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@royalreiqn
ROYALREIQN. a dependent blog , affiliated with jestershq , written by alex.
CASSIAN TYRELL. lord of highgarden & hand of the queen. intro | threads THEON STARK NEÉ BARATHEON. lord of winterfell. intro | threads HELAENA BLACKWOOD lady of raventree hall. intro | threads NIKOLAI ROYCE lord of runestone. intro | threads
with melony royce / @stvvlblcde
he'd been informed the moment the books she'd requested had been delivered. her little test, for cassian had seen through it after considering her request, having handed off many similar tasks to his little birds to ascertain their effectiveness, completed. he'd kept his distance while waiting, but now he prowled through the crowd, his eyes having already locked onto their prey. if his success has surprised her then he had no intention of letting her compose herself before their next encounter. silently, he stood beside her. gone was the protectiveness of secluded hallways or the privacy of cassian's office. he was playing with fire as he reached out and grasped her wrist, fingers lightly brushing against her pulse, hoping to feel it quicken once she realized who'd crept up on her. ❝ i assume the books were to your satisfaction, ❞ he said in a hushed tone, though he didn't look at her, pretending to stare off into the distance.
with aodhan arryn-grafton / @dieluminis
when he'd let his suggestion slip that the royal family should demonstrate their continued strength now that the princess had unfortunately awakened, he'd hoped for nothing more than a feast. there was, after all, still a poisoner on the loose ( and would remain so until he decided otherwise ) but vaella continued surprising him. he'd smile to himself in the privacy of his study, but here, with the guests milling about around him, cassian was the very image of a dutiful hand of the queen. he drifted between the groups of people, nodding in greeting and exchanging a few words with some, before he crossed passed with the arryn-grafton. ❝ will you participate in the hunt, lord aodhan? ❞
with ceria baratheon / @nubivgant
a goblet of arbor red was offered to her when cassian approached along with a polite but still warm smile. the festivities played out around them. he had never been one for any kind of celebration and since vaella wasn't hovering, he stepped to the sidelines. his preferred location. normally he would be content observing, but his conversation with vaelyx lingered in his mind - or rather, his mention of conversing with the mistress of whispers. he let the silence keep them company for a few moments longer. ❝ her grace appears in good spirits, ❞ he casually commented. dark hues remained staring straight ahead, but cassian watched her out of the corner of his eye, curious not only about her reaction but the direction this conversation might take.
" does this mean you shall address me by my full title?" vaelyx pressed, taunting ever slightly. ignoring the way bile rose up the back of his throat at the idea of theon demanding he call him by lord stark, as if they had not once laughed at the very ridiculous notion. " i am not demanding you speak to me," the words are sharp, only dropping the act once the crowd has left. only then did it soften ever slightly. " i shall only request you listen, you wish to duel me then you must listen as i speak," he demands, as if he has any right to. eyes roll as theon calls him coward, though it remains evident on his face that the word bothers him. " their opinion matters little to me."
❝ which one? vaelyx the coward or vaelyx the oathbreaker? ❞ he snarled, lips curling in disgust as he looked upon the prince. the fury within him was a beast awakening, and it was fighting against the chains containing it. if only the other man would shut his mouth so theon could do what he'd dreamed of doing two years ago. ❝ your words lost their influence over me long ago. ❞ back when the curtain was pulled back and revealed that the words he'd entrusted his brother's life to had been nothing more than a facade, placating him so joss could be more easily marched to the executioner's blade. ❝ of course not. only your precious crown matters to you. ❞
as theon complimented his company asher smiled and a chuckle escaped. in truth, theon had become one of his closest friends, visiting him before he married into house stark andwandering the stormlands. Asher walked closer to his friend his eyes more serious than they usually were. "something tells me the imprisonment here is far worse for you than me-" Asher looked around not wanting anyone to listen in on their conversation. "how is your family holding up? I do feel compassion for your situation." it might be strange but if theon asked asher to fight, he'd pick his sword up and stand next to him. he had no ties to the ruling family and he did not enjoy their actions even if they didn't harm him directly.
years had passed since he'd wandered across westeros, looking for the next adventure the minute the previous one had ended, but theon still cherished those memories and the friends who had been at his side through thick and thin. their friendship hadn't changed. it was why theon's guard didn't rise when asher spoke; rather, it lowered, a sadness entering his eyes. ❝ it hasn't been easy, but we're holding up the best we can. ❞ the traitorous talks circling the baratheon quarters were kept sealed deeply away. not out of mistrust for asher but the environment they resided in where even their hushed tones could be intercepted. ❝ sometimes i still expect to turn a corner and see him. ❞ he thought he'd outgrown that but being here awaken old ghosts.
royalreiqn ; nikolai royce
her kindness eased some of the anxiety that ensnared him around new people, assisted by the fact that he could detect nothing that suggested her sweetness wasn’t genuine. some of the tension in his muscles fled when he took a seat next to her. ❝ thank you. ❞ briefly, he wondered if he should offer to pour her a cup of tea instead, but she’d sat back down, both cups filled, before he could step up. he returned her smile, his a little larger than before, and took a small sip of tea. an odd twist of fate that they would both be brought to the same place under similar circumstances. or so he’d thought. ❝ lady royce? ❞ his head turned toward her, eye widening. ❝ i believe the same thing is what must be occuying them. you see, lady royce is my sister. ❞
“you’re welcome.” as she sips at her tea, she tries to place what house he comes from by clothing and dialect alone, though she’s coming up short. he’s certainly not northern or from the crownlands or she would have been well aware of him by now. she’s still pondering over it when he drops a revelation that has her cheeks turning bright red with embarrassment for not figuring it out sooner. she hadn’t wanted to assume that because of the eyepatch that he was lord royce. “oh, you must be lord nikolai then! lony has told me so much about you. my name is flora stark, she and i are both ladies-in-waiting for the mistress of whispers.” she huffs a quiet laugh, brows creasing in disbelief as the mulls over such information. “perhaps she intended on introducing us and got held up.”
his sister's letters were often filled with different names, most no different from the other words on the page for they lacked any face nikolai could associate them with, but a few appeared more often than not. even before she said her name, her reaction told him she must be one of those frequent names. a smile, accompanied by a blush ( hopefully lony hadn't said anything too embarrassing ), emerged. ❝ lady flora, my sister has also written about you in her letters. it's very nice to finally meet you. ❞ a thoughtful look crossed his face before he nodded. ❝ yes, that must be it. you all must be very busy. ❞ yet she'd still gone out of her way to help him possibly find a new friend. ❝ i'm glad she thought of introducing us. ❞
" you're content because you get gifted with cakes often, what a lovely arrangement," melony teased, stretching up to press a kiss to his cheek where she had pinched it. she relished in the ability to tease her brother once more, as if the months they spent apart had never occurred. " trust, orys will not be able to escape my meddling for much longer, i've plans to talk his ear off once he's settled more," mischief thick in her words, akin to when she would drag nikolai into her devious plans of teasing orys. truthfully, melony longed for nikolai to be far from the insidiousness of the capital, but she'd allow it and protect him if it meant that a smile may rest on his face more often. if it meant he was able to form a life for himself once more. " yes, it's absolut-" words are replaced by a faux gasp of outrage. " i knew he was hiding secrets from me, and you, my sweet nikolai, have been aiding him!"
❝ you speak like i'm a glutton. ❞ he pouted, look he'd perfected long ago where his older siblings were concerned. he had been the baby of the family for a few years before petra had joined them. ❝ now i understand why he's been in hiding. ❞ he, perhaps naively, hoped he'd be left out of whatever plans his sister was planning, much preferring to spend their stay here tucked away with a book, but a voice in the back of his mind told him that was unlikely. he didn't truly mind, knowing if it wasn't for his siblings he'd practically be a hermit at this point - not out of desire but due to anxieties. ❝ i- no! ❞ he exclaimed all while grinning. ❝ i only transcribe our brother's words, which is already a feat itself. i cannot force him to write more than he wishes. ❞
royalreiqn / nikolai royce
the regret that consumed the memory of that day had been easier to ignore ( never forget, not when his heart still wept regardless of time ) when distance had seperated them, when the only reminder of her presence had been the books he’d kept hidden from himself, the flowers from the arbor still pressed between their pages. it crashed over him now. it tore into him, and while nikolai wanted to avert his gaze, especially as he noticed the water welling in blue eyes he’d once fought to keep both dry and shining with joy, he made himself look upon the sorrow he’d inflicted on the one person who’d given him nothing but love. the person he’d held in his arms until she fell asleep. the person he’d seen his future in, a future free of his father’s tyranny, where the happiness he felt in her presence would consume all his days. those days would be theirs. he would have spent his days studying, maybe he wold’ve become a healer, or even helping her rule the arbor, and in the evening they would’ve had supper with their children, at least two, redheads like her. now she stepped away from him as if he wielded a sword; however, it’s he who bled alongside her. the first tear slipped past his defenses, trickling down his cheek.
❝ i know. ❞ shame drowned the two words. denial impossible when he bore the scars he’d inflicted upon himself by speaking as he had. scars that were now torn open as he voice cracked. why couldn’t she yell at him? rage was a punishment he was accustomed to and one he knew how to endure, but this … losing his other eye would be less painful than standing here. unable to reach out and cradle her face as he longed to or pull her into his arms, even fall to his knees and beg. he’d buried many emotions in his life, alongside many words, but they climbed up his throat now as she fell silent. they demanded their voice after three years of silence. ❝ i didn’t, ❞ his voice cracked and more tears fell. fear seized him by the throat; the ghost of his father did, whispering in nik’s ear that he was wasting his breath, ❝ i never … i never woke up and wanted that. renna, ❞ he risked the smallest step forward as he said her name, ❝ all i ever wanted was to hold your heart. i wanted to marry you every day even … that day. but i’m a coward. ❞
♛
i know. cerenna’s eyebrows furrow, her head shaking as she ponders what exactly she could say to those two words. were it years ago, when the only hurt she had would be made better by nikolai, cerenna wouldn’t even have to say anything. she would rest her head upon his shoulder and he would know all that was in her head, in her heart. now, whatever string the fates had wrapped them both in, was torn apart. “do you?” as her voice breaks, so does the barrier that kept the couple of tears from fallin. cerenna doesn’t know if it’s the presence of nikolai that brings her silent undoing so easily or if it’s the conversation at hand, a hurt and tension build from one that should have happened years ago. nikolai doesn’t know half of it ( not how she’d felt, what they’d both lost without knowing they had it in the first place, what she’s kept inside ever since her chest’s been seemingly hollowed out by someone that made it feel so full ), and even if he does dare to imagine it, it does not matter, not when cerenna feels as if she’s standing in a crumbling bridge, only a few moments away from breaking beneath her feet. and for a moment, she wants it.
cerenna presses her lips together, head shaking ever so slightly as she looks at any and everything but the man before her. there is much she wants to say but keeps locked away and then there is much she wants to say that passes through her lips before she can even attempt to hold onto it. “you did hold my heart, nikolai. you held it for years before you broke it, before you broke me. and now here i stand, wondering if i should forgive you, forget you or break you too.” because there is both desperation to feel something other than pain, a need to let go of the hurt and a want to make him hurt as much as he had made her. though, none of those feelings and desires compare to the void that makes it all feel too overwhelming, too much to bear. especially as his next sentence comes and crashes onto her like the waves on the rocks in the arbor. “three years ago, you came to me and told me you no longer wanted to be with me.” a scoff, failing to wrap her head around what he’s telling her. “now you tell me you wanted to marry me even then and call yourself a coward. what the fuck are you talking about?” she pleads, begs for something to make sense in all that he says.
he could attest only to the agony that had consumed him the very moment he'd turned away from her, wishing lightning would strike him down so he wouldn't have to continue on after ripping out his own heart and hers as well. his father had desired him to be heartless so he could be the type of son he desired; in a sense, nikolai supposed he'd gotten his way. sometimes he wished it'd stuck. but the tattered organ continued beating even as it continued bleeding. the blood pooled at his feet as her tears fell. his hand twitched at his side. years ago, he would've pulled her into his arms, tenderly wiping away those tears and pressing kisses to her cheeks. now, they stood feet apart with a chasm in between them. ❝ i know i deserve the latter, even if i wish for . . . ❞ his voice faltered, unable to plead for the forgiveness he longed for despite believing himself unworthy, ❝ and if that is what you desire then i will fall upon as many blades you present and hope it will grant you reprieve from the pain i caused. ❞ she need only say the word, any word, and nikolai would comply. anything to pull her back onto stable ground - even if his penance was falling in her place.
her gaze wandered but he could look nowhere but her. the worst days of his life were carved into his very soul. he could recall in vivid detail the day of his mother's death and the seering pain when his father's blade at taken his eye, but the memory that had made his soul buckle under the weight was the day she spoke of. his instincts screamed for him to run, but he couldn't. not when she was begging. not when she was crying. ❝ my father . . . ❞ the secret clawed at his throat, but nikolai squeezed his eye shut and forced the truth out. for her. ❝ when i informed him of our intention to marry, he forbid it. he said i was a fool thinking i could rule anything and i'd only bring shame to both our houses, to you. i tried i tried to object, but he said he'd see it ended one way or another. he'd didn't say how, but i . . . ❞ unconsciously, he reached up toward his eyepatch. ❝ i feared he would've hurt me or you. ❞ not necessarily with a sword. lord royce's words were equally as cutting as his blade; nikolai carried still the reputation of his character his father had created and spread. ❝ so i did as i was told. ❞ shame finally dragged his gaze down. ❝ i shouldn't have, i know, but i was so afraid of him and ❞ it was his tears that choked him now. ❝ i'm so sorry, renna. i'll forever be sorry and there will never be a greater regret in my life. ❞
his gaze on her body was evident, melony preening ever so slightly under the attention before mentally scolding herself. curse the spell cassian tyrell seemingly cast over her, she could hardly wait for him to return to her empty handed so she may be free of this silly infatuation her body ached for. " so callous with me, cassian, do i always desire to ruin my fun? " she retorts. flicker of smugness flashes through her mind at the notion that melony was correct in setting this information aside for the man, that it rattled him even a small amount. it takes self restraint to bite her tongue when he touches her, moving forward so that she was perching on the edge of his desk. noncommittal shrug at his question. " does it matter? an arrogant man who believes himself smarter than most with loose lips and a disregard for simple ladies." not that melony particularly wished to tell cassian that she'd overheard it when she was listening to another guard member drone on about hos own desires."
the irritation he heard in her voice was only fuel to his fire, one that, if he dwelled too long on it, felt almost equally akin to desire as it did predatory. he wanted to consume her - more than once, he realized. ❝ ruining your fun has proven quite rewarding. ❞ it'd made her blush so deeply in the hallway ( the ghost of her hand sometimes still brushed against his chest ) and now he wondered what else he could gain beyond the information spilling from her lips. his hand fell away from her hip when she moved closer and sat on his desk as if it belonged to her; she wasn't the only one who could play unperturbed. though, the thoughts that crossed his mind as he stared at her were anything but. ❝ does it matter? ❞ he arched his brow. ❝ perhaps you are naive. ❞ his smirk was the only hint that his words sought only to aggravate. ❝ if i blindly believed every whisper some person offered to me then i would fall in line with my enemy and slaughter my ally. information is only as strong as it's source. and yours doesn't leave me with great confidence in his reliability. ❞
royalreiqn:
the gardens, despite being a sorry replacement, were the closest to a glimpse of highgarden he could get and had been able to get for a long time now. so he set aside his critical eye, despite noticing that some of the flower patches never would be approved of in his home’s gardens, pristine despite their expansive size, as he walked through the royal garden. at the very least it provided him an escape from his office. his steps were slow, his gaze wandering, but his mind didn’t waver so when he heard voice in the distance, he fell back into the demeanor of the hand of the queen, hands clasped behind his back and head high. the woman and her maid came into sight just as the latter was dismissed. cassian lingered for a moment before stepping forward, clearing his throat and making his presence known. ❝ my apologies for disturbing you then, my lady. ❞
.
Breath left her body, heart skipped a beat and surely while this man had to belong to someone else Danis thought that there was no man more beautiful in all the world. Sure enough, there were a few names that came a close second, a kings guard commander, both daynes but hardly anyone could match such a majestic countenance. His face was the sort of beauty Danis could imagine kingdoms burning for or great works being made for - such a face to bring great destruction and at the same tie had the power to inspire new creations. Was she breathing? Yes, Danis was breathing and bowing her head goodness her cheeks had to be the color of the roses around them. Taking what seemed like her first breath again after not knowing what breathing was like before eyes lifted up from her bow knowing who this was, the pin did give it away. “My lord hand. You could never be a disturbance. One imagines these gardens are not as grand as the ones from your home but still a small wonder. Do you come here just to wander - if so I would love to accompany you perhaps to ask what your favorite parts of it are if you would allow it?”
how quickly the lady blushed. a grin tugged at his lips, one in possession of affability so as not to frighten her off or embarrass her. if he was a man easily swayed by simple shows of delicacy then his heart might stir within his chest, but while he noticed her beauty, a human he remained despite the blackness filling his heart, his eyes were drawn toward the strings that he could pull. charm swayed many, and it appeared her heart fluttered even if he merely stood like a statue. however, he enjoyed the game far too much. he returned her bow with one of his own. ❝ you are most kind. ❞ he knew not all would feel the same about his presence. not that it troubled him. those who foolishly declared too much disdain or mistrust toward him unknowingly labeled themselves as expendable - a deadly classification. ❝ i do. the gardens are a good spot to clear one's head and remind me of home. i admit, i normally wander alone. however, ❞ he offered her his arm, ❝ it would be both my honor and delight to be accompanied by you this afternoon. ❞
there is the tiniest bit of relief that follows cassian's words, reassured in his belief that the man would not lie to him as vaella seemingly had. it does little to quell the acidic taste in the back of his throat to know that this dictates vaelyx must now ask cassian to make an incredibly difficult choice. " vaella did little to protect your line of inheritance. perhaps we should've saw this coming," a brief pause as vaelyx carefully chooses his own words. " i should've seen this from the moment she ordered me to marry. she seeks to make me a scapegoat for her own wrongs." a test of the waters between them, watching cassian as if he is waiting for the other man to cut him off. to show any hint of placing vaella before vaelyx, before he continues onward, breaking their gaze once more to take a few steps away from cassian. closer to the seat in front of them. " i know you cannot tell me what you've found in your investigation, cassian, but i've discovered who is to blame, nonetheless." the words are faintly laced with the rage that's been sitting tight in chest for days now. a silence hangs between the pair, the air laying thick as vaelyx braces himself for the words that must leave him next. turns back to face cassian, eyes far colder than before. " i will the sit the throne, brother. vaella's head will rest on the traitor's walk for the crimes she's committed against the realm."
he hummed. the ground he walked along with the prince had taken a turn into unfamilar territory; if he wasn't hearing incorrectly then vaelyx had voiced a rare disapproval toward his sister. interesting. cassian's thoughts found themselves oddly aligned with the other's. all he'd done for vaella, returning to her side after she'd rejected him, and she'd turned a blind eye when his father had taken highgarden, his future, from him. his brow furrowed, but within a flame sparked. if the prince was looking for cassian to assuage his angers, to protect vaella had he had throughout the years, then he would be mistaken. not when cas saw the blade he'd been waiting for being sharpened at last. ❝ vaelyx, ❞ he began, stepping forward. ❝ i have served your sister for many years, and once i wished for nothing more than to stand beside her as her partner. there is no one who has bore witness to her failings more than i. ❞ dark eyes held the prince's as the words hung in the air. his expression remained serious, but excitement filled his veins. ❝ you asked me if you were my first choice. i realize now who you meant for me to choose between. ❞ he took a deep breath and rested his hand on vaelyx's shoulder. ❝ you, brother, are my choice. not vaella. the realm has suffered unjustly under her dominion. it's time a better age is brought about under your reign. ❞
eyes crinkle fondly at the way the blackwood’s voice carries enthusiasm when talking about the evening’s events prior to the calamity of the princess . the talk of circumstantially frivolous things like the flavors of cake & which dancing partners caused butterflies within the gut is a reprieve to silvana — an age - appropriate moment of joy that did not revolve around murder & deceit . “ worry not . against the best wishes of everyone , i always join the dance floor after a single chalice of wine . ” the lady baratheon grins wolfishly , tip of the tongue poking out from between her teeth mischievously . “ i ate far too much of any dessert with peaches featured . i simply cannot help myself with that fruit , ” waves a hand dismissively to accent her helplessness when encountered with peaches . as her friend speaks of different dancing partners , silvana’s gaze widens in interest . a squeal emits , not unlike a young girl with her first hint of romance , & hands rise to cover her mouth in wonder & astonishment . “ lord jayme lefford ? how unexpected ! did his charm work on the regal lady laena ?! i must know ! ” her cheeks begin to sore from the earnest smile on her face , a childlike fascination present in both her voice & her body as she nearly wriggles in her chair in her interest in her friend’s endeavors .
she was floating high above the air of tragedy filling the hals that sought to drag her down. if the gods are kind ( and surely they are toward one who frequents their domain so frequently ) then she would remain at such heights for the rest of the day if not longer. let the world return to its axis, ridding itself of poisons and sorrows, and spinning as it should. her nose scrunched up as lips curled up even higher, flashing white teeth, and her hands clasped together with a soft clap. ❝ good. otherwise, i would have to drag you onto the dance floor at the next ball whether you wished it or not. ❞ the closest string of words the blackwood might ever get to a threat, but the lack of bite didn't negate its sincerity. her siblings could attest that she took dancing very seriously. ❝ i will have to try one of those then. ❞ perhaps she could request some with her supper or evening tea. but all thought of dessert quickly fled from her mind under the wave of her friend's enthusiasm. laena lowered her head, allowing raven tresses to shield her momentarily, but there was no denying the grin that strains her cheeks. the bright red tint to marble cheeks. ❝ will you think less of me if i admit that it did? ❞ violet hues slowly look up and over at the baratheon. ❝ he was far wittier than i expected. i could barely take a sip of wine because he made me laugh so. ❞
royalreiqn:
the way he observed her reminded her of how she often gazed upon the subject of her paintings, wanting to uncover even the smallest details so she could bring the subject, even if it was merely a flower or building, to life even when it was restrained by the canvas. laena had always wondered what it might be like to be looked upon in such a way; it settled over her like a warm blanket and as it did, any hesitation that might have been awakened by his words vanished. lips curled upwards. all she’d hoped for upon entering the gates of king’s landing was for a taste of what living in a song might be like. under his gaze, listening to his words, she felt akin to a lady in the presence of a noble knight.
❝ based on first impressions alone, i would not object to granting you a second audience, ❞ shyness seeped into her voice. when his arm was offered, she took it with grace, finding herself standing a little taller now that she was on the arm on a man equally gallant as he was handsome. but those thoughts she kept tucked away. ❝ i quite enjoy music, my lord, and dancing. however, my truest joy lies in art. ❞ pride, a vice but one presented by her so delicately it lacked any teeth, made violet hues sparkle. ❝ partcularly painting, which i have done since i was a little girl. it was like love at first sight when i picked up my first paintbrush. ❞
.
Her gentle hand fit perfectly along the muscle of his arm almost as if it belongs there and perhaps it does. Many hands have taken his arm and yet few have held onto it to claim such an place open and wanting for it to remain filled. Uthor doesn’t truly desire to marry, resistant to the idea even if he knows he’s willing to do such a thing for the family but brief moments like this he wonders perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to give into the thought of being a husband. The lady to have his arm - Uthor knows she is a rare gem that whoever’s arm she choses to let her soft hands find purchase on forever is a lucky individual certainly and he’s barely known her but a few moments. “Already I look forward to it, seeing you again, my lady” Uthor smiles before lifting a brow. Art. He knew the most perfect place in the city, hidden away like a gem concealed among the streets. It was a rare occasion Uthor had the option or opportunity to share some of the most secret passions, to live outside of a pen name in his true form but she’d be the first stranger in a long time to know a secret without being aware it was. “Then I have a place I would like to share with you. If you forgive its outside appearance and the long walk it is to reach it but Cobbler’s Square hides some of the most beautiful places to watch fellow artists at work creating masterpieces, crafting spectacular works - there we may paint for they are open to sharing their artistic world with those likeminded creatives. Would you mind traveling there to spend an afternoon among art and the artists there? Its hidden away in a part of the city so the craft might be protected by those who don’t necessarily appreciate it”
her mind had forever been inclined to fanciful imaginings, creating stories that never depart the confines of her mind save the inspirations that slipped into her paintings and guided her fingers as she plucked the harp's strings, and currently, with her hand resting on his arm and him smiling at her, she felt like the luckiest woman. any woman would be most fortunate to be on his arm. shyly, she leaned against him, entrusting him as both her guide and protector. ❝ and i you. hopefully, we shall have the chance again during our stay. ❞ she wondered what it would be like to dance with him; a pity they hadn't crossed paths at the feasts. she happily would have shared more than one dance with him. mayhap when the princess recovered there would be a celebration and the error could be amended. even more light filled her eyes as he spoke, mouth forming a small 'o'. ❝ there is a place like that here? ❞ he couldn't know how the knowledge made her heart soar. gathering of artists had been a stapple of her childhood, tagging along with her mother before the illness struck and sitting at her side, watching her and other weavers create their tapestries. then when she was older, laena would bring her paints and sit with her mentor but learn from all that surrounded her. it'd been one of the greatest losses she'd expereinced when departing myr. ❝ it's appearance concerns me little or the distance required to reach it. i can think of no better way to spend an afternoon than surrounded by art and those who practice it. they won't mind sharing their supplies, will they? i regret that i left my paints in my chambers. ❞
" i suppose we're different there, my lady. if i went the rest of my time here without meeting another new soul, it would be far too soon." edmyn retorted, letting out a tiny frustrated huff. they furrowed their brow when she spoke of myr, trying to recall if they'd ever spoken about it before. " . . . you are from the free cities," he asks, confusion evident in his tone. " i've never been out of westeros," they admit after a few moments. " what's it like?"
❝ that sounds terribly lonely . . . ❞ words were whispered not with an air of judgement but sympathy. brightness found her again as he asked about her childhood home. she nodded. ❝ i am. myr was my home until lord blackwood adopted me. ❞ a faraway look passed over violet eyes. ❝ rarely does the sun not shine but the ocean breeze keeps the air cool. the city is blessed with great artisans and learners. the streets are filled when them selling their crafts from tapestries to glassware . ❞
royalreiqn / helaena blackwood
she giggled. ❝ perhaps, but i'm certain he’s enjoying it at least a little. the prince hasn’t faltered in social engagements. ❞ her mind painted the memory of the time they shared together at her sibling’s wedding. even before he’d approached laena, welcoming her into the family and asking for a dance, she’d seen how effortlessly and charmingly he’d made his way around the room. ❝ if you insist. ❞ slender digits reached out and selected one of the lemon cakes. she was mid-bite when the karstark’s question made her cheeks flush. ❝ well … ❞ she averted her gaze momentarily. ❝ the thought has crossed my mind. prince vaelyx is quite handsome, and we get along well. don’t you think i’d make a lovely princess, narisa? ❞
♛
“i do not doubt that, he seems to enjoy having many eyes on him.” and that is either a smart move or the stupidest one, narisa can’t quite discern which one the prince is pulling but, then again, they don’t really care about the court intrigue as much as they ought to, perhaps. narisa gives the blackwood a smile. they do, indeed, insist on keeping a company that feels like putty in their hands, moulded by the simplest of charms, no matter how empty. “i suppose you would be a lovely future queen, laena. the prince would be lucky to have someone like you.” after the recent decree, it is only a matter of time before plays are set in motion, narisa believes, and if laena got what her heart seems to desire, it would make up for a boring aftermath. “and family dinners would be interesting, would they not? after all, your sister would also be your… sister-in-law? i would give many a coin to be a fly on the wall.”
❝ i can understand. i'd be delighted if our positions were reversed. ❞ she dreamed of what it'd be like to have so many wanting her attention, wanting her. she'd asked her father countless times about when he might start looking for her spouse to no avail. perhaps she'd been tasked with waiting for a reason. ❝ yes, queen. ❞ the color on her cheeks deepened. odd. her sister was meant to be the future queen, but now the queen had altered that. perhaps that should have made her forsake her desire for the prince's hand, but it wasn't vaelyx's fault. ❝ thank you, narisa. though, i think i would be the lucky one. ❞ who wouldn't be fortunate to have a husband like the prince? whenever they spent time together, laena found herself smiling. ❝ oh . . . i suppose that would be a little odd, but i'm certain it's happened before in westeros' history. ❞
elyanna was more than pleased to extend a careful hand to those of the riverlands, ensuring that their safety remained paramount during these times of disaster. it was a rare side of the lioness. caring for those that were not herself or her children. she was definitely not searching out the safety of fellow westerlanders. but lady helaena was a welcome piece of light to the otherwise darkness that plagued her days in the crownlands --- longing for return to the lannisport keep. a welcome occupation of her worried mind. ❛ of course, my dear. i am glad you were willing to share in my company. ❜ the lady lannister says, a smile blossoming across her lips as she spoke. ❛ i do hope you are doing alright. . . with everything that has happened ? ❜
the warm title the older woman called her made her smile widen, dispersing any linger nerves, born solely out of a desire to impress the ruling lady, that the summons had awakened. if only all her days could be filled with such lovely company - sometimes visitors to raventree hall were far too infrequent for her tastes. she took a spoonful of sugar and added it to her tea, stirring it, and then took a sip. even mention of recent events didn't mar her good spirits as strongly as it normally did. ❝ i am as well as one can be given what has happened. my family too, ❞ she replied. ❝ but i do worry greatly for the princess. ❞ her expression wavered momentarily. before she reminded herself that all would soon be well. ❝ and you? i do hope you and your family are faring well. ❞
