The Song of Sun and Flame

AN:

Hello everyone, I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. This is definitely going to be a slow burn for me as there is many intricate parts I want to share so stick with me. There's lots of exciting moments coming with the Otherworlder's and the Targaryen's.

I have no music recs this chapter, they will be definitely coming soon though as I have a lot of great scenes which feel so much better to me with the music so thank you following along and enjoy the next chapter.

Lots of Love,

Shattered Light x

Chapter 2: Gold

It was late into the evening before Alicent's handmaidens arrived. Prior to that, I had the attendants fussing over my hair, threatening to man handle my delicate locks into something more 'King's Landing friendly'. I firmly refused, deciding to pin back the front strands into a twist at the back of my head. The next person who touched my hair I swore I would throttle. Then much to my dismay, they hauled me into the most uncomfortable corset known to man. I kept scratching at the places where the boning poked into my skin.

Mark had fared no better. I had heard yelling from his room and barged in to find his attendants attempting to throw him into a gaudy pink frock. Though he never had a problem with how he dressed, I could tell that this was too much even for him. I immediately chastised them for their ignorance and demanded they find something more suitable. Then I held him as he cursed this land and their archaic ideals. Now, he stood with his frilly shirt mended and sporting one of the prince's old green tunics, according to the servant. Though his breeches came up a touch higher than the rest of the boys, he seemed far more comfortable.

The same could not be said for the rest of us. The men all sported the same tight black tunic, some with gold buckles, some with silver, all choking them at the neck. The women, on the other hand, spent most of their time trying to waddle through the halls without tripping over their long skirts. I kept pulling at certain parts of my dress trying to stop the itching from the rough, old-world fabric. By the time we had reached the dining chamber, I already knew I had red marks at the cuffs and ribs.

The Kingsguard greeted us with a nod and opened the doors ahead. The dining chamber was rather modest compared to the rest of the castle, small and comforting, lit by dozens of candles on the walls and around the floor. The only grand thing was the central table, raised on a large dais. The Hightowers were already seated, facing us as we entered. Alicent welcomed us as we filed in, bowing to her before taking our seats. She sat in her usual dark green, but this dress was high necked, tight and sporting the stars of the Seven at each shoulder. My friends were rather eager to sit down, leaving me with only one available option.

Next to him.

Aemond was sitting slightly askew on the far right of the table, completely disinterested in our approach. His hair was tied up out of his eyes, not a single strand out of place. This left his scar fully on display. In the candlelight, it seemed almost as if a great shadow had etched itself into him. Marring him forever in darkness. His attire consisted of a black leather tunic, matching trousers, and sturdy combat boots. His tunic was embroidered with glistening, dark green thread running over his shoulder in the shape of a great, terrifying dragon.

Vhagar.

As I climbed the dais, his eye flashed to mine. Though his face was a clean slate, void of emotion, his eye was filled with a haunting distrust. I remembered the library and couldn't help but sense the blade at my throat once more. I tried to ignore him instead, joining in with the introductions, greeting Haelena on Alicent's right; Otto, who sat next to Aemond and Aegon who was downing his fourth cup of wine next to Haelena.

"You must forgive the King for his lateness," said Alicent, "He has been rather ill of late." Of course, I knew this quite well. I had already seen the state the King's illness would leave him in and was not looking forward to witnessing his decline first-hand.

Eventually, the room descended into pleasant small talk, Malina was speaking with Alicent about our world's medicine with Haelena in a daze. As I was taking my first few sips of wine, Aemond leaned over to whisper in my ear, "I hope there are no hard feelings between us, My Lady. You were a stranger to me after all. I just hope we can look past this, and you learn your place here."

His comment had me slam my goblet on the table, "The only place I belong is with my foot shoved up your rear end."

His lip curled menacingly, "Hmm, you are not in your world anymore. Here, men of my stature are treated with respect."

"In my world, men like you were imprisoned. I don't care where I am; no man has the right to my respect. That is earned, Your Highness."

Just as he prepared to clap back, the loud creak of the doors announced the arrival of King Viserys Targaryen.

Not even I was prepared for this. My friends all looked on in horror at the King's ancient face. Though he was not old by the standards of our world, his leprosy had turned him into a shell of the man he once was. The golden mask adorning his face appeared spectral, as if he was being pulled into the Unseen before our very eyes. His sockets were hollowed out and his crown stood lopsided on the bed of light fog which was now his hair. Though as his great chair was carried in and set in between the Hand and the Queen, I saw something that surprised me. His eyes, though gaunt, still held in them a strong light, like a hearth warming the chamber. As I noticed this, his face became softer, fuller, and more flushed with life. This light was the remnant of the King which had kept his family united for years, even as they threatened to tear each other apart. This was the great Ruler of Peace, and I smiled as he examined his new guests.

"It has been quite some time since I have been greeted by new faces," His voice wheezed, "Especially ones as interesting as yourselves." His gaze set to Mark's attire and Josh's violet hair.

"We are grateful for your family's hospitality, Your Grace," I said, "It is a great honour to meet you." I bowed my head respectfully.

He smiled warmly, "And you, my dear. Now, I believe we have waited quite long enough. Let us eat!" He banged his dragon-headed walking stick sharply on the ground, summoning the greatest feast I had ever laid my eyes on. Trays upon trays of meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Roasted pork, dried figs, whole duck. It was heaven to my eyes. I hadn't realised quite how hungry I was. The others seemed to agree because as soon as the Queen had finished saying her grace, we all dived in.

We spent a long while wining, dining, and enjoying riveting conversation, each party eager to discover more about the others world. Aegon was the only person not engaging with the rest. He had gone to retrieve some more wine from my side of the table. His crossed eyes scanned Chloe before giving her a drunken lopsided grin. Chloe stared on in disgust as he retook his seat, his eyes now training to me, with something that could only be described as hungry. It made me sick. My only relief was Viserys turning to me.

"Eilidh is a rather unusual name, is it not? Tell me, what does it mean?" he said with curiosity.

I sat upright, slightly taken aback, "Oh! Well, in the old language of my people, Eilidh is the word for light."

The words seemed to have startled Haelena who snapped out of her daze immediately, she observed me with her dream glossed eyes and spoke for the first time since our arrival, "There is no light without shadow." Alicent stopped and glanced at her. I paused, contemplating what she said. Aemond looked back from Haelena to me, giving me a confused or intrigued look? I couldn't quite tell. I knew Haelena had Dragon Dreams, but this made no bloody sense, even Aegon had snapped out of his drunken state to stare at his sister-wife.

Soon, the conversation then turned, with Viserys discussing what to do of our current situation with Husnan, "Of course, you would have to remain here. The Red Keep has the greatest collection of texts and scrolls in all the Seven Kingdoms. Should there be an answer, it will surely be there."

Husnan beamed in delight, "That is most generous of you, Your Grace. Thank you. But we would barely know where to begin." There were sad nods of agreement from the rest of our group.

"Well surely you know of some magic that could return you?" Otto implied, "There must be great power in a world that was able to transport you here."

Chloe sighed, "The only magic in our world is what we see in fiction, My Lord, we're sorry."

Viserys sighed in defeat but then turned to me, "And what of you, child? It is said you know all. Where would you begin?"

I stared down at my dinner, pondering for a moment, before replying, "What of Old Valyria? The blood mages worked with magic for generations. It's not the most…gentle form but it's not a bad place to start."

Viserys looked down for a moment, contemplating what I said, before responding, "Yes… There are many documents of the mage's actions since before the Doom. They are forbidden of course but if there is something within that could help... And with your knowledge of our history coupled with our vast collection, you may be the only one able to find the answers you seek." Alicent's eyes grew wide, drawing the conclusion just before I had, "So… I shall entrust the task to you then, Eilidh of the Otherworld."

I stared at him, confused, "I'm sorry, what?"

His smile was assured, his face growing more strained with every word, "You and your friends will remain here in the Red Keep under my protection. My home is yours and you will have free reign over its grounds and King's Landing. In that time, you will work with the Maester's and my son to find the answer you seek. You are to leave no stone unturned. You will have access to all records in the library including the forbidden works. And once your task is done, we will ensure your safe return."

I took a moment to take in the weight of what he had said. Full access to the library? Free reign over King's Landing and a home in the Red Keep? And help from the Maesters… and his son? His son! I was about to speak before Viserys interjected, "Prince Aemond knows the library better than anyone here. He will assist you in your research."

Aemond's eyes grew wide, and his teeth bared but he remained still. Speaking with such forced calm he said, "Father, I hardly think tha-

"No arguments, Aemond." Viserys' voice was remained powerful even in his reduced state, "This is an order from your King. Every day after your training is concluded, you will assist the Lady Eilidh in her research, is that understood?"

At this, I saw his ice shell crack and beneath was fire. Searing, hot, livid fire, the flames hot beneath his skin. His jaw clenched and his eyes seared with glowing rage. Aegon was chuckling into his goblet. His brother shot a fierce look at him before returning to me. The heat emanating from him was enough to burn me alive, but I remained resolute. If working with the callous prince was the only way to ensure our safe return, then that is what I would do. I thought he would speak but one deep breath and the flame was gone, the frost had sealed, and the flame died. He sat back up straight and with a great sigh, caved, "Very well, My King."

Viserys smiled gratefully, "Wonderful. Well, now that is sorted, shall we have some dessert?" We spent the rest of the meal in silence. On my left side, Malina squeezed my hand with reassuringly. But on my right, Aemond's presence loomed over me, like a dagger to my back.