Unintended

Chapter Six

There was a certain sense of relief that came with knowing the princess did not want him, Harwin thought. Everything seemed all too clear to him, that no matter what he did or how he felt, he could not change the princess's feelings and would simply have to accept that she would not return them. Her affections were clearly not directed towards him, and if she would not be won over with written words or gifts or would not give him a chance to prove his devotion to her then he should not spend so much of his time thinking about it.

That was easier said than done, however, Harwin was quickly reminded when he saw her that morning in the Godswood, the sun catching her hair in the light. Her beauty always struck him, the way her lips moved when she spoke or the way her eyes lit up when she laughed. He was sure that no amount of time would resolve the longing he felt for her.

But he could be casual in her presence, dare he say relaxed, if he were not constantly worrying about what she would think of him. So, in a new effort to appear as unbothered as possible and not overthink every move he made, he made his way toward her, ignoring the startled look on her face when she spotted him.

"Good morning", he said with a broad smile as he stopped in front of her. The chattering from the rest of the party in the Godswood quieted as they attempted to listen in.

"Good morning, Ser Harwin."

"I wondered if you might accompany me for a turn about the Godswood", he said simply, ignoring the giggling from the ladies around the breakfast table. The princess set down the wreath she was working on as a favor for the tourney, nodding as she walked beside him and out of earshot of all the gossip-hungry ladies of the court.

"Is there a particular reason you've requested my company?" she asked as they stepped toward the opposite side of the Weirwood tree, out of view from the other guests.

"It will be a long day", he said with a shrug, working diligently to appear as casual as possible though, despite his efforts, his palms were still sweating. "I thought you might like a break from them while you have a chance." A small smile took over her features as she looked down at her feet. "I also wanted to ensure you were feeling well this morning."

"Oh- I, yes. Well, my head aches terribly. I do not think I've ever had so much to drink before, nor will I ever again", she replied, scrunching her nose. Harwin hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"I also wished to apologize for my lack of decorum last night."

"There is truly no need to apologize, Ser Harwin. It seemed to be something of a boys' night. You were not the only one participating."

"No, but I am the only one who will be your prince consort", he replied firmly, attempting to control the possessiveness he felt at saying it aloud. "I am to be an extension of you, in a way. I will be a representative of your court, a reflection of you. I should comport myself in a more mature manner." The princess pursed her lips, a small frown tugging the corners down.

"Ser Harwin, you are a man of one and nine, I would hardly expect you to be a shining example of propriety."

"But I should be. I should not have behaved so inappropriately with you." The memory of being close to her, his lips ghosting over her ear as he whispered to her, seemed even more indecent in the light of day. Her expression faltered at his words and, though Harwin tried to ignore it, he could not help the sinking feeling that she was disappointed in his actions.