rdwyns / anya caron.
being in the north does something strange to the southern delegation. normally, the presence and attention of the king would make her nervous, deferential, as if she were wasting his time — and in king’s landing, what business would she even have with him ? but here, in a foreign land at the court of a different king, his presence at her side feels strangely familiar, even comforting. and, though the thought is foolish and self-important, she imagines he might feel the same way. his smile is a rarity anya cannot remember seeing before now, subtle, almost shy. but she cannot return it in kind ; his offer to dance brings a bright smile to her face that she cannot subdue.
“ really ? ” not even her husband can object, not when the king is asking, and the hesitant question in her throat — are you sure, your grace ? — dies in the face of her desire to dance. “ i would be honored, your grace. ” she too leaves her wine, still half-full, with a servant, and dips into the slightest curtsy, more enthusiastic than graceful. “ so long as i have nothing to fear if i do step on your royal toes, ” she adds in jest, hesitating for only a split second before she takes his hand in a delicate gesture. her face is warm, cheeks flushed ; she tells herself insistently that it is the air in the hall, or the wine, but that alone would not have her heart fluttering as nervously as it does.
❛❛ REALLY . ❜❜ he has to stifle a chuckle. there is something so absurd in thinking that anyone should be shocked or intimidated by his requesting a dance . if he were merely daeryon , and not KING DAERYON , it would be entirely laughable , and yet he has acquired a power that does intimidate others . he seeks to recognize it , and its sway over others, where he can . ❛❛ but only if it is not too much of a burden on your time , my lady. ❜❜ the wave of relief that accompanies her agreeing to his request surprises him . he does not actively seek the company of others beyond what he already knows . not typically , at least .
❛❛ i assure you - - if my royal toes are stepped on , it is a statement to my royal clumsiness only. ❜❜ another smile is extended to the lady , his eyes flickering towards their hands, before he turns from her ever so slightly to lead her into the next dance. for once , he is oblivious to the stares & the whispers. is it not a relief for his subjects to see their king in good spirits ?
once they are situated , and surrounded by several other pairs , daeryon bows to his partner . ❛❛ i suppose this is where we exchange idle pleasantries about the cold , and how we find the north & our hosts ? ❜❜
