Bellatrix

"The Bloodwyrm, after Prince Daemon's dragon Caraxes. She's built to withstand the worst storms." The Queen said to her three very quiet and nervous handmaidens.

Alyssa looked the most unfazed by the rocking of the ship. Jennie, on the other hand, squeaked at each crash against the angry waves. Bellatrix was a different story. She kept her mouth shut as she grit her teeth so tight she felt the muscles in her jaw ache. While the rocking did not scare her, it left her stomach so unsettled she felt her last meal begin to creep its way back up how it entered.

"The route from Dragonstone to King's Landing has always been known for its livid waters." Queen Rhaella added without a tinge of fear on her face. She was holding Viserys, lulled into a deep sleep, while sitting calmly on a nailed-down settee.

Another heavy lurch nearly knocked Jennie out of her seat, and this is when Bellatrix stood with a hand on her mouth. This was nothing to port key travel or apparition. With her free hand, she steadied herself as she ran for the door, but it flew open in time to reveal Maester Amos who came to check on the queen.

"Maester, thank goodness. Kindly see to Bellatrix. She will need something for the seasickness. Pay no mind to me, I am as well as well can be." Queen Rhaella announced calmly. Amos turned his attention to Bellatrix who had a sick look on her face, and quickly escorted her out.

"A charm will make you feel better, Bella." He said quietly, "but I haven't my wand. Let me fetch it at my quarters. In the meantime, stay by the side. The fresh air might be of some comfort." Bellatrix wondered what kind of idiot wizard went anywhere without their wand, but she remembered herself and being wandless was her worst mistake.

Amos left after assisting her to the side of the ship where she finally vomited. She massaged her temples while clipping her arms to the rails for stability before a short linen was presented to her. A hand gave her a gentle pat on her back as she wiped her mouth.

"Once we are a little ways off, the sea should be kind. Traveling by dragonback has always been the best means." Rhaegar said from somewhere beside her. She refused to look at him in her state, but regarded him with a weak hand.

"We commoners aren't lucky enough to travel by dragon, as you very well know." Bellatrix said with difficulty.

"I've never traveled by dragon." Rhaegar said matter-of-factly. "It's been a century since. In any case, you will need something for the sickness."

"Maester— the maester is seeing to it, my lord, thank you for your concern."

"About that evening." Rhaegar began, "it wasn't what it looked like. I would like to make that clear."

At this, Bellatrix managed to look at him in confusion.

"This happened almost—"

"A full moon's turn, yes. I couldn't help thinking what it looked like for you as I am not that kind."

"And it matters what I think?"

"Yes. Somehow."

"And if it were Alyssa or Jennie in my place, would you have done the same?" Bellatrix asked with a brow raised.

"I must admit I perceive them differently."

"Flattering."

"For a prince you are quite a conscious one."

"With you, I've discovered, I am."

They were silent for a while until Amos returned, surprised to find the prince there.

"Ah, Maester Peverell, you're just in time. The lady has just succumbed to her malady over ship."

"Is that so, my lord? I've just the concoction here."

"Very good. You will feel better soon, milady." Rhaegar said before leaving them, and Amos quietly watched him disappear inward into the quarters.

"What was he doing here?" Amos asked almost quietly while unsheathing his wand. Bellatrix shrugged.

"He seemed rather thoughtful of you." Amos said and cast a quick spell over her. Bellatrix gave him a sigh of relief just as the ill feeling in her stomach disappeared.

"Where's Sirius?" She asked.

"In our quarters. Come, he is worried about you as well."

They entered the maester's quarters moments later where the rocking of the ship felt more pronounced. Sirius was rather enjoying himself as he stood in the middle of the room, challenging his balance with a smirk on his face.

"Having fun?" Bellatrix said sarcastically. Sirius laughed as he regained his footing from nearly falling to his side.

"At least you didn't have to vomit your way through this ship."

"You did?" Sirius cackled, "how could you not enjoy this! It's just like flying, cousin. Two weeks in this ship, I would think you've gotten used to the sea by now."

"I suppose you men are no different about flying."

"The prince was seeing to her when I arrived." Amos said.

"The prince?!" Sirius stopped, stood in attention as he stared expectantly at Bellatrix.

"What of it? He saw me retch against the side of the ship. It would be rude to ignore a sick girl in his way."

"Perhaps she has charmed the prince," Amos announced after a while of thinking, "as planned."

"Planned? I don't remember agreeing to any plan, Amos, don't be stupid."

"Yes, you did. When you stepped into that castle as the Queens handmaid, you agreed." Sirius reminded her arduously.

"Right, you seem perfectly fine. See you later then, Sirius." Bellatrix quickly made her way to the door to exit, but not before hearing Sirius say, "don't you forget what we're here for, Black!"

There was something almost annoying about it, but this time Rhaegar's presence behind the door as she closed it made all the blood drain from Bellatrix's face.

"Who was that? And what does he mean?"