"I would be lying to you if I said that meeting father is going to be an easy task" Rhaegar sighed. Elaenya felt air draining from her lungs at the statement her brother had made, especially since they stood in front of the gates of the great hall.

"I-I'll be alright" she said in a small voice, but Rhaegar knew what his sister had been going through. For a girl who had never met her father, she seemed manage herself quite well. Rhaegar marveled at his sister's strength while fearing of his father's temper at the same time.

"Are you sure? We don't have to do this if you don't want to" he asked again

"I can do this Rhaegar" she turned to smile at her brother, who nodded in response. She was stubborn, the prince knew it. After all she was a Targaryen.

The golden doors were pushed open by the guards of the Red Keep, to reveal a colossal hall that took Elaenya's breath away. She had never laid eyes on something so beautifully intimidating. For a moment Elaenya held on to her stance, taking in the glory of the great hall. Her eyes gleamed in the dimly lit lanterns that brisked away the dying sunlight. Elaenya was far too captivated to even move, so Rhaegar had to nudge his little sister forward.

"Good luck" he whispered, Elaenya swallowed hard. She straightened her back, held her chin high, just like her septa had taught her and walked towards the throne which held a slouched man, who was clearly unimpressed with everything going around him. Had she known less, then she wouldn't have believed the man infront of her to be the ruler of the seven kingdoms.

The King briefly turned his head and his eyes set on Elaenya, walking closer. The young princess swore, she felt herself getting crushed under her father's hateful gaze which was followed by looks of awe and disbelief she received from the lords present at the court. Elaenya saw that her brother had caught up with her pace and was walking right beside her.

When the Targaryen siblings reached the arena near the iron throne, murmurs began to fill the air. Elaenya hated the attention she was receiving, a day ago she had been roaming the corridors of Dragonstone while she sang to herself and now she was in a room full of people who scrutinized her every move.

Rhaegar cleared his throat.

"Father, this is-"

"I know who this is" snapped the king, as he looked at his daughter from top to bottom.

He scoffed after sometime "Shame, I expected you to look better" he cracked into a maniacal laughter.

Rhaegar tightened his palm into a fist when he's saw his sister's face turn red out of shame. It wasn't right by his father to insult his only daughter infront for such influential men.

"Don't" Rhaegar said.

"Don't what? I forbade you from bringing this wrench into the capital! Yet you didn't listen, you never listen!" The king screamed and Elaenya felt tears threatening to fall. The call for homecoming seemed too surreal. She should have known that she was never wanted, it had surely been Rhaegar who had sent the raven just to defy their father. Nobody wanted her there.

"You dare call her that father, she is my sister but first she is your daughter" He said in a calm yet threatening voice.

The king laughed. Elaenya was surprised at his sudden changes in moods. One moment he shouted, loud enough to wake the dead and the next moment he roared in laughter, like a madman in it's entirety.

"My daughter? This witch can never be my daughter. She is a curse! She will bring only bad luck. She will lead to the downfall of this great kingdom-"

"The famine was nothing" Rhaegar muttered, regaining his composure.

"The famine was everything! She was birthed in the famine, when my throne threatened to tumble down and now that she sets foot in the capital, our smallfolk rebel. Tell me son, how is she nothing but a curse?"

Rhaegar scoffed.

"The smallfolk rebel due to your incompetence. It is not my sister's fault"

"YOU SPEAK AGAINST ME?-"

"I believe the Princess is tired from her journey, she better take some rest" Tywin Lannister's authoritative baritone cut Aerys off. Elaenya stood in the middle of everyone's gazes trembling with fear at what she had witnessed, her hair had become greasy due to perspiration and her cheeks were stained with tears.

"Very well then" Aerys said as he turned his head without taking another glance at his daughter.

"Take her to the chambers, Rhaegar and see to it that I never find her godforsaken self in my sights again"

"There will be no need for that. I believe Princess Elaenya brings nothing but good wishes" Tywin Lannister stated as he nodded to the Princess, who was clearly a sobbing mess.

Tywin didn't feel sympathy for the girl, but he understood her to be of a great importance to the crown Prince who'd securely wrapped his arms around her. There had to be a reason for Rhaegar to bring the forgotten Targaryen back to the mainlands and Tywin was determined to seek answers.

"I believe so too" Mace Tyrell piped up and Tywin rolled his eyes at the imbecile.

"Let us go Elaenya" Rhaegar whispered, ignoring the other Lords as her rubbed his hands on her shoulders smoothly. Elaenya wanted all of it to stop. She wanted to go back home, back to Dragonstone.

There were about six lords present in the great hall along with the Kingsguard, and she felt that all of them judged her the same way, her father did.

Elaenya didn't dare to look back, she was scared to meet her father's cold gaze. So when Rhaegar helped her exit the terrorizing walls of the great hall, she felt relief wash over her. Rhaegar smiled down softly, at her.

"Let's, get you to your chambers. Elia and the girls would be elated to meet you" He said with a widened smile.

"What of mother? When do I get to see her" Elaenya asked, her voice sounding like that of a child's. Rhaegar's face fell.

"She is tending to Viserys. Also, she is not well" He sighed. His mother had low spirits especially due to her father's ever growing rage.

"What is wrong with her?" Elaenya asked as they walked through the corridors.

"She has a fever and I fear it has taken a toll on her"

Elaenya's gaze fell onto the floor "Oh" she said in a small voice, sadness evident in them. The girl had returned to kingslanding to be received warmly by her family but was instead met with various obstacles.

"Is it because of me, Rhaegar? Is it because I stepped into the capital?" Rhaegar stopped in his tracks, his eyes widened. Turning, he cupped his sister's face.

"Never think that Elaenya. Never. You understand that little sister. You are nothing but a boon. You have never caused troubles for anyone and you never will" Elaenya smiled softly, her eyes were still filled with sorrow.

"But father hates me. He wants me gone" she said.

"Father" Rhaegar breathed out

"has his own way of seeing things. He suspects everyone. It is not new, don't take it to your heart" he said reassuringly.

Elaenya felt a tiny spark of hope ignite in her, but at the back of her mind she still worried of the treatment she was about to receive in the future.

"My Prince" An middle aged knight called out and making the young prince smile widely.

"Lewyn" He breathed out, as he went to hug the Dornishman who stood in front of them.

"How was the audit? Is everything alright in Highgarden?"

"No, your grace. The crops fail and the farmers starve. It is the worst we've had in years" He said with a sad tone. Rhaegar's brows furrowed as he looked down.

"How are the Tyrells managing this?"

"The rations from the previous year are helping them, but it can only last so long, your grace. If Highgarden cannot export crops, then the taxes rise and the outlaws can organise a coup. There will be nothing we can do after that"

"These are unfortunate times, Ser Lewyn but there's always something we can always do about it" Rhaegar said "No one knows of your visit, yes?"

"Only Lady Mina and Lady Olenna Tyrell" Lewyn Martell replied.

"Good. Keep it that way. Father is not to know of this. I'll sort this out myself"

Elaenya felt out of place standing between these two men who were engrossed in things she never understood.

But the failing crops and heightened taxes sparked her interests and she made it a point to ask her brother about it in a better time. She coughed awkwardly making the Dornishman turn his gaze towards the young Targaryen Princess infront of him.

"Ah! Princess Elaenya. You have finally graced us with your presence. I have heard do much about you" the knight stated as he took Elaenya's hand and kissed it. The Princess blushed at the knight's chivalry.

"I hope you heard of pleasant things Ser-"

"Lewyn. Lewyn Martell" he gave her a smile "And I can assure you my Princess, whatever it is that I have heard, you sure do exceed those claims" he added, making Elaenya feel a bit lighter from the situation that had unfolded not a few moments ago.

"We should go Ser Lewyn. My sister is yet to refresh herself and I am starting to fear that she will soon start smelling like the sea" Rhaegar chuckled and Elaenya elbowed him, which made the Prince giggle.

Lewyn smirked.

"As you say, my prince"

He bowed and walked away from the siblings.

For what seemed like hours of walking and catching up, Rhaegar and Elaenya reached her chambers.

"You should go, it's late" she said

"What? No. You won't manage"

"Trust me. I will. You don't have to show me through my room, Rhaegar that's the least I can do. Also you wouldn't want to keep Elia waiting" Elaenya smiled weakly at her brother.

Rhaegar felt pity for her, Elaenya didn't want his pity she didn't want to be a burden. She knew her brother, never thought of her like that but she didn't want to take any more chances, so she pushed him away and bid him farewell.

Rhaegar on the other hand, wanted to support his sister with all his power. She had been alone for far too long, he wanted to help her. But she was determined to refuse his approaches. He couldn't change her mind, so he walked away to meet Lewyn Martell, to finish their conversations.

Elaenya turned to open the doors of her chambers and as she did, she found a raven haired woman sprawled across her bed. Elaenya didn't dare open the doors any further. She saw the woman on her bed, speaking with another woman who had light brown hair.

"When's the Princess coming? I'm dying to meet her" the raven haired woman

"She isn't going to come when you like her to, Ashara. Also, why are we in her chambers? It is just rude" Commented the brown haired girl.

"So? We will surprise her and then she will become our friend. I heard she is nearly of our age" Ashara giggled in delight

"Ashara, this is clearly wrong. She will be angry and Princess Elia will kill us"

"Oh Mina, I'm sure she won't mind and as of Princess Elia, I think she'll be impressed at effort" Elaenya smirked at this. She opened her doors wide and walked in with a mischievous smile on her face.

"It is quite right. I don't mind you in my chambers" Elaenya said softly and the two girls froze at her sight. Elaenya was worried that they were scared of her.

"I'm sorry for intruding your conversation. You both seemed to be engrossed enough to not notice me" she said quickly. Ashara's eyes softened.

"Intruding? My Princess, this is your castle. We are the intruders, not the other way 'round" she giggled, sitting up from the bed.

When Elaenya got a good look at Ashara, she was stunned. The raven haired girl was one of the most beautiful women she'd ever seen. Ashara Dayne was the epitome of elegance and grace, just like the damsels from the tales her Septa told her.

"Please, sit down Princess" Mina pulled out a chair and helped Elaenya to it.

"Please, call me Elaenya. Princess is a strangely uncomfortable title"

"As you wish. Elaenya" Ashara giggled.

"We haven't been properly introduced" Mina said, smiling down at her "I am Mina Tyrell" she added.

"I'm Ashara Dayne" the raven haired girl chimed, a huge smile forming across her face.

"Dayne? Tell me Ashara do you-"

"Have a brother?" Ashara completed the sentence quickly.

"Yes, that" Elaenya said.

"I do have a brother. His name is Arthur and he is in the Kingsguard"

"Thought so, I may have met him on my journey back"

"Of course you have. He's always with your brother, after all he is the greatest knight in the seven kingdoms" Mina said as her eyes grew dreamy and she swooned at the mention of the knight.

"Mina here, is very fond of him. She forgets the fact that he is a member of the Kingsguard" Ashara smirked.

"A girl can dream" Mina scoffed. Elaenya chuckled at their exchange and tried her best to know those two girls.

"So, you both are handmaidens to Elia?" She asked.

"Yes, I grew up with her but Mina and Elia became acquainted during the summer festivities in Dorne that she'd attended" Ashara replied.

"Speaking of festivities. Did you see the gardens being decorated?" Mina asked, her eyes full of joy.

"Yes I did!" Ashara squeaked.

"What for?" Elaenya asked, she wondered why the Royal gardens would be decorated in mid season.

"You don't know, do you?" Ashara asked.

"No?"

"It's for your name day celebration, Elaenya" Mina beamed and Elaenya's eyes widened. She had forgotten about her eighteenth name day in this rush of coming home. She didn't expect anyone remember it, let alone hold a grand celebration.

"It's Rhaegar's doing isn't it?" She asked.

"Of course" the two girls replied.

Before Elaenya could say any more, the door flew open to reveal a disappointed Elia Martell, with her hands folded to her chest.

"I have been looking all over for you two" she said to the two handmaidens and then she turned her head to see Elaenya sitting by them. Her mood lifted at the sight of the young Princess, she had met a few years ago during her stay at Dragonstone. She rushed to Elaenya.

"I thought I wouldn't see you today" she exclaimed and the girls giggled "You two are still in for a lot of trouble. Let me finish off with the Princess then I'll have a talk with you both" she said, mocking an angry tone.

"As you wish, Princess" The handmaidens giggled and left the two in the room.

"You look well, Elia" Elaenya said, as she took the dornish princess' hand.

"So do you. Tell me, how is the capital treating you?"

"To be honest, I don't know. I feel so alienated. It's like I don't belong here" she sighed.

"I felt the same when I came here after my wedding. But now, with Rhaenys, it has started to feel like home" she smiled, as she rubbed small circles on the princess' palms.

"There are so many people here Elia. So many people to please, it's almost suffocating and you know how I feel about crowds" she said with sorrow evident in her voice.

"Yes, I do. We all conquer our fears Elaenya, even if it takes the longest amounts of time. At the end we all conquer fear"

"What if I don't conquer my fears? What if they conquer me? Oh Elia, how I dread tomorrow especially after what I heard about my name day celebration" Elaenya looked up to the dornish woman with fear evident in her eyes.

"It will be hard at first. But please, don't loose hope, you will fit in soon. People here will love you Elaenya, you are so warm and kind. They will love you as they have loved Rhaegar" she squeezed her hand in reassurance. Elaenya smiled and let out a yawn. Elia chuckled at the sight of the tired princess.

"You should take rest"

"Yes, and thank you Elia. You have partially relieved me" she said, Elia Martell nodded at the young Princess who laid herself on the bed.

"I do try" she smirked.

As Elia shut the door softly behind her, Elaenya found herself drifting into darkness.

Thanks to everyone who's read this. Your reviews are appreciated.