediately moving to open the curtains by the window.
"Please, let me sleep, Lynara," Elaena begged from under the covers. "I'm not feeling well."
"I'm afraid how you're feeling is of little importance right now, the King is requesting an audience with you immediately. I thought I'd find you with your dragons but then Ona told me you never left your chamber for breakfast even," Lynara huffed, ripping the covers off of her. "So we're late."
Elaena remained laying down in a tight ball, trying to hide her tear-stricken face.
"What has gotten into you?" Lynara asked, walking around the bed to face her. "Get up now-"
Elaena looked at Lynara to see a shocked face. In the ten years they've been a part of each other's lives, Lynara had only seen Elaena cry a handful of times. And historically it was before Elaena became a young woman.
"Have you been crying?" she asked, her face serious, but voice gentle.
"I haven't been, I just don't feel well," Elaena lied, sitting up in the bed. "Is it urgent? With the King?"
"I'm afraid so," Lynara said, offering her a hand out of bed. "Come on, now, we must make haste. I'll get you ready. Ladies, you can leave us for now."
With that, the maids all curtsied and left the room without another word. Lynara was quiet for a moment as she combed gently through Elaena's hair, but Elaena could sense that she had something to say.
"Out with it," Elaena said softly, applying some powder under her eyes to mask the redness.
Lynara looked at through the mirror as she began quickly braiding, then back down at what she was doing. "I can tell it wasn't about your mother, so who were you crying for? For Queen Aemma, perhaps?"
"How do you know it wasn't for my mother?," Elaena asked, setting down the powder slowly, avoiding her eyes.
"I may not be her, but I've known you long enough to know when you cry for her," Lynara said softly. "As well as that, I know what it's like to cry out for my own. It's a unique sadness."
Elaena sat still, willing herself not to start crying again.
"So who are you thinking of?" she asked, gently pinning in the last hair clip. "Come, stand up to get dressed."
Elaena stood and shrugged off her nightdress, pulling on her slip so Lynara could tie the corset. But she didn't say anything.
"I know there's more pressure here in the capital, and I don't care if this is where you're from, you know that it is more than you're used to." Lynara began, tightly pulling the corset strings together. "And now that you're a young woman, there are different kind of pressures. Romantic ones, for example."
Elaena felt her cheeks blaze red from embarassment, shocked that Lynara knew this was exactly what was bothering her.
"Please don't be offended by my asking, I won't tell anyone... but I've noticed you and Ser Cley spending more time together as of late. I know it's partly his job, but you were also friends in Winterfell before now, I can't help but wonder-"
"I wasn't crying about Ser Cley, Lynara." Elaena inhaled sharply as the corset tightened.
"Right." Her voice fell, "So it was about Daemon then."
"What?" Elaena asked, freezing in place. Did everyone know about her feelings for him even when she didn't?
Lynara threw the dress over Elaena's head and pulled it down to tie up, her voice changing from curiosity to concern. "I was once a young girl like you, I see the way you look at him... The way he looks at you. But he's a reckless man, and a married one at that. You're better off with a nice Knight like Ser Cley than him. He'll only bring you more trouble than he already has."
"I can't marry Ser Cley," Elaena responded, nervously smoothing the dress down in front of her. "King Viserys would never allow it."
"Of course not," Lynara chuckled lightly, "It's absurd, a Princess marrying a common-born. I only meant someone like him, someone with his demeanor."
"Right," Eleana nodded. Everything that Lynara was talking about was putting her on absolute edge. Though she was approaching the topic of conversation kindly, Elaena couldn't help but feel like Lynara was pulling every thought from the dark corners of her mind to the surface, as if every secret she had been keeping to herself had never been secret at all.
"Come now, we're already late," Lynara said, tugging at her arm. "Chin up."
The two walked quietly to the small council chambers, both of them moving at a slightly faster than walking pace. When they walked through the doors, the hushed voices of the entire room fell into silence. Lynara and Elaena both curtsied to the King, then took their places at the table. Elaena caught Rhaenyra's eye, hoping for some insight to what this was about, but Rhaenyra refused to look at her. Then her eyes saw that Cley was standing next to her, his face looking equally as grave. He glanced at her and gave a knowing look, and she knew what she had to do. She felt her stomach drop to her feet, preparing her lie as she turned to the King.
"Elaena, my dear," the King started, his face filled with exhaustion and worry. "I need you to be completely and totally honest with me when I ask you what I'm about to ask. Can you promise before the gods that you will be?"
"Of course," she replied, trying not reveal her nerves.
"Alright then," he sighed. "Did you know that Prince Daemon was leaving yesterday?"
She sat silently, her eyes flitting to Cley, then back to the King. She slowly nodded, "Yes, he told me in the lily pond gardens yesterday afternoon."
"Did he tell you where he was leaving to?"
"No," she began, to which everyone tilted their heads at her. "But I asked him if it was Dragonstone, and he didn't deny it."
"Why didn't you come and tell me immediately?" The King asked strongly.
"He said he would tell you on his own," she lied, trying to find some way to protect herself in this situation. "I didn't want to interfere with Your Graces' private affairs. And Ser Cley was only following my order to not tell you and let Prince Daemon speak with you himself. I know that Prince Daemon can be temperamental at his best, and dangerous at his worst."
The King sighed deeply through his nose, pondering what to do about the situation.
"Did he tell you about what he took?" The Hand of the King asked, not hiding the fact that he wanted her to say yes at all.
"What he took?" she asked, truly not knowing what he was asking about. "He only told me he was leaving, he didn't say anything about why he was going or what he was taking. I swear."
"The Prince took a dragon's egg with him, as well as a large number of the City Watch to act as his personal army," The Hand said, looking as if he were enjoying the interrogation she was going through.
"He did what?" Elaena asked breathlessly, not believing her ears.
"And it was your fault he got away with taking it," The Hand said, his voice solemn but eyes glistening with malice.
"I'm so sorry," Elaena whispered, shaking her head as her eyes welled with tears. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."
"I do not believe Princess Elaena knew anything of his plot to take the egg, or the army," the King finally said, looking to his Hand.
The Hand nodded once, though he obviously wasn't on his side of believing what Elaena was saying.
"Your Grace, if I may ask," Lynara said slowly, "Why would he have taken the egg? Why not another fully grown dragon if he's looking to make an army?"
"Because," Rhaenyra began. "The egg isn't meant to be a weapon. Not yet at least. It was the same egg I had chosen for my brother's cradle. He's chosen it as the egg to share a cradle with his unborn child."
"What?" Elaena asked, her face turning pale. She could physically feel the blood drain from her face as she turned to Rhaenyra.
"The Prince left a missive," the Hand said quietly, "which should explain better... It is the pleasure of Daemon Targaryen, the Prince of Dragonstone and rightful heir to the iron throne to anonunce that he is to take a second wife in the tradition of Old Valyria. She is to assume the title Lady Mysaria of Dragonstone. Her grace is with child and is to have a dragon's egg in babe's cradle as is the custom of House Targaryen... You were invited to the wedding, Princess Elaena, as well as the King and the Princess Rhaenyra. It's in two days time."
The Hand silently rolled the scroll back up and set it in front of him, watching the shock and heartbreak on Elaena's face with a small smile.
"Who is Lady Mysaria?" the Master of Coin asked.
"We believe-"
"Daemon's whore," The Hand said, interrupting quite loudly, all the while staring at Elaena. She felt as if she could be sick.
"That is no language to use in the presence of ladies, Ser Hightower," the Grand maester said with red ears.
"My apologies, Mellos, but we shouldn't dance around the truth of the matter. This is nothing short of sedition, and the Princess Elaena is an accomplice to it-"
"I will hear no more about the Princess Elaena's part in it," The King said angrily, banging a fist on the table. "I believe what she has said and I know my brother well enough to know that he would never share his plans to that level of detail in the case that she had decided to come to me immediately."
The rest of the table sat in silence as the King exhaled, trying to calm himself.
"Princess Elaena," he said coolly, "Thank you for your honest testimony. You may go now. Lady Lynara, if you would stay, please."
"Of course, your grace."
"Thank you, your grace." Elaena stood and curtsied, she tried to hide it, but her whole body felt like weak and loose like water. She could hardly feel the ground she stepped upon. "I'm sorry I didn't come to you sooner."
He nodded once, to which she began to leave. Then the King said one last thing, "Rhaenyra, Ser Cley. You may go as well."
Rhaenyra opened her mouth to protest, but he looked at her sternly, to which she followed suit behind them. Once the three of them had turned the corner out of hearing distance from the door, Elaena immediately turned to Rhaenyra.
"I swear to the Old Gods and the New, as well as on the graves of both our mothers that I didn't know he was taking that egg, Rhaenyra," Elaena said, shaking her head as tears fell down her cheeks. "I wouldn't have let him do that to you or your brother, not for anything."
"I know, I believe you," Rhaenyra nodded, fighting her own tears. "But there's no time for this. Come, we have to leave quickly."
"Where?"
"I'm sorry, Your Graces," Ser Cley said, stepping forward, "I am under very strict order to not let you out of my sight, Princess Elaena. If you hadn't vouched for me, it'd be my head on a spike for not coming to the King sooner with the information revealed today."
"Then we'll have to give a reason for it not to be your fault," Rhaenyra said solemnly, taking her heavy metal necklace off. "I'm sorry, Ser Cley."
Before he could get another word in, she slung the necklace back, and then struck him, hitting him across the face so hard he passed out cold.
"Rhaenyra!" Elaena gasped, her eyes wide with shock.
"I'm sorry, but we need to go, now. Just the two of us," Rhaenyra said strongly, clasping the jewelery back around her neck. "This way he won't be in trouble."
"What for? Where are we going?"
"To get my brother's egg back."
DISCLAIMER: Hi everyone, I hope you enjoyed the story. There's just one thing I'd like to make you aware of before you continue reading.
Because this story revolves around the world of Game of Thrones, there's an obvious topic that may be sensitive to certain readers that I feel I must discuss: Incest. Incestual relationships have been prominent in the Game of Thrones series, from the Targaryen's history of marrying to keep the bloodline pure, to Cersei and Jaime, as well as Jon and Daenerys.
I do not by any means condone incestual relationships in real life, however for the sake of staying true to the realities of the world that George RR Martin has created, Elaena and Daemon's relationshp will technically be considered incestual. If you haven't picked up on the romantic and sexual tension between them yet, perhaps read this chapter again š And I'm here to tell you that more will be coming in the following chapters.
Despite my character being biologically related to Daemon, this story is essentially their love story. In the context of this story, the fact that it is technically incestual is not what I will be focusing on, but rather the connection they have with each other. I understand this may be triggering to some readers, so if it is to you, please only continue to read at your own discretion.