THE ILLUMINATED HALLS of the Red Keep seemed to cry out to Arthur as the arrows pierced it's walls, the once sunny weather of the early mornings were replaced with dull grey skies as the chilly winds announced a postponed spring, making the place soggy laiden with fog and dust.
The king had blamed the vapid weather on his poor daughter, like a irrational man he was but Arthur knew otherwise. He wouldn't be lying if he said that her eyes were the liveliest ones he'd seen on the lands. Perhaps it was because she was a foreigner, raised away from an ordinary life but Arthur considered it her gift.
The same gift her father called a curse, the gift of contentment and humility.
There were many emotions that Arthur, but possessiveness was not one of them. Yet that day when Elaenya Targaryen stood shocked in his arms, her face drained of all colour, the knight couldn't help but feel the strange urge to shield her against all evils. Of course it was his duty to do so, but he knew he wouldn't always be to protect her from oncoming perils.
"Are you alright, my princess?" He asked, at least the hundredth time, the sound of his concerned voice turning distasteful to his own ear.
"I can perfectly assure you that I am" she smiled sweetly, yet again. Not a hint of irritation crossing her delicate features as they walked to the small council at the Court Room, with him trailing cautiously behind her. Beside them walked Mina, with her face solemn, eyes drifting occasionally towards Arthur with signs of longing making the man swallow in guilt.
"May we speak later this evening, Ser Arthur?" She asked coyly, making the man shift in discomfort.
"I apologise for declining my lady, but I don't think that would be likely- atleast not under our current situation"
Arthur didn't understand how Mina could worry about such trivial issues when, not mere moments ago, her princess was showered with innumerable arrows.
The Dornish knight tried to keep his tone monotonous, hoping that the princess wouldn't notice his distraction. The last thing he wanted was Rhaegar's sister to think of him as a distracted bondsman.
It didn't take them long enough to reach the Courtroom that had a good half of the Kingsguard and the whole of the small council gathered. The room was small and vertical in it's shape, holding a long table which seated various noble men headed by Tywin Lannister who was contemplating with thumb grazing against his chin.
"Elaenya!" Rhaegar ran to engulf his sister in the tightest hugs. "I heard what happened, I was so worried about you"
"I am fine, really. If it hadn't been for Ser Arthur then I probably wouldn't have survived" she said, pulling away from her brother and turning to him with the warmest smiles on her face.
The knight's eyes widened at the sudden mention of his name, which made the all the eyes drop on him.
"Of course, it had to be you Arthur!" Rhaegar said,"My sister's life is a debt that I can never pay, my dear friend but I shall grant you anything you wish for. It is the least I can do. Ask away!"
"I don't require anything. I just did my duty, your grace"
Arthur mentally cursed himself, why was he like this? Could he never appreciate the finer things provided to him?
Lewyn had been right, he was indeed becoming an old monk.
"What's all this nonsense?" A voice spat from the doorway, revealing a disheveled King followed by Ser Gerold Hightower.
Aerys walked with shaky strides, nearly tripping over the side tables that decorated an assortment of flowers. Tywin Lannister rolled his eyes.
"We were waiting for you, my King" he said with a tight lipped smile.
"Indeed you were, couldn't let me have my wine, could you? Had to drag me all across the damned castle in this damned weather to what? Stare at your ugly wrinkled faces?" The king screamed, startling the princess who moved away from Rhaegar, walking backwards until she hit Arthur's armour.
"Elaenya and Lord Tyrell were ambushed, father. Arrows rained on them inside the Red Keep. I fear that the culprits may have broken in" Rhaegar said quickly, forbidding to show weaknesses in his voice for he knew his father could exploit it.
The king turned to his daughter.
"Arrows on that wrench? I am surprised that you survived. Looks like the gods shall not allow be to attain peace" he wheezed. A sound so shrill and maniacal that it made Elaenya flinch and Arthur was already boiling with anger, much like Rhaegar who had his head bowed in shame.
"It is for the best of we don't dwell on the past and recognise our culprits, my King" Tywin stated, making Aerys groan while he took his seat on the small council.
"I say it is the Kingswood Brotherhood!" Mace exclaimed, his face red, still terrified from the horrid occurrence as he glistened with perspiration.
"Ambush is not their chosen tactics, Lord Tyrell. They prefer to kidnap" Adarian Thorne piped up with a drawl, scoffing at the oaf Lord.
Arthur never liked Mace Tyrell, but Adarian was a completely different issue. His pride and his suave demeanor, seemed all too made up. House Thorne was sworn to the Lannisters, and he did not trust the vessel houses of the Westerlands.
"Lord Thorne, do you wish to convey that I am lying?"
"No, it is not so. I just wish to convey that you have terrible comprehensive skills" Adarian smirked, earning a laugh from the king.
"I see where you are going Lord Thorne, but they may have changed their tactics" Tywin said. He turned to the king and awaited his response, as the old man twisted his mouth to think.
"Ser Gerold, I want the heads of the Kingswood Brotherhood at the court by the next fortnight and-"
"Elaenya will need a personal guard, father" Rhaegar stated, cutting off the King.
"No I will not! I swear I am perfectly alright Rhaegar" but the Prince ignored his sister's pleas and waited for his father to permit the request.
"My men will be at the Kingswood. They don't have time to protect a puny girl"
The king scoffed at the idea as he stood up to leave.
"I'll do it" said the violet eyed knight.
Arthur felt a sudden itch in his palm. It was the daunting feeling that had returned to him, the fires of youth and the need for an accost task. He knew he was going to regret his decision, but it was for the best.
Elaenya turned to meet his wide gaze. She was shocked.
"Dayne? Why in the seven hells would you stay back instead of helping your so called brothers?" Adarian asked.
"Someone needs to protect the princess. Better me than anyone else" he said.
Rhaegar smiled with gratitude to his dear friend who'd sacrificed great glory to trail behind his sister like a watchdog.
Arthur had expected Elaenya to be glad for he'd done it just for her, instead she had a disappointed look. Her brows were furrowed and her palms clenched into a fist and before he could call out for her, she'd already stormed off, her silver locks flowing with the winds.
Mace Tyrell rushed to catch up with the angered princess, only to pat Arthur's shoulders in applause.
"I shall forever be indebted to you for taking up this responsibility Ser Arthur. My betrothed can be quite a aim for all trouble" the man laughed, before walking out of the Courtroom.
' My betrothed '
The knight found himself shaking his head in disbelief. He couldn't understand the reason for Elaenya to agree on marrying Mace.
Gods knew, she deserved better and only gods knew how the stern faced knight felt a prang of jealousy ignite within him.
A/NThank you for reading. Let me know how you feel about this chapter.
