Saviour Complex (ser harwin strong)

Chpt 18: Tension

I walked to Rhaenyras chambers and hesitated before i knocked on her door. I took a deep breath and after a long pause, i finally knocked.

"I don't wish to speak with you father" she called out. I rolled my eyes and knocked again. "I said not now father!" Rhaenyra exclaimed. "Nyra, it's me. Open the door" i said.

There was silence as i heard footsteps coming towards me. Rhaenyra opened the door with her head hung. "I need to speak with you" i said walking past her. She stood there awkwardly as she slowly closed the door.

I sat down on her bed as the tension flood the air. "We both know what happened. I don't wish to speak about it" i said. "Azalea... Azalea you must know that i-"

"I said i don't want to speak about it, Nyra" i said more sternly. She stayed quiet and continued looking at her feet. "Are you pregnant then?" i asked. Her head shot up as a look of shock came upon her face.

"What? No!" she exclaimed. "I'm not mad. I just need to know if your lying" i said. She sighed as she sat on the bed next to me. "I did not... I would not do that... Stuff with Daemon. I'll admit, i wanted to. But the thought of loosing you over came me, and i told him to stop" she said.

I've known Rhaenyra long enough to know if she was lying... And she wasn't.

I put my hand on hers and gave her a weak smile. "I'm sorry i even went with him, Zaels. I shouldn't have. But-"

"Love makes people do crazy things" i said. She gulped uncomfortably. "I know you love him. And i'm not angry. I understand. We can't control who we love. But we also have duties. Your duties are more important than mine. You can not let Daemon affect your claim to the throne."

"I know" she mumbled as i squeezed her hand tightly. A small smile came over Rhaenyras face as a thought came into her head. "But... I must tell you... I have had well... Relations" she said giddily. I gave her a shocked look.

"What!? With who!?" i exclaimed. Then it hit me. "Cole? You and Cole?!" i whispered as Rhaenyra laughed. "Gods, Rhaenyra" i said with laughter. I have to admit, i was grateful to know that is why Rhaenyra drank the tea.

Her laughter slowly faded along with her smile. "What is it?" i asked. "He asked to marry me. He seemed to have a plan for us to run away, get married and live off oranges... And i refused him. I believe he hates me now" she said anxiously playing with her fingers.

I sighed as she spoke. "I'm sorry, your grace. I'm sure he'll understand with time why you had to refuse him" i said. "Maybe... But maybe not" she mumbled under her breath.

I couldn't help but sigh with frustration realising that i now had to add to my list of people i need to speak to. Ser Criston has been kind to me these past few years. I would even consider him my friend. I know his heart must be aching and he needed someone with him.

"Have you heard the news?" Rhaenyra asked. "About your betrothal?" i questioned. She nodded. "Yes... But Laenor seems to be a kind man. I'm sure he'll be a fine husband" i said trying to put her at ease.

"He is a fine man. We have an agreement which satisfies us both. He's not the worst man i could have married... Though i believe i would have preferred Ser Harwin Strong."

My head shot up at her words. "Why would you say that?" i said trying to keep my calm. "Well, for one he's strong, obviously. And he's quite handsome. I'm sure he'd give me satisfaction when i need it. And-"

"Alright i get the picture" i snapped. Rhaenyra smirked at my reaction. "I knew it" she said. "What!" i exclaimed. "You have taken... An interest in him, haven't you?" she questioned. I scoffed.

"Don't be stupid" i said standing up. "You think you can fool me? You may be able to fool my father and the rest of Kingslanding but you can't fool me" she said."

I rolled my eyes. "I have not taken an interest in anyone. Now, i must prepare for your wedding, your grace" i said sarcastically. Rhaenyra scoffed as i left her chambers.

As i closed her door, i saw Ser Criston reluctantly guarding Rhaenyras chambers with his head hung low. "Cole, i was just coming to look for you" i said.

"You've found me, your grace" he said with a hint of sorrow. "You seem upset. What's happened?" i asked pretending to be clueless. "Nothing, your grace. Just tired" he mumbled.

I sighed thinking of how to be gentle to this situation. I'm sure Ser Criston would be... Well, angry if he was to know that i was aware of him breaking his vows.

"I know there has been tension spreading through the castle. And your one of my dearest friends, i don't want you feeling distressed."

He gulped. "So i'll ask you again, what's happened?" i questioned. Cole sighed debating if he should tell me or not. "Something has happened, your grace. I don't wish to speak about it. I wish to forget about it completely" he said.

I gave him a weak smile as i grabbed his hand. "Alright then. We don't have to talk about it. And please, Ser Criston, don't call me your grace. I feel far from a princess at the moment" i said.

"And i feel far from a knight... Azalea" he said. I laughed softly. "Shall i be seeing you at the wedding tonight?" i asked. "Unfortunately so" he mumbled.

"Then i will come find you. Who knows, it could even be fun" i said. He gave me a fragile smile as i nodded my head. I made my way to my chambers to find Daemon in the same position as i left him.

"How is the world? Has it changed since i have been gone?" he asked in dramatics. "Oh yes, much so. The people of Kingslanding have been replaced with sheep. They run the world now" i said sarcastically.

He stood up and gulped some old wine. "I have some news" i said. "What is it?" he asked. "Due to the events from your adventure in Fleabottom... Rhaenyra is to marry" i said. Daemons face dropped slightly as he sat down.

"To whom?" he questioned under his breath. "Laenor Velaryon. He's a kind boy. My brother has spent years with him and he has often written to me of his kindness. She'll be happy. And safe."

Daemon scoffed. "And am i invited to this fine wedding?" he asked. "Well, i am. And you are my husband so i guess you are" i said.

"The first female heir to the iron throne and the son of the Sea Snake... I'm guessing it will be a wedding to remember."