The Banished Blood

Chapter 19

I had awoke to Dyana calling me. I sat up, still in my clothes from the night before, my face felt strange, as I clawed off the strange cloth salve. My head was clearer than it had ever been, my stomach grumbled, I rubbed my eyes. Dyana looked the same as ever. 

"How's Berthas nose?" I asked, rubbing my face. 

"Rather unsightly Princess. She is to be kept in the kitchens today, and she apologised to me and Shireen personally. I thank you." She beamed, as she brought out a dress and jewels. 

"Think nothing of it." I yawned. "What- what's that for?" I asked her, pointing to the green dress awkwardly. 

"Your clothes for today princess, the queen wishes it." Dyana explained as she sat it down, running a bath for me, putting in more salts for my wounds. I narrowed my eyes at the dress. 

"She says you must wear the proper attire Princess.." Dyana trailed.

"I'm wearing what I usually wear. I will not be someone I'm not. I'lll change before I come to court if it shuts her up." I peeled off my clothes, stepping to the warm bath, Dyana ran the brush through my hair. I felt myself arise with excitement. Today was going to be something to behold. More family, more feuds. I looked at how my fingers glided across the water. The salts ran through my cuts, making them pulse slightly. I twinged. I eventually got out from the bath, the air hitting my body. Making me feel fresh and clean. Dyana brought cloth to my hair, drying it. I pulled on my boots, noticing someone had polished them in the night. 

Once my hair had dried. I pulled on my leathers, brushing my dry hair, bidding Dyana farewell. "I'll see you later, my friend." I smiled to her. She simply bowed, my dirty folded clothes in her hands. 

"Goodbye Princess." She left, closing the door behind her. I looked at myself in the mirror. Running my fingers along the cut at my cheekbone. It was still there, barely visible. I brushed my hair, keeping it down as I always did. I pulled my necklace over my clothes. Making sure it was to be seen. Fixing my blade to belt, I looked at myself one last time, fixing my sleeves, and left. 

"What is on the agenda today?" I asked Arykk, my hair brushing back at our brisk walk. 

"Princess Rhaenyra shall arrive in a number of hours, preparations are being finalised. Prince Aemond has been checking the granaries this morning, Princess Helaena ensuring the dragon pits and stables are to standard, along with the rooms... As Prince Aegon is yet to rise." He explained. 

"Why don't you think they gave me something to do?" I wandered. 

"I will admit, I do not know. You are capable of your new station, perhaps the Queen didn't want to worry you, as it is your first formal meeting with them." 

"Hm.. Perhaps." I replied, Arykk pushed open the door to the dining room, I stepped inside. Setting myself down. Breakfast had already been set. But I soon realised Helaena and Aemond had came and went. For the only places that were still set were mine and Aegons. I rolled my eyes at the thought of where he was. He had probably forgotten the entire ordeal already. I finished my food. Heading for the library. I read for an hour or two, refreshing my mind on the lords titles and lands, along with my Valyrian. I finished. Setting out for Aemond or Helaena. I stepped out to the courtyard, Arykk escorting me. I told him to go on with his duties, but I noticed he opted to spar with his brother, Erykk. He smiled and bowed to me, I waved. 

 The courtyard had been as full as it was yesterday, but not with cattle and merchants. Lords and ladies. They stood all around, talking to one another, eyes turned to me, warm. They all simply bowed curtly, and smiled. I just nodded with a wave or smile. I looked down at the weapons table. But my ears turned to the sound of clanging metal. I stepped over to view the fight, as many others had. It was Ser Criston, fighting another kingsguard. I found myself standing by a familar silver haired, one eyed prince.