The sun above radiated hot over the top of the keep, shining down on the many small courtyards and gardens, littered across the grounds. Here, the air was clean. Cleansed by the winds from the Blackwater that whirled around the keep. The breeze did little to cool the place, but at least it didn’t stink of death, fish and piss in the corridors. His apartment, here on the eastern side of the keep, was spacious. He didn’t need as much room as he’d been given, but he was grateful for it, none the less. He’d at least have some semblance of comfort in the heat of the capital. When he’d arrived a fresh bottle of cooled wine had been waiting for him and after washing and changing, he had refreshed his tongue with it rather gladly. The heat of this bloody place would kill him.
He knew that in the evening, he’d be expected to make an appearance in front of the court. The castellan had instructed him that, as an honoured guest, he’d have to come in front of the throne. Not a problem, Edrik reckoned, though he did not look forward to making a show of himself in front of these southern ponces. He’d rather the king had shown up to greet him at the gates. Get the whole ordeal over with. But the south seemed rather more invested in its pomp. He’d play along. It was the least he could do for his new friends from the South.
A breeze tickled his face, blowing his hair, which had grown long, out of his face. While he had tied most of it back, he seemed to always miss some strands, which constantly seemed to find their way into his face. In a light tunic, topped with a leather vest, he leaned against the balustrade. Down the cliffs he was looking over, the waves slammed against the rocks. He’d been by the sea before but had never really seen waters this beautiful. The sea up North was rough and cold. Here you could swim if you knew how. Up North, you’d freeze and drown.
The sound of footsteps alerted him to another presence. He pushed off from the balustrade and turned to see who’d come to join him. “Three weeks of travel and it’s like we’re in an entirely different world. I haven’t seen this much sun in my entire life.”
On numerous occasions over the years, Leonette has visited the Red Keep. It has never been her favourite place, for she enjoys the light which flourishes from the Reach. Everything is so green and alive, ready for nurture and harvesting, where everything looks aged and drying in King’s Landing. There is an unnatural opulence to the place, gilded and glittering, swarming with manicured courtiers. Leonette knows of fine cloth, her family is immensely rich and she has been spoiled since she was a little girl, but she would rather a day running in the fields with the grass beneath her feet and the sounds of children’s laughter all around her. And yet, she finds herself in azure silks, fanning her fair complexion as she walks across the hardened ground. In her hand are a bunch of flowers, slowly withering under the beam of the sun after being cut from their roots. She did not have the heart to discard them.
Walking with the breeze of the sea barely ruffling the fabrics of her gown, Leonette notices a familiar figure - the King in the North. From what little she understands of her loves role, she knows that he spends a lot of time with King Edrik. The thought suddenly unsettles her and she finds herself envious of him, not for his wealth or station, but because he keeps the company of her betrothed more than she can hope to.
❛ The sun might be good for you, your grace. Although, I have known some to fall ill from too much of it so it may be wise to stay cautious, ❜ Leonette muses, once she has decided to break away from her anxious thoughts. ❛ I hope that the journey here was kind to you. ❜