duty & sacrifice | House Of The Dragon.

iv. Hidden doors and strange old men

135 AC

The sensation of someone tapping my shoulder awoke me from my deep slumber. I turned and saw Odessa with a teary face. I instantly climbed out of bed. "What is it?" My eyes search Odessa for any harm, but there was none. "The King is dead"  My eyes widened in and there was a brief moment of silence as both of us stood in shock. 

All though it was evident that the king had not been well for a while now, the news still shocked us both.

"You must leave. Pack your belongings and leave, leave and go far away from here" Odessa said as her eyes travelled down to below my bed, where my few personal belongings resided. 

Frantically she pulled out my small satchel and started packing my things for me. And I was forced to watch her do so. "You must hide your bag under your cloak, if someone notices your bag they will instantly become suspicious of you and your intentions. You must also act normal, do not panic, even if things seem wrong. Lastly you must be discreet, do not walk busy halls. You have grown up in this castle, you know it better than any kingsgaurd, maester and maid, use that advantage."

I was speechless as I listened to every word that Odessa whispered at me. 

"I can't leave- I can't leave here" I whispered back. Odessa shook her head as she finished packing my things. "You must. The red keep is full of people with no power who gossip, and people who have power and believe everything they hear" A tear rolled down my cheek as I realised that she was right. 

"You must come with me" I begged, but she only shook her head. "Please come" I firmly gripped my hands onto the elder woman's shoulders in front of me. But she shook her head again. "Please" I slightly shook her again, but she still insisted on staying. "If I leave that will be far too suspicious, go now. The morrow is nearing fast and soon they will begin closing the keep" Odessa said as her teary eyes bored into mine. "But will I ever see you again?" I asked hopefully. "What does your heart tell you?" she questioned.

I nodded and began quietly making my way out of the servants quarters.

I began walking towards a secret door which I had found when I was younger. 

I had never ventured past the large steps behind the door, so when I had began down the stairs I was definitely internally screaming at the thought of what could be down there. I had finally reached the bottom of the stairs and there stood another door. I grimaced as I realised that there could be a chance that this door could possibly lead into the queens chambers. If she saw me she would have my head for it.

I cupped my ear on cold stone hoping to be able to hear what was happening behind the door, but due to the thickness of the stone, it was impossible. 

I stepped back from the door and awkwardly stood up straight. I was frozen in fear. I could either open the door and see the queen laying there in her bed, or I could open the door and see another hallway. 

Once I had finally decided that I was probably going to die at some point during this mission, I pulled the heavy stone, squeezing my eyes shut whilst doing so. I had partially accepted the fact that I could die. Even though I could feel a slight breeze due to the door being open, I still kept both of my eyes closed. 

After some time I slowly opened my eyes to see the prayer hall, which seemed empty. I thanked the gods and I quickly, but quietly made my way over to the grand doors which I was soon to use to exit.

"here comes pain, for fire will reign as long as the lost, now found dragon plays the game" My eyes widened as I noticed the young princess sat on a bench chanting the same sentence. I freeze again, not knowing what to do. It didn't seem as if she cared about me leaving, but I still was frightened. "Helaena" I jumped at the sound of a voice which I quickly recognised. I rushed toward the princess hoping that the prince would believe that I was caring for her, not running away. Finally the prince rounded the corner and his tall figure soon reached us both. 

I curtsy and lower my head hoping that he doesn't question me too much. "Who are you?" I look up to meet the blue eye of prince before me. "Leila, if it please your grace" I say feeling slightly uncomfortable with his piercing eye, which seemed to burn holes into my skin. "stand" I stood up, but avoided eye contact. The prince grabbed my chin and examined my face. I could feel my palms sweat as I thought about being caught. The prince dropped his hand and replied with a simple hum. He seemed in thought for a minute before he replied "Clean those benches" He said before pulling his sister and walking away with her.

My shoulders slouched back down. 

I realised that there could be a chance that the princess told someone that she saw me trying to escape, so I rushed towards the large grand doors.

Once I pushed open the doors I instantly felt that the cool night breeze. Goosebumps raised on my milky skin.

I tip-toed through the dark shadows, to the large gates of the Red Keep.

"Who goes there?" A Kingsgaurd yells.

"The princess" I carefully try to mimic princess Helaena's voice.

"Your grace, the hour is late, should you not be in bed?" The Kingsgaurd asks concerned.

"Should you not question your princess?" It was not like Helaena to make snarky comments, but I could not help but feel agitated by the knight. "My apologies your grace, what may I do for you?" The knight quickly remembered his place "Open the gate and fetch me a horse" I replied whilst smirking in the shadows. I enjoyed the authority.

The gates opened and a black mare was handed to me by the same kingsgaurd. I quietly exited the Red Keep and made my way past many stalls for food and supplies to last me a few days.

I carefully watched my surroundings. Kings Landing was not the safest city at night, or even day. I looked for one kind looking face, but it seemed that none were available. "Looking for something girl?" A gruff voice spoke from beside me. I turned and saw a short, elderly man with a long grey beard and a ripped clothes. I contemplated telling the truth, but then I realised that no harm could be done for asking such a simple question. 

"Yes, in fact, I would like to know where the Queen is" The man chuckled. "Well in there of course" I looked at where the mans finger pointed and I saw the place I had just escaped. Then I had realised that I never heard the bells ring. The small folk did not know. "Sorry, I mean the Princess Rhaenyra" The short and stout man chuckled again "Dragonstone." The name sounded familiar. 

I thanked the man and begun my venture east.