the hour was late enough that much of the red keep had begun to settle into uneasy quiet. though the celebrations would not begin in earnest until morning, the castle remained alive with the steady flow of late arrivals, servants carrying bags and trunks through winding corridors, and guards escorting weary nobles to their chambers. from the covered gallery overlooking one of the inner courtyards, ysara watched it all unfold beneath the glow of torchlight.
she had long since abandoned any pretense of sleep.
officially, she was merely enjoying the evening air after a long day of welcoming guests. unofficially, she had spent the better part of an hour finding increasingly creative excuses to remain exactly where she was. the arrival of the dornish delegation had been expected, of course. she had known the day, the route, and likely even the hour. none of that had prevented her from checking the courtyard below far more often than necessary.
years had taught her patience, court had taught her restraint; both had served her well yet neither seemed especially useful tonight.
the sight of familiar yellow banners entering the castle gates had been enough to ensure sleep was entirely out of the question.
when footsteps finally sounded behind her, ysara did not turn immediately. she already knew who they belonged to. instead, a smile appeared slowly at the corner of her mouth as she rested her hands against the stone balustrade and looked out across the courtyard one final time.
"you've become inconsiderate."
the accusation was delivered lightly, carrying none of the sharpness the words themselves suggested.
only then did she turn.
for a moment, all the observations and greetings she might have prepared over the years deserted her completely. letters and distance were one thing - standing before nymeria again was another entirely.
the smile softened despite her intentions to be difficult with her. it was late and she was tired.
"i had nearly convinced myself i could wait until morning. and then you arrived, foiling my intentions for best behavior yet again." @bareruin