Special thanks to Ekaterina016 for their help with this chapter.
I don't own A Song Of Ice And Fire or Final Fantasy 15 content.
King's Landing / 283 AC :
The capital of the Seven Kingdoms was shrouded in an aura of fear and bleakness, as the chaos spreading throughout the realm infected the hearts of all its inhabitants, from the lowliest beggars of Flea Bottom to the most powerful noblemen of the court. The looming terror of the rebellion and the uncertainty of the future weighed heavily on the city, casting a pall over its once vibrant streets. Even in the grand halls of the Red Keep, whispers of conspiracy and betrayal echoed, as each faction sought to gain the upper hand in the struggle for power. No one in King's Landing went untouched by the fear and instability of the times, and all awaited with bated breath the next turn of the wheel of fate.
Amidst the uncertainty, the common folk of King's Landing struggled to make ends meet, with many reduced to begging or stealing to survive. The once-bustling markets of the city were now shadowed by the fear of violence and robbery, and few dared to venture out after dark. The situation was particularly dire in the slums of Flea Bottom, where poverty and disease were rampant.
Removed from the plight of the remainder of the citizens, the Red Keep stood as intimidating as ever, its stone cold walls and throne room, reeking of the scent of burned corpses and wood, were an apt reflection of its current owner.
Queen Rhaella of House Targaryen sat alone in a secluded courtyard, her heart heavy with sorrow for the dire fate which had befallen her family and her realm. Their hold on the crown was slipping day by day as her brother slipped deeper and deeper in his endless mania, while her son Rhaegar disappeared and is yet to be found. Rhaella could feel the weight of the world pressing down upon her, her children the only solace in this colorless and cruel prison her home became.
"Your Grace." Jonothor Darry's voice halted her thoughts, the loyal King's guard bowing his head as he stood behind her. "My apologies for disturbing you. His Grace ordered me to escort you to your chambers." His voice felt grave as he gripped his sword tightly, his body tense.
Rhaella frowned, her heart growing uneasy. "Is there something wrong, Ser Jonothor?" She stood up and moved to stand in front of the knight, her eyes worryingly observing the bodyguard.
"Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Your Grace, but intruders have been spotted. They could be assassins." Jonothor wearily surveilled his surroundings, ready to draw his sword at a moment's notice. "The men are doing their best to find them, I'll be protecting you until the situation is sa-"
She saw him flinch in pain for a second before he fell to the ground, a masked man standing behind him. His hulking form magically appeared from thin air, as if cloaked in some kind of invisibility spell. The figure was completely covered from head to toe, their features obscured by the darkness of the mask. Rhaella was frozen in fear, backing away until the cold touch of the table stopped her.
"Your Grace." The masked man's voice was monotone as he approached. "I am here to take you. Please, follow me and do not resist." The breeze ruffled his cloak minutely, the Queen's eyes catching sight of the sword and dagger under it. He noticed her apprehension growing, sighing as he crossed his arms. "Your life is not in any danger, I assure you."
"Forgive me for not believing you," the Queen spoke softly, her voice quivering with fear. She covered her belly with her hands, protectively shielding her unborn child. "I don't know who you are or what you want, but please spare my life and that of my child."
The masked man remained silent for a moment, watching her with an unreadable expression. "I have no intention of harming you or your child." He finally spoke, his tone measured and calm. "But time is of the essence. We need to leave this place immediately."
Rhaella hesitated, fear and uncertainty gripping her. She looked at the unconscious guard lying on the ground, and then back at the masked man. Finally, she nodded, her heart heavy with resignation. She followed the stranger, her mind racing with questions and doubts about what the future held for her and her family.
In another part of the Red Keep, the sound of boots thudding against stone echoed through the halls as soldiers desperately searched for the armed assailants. The air was thick with the stench of blood and death, and bodies lay strewn about the narrow passageways. Some bodies were charred, others had glaring holes in their bodies and armor. Amidst the carnage, three figures rested, taking turns drinking water and catching their breath before the next battle.
"Think the others are finished yet?" Asked a lithe person, leaning casually against the wall with arms crossed. "Can't believe we're actually doing this."
"I think they're about finished by now, unless our friend decides to be as theatrical as usual." A second masked man nodded while sitting on a fallen guard, idly flipping a golden coin. "Feels surreal, doesn't it? Storming the Red Keep, fighting so many people. But having this power..." He pointed to the nearby painting, a little fireball setting it ablaze. "...makes all the difference."
"Stop playing around." The third figure, a woman, grunted as she stood up. A bow appeared in her hand, her gaze turning to the nearby turn. "We've got more company." Placing an arrow on her bowstring, the archer calmly observed the approaching guards before swiftly firing, taking down two of the five enemies with deadly accuracy.
The second man caught the coin as it fell and stood up, a halberd appearing in his hand before he threw it at the shocked men, the polearm impaling one of them in the chest before it disappeared back into its wielder's grip.
A knife flew past the remaining ones, before the last of the three appeared behind them. With practiced efficiency, he buried his knives in the back of their necks before they could react.
The knife wielder tensed once he heard the shouts behind him, finding a score of twenty men racing towards them. "Time to go." He ran along with his comrades until they found themselves in a balcony with their pursuers hot on their tail.
The three looked amongst themselves before the knife wielder boldly jumped off, throwing his knife to the nearest roof before he disappeared. The archer followed suit without a word, her bow twirling in the air as she followed her comrade.
The halberd user groaned, dreading the impending discomfort. "I really hate this part! Here goes…" Throwing his polearm, he whistled when he managed to get it through to the other side.
"By the name of King Aerys Targaryen, I order you to halt!" The intimidating presence of Ser Barristan Selmy shook the intruder momentarily, making him turn to the legendary warrior.
"It's an honor to meet you and all, but I'm afraid I'm much too young to see my own insides, Ser Barristan." Flipping a coin, it didn't take a clairvoyant to know the unknown man was smiling under his mask. "Good luck some other day, good knight." With his piece said, the man hurled himself off the balcony, much to the shock of the guards and the king's guard leading them.
Barristan raced and looked down the balcony, only for his eyes to widen when he saw no corpse in the courtyard and no thud from the collision. He quickly turned to his men, his voice grave as he ordered them. "Continue the search, men! I want their accomplices found immediately!"
The trio watched from their cover on the nearby roof, letting out a sigh of relief when the old warrior finally left. "How about we stay away from people who can chop us to pieces next time?" The lancer chuckled as he tried to suppress the discomfort in his belly.
"I second that." His comrade sighed as he laid down on the roof to catch his breath. "One death glare from Barristan the Bold is enough for me in this lifetime."
"It seems you won't have to risk more. The signal is here." The archer pointed to the small light above the godswood of the Keep. "Let's head to the boat. Think you can keep up, Garth?" She turned to the halberd user, the man grunting in response.
"I'll manage. At least I got a fair profit from this mission." Garth rolled his shoulders and pulled his cloak just enough to showcase the purses he pilfered from the dead guards, his comrades only rolling their eyes behind their masks.
"Willing to bet some of your newfound money?" The knife wielder jumped up to his feet, moving to stand at the edge of the building. "I bet thirty golden dragons I'll be the first to get to the boat." He turned to Garth, his confidence evident.
"You're on, you little brat. Time to teach you some respect." In an instant, both men began warping from one roof to another as they ran towards their getaway boat.
The archer chuckled and shook her head, easily able to foresee their tired faces after such overuse of their magic. She gave a final glance around the Keep, wondering how the remaining two of their team were doing on their end. 'Not like those two need any help, anyways. I hope they don't take too long.' Taking a deep breath, she jumped and threw her own knife, disappearing after her fellow comrades.
Away from all the ongoing chaos and accompanied by her children, Princess Elia Martell racked her brain over the potential motives and methods these intruders used to penetrate the Keep's defenses and patrols. Rhaenys was playing with her toy dragon, while Aegon laid in his crib, sleeping soundly and without worry as Ashara watched over him.
Her thoughts shifted to her husband and his unfathomable actions, her beautiful features marred by a frown. She couldn't begin to grasp the motives driving him to such a state, bringing chaos and rebellion which could see them all potentially dead or worse. For days, she exhausted every avenue she could think of, and attempted to find methods to appease the rebels to no avail.
Watching her daughter, the princess could only sigh despondently, wishing nothing more than for this ominous cloud looming over them to pass without tragedy. Her peaceful time was promptly interrupted by the screams of the guards outside her room, the unmistakable sound of fighting loud and clear despite its briefness.
The princess got up immediately and placed Rhaenys behind her, while Ashara carried Aegon in her arms. The door gently opened, revealing a hooded figure whose features were unrecognizable, well-hidden by the garments he wore.
"Good day to you, Princess, my Lady." The man nodded towards them both, his voice vaguely familiar to Ashara. "I will need you to follow me now; it's for your own good." The stranger kept his distance well enough, his steps almost casual as he spotted Rhaenys's toy.
"You think you can just invade the Red Keep and walk away so easily? With us, no less?" Elia tried to buy time, hoping more guards will come to their rescue. "What is it you're planning to do?"
"I've been in stickier situations than this, I assure you." He picked up the toy dragon, his attention shifting to the scared girl hiding behind her mother. "Princess Rhaenys, I presume? Here, kiddo." The stranger threw the toy dragon to Rhaenys and the child picked it up before her mother could forbid her, hugging it tightly for comfort. "It's useless to stall. The guards around here are busy with other pressing matters right now. Although my word doesn't mean much to you, your lives aren't in any danger, nor am I here to threaten you." The man didn't elaborate, only stepping next to the door as he waited for them. "Ladies first?"
Elia's heart sank as the man stood there, unbothered by the time he was apparently losing. Rhaenys gripped her hand tightly, and Ashara struggled to comfort baby Aegon. The princess of Dorne knew she had no choice but to comply should she wish to keep her life and the lives of her friend and children. Nodding to Ashara, Elia picked up Rhaenys and silently exited the room, with their kidnapper right behind her. Outside the room, she was met with the sight of guards sprawled all over the hallway. Thankfully, they were only knocked out.
"Follow me." Their captor led the way. Elia's hope of a chance encounter with someone who could save them dying bit by bit the longer they walked through the Keep unopposed, until it finally burned out when the man opened one of the secret passageways, and gestured for them to enter.
As they reached the shore, the kidnapper let out a sigh of relief and pulled down his hood and mask. The sight of his face left both women wide-eyed and speechless—he had black-gray hair, blue eyes and a roguish smirk they recognized all too well.
"After you, ladies." He gestured to one of the two boats, meeting their incredulous looks with a rather easy going demeanor as he helped them get on.
"Nyx, what in the seven hells are you doing?" Ashara whispered worriedly as he helped her, her purple eyes hoping for a reasonable explanation.
"Taking you out for dinner, just like I promised." He quipped as he pushed the boat and hopped onboard before he began to row, smiling as he got away from the horrible stench of the Keep and into the refreshing scent of the sea.
Neither of the two women were amused by the response. Ashara rolled her eyes, Aegon being the only reason why she wasn't attempting to shake the man senseless. For her part, Elia hugged Rhaenys less protectively, even if her caution remained.
Elia cleared her throat, her voice laced with suspicion. "And where exactly are you taking us for dinner?"
Nyx shrugged nonchalantly, still rowing the boat. "Oh, just a little place I know. It's not far from here." He glanced over his shoulder, a mischievous glint in his eye. "And don't worry, it's not shady or dangerous. I promise you and yours will be safe."
Ashara felt completely exasperated, her expression stern as she gently held the baby in her arms. "You can't just kidnap us and take us out for dinner, Nyx. We have responsibilities and duties to attend to, not to mention it's treason."
Nyx chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, come on, Ashara. Live a little. You're always so serious."
Elia shot him a warning look. "This is no laughing matter, Nyx Ulric. We demand an explanation for your actions."
Nyx sighed, his expression growing serious. "I know, and I'm sorry. But this is the only way to protect you and end this rebellion as fast as possible." He turned back to the shore, his eyes narrowing once he saw three people warping there. 'Looks like they made it.'
"Do you honestly believe Aerys would surrender?" Ashara frowned. She knew Nyx well enough to know he wasn't this naive or careless. "What are you planning?"
Nyx's face betrayed nothing as he looked over his shoulder at the massive fortress, a glint in his eyes. "King Aerys will not live to see the sun set today." He ignored the shock on the ladies' faces as he rowed away.
Meanwhile, Garth panted as he laid on the sand, tired and slightly disoriented by the constant warping he put himself through. He glared at his companion, sitting next to him looking somewhat better for wear as he threw a pouch filled with his prize up and down. "I hate you, Lannor."
"That's not very nice of you to say, loser." Lannor chuckled as he stashed his loot under his cloak. He turned his attention to the archer sitting on one of the rocks near them. "Are you alright, Marielle? You're awfully silent."
The archer jerked her head towards her companions, her thoughts put on hold. "I'm alright. Just a bit impatient to leave this place."
Lannor nodded, his eyes turning to the cave leading into the Keep. He smiled once he saw three outlines walking toward them, recognizing the largest one. "Well, I don't think you'll be waiting much. Jorin's here." He laughed as he stood up and made way to the boat.
A fourth masked figure, as imposing as Garth's, came into view, accompanied by Queen Rhaella and Prince Viserys carrying a bag over his shoulder. He glanced at his comrades before he stopped near Garth's sprawled out body. "Get up, Brother." His voice was sharp and strict, before he guided the lady and her son forward.
"No rest for the wicked." Garth accepted Marielle's hand as she helped him up, rolling his shoulders before he placed his hands behind his head. "Is it really ok to leave him alone, though?" He grunted as he looked behind them, displeased by the notion of leaving.
The archer did the same, sharing the same doubts. Jorin sensed their worry as he placed the annoying brat in the boat next to his mother. "It was his plan to begin with. He wouldn't place himself in unnecessary danger." There was a subtle crack in his voice, even as he resisted the urge to return himself. "We've done our part as he wished. We can admonish him when he comes back." Saying his piece, he gestured to the boat. "Get on board, Marielle. Help me push the boat, Brother."
Despite their hesitation, the two accepted Jorin's words and the group was off after the first boat. Rhaella watched them curiously as they took off their masks and hoods; Jorin's piercing gray eyes were fixed on the sea ahead as he rowed on, the breeze making his brow hair flow wildly. Garth looked very similar to his brother, his hair tied in a ponytail and a notable scar present on his left cheek. Lannor was a young man, rather lithe and wiry compared to the two impressively-built brothers, with short unkempt hair and striking green eyes, which curiously watched the Queen as well as her son. Marielle was a woman of striking beauty, with flowing chestnut hair and sea blue eyes, her slender figure accentuated by the armor she wore.
"Just you wait until my father hears of this!" Viserys frowned and pointed at the three, his anger twisting his features into a snarl which made Rhaella worried. "We'll have your heads for this treason!"
None of them seemed to take the very real threat to heart, Garth openly laughing at the notion as he flipped a coin nonchalantly. "Trust me, Your Grace, your kingly father isn't going to ask for our heads."
Rhaella frowned when the man refused to elaborate, the group sharing knowing glances and remaining silent.
The Red Keep continued to spiral into complete and utter disorder when the members of the royal family were found missing, and King Aerys was furious. The disheveled husk of a man sat on his iron throne, cursing and lashing out venomously at any who approached him. Soldiers were gathered near him to guard him, yet even the three dozen men filling the throne room couldn't satiate his paranoia.
"How dare you come before me with such news! Who dares take my family, my heir, under all of your noses!?" Aerys's arm and hand were marred with fresh cuts as he gripped the throne tightly without a care for his well being. Bloodshot eyes glared hatefully at every man there, his mania almost palpable to the young Jaime standing close by. "Traitors, cowards, and assassins dare to enter these halls, take what is mine with impunity, and you dare tell me not a single one of them was found!?" Spit plastered on his clothes as he shouted and raved, unnerving the men further as they feared becoming the Mad King's next offering to Wildfire.
The doors suddenly opened without warning, the sound of boots against the marble floor echoing in the now silent hall. An unknown man began to walk in, caring neither for the mad man's rabid glare nor the swords leaving their sheaths.
He was tall with a commanding presence, his striking features highlighted by his red-violet hair and amber eyes. He wore form-fitting leather for ease of movement all across his body, a sturdy brown high-collared jerkin and matching pants. The former had intricate stitching and reinforcements at the seams for added durability. His feet were clad in knee-high boots, laced up the front with strong cords for a snug fit. A matching belt with a simple brass buckle completed the outfit, which was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
"Hello, there! Good day to you!" He smiled nonchalantly, his pace carefree and jovial as he approached. "Well met, my dear Westerosi." He stopped just short of the first row of swords, eyes fixed solely on Aerys.
"You dare to speak without my permission, cur!" Aerys gnashed whatever was left of his rotting teeth in pure fury, arms visibly shaking. "The rebellion dares send one man to tarnish my Keep? Do you think winning the tourney makes you worthy of standing before me?!"
"It is an honor to be recognized by the wise king Aerys, but as it is my first time in your most beautiful castle, permit me to stand on ceremony and introduce myself nonetheless." His tone was certainly joyful, even if it grated on the soldiers' nerves something fierce. "Ardyn Izunia, a man of no consequence." He gave an exaggerated bow, reminiscent of one a mummer would give his clueless spectators. "At your humblest service. I come to you on this most blessed of days bearing a priceless gift, in the hopes we could move past this senseless bloodshed." He turned around and observed the throne room as he spoke, observing it almost childishly.
"Cease this mummer's farce, mongrel!" Aerys's anger seemed to lessen somewhat, taking some satisfaction when Ardyn bowed to him. "Offer your gift, and I may spare you the wrath of a dragon." He cackled incoherently, face twisting between different moods almost instantly.
"But of course, Your Grace. It would be most frightful to face such domineering flames." A glint shone in Ardyn's eyes, his jovial smile taking a predatory light as he began to walk forward once more. "As for my gift, I am most joyous to present it to you." Soldiers surrounded him as he stood some steps away from the stairs of the Iron Throne, his arms extending to both sides. "King Aerys Targaryen, I bring you death."
The words immediately sparked a reaction as all the men pounced, only to be stopped by an invisible wall shielding Ardyn from their swords and numbers. Many stared wide-eyed as he stood there completely unfazed and untouched by the barrage of blades, fearful whispers of magic shaking their resolve.
Ardyn's eyes never left the King's figure, taking great amusement by the shift in demeanor: from fear, to anger, and back to terror. He stepped forward, his royal arms flinging the soldiers in front of him away. Step by step, Ardyn approached Aerys unhurriedly, while the men attempted their damndest to bypass the barrier his arms made.
Jaime stood before his King, sword at the ready as he suppressed the chills in his spine. "Halt. I will not allow you to harm His Grace." A part of him wanted nothing more than for the man behind him to die, yet he found himself chained by his oaths as a King's guard. He could not face his brothers and mentors if he betrayed his duty.
Ardyn tilted his head, observing the young man with an amused smile. "Ah, youth. So confident, yet so misguided." He shook his head, before disappearing right before everyone's eyes.
"AAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHH!"
Aerys's scream shook Jaime to the core, the young warrior turning on his heel only to witness the sight of his King run through by Ardyn's red sword. "Oh, dear. You're starting to look worse for wear, Your Grace… Well, more so than usual." A sword appeared behind Ardyn, just in time to block Jaime's swing. "Have no fear, I have just the remedy. Tried and tested."
With a flourish, Ardyn pulled the sword out and beheaded the Mad King with a single swing. All watched in horror as the head rolled down the steps, unable to muster a word.
"Kill the Kingslayer!" One of the men shouted, bringing some courage back to the faltering men. They shouted and pushed against his arms, yet unable to advance.
"Kingslayer? It does have a haunting tone to it. I quite like it." With a snap of his fingers, weapons surrounded Jaime before the young swordsman could move, ready to end his life with a whim. "You should be more careful with that, little boy. You could hurt yourself." Patting the frightened young man's shoulder, Ardyn smirked at the shouting men in front of him. "I suppose I should return their enthusiasm with a warm thanks."
With a flourish, flames exploded in front of him and swallowed the men in the blaze. Defiant roars turned into anguished screams as the scent of charred flesh and cooked organs infested the room, the pained cries dying out as fast as they came.
Ardyn waved his hand in front of his face, scowling at the terrible smell. "Perhaps I took it a bit too far. A shame; I even liked these clothes." Turning back to Jaime, Ardyn didn't care much for the fear gripping the young man as he stepped right behind him, before promptly knocking him out with a swift strike to the neck, the weapons around him disappearing.
Yawning, the man took a casual look at the Iron Throne as he circled around it. "Points for originality, I suppose. Alas, it's way too on-point for my delicate skin." With a shrug, Ardyn's steps echoed in the now-silent hall until he exited it. "It's a shame the little pup isn't here. I wonder what we're having for dinner tonight." Ardyn chuckled and disappeared from sight amidst the maze-like halls.
Only when he exited the city through the Iron Gate would the bells begin to ring, announcing the passing of King Aerys of House Targaryen. Guiding his horse away from the gate, Ardyn turned to give the city one last look with a happy smile. "Long live the King." Petting his companion's head, the black destrier leaning into his hand. He began riding into the wilderness, whistling merrily all the while.
He rode alone for hours, reaching an isolated hut near the coast where his companions awaited him. Nyx watched from a distance as the four warriors swarmed Ardyn as soon as he got down, their reproachful eyes uncaring for the man's merry smile.
"You're late." Jorin relaxed somewhat when he saw his friend safe and sound, a ghost of a smile on his face.
"You are mistaken, Jorin. I always arrive on time." Ardyn winked playfully, amused as the big man simply rolled his eyes.
Garth and Lannor were not so reserved, the lancer's arm trapping Ardyn in a headlock while the smaller man lightly punched him in the shoulder. "On time, my ass. We were just about to come drag your sorry self out of whatever shit you got yourself into." Garth huffed, letting go of Ardyn when he noticed his brother's stern stare.
"Having such a warm welcome, I think trying my luck with the black cells couldn't be as bad." Ardyn adjusted his hair and chuckled as he stepped away from another headlock.
Marielle watched the men with a fond smile, an exasperated sigh leaving her lips. Nodding to Ardyn, she moved to stand next to them in silence.
The man noticed the royals amidst them watching him, his smile growing minutely as he made way to them under the watchful eyes of Nyx. "Good day to you, my ladies. It is an honor to make your acquaintance, even during these ghastly circumstances." His bow carried his usual flare, though it went ignored by the three women. "Ardyn Izunia, a man of no consequence."
"It is quite unfortunate our meeting had to be like this, Sir Ardyn…" Rhaella hugged her son gently as she eyed the man wearily. "...though I must ask what you plan to do with us, if not kill us." The Queen did her best to hide her worry, unable to guess the intentions behind the man's friendly smile.
"I'd be delighted~ to inform you, your Grace." His jovial response didn't make the women any less apprehensive, although whether Ardyn was aiming for such to begin with remains to be seen. "As it now stands, we will be dutifully taking care of you until the ongoing conflict is settled. You may thank the Hero over there for it." He pointed to Nyx, only for the man to scoff and shake his head with disgust. "With our dear King Aerys tragically departing from this world and the saddening actions of our fetching prince–now King Rhaegar–the future of House Targaryen does not bode well." His hand on his chest, Ardyn let out an all too saddened sigh, the sincerity of which was dubious at best to even the most charitable of those around him. "With that said, we have agreed protecting you from the consequences of the former and current Kings' actions was only the right thing to do." Ardyn feigned surprise when he noted the pure shock on the three women's faces, his hand covering his mouth. "Oh dear, I forgot about that part. Pardon me for my foolishness, but it pains me to inform you that King Aerys of House Targaryen has unfortunately passed away."
"You're lying!" Viserys lashed out, boiling anger oozing from his gaze as he gnashed his teeth. "Father wouldn't die to traitors! A dragon wouldn't fall victim to the blades of men!"
"Well, I'd be lying if I said he fell…only his head did." Ardyn quipped, his smile unperturbed by the open hostility of the kid. "The rest of him remains seated comfortably on the Iron Throne." He began checking his nails as he walked around their guests, circling around them playfully. "In any case, until His Royal Highness decides to return to his throne and resolves his… differences with Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark, we will unfortunately have to impose."
Elia frowned and turned to Ashara, the woman turning to Nyx in turn. Her silent plea was met with refusal as the man shook his head, giving her a smirk when she glared at him in response.
The princess of Dorne hid her displeasure well, accepting the impossibility of escape in their current condition. Holding on to the hope someone would rescue them, she gently held Rhaella's hand and shook her head. "Then our lives will be in your hands, Ardyn." – 'For the time being at least.'
Rhaella sighed as she squeezed her good daughter's hand for comfort, her son visibly shaken by the news of his father's death still. Holding her dazed child close, she gazed at the smiling man with resignation, nodding without a word.
"How wonderful! I thank you for your trust in us." Beaming at his hostages, Ardyn walked to the door of the hut. "Let us head in, shall we? We would be poor hosts if we kept our guests outside for so long. I can assure you Garth's food will not lose out to the delicacies of the Red Keep."
As they followed him in, Rhaella couldn't help but look back in the direction of the Red Keep one last time. Her face betrayed nothing as her shoulders slumped, letting out a long sigh as her heart struggled with what to feel about her current predicament. Purple eyes narrowed as they observed the strange man smiling amidst his companion, wondering what manner of goals hid in his heart.
A man of no consequence? Only time will tell.
This is mostly a story I'm having fun with, so updates for it might be slower than the others.
If you want to stay up to date with the progress of this story or the other ones, or if you have any questions about the stories, be sure to join my discord server: discord . gg/AP6xKzZXgU
Thank you for reading.
Have a Nice Day and Stay Safe.