𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 | 𝐚. 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐞𝐧

in the disbelief.

News of the brawl in the courtyard came later when a handmaiden entered Helaena's chambers. She didn't even have to speak any names, her lady knew who was part of the quarrel: Harwin and Ser Criston.

Once Adelaide had dismissed herself from the princess with a blessing, she moved in an instant to go see her father. Knowing he would be furious, if she got to the Hand's chambers soon enough, maybe she could calm her father and check on her eldest brother. With quick steps, she made it down the hall. Yet the door to the Hand's private room began to close, she knew she had to slip into the room. Maybe it would change things...

But before Adelaide could make it inside, a hand snatched at her and the door was firmly closed. In her defeat, she looked to see who had grabbed her wrist, slightly shocked to see her other brother - Larys.

"Brother, please. We must go in and tell father not to make any rash decisions," She pleaded to him, only to be met with a doubtful look.

Larys sighed as he began to escort his younger sister away from the door, "Dear sister, Harwin must face the consequences of his actions, especially as the future Lord of Harrenhal."

"But he is son to the hand of the King! And Ser Criston had been antagonizing him!"

"It does not matter," Larys tutted, speaking to her as if she were still just a toddler, "He has been removed from the City Watch and now must face the wrath of father."

Adelaide's lip quivered as she looked everywhere else in the room besides Larys, "I should have stayed in the training yard, I could-"

"You could've what? Stopped him," Larys brought his hand to rest on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort the girl, "Father was there and could not stop it. How would either of us being in the training yard stop our hot-headed brother from making rash decisions?"

Though Adelaide had half the mind to not always trust her brother, she knew it would be wise to listen to him and heed any advice he would offer. "But what is to happen to us?"

Larys thought for a moment, clearly considering the possibilities of things that could transgress. He had always been a thinker, a man of knowledge; while Harwin was a man of action. With a content nod, he looked back to you, "That is a fair question, my sister."

There was an attempt to suppress a chuckle, but a light one slipped past his lips before he composed himself, "Luckily for us, we are both quite valuable friends to members of the crown. Even though Harwin dishonored our name, I believe the Queen shall be gracious enough to look past such things for our sake."

Though Larys' statement did not yet make sense to his sister, in time Adelaide would learn how merciful his answer was.
That evening, House Strong did not dine with the royal family as was tradition and expected. Instead, dinner was in the Hand's chambers where Adelaide sat with her Lord Father and brother, Larys. Harwin had been dismissed for "other" business.

Fortunately, the Queen did permit the lady-in-waiting to spend an hour with the princess before she would go to bed. Helaena and Adelide together had a way of distracting each other from the occurrences and world around them - speaking of books and riddles. Yet, neither of the girls expected Prince Aemond to be joining them that evening as well.

The young noble ladies sat by the crackling fireplaces, just talking over some anatomical book the princess had spread before the pair. The nurse announced the Prince's presence, but before Helaena or Adelaide could address it, Aemond sat with them, listening to his sister ramble.

Aemond and Helaena were naturally close, both disliking their elder brother's treatment of them and his other activities. Though Adelaide did not know the Dragon Prince well, she was comfortable around him. So when the maid announced it was time for Helaena to sleep, he offered to escort her back to her lady's chambers.

The walk was mostly silent, not that either minded. Adelaide thought just the kindness of walking with her showed her great kindness after the events earlier in the day. She fidgeted with her fingers, thinking to herself before he finally broke the silence.

"I am sorry to hear about Harwin's departure," Aemond spoke, voice shaky, "From my understanding, you are close with your brothers."

She chuckled at his choice of words, "Even in our age differences, yes, I would consider myself to be close with them."

Another lull fell between the two.

"From my understanding, you are to stay at the Red Keep while your father and Harwin return to Harrenhal," Aemond spoke once more.

A shy smile graced the lady's face, "Yes, the Queen requested that my father leave me behind under the watch of her and my brother, Larys. I am in a fortunate position, as Helaena's lady-in-waiting."

Aemond simply nodded his head, "True, it is important that my sister have... a good friend..."

"That is quite the compliment," Adelaide smiled at the young prince, "Thank you, your grace."

The pair continued walking in silence until they reached the door to the lady's private chamber. Though most of their walk had been silent, it seemed as if something had been left unsaid. But Adelaide knew better than to pry for such things — she would simply have to do without for tonight.

"Thank you, my prince, for accompanying me to my room," Adelaide curtsied, looking into the violet eyes of the Targaryen prince.

"It is my duty," Aemond spoke quickly, before promptly turning on his heels and walking away. He walked quickly and the air had shifted, stealing the moment away.

With that, Adelaide quietly entered her chambers and resigned for the evening.