Unintended

Chapter Seven

Harwin was sure he was imagining things, that perhaps he had far more to drink than he thought, or some sort of mind-altering substance had been slipped into his cup unbeknownst to him. There was no reasonable explanation for finding the princess dressed as a commoner in a pleasure house. If her expression was anything to go by, she was certainly astonished to see him.

Harwin's gaze shifted past her, his shoulders stiffening once he caught sight of Prince Daemon, who was leaning up against the wall, a perfect picture of nonchalance. Harwin could feel that he was about to lose his temper, his anger at the prince and Ser Criston running too deep to be alleviated. A gentle squeeze on his forearm pulled his gaze back to the princess. Her lips were parted but no words were forming.

"Enjoy your evening", he said coldly, wrenching his arm from her grasp. If he stayed, he would not be able to contain his rage, and it would be far worse for him to lay hands on a prince than Ser Criston. He was beyond furious with the prince, for bringing the princess to a gods damned brothel, and at her, for actually going with him. The princess was calling after him but he tuned her out, needing to have her out of his sight.

He moved swiftly until he could no longer hear her calling after him, his feet carrying him back to the Keep. It should not have surprised him that his father was waiting up to speak with him, he was sure that the lecture had been carefully thought out over the course of the afternoon. His father's expression shifted to one of great concern once he saw the state that Harwin was in.

"I am worried about you, my son, if you would only calm down-"

"I cannot", he shouted, knocking over a stack of books with the back of his hand, immediately scrambling to pick them up and mumbling an apology under his breath. He felt so off-kilter, his love for the princess driving him half-mad. It was torture to be so desperately in love with someone, to feel that every moment of your existence belonged to them, only to be deprived of ever truly having them.

"You need to collect yourself. This behavior is not fitting-"

"I know. Seven hells, I know." He shook his head, leaving his room quickly. He did not need to be berated at present, he was far too riled up to sit through a lecture. No, what he needed was a friend, so he made his way down to the kitchens, letting out a sigh of relief when he saw Marla and Dana already sitting at the table.

"Oh hello dearest", Dana called, reaching a hand for him. He took it quickly, calmness beginning to wash over him at the motherly touch. He shut his eyes, taking deep breaths until his heartbeat slowed to a normal pace. "I have heard you have had quite a day."

"I really do not want to speak of it", he replied with a grim smile, taking the seat next to her. Her hand shifted, rubbing his arm soothingly. It was times like this he wished desperately that his mother was still alive. She had always known just the right thing to say to comfort him.

"I do not like to see you so upset."

"I do not like being so upset, I assure you."

"Well let us speak of something else, then. I heard you rode well today, champion. I'm sure it was my favor that gave you all of your good luck", Dana said teasingly, nudging his arm. His hand shifted up to his hair, fingers trailing absently over the princess's gold ribbon.

"Yes, thank you for thinking of me, as always."

"You have spent so much time with us you are practically family, dearest, of course I would think of you", she continued, Marla nodding in agreement. Dana stood, patting Harwin on the shoulder. "But I must be off to bed, we have quite a busy day in the morning preparing for the feast. Promise me you will get some sleep, that you will not stay up all night and worry yourself sick?" she asked, placing her palm on his cheek.