Arrival

Sword of the Morning

Seeing her again was like seeing the sun for the first time after a century of darkness.

The warm eyes. The curling dark hair that used was wild when they were young, he could see now she had tamed it in her womanhood, putting it into a western braid. The shine of gold threading through her head. Her entire body was a setting sun. Orange cloak with a sun sewn in it hid her body underneath. The wind blew it open just slightly to reveal a deep red fabric and gold lace, then it was gone again. The cloak must be heavy. The weather in King's Landing was warmer than the rest of the kingdom, but cooler than Dorne. When he first arrived here seven years ago he had a difficult time adjusting to the cool nights and mornings. And the rain was ever present.

Arthur had to take a breath to steady himself as he watched her descend the long wood bridge. His eyes moved from Elia to his sister and he felt a smile break on his face. He could already see her amethyst eyes from the distance. They pierced into him and a conversation passed between them. I see you. I missed you. I wish we were home. I wish this wasn't happening. You look old. I feel old.

Rhaegar's voice stopped the siblings from continuing, and Arthur remembered his position. His eyes snapped back to his princess, and he kept his face neutral. The short pleasantries were diplomatic etiquette, and customary, but it was boring. Elia was playing it well, it was unlike the welcoming of Dorne, where they would meet with gifts and music. When they arrived at the Red Keep they would break fast and the welcome ceremony would end until the wedding.

Arthur watched the queen come to Elia and a new exchange started and ended, then the time to head to the king came. They started their way towards the stairs and Arthur turned and walked next to his sister, a few paces behind the princess and the royal family.

"Hello brother." Ashara whispered to him as they briskly walked the path towards the staircase. It was slightly long, and riddled with cobblestones.

"Sister, I hope the journey was well. Is there any word from mother?" He whispered back. His mother had just birthed a younger sibling, a surprise to everyone in his family.

"We have a new sister, Allyria. Elia and I travelled with Princess Adrielle to meet her a few moons ago. Mother has been bedridden ever since, I fear for her health." Arthur nodded. His parents were aging, slightly older than the queen and king. He knew having a babe at that age would lead to consequences.

"And father? I have not heard from him nor our brother in several fortnights." He replied. Ashara let her eyes flick towards him before moving back to the party ahead. "Simon is betrothed. It is to take place the same time as the royal wedding, though planned far in advance. I fear father thinks it is a slight against the house from Princess Adrielle and the king." Her voice was low, fearing the ears and eyes of the people around them. He felt a quick sense of pride fill his body. His sister knew the dangers of King's Landing, the princess would have taught them well.

"Father would not be so ignorant. He might grumble about it but he would never voice it in fear of angering the princess." He snorted. They arrived at the base of the steps, and concern stopped him in his tracks.

The climb. He had not thought of Elia's health.

"I was not aware there would be so many steps, your highness." her voice is small, like a child. Without hesitation Arthur stepped forward. "Your highness, the princess has just landed from a long tiring journey, and is unfamiliar with the climate of King's Landing, if I may be so bold as to carry the princess up the stairs as to not tire her more." He kept his eyes on Rhaegar, but in his peripheral he saw Elia's eyes dart at him. He could not read the emotion behind him but he knew it was shock.

The prince did not know about his feelings towards Elia, neither did his princess. No one did, perhaps Ashara had an idea, but she never said anything.

"Do you accept Ser Arthur's inclination, my lady?" Rhaegar asked the small woman, there was a sternness in his voice. Regret creeped across Arthur's skin. It was a mistake to volunteer, however to show her weak health to the eyes of King's Landing would be a larger one. If anyone asked, the crown would simply say the princess was sick from the journey and needed help up the long stairway. Rhaella would ask the spider to send his little birds to spread new rumors, larger ones to squash this one. To save them the trouble Arthur would step, or so he rationalized.

"I do, my lord. Thank you." Elia replied coolly, and curtsied. Arthur took a step forward and lifted the princess carefully. She weighed nothing, but she felt comfortable in his arms. He felt the sudden urge to kiss her on the forehead. Ignoring that he climbed the steps to the where the carriages and now queen were. Rhaegar walked with them, not saying a word. He trusted the prince, and in return the prince trusted him. He could not betray his friend, no matter the feelings.

The lack of weight of his princess did not distract him from the weight in his heart. His loyalty was trapped between that of the cold king at the top of the hill and the warmth of the woman in his arms. He was Kingsguard, not princessguard. He gave up worldly possessions and made a vow of chastity when he swore his oath to the king. it was his duty.

He dared a look at the princess, and he felt the waver in his heart again. Elia was not just any woman. Since he was a young lad he had been mesmerized by her dark eyes and quick wit. His friendship with Oberyn and his sister's own infatuation with the viper helped along the attachment. He never let his feelings known, not once. He instead kept a cool exterior and always held himself at a distance, acting more like a brother to her. Teasing her along with Oberyn, never touching, no sweet words exchanged. He had not seen her since they were five and ten, when he left to join the guard. She had begun to flower that year, and Arthur was thankful then, that he was leaving, or he would have begged his father to allow a betrothal to take place.

Arthur shook his head slightly to break away the thoughts filling his head, he had an obligation to the royal family. He swore an oath.

He carried the princess to the top of stairs and let her down gently, and he bowed.

"Thank you, Ser Arthur." She nodded, and accepted the arm of Prince Rhaegar as they walked towards the largest carriage.

"What was that?" He heard his sister's voice next to him.

"My duty." He replied, and walked towards the smaller carriage behind the one the princess and prince entered, he inwardly winced at how short his response had been. This was not a place for speaking of matters of the heart.

Arthur nodded to Ser Brennard, the other kingsguard waiting for them at the top of the hill. The man nodded back at him and gave Ashara a quick once over before looking back at Arthur. He knew that look, and Arthur gritted his teeth. He helped his sister into the carriage and climbed on the back, letting Brennard close the door behind them. He closed his eyes as the horses started pulling them down the bumpy road to the castle, but opened them as they entered the city and he heard the cheering from the crowds.

"Are those for Elia?" He could hear Ashara ask the queen, and Arthur nodded to himself. "A celebration has been long overdue in the kingdom. The winter brought long rains and little harvest. This wedding could not have come at a better time, the celebrations and feasts will be a good distraction." The queen responded, she kept her voice light but Arthur knew what she was saying underneath her velvet voice.

"Bunch a rats, if you ask me." Brennard gruff voice spit out as they passed the cheering crowds. Arthur kept his face forward, not letting his face show his true thoughts. They rode in silence as the party climbed the hill towards the towering castle.