drag herself to the armory that morning. She was having a load of feelings rushing through her as she walked to the desired place, early in the morning. Was was she so agonised over a kiss? She was an engaged woman!
Was it jealousy?
Elaenya shook her head furiously to make her minds change it's tracks. Her silly head was indeed invading uncharted waters, and the princess hated it.
The armory was located far from the residential sections of the castle, tucked away beneath one of the many gardens of the Red Keep, it'd been well maintained for any armory in general. The wooden door that lead to the room was situated at the end of the corridor- attracting the common eye with her sigil carved over it.
The young princess knocked on the door.
After a few moments of waiting, the wicket flew open to reveal a short boy who had dirty blonde hair. The moment his green eyes perceived the nature of the visitors, he quickly bowed down, only to stumble and make Elaenya hold her giggle.
"Princess! Apologies for making you wait. I was uh busy" he laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head.
"It is quite alright boy-"
"Lannister. Jaime Lannister"
"Lord Tywin's son, I suppose?" Elaenya asked
"One of them. Yes"
Their conversation was cut short when Arthur emerged from one end of the room with a bundle of sparring swords in his handed. He walked towards them with a small smile and handed the large pile to the young boy who stumbled yet again.
Arthur Dayne seemed to look quite surprised.
"Princess, you're early" he said glancing out of the window to the see the misty gardens and the young rays brushing over the seemingly crystalline leaves.
The princess chuckled. Of course she was early, she could barely sleep the previous night due to the sheer excitement that fluttered her heart.
"I am an early riser, Ser Arthur. Always have been"
The smiled down at her, "Of course. That will work on our favour, since these sessions must be extremely secretive. It is only I, Jaime and you know of it. Princesses sparring isn't considered desirable, sadly"
"Oh. My lips are sealed, I can assure you that. Not a soul shall know of this- arrangement" Elaenya said, nodding at the knight.
Arthur sighed and placed his hands on his waist and for the first time the young Targaryen noticed the change in his usual attire. He was not wearing the gold Kingsguard armour with a blindingly white cloak, but he was in a long red tunic that was tightened at the waist with a few strings. He hadn't buttoned his shirt completely, revelation a small portion of his toned chest that was enough to make her gasp. Arthur's sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, his large hands exposed for her view.
With his hair resembling a beautiful mess and his choice of a blood red tunic, Arthur Dayne looked like a statue, sculpted with great care. The scars on his face and hands, didn't seem to ruin his beauty but instead enhance it by a thousand times.
Elaenya could almost loose her breath looking at the violet eyed Dornishman under the young rays of the sun.
She quickly broke away from her daze of marveling about the knight and cleared her throat.
"Good" he continued with the same lopsided grin, which was so rare,"Pick a sword and we'll be off"
Elaenya examined the swords that Jaime held and picked up a silver hued one, in a complete random order. She squinted her eyes to take a closer look, only to find it awfully blunt and with a broken tip.
"How am I supposed learn with this, toy" she asked in genuine confusion, as he brows furrowed at Arthur.
Jaime blinked at the Dornish knight and burst into fits of laughter, dropping the remaining swords from his hand. He grabbed his stomach as tears formed in his feline eyes.
Arthur too was controlling his urge to laugh, making Elaenya roll her eyes at both of them.
"Princess" Arthur began, "You must first learn with a sparring sword then shall you be capable to wield a real one"
"Is that so? It seems like I have embarrassed myself yet again" she sighed.
"Not at all. Now, Let us go" Arthur then turned to Jaime, "Bring the swords, quickly" he said, with a authoritative drawl in his voice. Something Elaenya heard from the calm man.
They walked beside each other silently, as the strange yet familiar feeling of awkwardness and warmth filled the air. Elaenya found herself looking at the ground, only to peek sideways. Occasionally.
Handsome. It would have been an understatement to call him so, without his uniform, he looked much younger than a man of thirty. Elaenya couldn't believe that such a specimen of a man existed. She couldn't believe how his violet eyes complimented his tanned skin. It was so surreal.
She could almost touch him.
Elaenya shook the though away from her head as soon as it'd originated. She constantly reminded herself of Mina and of the fact that she was going to be married.
So, had it all been a lie, The adoration in his eyes? But it seemed all so real!
The princess tried her utmost to not dwell on the subject any further as it would bring her nothing but misery. She wanted to be Arthur's friend and there she was wanting something more. Things like these weren't a bed of roses.
When they emerged from the castle, the fog had persisted. Sunlight was almost dull, and it felt like they'd come somewhere in the north.
Arthur had lead her to a secluded arena, far from the usual one that was away from the prying eyes of the lords and ladies. The trees there grew taller than usual, as their canopies caged the blue sky. Birds chirped louder and the leaves rustled much often, it was like a little piece of heaven.
"This place is breathtaking" Elaenya said, looking around.
"It is indeed. Pure and untouched by us filthy men, who wish to cage it as their garden" he said, bringing out his sparring sword.
It was strange to see the mighty Arthur Dayne draw a children's sword, which was far too small for his large hands.
"Princess, I must request you to stand there" he said pointing at a small rock, "I shall be here, and I want you to follow my word. It will be quite difficult for both of us, since you are a beginner and I have never used a sparring sword since I was eight"
"I'll try my best" Elaenya beamed and took her position, holding the blade with her two hands. The Dornish knight too prepared himself for the session.
"Now, spread your feet and stoop down slightly, divide your weight between the two feet" he said with his eyebrows furrowed.
Elaenya did what she was asked and the knight nodded in acknowledgement.
"Good. Now come towards me and try to block my attacks. I shall increase my pace eventually" Elaenya took small steps and so did the knight until they were significantly close.
And so began her worst nightmare.
Arthur Dayne's slowest pace was making her short of breath, his blow was always from the top for he was so tall. This made Elaenya's arm sore as she tried to block them.
He was fast. Almost too fast. Like a flash of lightning.
His facial expressions were a completely different story. The princess almost felt herself shudder at his furrowed brows and the coldness of his eyes. The poor man was loosing himself in that fraudulent battle.
She wanted to stop, for he was going harder on her. Breathlessness, the stickiness of perspiration and the tension seemed to increase with every moment. The man she knew was not himself, he was lost in the art of battle. Hence with the final blow Arthur Dayne knocked off Elaenya Targaryen's sword, striking her wrist in the process. The princess hissed in pain, loud enough to break the knight's trance.
Arthur dropped his sword immediately and rushed to the girl's aid.
"Princess! Gods, did I hurt you?" He asked, trying to take a look at her wrist but the girl wouldn't let him.
The pain was excruciating indeed but Elaenya was sure she hadn't broken her wrist. It was a tiny blow, it would heal almost immediately, there was no reason she'd have to trouble Arthur with these trivial things.
She hid her hand behind her, resting it on her wait. Her eyes were stinging with tiny tears, but Elaenya had composed herself soon enough.
It couldn't be worse than her moon cycle pain.
"I am fine. Let us continue, we've barely started" she said, but Arthur wasn't having any of it. He took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair in worry.
"I should have known" he said, pacing about and massaging his temple vexingly. His breaths were ragged and his eyes held the same concern.
Elaenya wished he'd lighten up for a moment. It was just a sprain.
"Please, Ser Arthur. I said thay I am alright. Do you not believe me?" The princess pleaded, making turn his violet orbs at her. Elaenya brought out her hand. It had only turned red.
"Of course I believe you!" He snapped, startling Elaenya "but I fear that- that I may have lost myself. I fear that I could have done worse, much worse. I am not worthy to take care of you my princess, this is not for me. I am more suited at fighting." His head hung, while his hands gripped on to his dark locks. Arthur placed himself underneath the large tree. Burying his face in his hands.
Elaenya couldn't believe her eyes. Was the sword of the morning breaking down in front of her? She could understand how embarrassed he must have felt to let his guard down near a royalty. She understood his condition all too well for it was her state, a few days ago.
She rushed to his side, and sat down supporting herself on her knee.
"Don't you dare say that Ser Arthur, you've proven yourself as a gallant and a kind man since the moment I laid eyes on you" she assured him, her hand lingering of his but she didn't have the courage to touch him, yet.
"You barely know me" he said looking up from his hands, as a sad smile ghosted over his lips.
"I know you 'nuf"
The man sighed.
"I was raised to be a soldier, I was raised to fight. My skills, that I have honed with my blood and sweat comes with a price princess, it is the price of loosing reality. Which is much terrible." he continued, "whenever I pick up a sword, I wish to draw blood. It has almost become a natural instinct, and I have begun fearing it quite a bit"
"You're not loosing grip on reality. You're strong, you'll overcome it" Elaenya stated, yet her statement sounded like a plea. She was forcing Arthur to believe.
"You don't understand, do you? It is not something one can control. This is why I didn't want to teach you in the first place"
Elaenya rolled her eyes at his arguments. He was being ridiculous. She could understand his troubles, but he was much to self deprecating for his own good.
Elaenya couldn't deny that she felt like she was looking into a mirror.
"Gods, Arthur Dayne! It is just a scratch, it's not like you sliced me in half"
"Princess-"
"No. Listen to me" the harshness of her voice was unbelievable to her ears as well as the knight's who looked puzzled "You are capable of controlling your mind, Ser Arthur. Remember what you told me on my name day? Don't let any man make you wilt. Here, I repeat them again for you. You are the master of your mind, if you wish then you can tame your bloodlust"
She took a deep breath and continued.
"I believe in you. Everyone does, then why must you fear your weaknesses? Elia once told me to conquer my fears, and here I am trying to do so. Even though I am failing terribly, I still am trying. Hence, so must you. I am absolutely certain that you'll be able to do it better than me, for you are strong Arthur Dayne. But most of all you are a good man with a noble cause, and that is highly commendable for someone with such lavish titles as yourself" she said, smiling down at the knight who's distress had lessened significantly after her long speech.
"You're kind princess. I hope I am worthy of your kindness" he said, looking away to his side.
Oh Arthur.
"You're worthy of moons and stars, Arthur Dayne" she whispered to herself, hoping that he wouldn't hear.
Their close proximity had soon become clear to Elaenya when she felt his breath on her face. The girl pushed herself back, with a painful force. Trying to clear away their compromising situation.
She watched him stare at castle, immersed in deep thought while she continued to memorize the details of his face. His haunting eyes, his luscious lips the specks of stubble that spread around his chin.
"Have you ever felt so burdened, that you can't breathe?" He asked, turning to her.
"Always" she said.
The burden of glory.
"I suppose that makes two of us" he chuckled, making Elaenya smile.
A silence was drawn again. This time, heavy with pains of hidden fears, insecurities and the same burden of the damned society.
"Tell me about Starfall, Ser Arthur" Elaenya asked, trying to shift his mood. Arthur turned to her with a raised brow, clearly perplexed as to where she was going with the conversation.
"Where should I start? There's so much to say" he smiled weakly, playing along with her. Perhaps he too was trying to forget the unsaid burden that hung from his shoulders.
"All of it. I have the entire morning" Arthur chuckled at the girl's willingness.
"House Dayne is one of the oldest houses in Dorne, we were the kings of our land before Nymeria arrived and asserted her claim with the Martells hence the name-"
"House Nymeros Martell" the two said together. Elaenya giggled and Arthur smiled down at her. His eyes glittering with this strange sense of pride.
He was proud that she'd come a long way since their first encounter, and Elaenya couldn't deny her development as well.
She never thought she could console someone, yet she'd managed to do so just fine.
She was earning her voice and it'd all begun that faithful night when she had run into the violet eyed knight.
"But Starfall has it's own stories, our sword does not define us. It is our devotion and loyalty that does-"
He continued to weave beautiful tales of his homeland, smiling and joking. Letting himself go for the young girl, who watch him with curious eyes. Lost stories much like he was lost in his memories.
They were soon joined by Jaime who too took part in listening to the stories, like he was a boy again. Never in a thousand ages had he seen the stern Arthur Dayne so-relaxed. He studied the Targaryen women whom he held responsible for this sorcery. Least to say that he was quite impressed with her. She was nothing like a princess yet so much like one. While Arthur Dayne, a dreaded knight was still a boy at heart who smiled, remembering his fond memories.
Young Jaime Lannister laughed at their blindness.
He laughed because he could see it all too clear and they were indifferent to it.
He knew what love looked like, and it looked a lot like them.
Days flew by, quicker than eastern winds, much to Elaenya's dismay. It soon arrived to the day before Arthur was to begin the hunt of the Kingswood Brotherhood. The single most pleasant thing that seemed to happen, was that she'd grown friendly with Arthur Dayne. Even though he insisted upon speaking less, their relationship had reached at a state of stolen glances and inside witticisms.
Hence when Arthur decided to visit his favourite tavern one evening Elaenya pestered him to take her along. So, after hours of begging Rhaegar she was finally allowed.
"This is a terrible idea" Arthur sighed, shaking his head- as Elaenya continued to tuck the remaining strands of hair in her kerchief that she'd wrapped securely around her head. To maintain a disguise.
"Lighten up, Ser Arthur. My excitement has no bounds" the princess giggled, feeling the familiar bubble in her belly. This whole experience was intimidating yet so tempting.
Elaenya was well aware of her pending engagement, but that didn't stop her curiosity. What could she possibly loose? A few weeks later she'd be married and shipped of to the Reach. This was the least frolic she could experience.
"After you" Arthur said, as he opened opened the door that lead into the taphouse.
The tavern was bustling. Not with whores, as Elaenya had initially expected but with drunken men who danced about the room, some accompanied by women.
Arthur was quick to shield the princess from all the unwanted stares that were directed towards the new members.
"This way" he whispered leading them to a wooden table. Which was surprisingly occupied with Jon Connington.
"Dayne! I thought you weren't coming" he smirked at the knight raising his goblet.
"I was caught up with something" he mumbled.
"Ah Prin-" Jon clasped his mouth before speaking further, "Elaenya, do sit down"
The girl made her way beside the young lord, while Arthur sat opposite to them.
Elaenya studied the room which had a shabby hue. It was dull brown with some grey at the damped areas. The tavern itself was spacious, with many tables spread along it's sides while the centre was empty for the musicians to produce beats with their Bodhrán.
"Get us three pirate's kiss" Jon commanded the waiter, who rushed to bring the drinks.
"Jon, she won't be able to take it" Arthur warned his friend, who laughed it off and wrapped his arm around the girl.
"Elaenya is a tough lass, isn't she? Of course she'll be able to handle it" the girl nodded in affirmation. Arthur didn't press further, she knew he was no match for her stubbornness.
Soon the gigantic mugs of foaming liquids were placed in front of them. Elaenya grabbed one of them and sniffed it, only to be repelled by the awful stench.
"What in the god's name is this?" Elaenya asked, look up to see Arthur chuckling at her state. She sniffed it yet again, almost like a dog and decided to take a gulp.
"Buffalo's balls"
The princess nearly choked on her drink, while Jon Connington burst out laughing. His mirth was beyond limits as the men surrounding them fixed their gaze on the strange laughing man.
"Calm down, Elaenya. It is just fermented seaweed. Completely natural" he winked.
Elaenya let out a nervous laugh and continued to gulp down the liquid that burnt her throat. But it was again a good sort of burn, almost addictive.
"Have you brought them?" Arthur finally asked Jon, after finishing his share of the drink.
"Aye. But they have specifically told us to meet them behind the tavern, about time they arrived" he said, looking at the ever increasing crowd in the place.
"I can't leave the princess here!"
"She'll be fine, Dayne. Won't you Elaenya?" Jon said, turning to meet the girl's violet gaze.
"Yes yes. I shall manage" she smiled, drinking down to the bottom of her mug.
"See! She's her brother's sister" Jon mused, "Now let us go, before they leave"
The young Connington pulled Arthur from his seat and dragged him out of the tavern, but the Dornishman's eyes were stuck on the girl who was drowned in pirate's kiss, as she finished Jon's share as well.
Elaenya didn't think she could feel so agile. It was like she had fire in her body. The princess perceived it to be the effects of that strange drink. So she ordered three more times and swallowed each quicker than it's predecessor. The next morning was going to be extremely difficult. But she didn't care.
Elaenya Targaryen was drunk, but she was free. Free from all the talks and gossips, free from Mace Tyrell's chatter and Mina's taunts. Hence she decided to do something, she never thought she could.
She stood up from her seat, fixed her kerchief that hid those hideous silver locks and stumbled to the center of the room where all sorts of women danced around, with their partners. Except Elaenya didn't have a partner, so she decided to twirl around aimlessly.
The music became louder and so did her foot taps, with every beat. The women took her hand and hopped around with her, occasionally flipping her from here to there. Elaenya's eyes were shut as she screamed out the lyrics that she'd heard the women sing, and one after the other they clapped and danced with this strange girl with violet eyes. Little did they know of the joy that she felt within her.
If being drunk could help her attain such bliss, then she'd rather be drunk her whole life.
Everything was so perfect, the jovial smiles of the people, the bright yellow lights and the booming music. It was like a dream. She laughed at the thought of Rhaegar's face, if her ever saw her that way.
"The Dornishman's wife would sing as she bathed,in a voice that was sweet as a peach,
But the Dornishman's blade had a song of its own,
and a bite sharp and cold as a leech"
she sang with an evident slur and certain miss matched lyrics.
And like all good things, the princess's short lived happiness was cut short when she saw Arthur Dayne standing by the door, as his head shook in disappointment.
She dragged herself towards the knight, who's hands were folded to his chest and a frown had made way on his lips.
"I am taking you back" he stated, but before the man could grab her arm, she'd already pulled him into the crowd of drunken men and women.
The music had changed to a much slower him, soft like a harp. Like it was welcoming them. The people around to walk away, and placed themselves back at their seats, ordering more drinks. Elaenya noticed Jon Connington smirking while he sipped on his wine.
The Targaryen girl didn't understand what had come over her that she'd grabbed Arthur's hand and placed it on her waist. The knight stiffened under her touch, and swallowed hard.
"Why'd you leave me?" She pouted, making Arthur roll his eyes as he took her free hand and they moved with the music.
The girl could feel sparks between their interlocked palms.
Perhaps it was that wretched drink.
"I had some business to attend, regarding the Kingswood Brotherhood" he said.
"Such as?"
"We might just have found a way to lure the outlaws out of the forest" he said with a small smile.
The reality of the situation did strike her hard. She should have known that he was there for the outlaws, for they'd plagued his mind for the whole week.
"You're going there tomorrow, then?" She asked, blinking rapidly at him.
"Yes" he said with a sad smile, making Elaenya look away.
Gods knew how worried she was for him. How she dreaded the day he'd leave. She wanted him safe but the Brotherhood was no place near that.
Tears pricked her eyes.
Where were these emotions rushing in from?
"Elaenya?" He asked with shock evident in his voice.
Elaenya. Elaenya. Elaenya.
She could hear him repeat all day. He had called her by her name. Not the usual courtesies but her name, and the princess swore it sounded like honey, dripping from his lips. She was so mesmerised at the sound of his voice that she didn't pay attention to his words, it was all but a melodious blabber.
It wasn't until his thumb unintentionally grazed her swollen wrist, making her hiss in pain.
She saw concern on Arthur's face as she realised that he'd seen through her white lie. Elaenya's wrist was at a delicate state, but she refused to see a maester attend to it.
Arthur pulled up her wounded hand up to his eye, studying it thoroughly. Her wrist was bruised till the mid of her thumb, turning into a ghastly shade of purple.
Elaenya closed her eyes as she waited for him to scold her, but all the knight could say was-
"I did this, didn't I?" Arthur softly ran his thumb against her swollen bruise, soothing the previous pain. He was remorseful, it was evident in his voice. The poor man still blamed himself.
"Arthur-"
The knight brought her wrist to his lips and pressed a kiss against her bruised hand, draining the young girl of all air.
"Forgive me" he murmured against her skin with heavy lidded eyes, and Elaenya felt her heart melt while butterflies erupedt in her stomach. His lips felt so soft against her palm. The old sting seemed to have disappeared completely due to his healing kiss. Her whole body shivered at his touch and her ears heated up, turning her face red as she blushed furiously.
"Heavens!" she cursed under her breath. The merriment was far too collosal for her little heart. Gods knew of the lewd things running through mind.
Yet there was so many questions in her head, that even in her sheer drunkenness she thought of Mace, Mina and Rhaegar. She didn't understand the reason Arthur was being this forward with her, but she was glad that he was being himself and letting go of that stern facade.
Pirate's Kiss was truly a marvelous drink. It'd driven the princess to great lengths, such that she bravely cupped the weary knight's face with her free than that was previously placed on his shoulder. His stubble prickled under her hand but Elaenya didn't care.
"I don't blame you. I could never have the heart blame you, Arthur"
The Dornishman met the young girl's graze and searched them to seek truth.
"Elaenya if this is your way of consoling me for my mistakes then-" he was cut of by her urgent tone.
"No. It isn't" she persisted on the same idea.
"You're not in your right mind and I am afraid, neither am I" he said, letting her hand drop to her side.
The knight let go of the girl and turned to leave, his movements much more strained than before.
Why did he have to do that?
It was such a perfect moment but Arthur's righteousness ruined everything. Elaenya was at the verge of tears for her heart ached for the Dornish knight. She wanted to touch him, feel his lips again. The need was almost maddening.
"Please don't go, Arthur. Don't go tomorrow, I fear for the worst" Elaenya cried, but Arthur Dayne wouldn't listen.
He walked by Jon Connington's table and asked her to bring Elaenya back later, much to her efforts to do otherwise.
Jon had been kind to the hysterical princess, who with the alcohol and the raging nerves was a mess, just like Arthur had been. A beautiful mess they were. She knew Jon Connington witnessed their small window of affections and she hoped he wouldn't judge her for that, but all the Griff could offer was a sad smile.
"You both are a tragedy in making" he said with a chuckle.
Elaenya didn't understand what he meant, but that night with the effect of alcohol and the slow music, she did realise one thing.
She was falling for Arthur Dayne and it was all happening at a terribly quick pace.
Hence, she would not let him face the Kingswood Brotherhood alone, whether
he liked it or not. She would help him as much as she could.
The idea was absurd, but not improbable.
