The Banished Blood

Chapter 2

I entered the room for supper, the doors creaked open. The hall was lit from end to end with candles, the table filled with empty plates and bowls. The fire cracked, the halls wafted with draft. A sound of metal clinking made my eyes flutter to the end of the hall, as a man was sat by a fire down the far side. Holding a goblet as someone filled his cup. The servant left him, as he kept drinking. He didn't turn to me at the sound of the door opening.

From what I could tell, he had short silver hair, as he was plad in green clothes. His boots laced high. His free hand running through his hair ruffling it, he began to sprawl before the fire upon the chair. Arykk gestured me before the fire. I looked to him.

"We are waiting for the others to join us. Please, take your time Princess." Arykk bowed his head. I nodded. Walking towards the fire. As young serving girl handed me a cup.

"W-wine princess?" The nervous girl asked, her brown hair tied back, her jaw quivering slightly. Her eyes darted to the man by the fire next to me. He looked up from his cup.

"You know my wife doesn't drink at dinner." He snapped, his voice slurring. I looked to him. His eyes red, cheeks red. He must have been drinking for hours. I chuckled. Wife? Really? I took the cup from the girl, the stranger gave the girl a puzzled look, as he looked up to me, eyes widened. I held the cup, looking down to him.

"Who are you?" The stranger slurred. His eyes looking me up and down.

"I'm Y/N.. And you are.. Prince Aegon?" I asked carefully, knowing whom he was already, I sipped my cup.

His head rolled to fully face me, he seriously must've already had some barrels in him. He just laughed in my face. I furrowed my brows. The main doors creaked again as I turned to face who was coming. Alicent entered with Ser Criston Cole. She smiled to me. Her eyes quickly darted to Prince beside me. I could see her gritting her teeth for a moment, as he giggled to himself. Alicent gestured me beside her, I held my cup as I walked to her, she gestured for me to sit with her.

"I'm sure you're confused." Alicent looked to me, as I settled myself down next to her she sat at one end of the table, I sat beside her on the corner. There were seven places set. I nodded to her, sitting my cup down by the empty plate in front of me. She put her hand upon mine.

"My Queen. I'll admit I was not expecting a warm welcome, let alone a title. Please, I do not wish to disgrace the crown." My brows furrowed as I spoke. But she just waved her free hand.

"You must understand, the king and his council do everything for a reason. The king was worried the blood of the dragon would grow scarce... And.. He couldn't seem to let the memories of his mothers family go. I know of Princess Saera, how she was found in the pleasure gardens of Lys dressed as a novice, how she lay with multiple men out of spite. Betraying faith and the crown. But I admire your honesty upon her my child." Alicent smiled, leaning forward, I noticed her neck bore a charm of the seven pointed star. "But I assure you, you are here with reason. The king has told me he would like to explain himself while we dine-" Alicent was cut off by the doors opening again as she pulled her hand from mine. Pulling herself upright in her seat. I turned.

Aemond swaggered in, followed by a calm looking young girl. Aemond eyed Aegon by the fire, and scoffed. Paying no mind to me. The girls eyes focused on me, she smiled. Sitting herself down next to me.

"Hello- I've heard you were coming for weeks, it's so nice to have a sister- really- it's rather- well you see- I-." The girl spoke with excitement, Alicent gave her a daring look which shut her down, like she had said something she shouldn't have. The sliver haired girl breathed in for a moment and calmed.

"I am Princess Haelena, wife of Prince Aegon. I have heard of your legitimization, I'm glad to have you with us." She spoke as if she rehearsed for this moment.